Turkey, the country where East meets West, isn’t famous only for its turquoise coastline and ancient ruins – it’s also home to incredibly diverse natural landscapes. When you decide on a yacht charter in Turkey – whether it’s a sleek motor yacht, a comfortable sailing boat, or a small rented boat – you’re not limited to exploring the coastline and islands. You also get the chance to discover a range of spectacular national parks lying right by the sea or just a short trip inland.
Many of these parks can be visited directly by sea – you can drop anchor in their quiet bays or sail close to shore. Others are just a short drive from the nearest marina. Below is a guide to some of the most beautiful and well-known national parks and nature reserves in Turkey that deserve a spot on your cruising itinerary.
Dilek Peninsula – Büyük Menderes Delta National Park
Located near the popular resort town of Kuşadası, this park covers an impressive area that includes both mountainous terrain and coastal scenery. The Dilek Peninsula – Büyük Menderes Delta National Park stretches over 27,000 hectares and embraces beaches, cliffs, and walking trails with views that could easily steal your heart.
For sailors on a yacht charter in the Aegean Sea, this is a perfect spot for a day trip. You can anchor in one of the small bays near Güzelçamlı and reach the shore by dinghy, then start exploring on foot. The park’s forests are home to wild boars, deer, and numerous bird species, while its beaches are important nesting grounds for the famous loggerhead turtles – caretta caretta.
Along the coast, you’ll find beautiful beaches such as İçmeler and Kalamaki, perfect for relaxing after a day of sailing. Thanks to its mix of mountains, forest, and sea, this park is often called the “Aegean Paradise.”
Marmaris National Park
In the very heart of Turkey’s Riviera, not far from the busy Marmaris Marina, lies the Marmaris National Park – one of the most accessible natural spots for anyone on a boat charter. It stretches along the Aegean coast, filled with pine forests, steep cliffs, and calm coves where you can drop anchor and enjoy the scenery.
This area is ideal for a short day trip or an easy hike from the marina. Several scenic trails begin right in Marmaris and lead through the park, ending with breathtaking views over the bay. If you love to combine cruising with a bit of nature, this destination offers both – no long transfers required.
Marmaris is also a great starting point for further sailing toward the Datça Peninsula or the nearby Greek islands. After a day at sea, you can return to the marina and take a quick excursion to the park or visit the nearby Turgut Waterfalls – another natural gem worth the stop.
Saklıkent National Park
Though it’s not directly on the coast, Saklıkent National Park is close enough to visit during your boating holiday. It lies between Fethiye and Kaş – two beloved destinations among charter yacht enthusiasts. From either marina, you can rent a car and reach the park in about an hour.
Saklıkent is known for its spectacular gorge, carved by the Eşen River over thousands of years, stretching nearly 18 kilometers through limestone cliffs. In summer, you can walk in icy-cold water, explore the narrow canyon, and enjoy its refreshing shade – a perfect contrast to the hot days spent aboard your yacht.
Nearby villages have small, family-run restaurants where you can try authentic Turkish dishes. This trip perfectly shows how a yacht charter in Turkey can blend sea and land adventures into one unforgettable holiday.
Mount Güllük – Termessos National Park
For those who want to feel both history and nature at once, the Mount Güllük – Termessos National Park is one of Turkey’s most remarkable sites. It’s located near Antalya, making it easily reachable for guests enjoying a yacht rental in the region.
Inside the park lies the ancient city of Termessos, perched high in the mountains, with remains of a theater, temples, and defensive walls. The view from the ruins is absolutely breathtaking, and the peaceful isolation adds to its mystical charm.
From nearby marinas in Antalya or Kemer, it’s easy to arrange a half-day car trip to the park. Combining a cruise on turquoise waters with a visit to one of Turkey’s best-preserved ancient cities creates a journey that beautifully ties together adventure, history, and nature.
Olympos Beydağları Coastal National Park
Among Turkey’s most famous and stunning seaside national parks is the Olympos Beydağları Coastal National Park. It stretches along the Mediterranean coastline between Antalya and Kemer, encompassing well-known beaches like Çıralı and Adrasan, as well as the ancient cities of Olympos and Phaselis.
For sailors, this place is pure magic. You can sail into the peaceful coves of Phaselis, anchor near the ruins of the ancient port, and swim along a coast where history and nature coexist in harmony. Nearby is the natural wonder of Yanartaş – the “eternal flames” that have burned from the rocks for centuries.
The park is rich in pine forests, cliffs, and marine life, and it’s protected for its biodiversity. If you’re planning a cruise along southern Turkey or a yacht charter from Antalya, this park deserves a place on your route.
Gallipoli Historical National Park
In the northwest, near the Dardanelles Strait, lies the Gallipoli Historical National Park. While it’s best known for the World War I battles, the park also offers stunning coastal scenery, rocky coves, and panoramic sea views.
For those sailing the northern Aegean, it’s possible to visit by boat or dock at the nearby port of Eceabat. Beyond its history, the area also offers quiet beaches and excellent opportunities for diving and underwater exploration.
Köprülü Canyon National Park
Although it’s located a bit inland near Antalya, the Köprülü Canyon National Park is a favorite among sailors looking to spend a day off the sea. You can reach it from Antalya by car in less than two hours.
The park is famous for its dramatic canyon and the turquoise Köprü River, perfect for rafting and kayaking. If you’re on a boat charter and want a dose of adventure away from the coast, this is the place to go. The area also has plenty of riverside restaurants and picnic spots where you can enjoy lunch after a day of activities.
Conclusion – Turkey’s National Parks from Sea and Land
Whether you choose a sailing yacht, a motorboat, or a luxurious charter yacht, Turkey offers endless opportunities to combine the beauty of the sea with the serenity of untouched nature during your cruise.
From the forested mountains above Antalya to the peaceful coves of the Dilek Peninsula, every park has its own character, colors, and scents. Here, you’ll find a rare balance between relaxation and exploration, between history and wilderness.
If you’re planning a boat rental in Turkey for your next holiday, consider including at least one of these national parks in your route. Swimming beside ancient ruins, anchoring in quiet bays, and walking through pine forests will give you memories that last far beyond the journey.
Along Turkey’s coastline, where the mountains meet the sea, cruising becomes much more than just a holiday – it becomes an adventure that awakens every sense.
