Top Review: Turkey Gulet Cruise, Kas to Demre Via Kekova

Have you looked at the idea of gliding along the shimmering turquoise waters of Turkey’s coastline on a traditional wooden gulet? I mean, the prospect of doing so certainly captured my imagination! A gulet cruise from Kas to Demre, with a detour to Kekova, is said to be one of those trips that just stick with you. Let me tell you what it’s really like, the highlights, and the, well, just what to keep in mind as you get ready for your trip. Is that alright with you?

Setting Sail from Kas: What to Expect

Kas, a small town with a captivating feel, acts as the launch point for what you are expecting is an amazing sailing trip. Actually, before you even step onto the gulet, Kas just kind of draws you in with its mix of old-world charm and a bit of a lively vibe. So, the harbor is typically a hive of activity, with boats bobbing around, and the air is often thick with the salty smell of the sea.

Gulets tend to vary quite a bit, but they are generally really cozy, traditional wooden boats. They typically have quite a few cabins for guests, so too they often come with a sundeck that will probably be ideal for soaking up the sun and, just so you know, plenty of room to relax and admire the scenery. You could argue that when you show up, the crew might welcome you with a drink and a short little intro to the boat and what you’re going to be doing for the next few days. Now doesn’t that sound like a sweet deal?

Cruising the Turquoise Coast: Daily Life on Board

Picture this: You’re waking up to the delicate sound of waves gently lapping against the side of the gulet. Like your mornings typically involve a dip in the sea. I can almost assure you that a refreshing swim will be followed by a rather yummy breakfast on deck. The schedule is, anyway, deliberately loose, just allowing for lots of time to unwind, and it gives you time to explore and maybe a little sunbathing. How does that grab you?

During the day, the gulet will slowly make its way to different little spots, it seems. These will likely be sheltered bays, isolated beaches, and maybe even some old ruins. Of course, the beauty of a gulet cruise is actually that you get to swim in some of the cleanest water you might see. Also, the boat might have gear for snorkeling, allowing you to actually explore what goes on under the sea. At lunchtime, and I mean just imagine it, you might have a great meal served on deck, usually consisting of stuff made from fresh, local ingredients. Is that something that you would enjoy?

Kekova: History Submerged

A trip to Kekova might be, for some, one of the real stars of the cruise. This island is where the ruins of an ancient city rest just below the waterline. Now doesn’t that sound kind of mysterious? You’ll probably glide over the submerged buildings, walls, and staircases, and that is if the sea is clear. With that you get, at least a fleeting, peek into a civilization frozen in time.

I have learned that most cruises actually ban swimming right next to the ruins to keep them safe. Still, several tours give you the chance to snorkel or, really, just swim in the close-by bays. The water around Kekova is incredibly clear, seemingly ideal for checking out the marine life. The entire area is actually soaked in history, but that also means that it has a very serene and mysterious feel to it. What is your take on that?

Demre: Ancient Wonders and St. Nicholas

Demre, the endpoint of your cruise, could be called the home of some captivating historical spots. The most known spot seems to be the ancient city of Myra, home to impressively sizable Lycian rock tombs and a well-kept Roman theater. So you would take a wander through these old ruins and just maybe get a sense of the area’s storied past. I am sure that you might feel yourself almost get taken back to an earlier time.

Demre is also where St. Nicholas, the person that Santa Claus is based on, worked as a bishop. Too, it is said to be where he called home. You’re almost certain to see the Church of St. Nicholas, a place dedicated to his life, showcasing Byzantine building techniques and some beautiful mosaics. This stop gives you an amazing mix of cultural stuff and some time to reflect. Still, isn’t that really pretty cool?

Food and Drink: A Taste of Turkey

Okay, listen, food on a gulet cruise is not something to brush aside – rather it really can be a high point of the trip. More or less every meal seems to showcase the vivid flavors of Turkish cooking. Dishes often come with the freshest local stuff, which means the meals could include grilled fish, flavorful mezes, salads made with garden vegetables, and that tasty Turkish bread.

Your cruise may include all your meals, or it just might offer drinks for a separate cost, but that all depends on what you book. Just remember that the crew is probably really willing to handle special dietary needs, I’ve heard, but it is always smart to actually give them a heads up when you book, is that not right? A few of my acquaintances have told me about dinners out on deck, with the stars over your head, and those moments almost always end up being particularly amazing. Don’t you think that is fantastic?

Things to Keep In Mind Before Booking

Okay, listen to me. What time of year you set sail might really affect your adventure. The months of summer, that is from June to August, are generally the busiest and hottest, with consistent sunshine. You’ll want to plan in advance if you want to be in Kas when it is this busy, so do it sooner than later. Spring and autumn are great for cooler weather and a smaller number of tourists.

Also, keep in mind that gulets actually come in different levels of quality, so make sure you do some study work, that’s research, to see what you want. Certain boats might be considered more luxurious, giving guests amenities and spacious quarters that make things better for their journey. What you want to pack may also determine what things feel like. It may be wise to bring swimwear, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses with you. Of course, there’s other personal stuff too that you have to plan for in advance, you. Yeah, what are you thinking?