Forbes described the quaint fishing town of Alacati near Cesme as “the best-kept luxury travel secret on the Mediterranean”. Conde Nast said, “a smart new crowd is heading to the tiny Turkish village of Alacati, where the galleries, beach clubs and food scene make it summertime’s coolest spot” – so it’s safe to say Alacati is worth popping on the itinerary...
The saying "health is wealth" has never been so relevant. Over the past eighteen months, our well-being has become more important than ever before. Thankfully, Turkey has embraced a spa and wellness culture for thousands of years, and its turned relaxation into an art form. Turkish baths and high-end spa resorts are now the norm, so rest assured you won't struggle to find the ideal place to relax and unwind whilst cruising the Turkish coast.
Recent years have seen many people shift from eating animal products in favour of a plant-based diet. However, for some, removing meat, fish, eggs and dairy from meals may seem to limit choice, and those not familiar with vegan food often believe the diet to be limited, bland or tasteless. Thankfully, in Turkey, that's not the case as many of the countries most well-loved dishes are vegan – they highlight the fabulous local vegetables, fruits, nuts and plant-based proteins available from the local producers and farmers markets...
Istanbul is a bustling metropolis that bridges Asia and Europe and has witnessed the rise and fall of many great empires. Like London, Paris or Rome, Istanbul is one of the worlds most historically rich cities, full of architecture and cultural delights. But aside from the cities religious and traditional charms, Istanbul's contemporary art scene is making waves, and away from the mainstream tourist crowds, the city is a hotspot of artistic energy...
For centuries the whirling dervishes have enchanted onlookers. Developed by the famous scholar and poet Rumi in the 13th century, a dervish ceremony is a heady mix of music, meditation and dance performed by men in long white robes and tall felt hats. The dance is mastered by only a gifted few, who move in continual circles in a hypnotic trance, believing their movements bring them closer to God...
Turkish olives and olive oil play a significant role in the Mediterranean diet and local cuisine. The warm climate in Turkey is ideal for growing olives, and some even say the first olive tree was found in central Anatolia, so it should come as no surprise that they appear in one form or another at most meals in Turkey. Almost all chefs sing the praises of olives or a good drizzle of olive oil, but with so many varieties on offer in Turkey, it's hard to know which is best.
The Turkish coast has a varied and dramatic coastline, and its waters are beautifully spotted with islands. From large islands like Bozcaada that are home to thriving towns and tourist resorts to little water-lapped gems like St. Nicholas Island, steeped in legend and ideal for swim stops, here's the 360° Yachting run down on some of the most fascinating islands in Turkey.
Turkey’s vast coastline is blessed with many picture-perfect towns and beaches, but the Gulf of Gokova (Kerme) is the most indented, meaning its nooks and crannies hide some of the best bays and anchorages. This 100 km long narrow gulf lies on the Aegean, between the Bodrum and Datca peninsulas, and is idyllic. Here you find islands steeped in legend, the ruins of ancient ports and cities, waterfalls with natural pools, plus a bay so beautiful that Queen Cleopatra is said to have had sand shipped there from Egypt...
During the pandemic, the global tourism and hospitality industries suffered considerably, so it seems the right time to support our fine local chefs and restauranteurs. Turkey is full of incredible haunts with an unwavering dedication to all things delicious, so here's a look at a few of the best restaurants in Turkey...
The summer is coming! Some positive news was announced, and the Covid-19 restrictions for those looking to come to Turkey by yacht have finally been eased. The Turkish Health Ministry has made yacht arrivals exempt from the 72-hour PCR test time constraint meaning it is now only necessary to take a PCR test on arrival in Turkey, and if it proves negative, no quarantine period is necessary...
Huge savings can be gained by bunkering outside the EU. If you're cruising back to the Med for the summer, consider a pit-stop in Turkey where the 360° Yachting team are on hand to assist with all necessary paperwork and protocol, and supply your yacht with premium quality duty-free fuel in Fethiye or Marmaris...
There are a few places in the world that everyone should put on their bucket list, and Ephesus is one. Dating back to 6,000 BC, this ancient city is one of the worlds most well-preserved sites and once home to over 250,000 people. Ephesus is located within easy reach of Kusadasi, so an ideal excursion for history lovers on board.