Port Bodrum to Orhaniye (Turkey)

Typical route: Port Bodrum, Gümüslük, Knidos, Kalaboshi, Datcha, Bozburun, Orhaniye.

Approximate distance of route: 95 nm
Longest leg sailed: 32 nm

Historical sights: Mausoleum of Halicarnassus - one of the seven wonders of the world from 350BC (Bodrum), Castle of St. Peter (Bodrum), Ancient Knidos around 4th century BC (Knidos).

Leisure: sailing, swimming, fishing, hiking, shopping (Bodrum, Datcha), local markets

This route takes you from the rocky western edge of the Dorian peninsula into the green beauty of the Gulf of Hisarönu which almost feels like a north European fjord with it's thick fur tree forests. We stop in several small Turkish towns with their natural charm and excellent local taverns. You will also have a chance to visit Bodrum or Marmaris with their bazars, luxury hotels and night life.

The Carians date back to before the first millennium BC and the area was later colonised by the Ionians followed by the Dorians. The Persians allowed a considerable degree of autonomy for the Carians, with local satraps owing allegiance to the Persians. Mausolos was the local satrap in the 4th century BC and made Caria great modeling the cities along Greek lines and expanding the Carian fleet. Alexander the Great also left the Carians their independence, but under Roman and Byzantine rule the region declined in importance.

Hisarönu means fortresses, and the gulf is dotted with ancient and medieval forts. The long thin gulf is bordered by the high, craggy mountains of the Dorian promontory on the north and the Greek island of Simi on the south. On the western tip of the promontory you will find the ancient town of Knidos, and about one third way in is the modern town of Datca. All the way in the gulf is the magical bay of Orhaniye, and to the south can be found the beautiful little village of Bozburun which is also a center for boat building and this is where the typical Turkish Gullets are built.