7 Days Sailing Across the Aegean

Bodrum is a dazzling blend of ancient history and modern buzz. Nestled on Turkey’s southwestern peninsula, it’s a hotspot for superyachts cruising the Aegean. Whitewashed buildings with blue accents frame the harbor, where chic restaurants pulse with summer energy. Overlooking it all, the impressive St. Peter’s Castle hides the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Onshore, you’ll find the ruins of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the ancient world’s seven wonders. For a quieter escape, explore the nearby unspoiled peninsulas of Gökova and Bozburun. Rugged coastlines meet crystal-clear bays, perfect for switching off and soaking up the Aegean’s charm.

Kos carries a timeless allure, famed as the home of Hippocrates, the father of medicine. Though the island’s northern coast buzzes with tourists, a yacht lets you slip away to secluded beaches on the southern shore. Inland, fertile vineyards stretch across the landscape, offering rich tastes and scenic tours. Kos Town is a vibrant mix of lively bars and cobbled streets, guarded by a medieval fortress that frames the harbor. Don’t miss the thermal springs near Agios Fokas, where mineral-rich waters promise soothing relief after a day at sea.

Knidos sits quietly on Turkey’s southwestern edge, in the Datça district of Muğla province. This ancient city, dating back 2,600 years, still reveals its stories through impressive ruins. Columns line the port street, leading to a bustling agora where merchants once gathered. There are two ancient theaters, perfect for imagining long-ago performances under the sun. Knidos also has not one, but two ports—clear evidence of its importance as a maritime hub. Walking through this historic site, you feel the weight of time and the pulse of a city that thrived by the sea for centuries.

Symi is a pastel dream rising from the deep blue Aegean. Its neoclassical harbor buildings cascade up the hillside like an amphitheater, inviting visitors into a world of laid-back Mediterranean charm. The island’s beaches are a mix of easily accessible white sands and hidden coves reached only by boat. A single road threads through pine-scented hills, leading to the historic Panormitis Monastery and an ancient acropolis. Symi’s summer heat makes dipping into calm waters irresistible, while tavernas serve up local seafood alongside a lively festival scene that celebrates arts and culture.

Legend credits Zeus with sculpting the Datça peninsula—a jagged, emerald-strewn stretch of coast untouched by mass tourism. Access remains limited, preserving its pristine beaches and olive groves. The main town exudes historic charm, while the village of Eski Datça offers a peaceful retreat amid thyme-scented lanes and bougainvillea walls. At the western tip lie the ruins of Knidos, where ancient mosaics and a sea-facing theatre whisper stories of the past. Datça’s wild coastline is a playground for explorers and perfect for weaving into a Greece-Turkey charter route.

Rhodes basks in the sun for over 300 days a year and pulses with a captivating mix of history and modern life. This largest Dodecanese island is famous for its medieval walled town, a UNESCO World Heritage site where sandstone buildings and palm trees paint a timeless scene. Inland, lush hills and traditional villages hide some of Greece’s best tavernas. From the crystal waters of St. Paul’s Bay to the mysterious Valley of the Butterflies, Rhodes offers a patchwork of experiences that appeal to both adventurers and those who prefer to unwind on deck.

Marmaris is the heart of Turkey’s Riviera, a vibrant port town framed by an Ottoman castle that watches over the bustling bay. Its marina is a magnet for superyachts, while the lively Grand Bazaar invites you to dive into a sensory feast of spices, leather, and colors. Beyond town, dive sites like Baca Cave beckon with underwater wonders. For a taste of adventure, a jeep safari through forests and mountain roads reveals untouched countryside. Afterward, nothing beats the soothing rituals of a traditional Turkish hammam housed in a 16th-century gem.