This article (and the accompanying photo) were contributed to Real Family Trips by Alaturka Cruises, a cruise company in Turkey. We thank them for writing and sharing the article with our readers.

Package travel has transformed the options available to holidaymakers, especially those in search of the sun. The Mediterranean became popular because of its accessibility. Initially it was Spain that attracted most people but Greece was also a popular choice very quickly. It was natural that those who found Greece would also find Turkey.

As cruising has become more popular so has the choice available to holidaymakers. Turkey’s growth as a favourite holiday destination amongst Europeans particularly has led to the growth of resorts, accommodation alternatives, restaurants and other forms of entertainment. With all the natural advantages that the region offers, particularly good climate and warm seas, the Turquoise Coast as it has become known was a natural for those wanting to spend their holidays on the sea, albeit with regular stops for swimming and at times visiting interesting places along the way.

alaturka blue cruise turkey

Cennet Island

Cennet is the Turkish word for ‘paradise’ and nothing could be more apt for the pine covered area across Marmaris Bay in South West Turkey. It is in fact a peninsula that has become a regular port of call for day trips and those cruising the Turquoise Coast. It is a wonderful place for walkers although in the height of summer they will need plenty of water and regular shade from the hot sun.
Tourists are expected and there are plenty of places to drop off for food and drink. Swimming is a real pleasure and for the explorers there are caves that few people have discovered. There are stalactites and stalagmites as well as a cave where the blue light from the walls is reflecting the water. They provide just some of the photographic opportunities on Cennet ‘Island’.

Marmaris

Paradise Island is a nice daytime retreat from the crowds of Marmaris just as the resort itself provides those on a cruise the chance to spend a few hours enjoying the bust nightlife before escaping to tranquility again. Marmaris is a hub of tourist activity once Easter arrives right round until winter is approaching. It is a great natural harbor with the result that the Turkish Navy use it and there are regular ferries to the nearby Greek Island of Rhodes.

There is little to distinguish Marmaris in Turkey from many famous resorts in other parts of the Mediterranean. It attracts mass tourism, people whose holidays demand a suntan, bars and restaurants and not necessarily much in the way of culture. There is a huge number of accommodation options but for those that enjoy the sea, a few hours is usually quite sufficient because invariably they want a little more from their holiday.

A Personalised Itinerary

Boats heading west from Marmaris may drop into Icmeler that was always a little quieter despite having plenty of bars and restaurants. The level of development has meant that the two almost join together. Further on there is the Datca Peninsula and plenty of lovely coves and bays.

Blue Cruises Turkey that head east from Marmaris have just as much to offer. The little sheltered bay at Ekincik is a case in point. There may be a few craft anchored there but there is plenty of room for everyone. Just a few kilometres further is the famous Iztuzu Beach, a sandy strip a few kilometres long where the endangered loggerhead turtle nests in early summer. The winding route through the delta to Dalyan is stunning. The trip lasts 40 minutes before the boat receives Kaunos and the rock tombs carved in the ‘cliffs’ facing the small resort town.

Cruise companies offer anything that visitors might want if they decide to book a charter with family or friends. They have only to turn up on time and everything they might need will be on board. A good deal of thought and planning goes into a personalised itinerary but email correspondence has made the whole process much simpler. It is now a very small world available for everyone to enjoy. Those picking the Turquoise Coast of Turkey are certain to enjoy it. The hottest few weeks of summer require a little care, some shade and regular dips in the sea. Spring and autumn are still extremely pleasant with only the possibility of an odd, but warm shower. It’s a long season for sailors.