7 days discovering the Greek islands and Turkey's Lycian coast by luxury yacht

Superyacht captain Laurent Bliekast offers an insider’s guide to historical Greek island sites and Turkey’s ruggedly beautiful Lycian coast.

This is one of the least developed areas of the Mediterranean, unspoilt and suffused with natural beauty, rich with cultural heritage and myriad ancient ruins, many of which are accessible by boat. This itinerary takes in both Greek and Turkish highlights, with craggy cliffs and forests that plunge into crystalline bays and a coastline studded with ancient houses and tombs, dating back to the time of Homer.

Day One

Your trip starts on the Greek island of Rhodes, which has one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe — and where the international airport is just 25 minutes from the port. Once on board head to the gorgeous beach at Lindos, which is one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean. Relax for a few hours before heading back to the old port of Rhodes for sunset and to explore the cobbled streets, lively restaurants and nightlife.

From Rhodes sail to Symi, one of the most beautiful islands of the Dodecanese, which has two large bays, both perfect for yachts. Vasilos, on the west of the island, is the more exposed of the two so is best visited when the meltemi wind is low. In the evening head to the pretty port of Symi.

Anchor in Kastellorizo’s tiny harbour so that you can alight to explore the ancient citadel of Paleokastro. From here head to Kas, only 2nm away, on the Turkish side, where your captain will organise the entrance formalities. It’s not the prettiest of ports but there are turtles to see and it has pretty decent nightlife, too.

Today cruise from Kas round to Kekova island, the most southerly point of the trip, where you can explore the ancient sunken ruins of Apollonia, which was destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century — you can cruise over the ruins in the tender. If you have energy afterwards walk up to the top of a ruined castle for an amazing view.

Head to Gemiler island, near Fethiye. Archaeologists believe that it’s home to the original tomb of St Nicholas and there’s plenty to explore, with the ruins of five churches built between the 4th and 6th centuries on the island. The ruins are just one reason to visit Turkey’s Turquoise Coast this summer.

Today, head to My Marina Yacht Club in Ekincik, which has a lovely restaurant on top of a hill, with a sea view. From here, you can join a Dalyan river trip with a guide. The trip takes between four and six hours, including lunch in Dalyan, Lycian cliff tombs and a mud bath. Make sure you try the blue crab speciality from the Dalyan river.

Today is departure day. There is time for you to take a final swim in the sheltered bay at Göcek. You can dock at Skopea Marina, which is the closest port to the city and only 25 minutes from the airport.