Fethiye Itineraries: Day Charters and Multi-Day Routes
Fethiye’s cruising ground stretches from Göcek’s Twelve Islands in the north to Kaş and Kekova in the east, with Butterfly Valley, Ölüdeniz and Gemiler Island along the way. The 3-day and 4-day itineraries below cover different ground and can be combined into a 7-day Lycian coast voyage without repeating a single anchorage.
Day Charter Routes from Fethiye
Fethiye to Butterfly Valley and Ölüdeniz: The Iconic Day Out
Depart Fethiye harbour mid-morning and cruise south to Butterfly Valley – roughly 15 nautical miles, 50 minutes. Anchor in the turquoise bay at the mouth of the gorge, take the tender ashore and hike past a waterfall into the valley (look for the Jersey Tiger moth among the fig trees and oleander). Return to the yacht for a seafood lunch on the aft deck, then continue south to Ölüdeniz – a short 10-minute hop. Anchor in the outer bay and swim in the famous turquoise lagoon’s shallows. If your group is adventurous, arrange tandem paragliding from Mount Babadağ’s summit. Return to Fethiye for a sunset fish-market dinner. Duration: 8–10 hours.
Fethiye to Gemiler Island: The Byzantine Route
Cruise south-west from Fethiye to Gemiler Island – roughly 14 nautical miles, 45 minutes. Anchor on the sheltered southern side and tender ashore to explore the Byzantine church ruins (5th–7th century), mosaic floors and the covered walkway along the island’s ridge. The views from the summit are stunning. Snorkel the rocky shore, then enjoy lunch on the aft deck. In the afternoon, cruise to a nearby cove for a swim before returning to Fethiye. Duration: 7–8 hours.
3-Day Fethiye Yacht Charter Itinerary: Butterfly Valley, Ölüdeniz and Gemiler
Day 1: Fethiye to Butterfly Valley
Board your yacht at Ece Saray Marina by mid-morning. Cruise south along the coast to Butterfly Valley – roughly 15 nautical miles, 50 minutes. Anchor in the turquoise bay and spend the morning ashore: hike into the gorge past the waterfall, spot the endemic Jersey Tiger moth, and cool off under the spray. Return to the yacht for a chef-prepared lunch of grilled fish, meze and fresh salads. Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkelling in the sheltered bay, with the 350-metre cliffs towering above on either side. Anchor overnight in Butterfly Valley – as the sun sets, the cliff faces turn rose and gold, and the bay empties of day-trip boats, leaving you in near-perfect solitude.
Day 2: Ölüdeniz and Gemiler Island
A short morning cruise south brings you to Ölüdeniz. Anchor in the outer bay by mid-morning, before the day boats arrive, and swim in the turquoise shallows that have made this lagoon famous worldwide. If anyone in your group fancies paragliding, tandem flights from Babadağ’s summit (1,969m) land on the beach below – the views of the lagoon, the islands and your yacht from 2,000 metres are unforgettable. After lunch on the aft deck, cruise north-west to Gemiler Island. Anchor on the southern shore and tender ashore to walk among the Byzantine church ruins, mosaic floors and the covered ridge walkway. The sunset from Gemiler’s summit – looking west across the open sea with the mountains behind you – is one of the finest on the Lycian coast. Dinner on the aft deck, anchored off the island.
Day 3: Kayaköy Excursion and Return to Fethiye
Morning swim off Gemiler Island, then cruise back toward Fethiye. En route, stop at the small bay nearest Kayaköy and take a taxi or walk (30 minutes) to the abandoned Greek ghost village – 500+ stone houses and two churches, emptied during the 1923 population exchange and now frozen in time. The atmosphere is haunting and deeply moving. Return to the yacht for lunch, then cruise the final stretch to Fethiye harbour. Spend the afternoon exploring the Tomb of Amyntas (climb the stone steps for panoramic views and photos of the Ionic temple façade) and the Paşapatı fish market for a farewell dinner: choose your fish, carry it to the restaurant, and feast on meze, grilled seafood and Turkish wine.
4-Day Fethiye Yacht Charter Itinerary: The Lycian Coast East
Day 1: Fethiye to Kalkan
Board your yacht by mid-morning and cruise east along the Lycian coast toward Kalkan – roughly 38 nautical miles, 2.5 hours at cruising speed. Stop at a quiet anchorage en route – perhaps Kaputas, a dramatic narrow beach squeezed between sheer cliffs, with vivid turquoise water and no development in sight. Arrive in Kalkan by early afternoon. This small, sophisticated town of whitewashed Ottoman-era houses tumbling down a hillside to a sheltered harbour has become one of Turkey’s most sought-after dining destinations. Rooftop restaurants overlooking the bay serve refined Mediterranean-Turkish cuisine: try Mussakka (reimagined Ottoman dishes) or Indigo (modern Turkish with panoramic views). Overnight at anchor in Kalkan’s calm bay.
Day 2: Kaş and the Sunken City of Kekova
A short morning cruise east to Kaş – roughly 15 nautical miles from Kalkan. Kaş is a charming harbour town built on the ancient Lycian city of Antiphellos, with a well-preserved Greek amphitheatre (seating 4,000, overlooking the sea), Lycian sarcophagi scattered through the streets, and a waterfront lined with boutique restaurants and artisan shops. After a stroll and a late breakfast ashore, cruise east to Kekova – roughly 20 nautical miles. The sunken city of Simena/Kekova is one of Turkey’s most extraordinary sights: a partially submerged Lycian settlement whose walls, stairways and building foundations are clearly visible through the crystal water (an earthquake in the 2nd century AD sank the coastline). Your captain cruises slowly along the shore while you peer over the side at the ruins below. Swimming directly over the ruins is prohibited (it’s a protected archaeological zone), but the surrounding bays offer superb snorkelling. Anchor overnight at Üçağız, a tiny fishing village opposite the island, and dine at a simple waterside restaurant.
Day 3: Kekova to Kas and Meis (Kastellorizo)
Morning exploration of Kale (Üçağız) – walk up to the Crusader castle for panoramic views over the sunken city and the islands. Return to Kaş by early afternoon for a swim in one of the small rocky coves near the amphitheatre, lunch at a waterfront restaurant, and an afternoon of shopping in the artisan lanes. For an optional excursion: the Greek island of Meis (Kastellorizo) is just 2 nautical miles offshore – a 10-minute crossing. This tiny island’s deep-blue bay, colourful waterfront and the famous Blue Grotto (a sea cave with electric blue light) make it a worthwhile day trip. Cross-border paperwork is handled by your crew. Overnight at Kaş.
Day 4: Kaş to Fethiye via Patara
Cruise west along the Lycian coast, stopping at Patara – the birthplace of St Nicholas and home to Turkey’s longest unbroken sandy beach (18 km of white sand, protected as a loggerhead turtle nesting site). Anchor offshore and take the tender in for a morning swim on this remarkably uncrowded beach. After lunch on the aft deck, continue west to Fethiye – roughly 40 nautical miles total, arriving by mid-afternoon. The last views of the Lycian coast – ancient cities, pine-clad mountains, crystal bays – provide a fitting farewell.
Guests looking for a longer voyage can combine the 3-day Butterfly Valley–Ölüdeniz–Gemiler route with the 4-day Lycian Coast East route for an 7-day charter covering the full breadth of the Lycian coast, from Göcek’s islands to Kekova’s sunken city, without repeating a single stop.
