5 Secret Islands to Discover on a Luxury Superyacht in Turkey

1. Kekova

Between Antalya and Kas lies the gorgeous island of Kekova. It’s uninhabited today although it was once a bustling port in Roman times. An interesting fact is that this island literally fell into the sea when an earthquake hit in 240 AD. Left behind were ancient villas and intact tombs all well preserved in a metre of sea. Snorkelling is banned unfortunately but visitors to Kekova can take a kayak or paddle board out and see these amazing ruins. Whether you’re on a luxury yacht charter or private yacht in Turkey, Kekova is one island definitely worth a visit.

2. Bozcaada

It was only about twenty years ago that foreigners were banned from landing in Bozcaada. The Greeks hid behind this island before scaring the bejeezus out of Troy in case they started another invasion of Anatolia. However, Bozcaada has remained as it was 2,000 years ago with no cars, bars or hotels on its 15-square mile stretch of land. It does have a most spectacular white sandy beach with lots of colourful flowers, guarded by a Turkish castle. This tiny island in Turkey produces some of the best red wine so why not visit the tasting rooms to sample a glass?

3. Tersane

Tersane has been described as a jewel-like island and is a most beautiful area to sail around. The name Tersane means shipyard as you can see many sunken boats below the surface of the sea. The Ottoman fleet used this island as a base as recently as WW1. Snorkel over ancient walls and look out for the smugglers’ entrances on the coast. Until you’re almost upon it, the coastline opens into a circular harbour, ideal to drop anchor. Born just up the coast the famous pirate Barbarossa started life here, so there’s also a bit of history in Tersane.

4. Gökçeada

With over 100 square miles of olive groves, pine forests and vineyards, Gökçeada is also known as Heavenly Island. It’s located at the entrance to the Dardanelles with the Greek islands of Samothrace and Lemnos nearby. Take a dive into the beautiful warm waters but do watch out for octopus and grouper. Not many visitors arrive in Gökçeada so be one of the first by putting this tiny island on your charter yacht itinerary.

5. St Nicholas Island

Named after St Nicholas who was buried here, this small island has a few half-ruined Byzantine churches just waiting to be explored. Each church still has it frescoes and mosaics which are now quite faded. The island has a kind of wilderness feel to it although it still has sticky fig trees, carob trees and lots of almond blossom trees. Underwater divers are able to dive off the uninhabited Karacaören island, about a mile away.

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