Superlatives are in short supply when it comes to sailing around the southwest corner of Turkey. There is everything you need as a sailor and everything you could possibly want from an idyllic coastline.

Marmaris and the surrounding areas boast the biggest marina in the Eastern Mediterranean as well as a host of smaller berths to suit every pocket. Whether you want technical assistance, from nuts and bolts, through sail repairs to major overhauls it’s all available. There are many yacht brokerage and charter companies operating here and they offer a wide range of bareboat and crewed options. All the boats are fully equipped with safety devices and the local coastguard stations provide service just a VHF call away.

Once you have your boat on the open water you are spoiled for choice, exit Marmaris bay and head east for Ekincik, Göcek and Fethiye; turn west and sample hundreds of small bays as well as more sophisticated berths from here round to Datça and Knidos via Hisarönü Bay. Tie up on one of the jetties belonging to the scores of small restaurants serving fresh fish and simple kebabs. In the mornings you can wake up by jumping into crystal clear water and disturbing shoals of tiny fish. Visit Bozburun, drop anchor in the bay outside the village and your food comes to you, vendors in rowing boats offering eggs, bread and an array of fruit. For the more energetic of you there are dozens of ancient ruins to give you a picture of the region’s rich history; I mention energetic rather than anything else as they all seem to be on top of steep hills!

And if you would like to participate in sailing courses, that can also be arranged.

For its range of facilities and outstanding natural beauty it’s hard to beat this little corner of the world!