Izmir is a great holiday destination for those who wish to go on a sailing trip. Also known as the ‘Pearl of the West’, it has several world-class sites, fantastic food, and a stunning coastline. The area is one of the oldest historical sites worldwide. The latest excavations of the ‘Yesilova Tumulus” have confirmed the region was inhabited over 8,000 years ago. Izmir was also known as the Greek city of Smyrna and was a leading center of commerce and art in the ancient world. Izmir served as the cradle for Hellenistic, Lydian, and Persian civilizations. It was the home to Homer, the poet-writer of the greatest epic in the world, the Iliad. Today, Izmir has a striking harbor and is the perfect base to explore the famous ruins of Ephesus. This ancient city constructed the first all-marble temple in the world. Besides its monumental history, you can spend a few hours in the bustling Bazaar of Kemer Alti. Here you will find connecting squares, shopping centers, and workshops. If you want to enjoy the sun and get a glimpse of the wonders of the Aegean coast, the best option would be to rent a sailboat in Izmir.

With your sailing trip in Izmir, you will have a pleasant cruise to the secluded beaches and bays of your choice. The waters around Izmir are generally calmer than the Carian or Lycian coasts. Plus, the small islands that dot the Gulf of Izmir will certainly charm you. Following the shoreline, which gently departs from the slopes of surrounding mountains, you will have excellent mooring spots that continue all the way from the gulf to the Cesme Peninsula. Voyaging out of the narrow Gulf of Izmir, you can spend a day in Urla. From Urla, you can sail on to the Karaburun peninsula, which splits Izmir and the Cesme peninsula in two. Izmir is not far from Foca, a little town with a beautiful harbor surrounded by serene bays. For a two-day or three-day cruise with a sailboat, you can visit Dikili and Ayvalik. Both are beautiful holiday destinations with fantastic beaches and historical values that have managed to stay untouched.

You can have a week's cruise to the islands around Ayvalik and the North Aegean by renting a sailboat. You can also continue your cruise along the coast from Karabarun to Cesme and the Kusadasi Gulf for a 7-day private charter. Both options offer a sailing experience through the Turkish and Greek islands. From Ayvalik, you can tour the islands of Lesvos and from Cesme, you can cruise to Chios and Oinousses. Do not miss the chance to visit Kusadasi, a major holiday resort with superb beaches and wonderful seafood restaurants. On your way, you can make stops at Seferihisar and Ozdere. Seferihisar hosts many tourist facilities and meets the Sigacik Gulf on the west. From here, you can visit the antique site of Teos, an excellent area to sample some of Turkey’s finest wines. A visit to Izmir is not complete without renting a sailboat and enjoying a journey to the majestic islands and bays that are found right off the coast.