Port Bodrum Yalıkavak

With its many stretches of spectacular Mediterranean coastline and its history studded with tales from the sea, Turkey is becoming ever more popular as a world class yachting holiday destination.

Taking advantage of this, an exciting maritime development in the country has been becoming increasingly popular with visitors.

Hosting top architecture from award-winning artists and architects, Port Bodrum Yalıkavak is now recognised as an exceptional place for lovers of the sea to dock. Unrivalled in the region, the luxury resort boasts spectacular views across the historic point where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. Sunsets seen from here over the Turkish Riviera have won praise from visitors from around the world.

The resort plays host to a number of top class boating events and regattas, as well as cultural and artistic dates for the diary. A typical season will see Port Bodrum Yalıkavak host such events as the Gant Cup, the Turkish off-shore races, the World Wonders Cup, the Optimist Trophy and the Bodrum Cup. As if that wasn't enough to assuage the appetite of even the most seasoned of boating enthusiasts, in addition the port plays host annually to the Second Hand Yacht Fair - which is the first and only of its kind in Turkey.

Those interested in nautical archaeology will also find much to interest them at the resort. Nearby is the oldest ship wreck found to date in the Aegean Sea. Currently it lies 55 metres below sea level, but the wreck is to be hauled ashore, cleaned up and exhibited in a new museum.

Those who enjoy the atmosphere of boating clubs will also not be disappointed at Port Bodrum Yalıkavak: the resort is home to the refined Port Bodrum Yalikavak Yacht Club. As well as the chance to sit back and socialise, the club offers the sailing lessons for visitors of all ages. In addition, a large bay side amphitheatre alongside the bay regularly welcomes singers such as Tarkan for shows catering for a variety of musical and artistic tastes.

Finally, for those who want to take a more extended break from the sea, the social season will offer events such as the Classic Car Rally, The Harley Davidson Owners' Group Night and a series of international fashion and beauty shows. In 2004 for example, Port Bodrum Yalıkavak played host to Miss Holland's candidates for a selection special.

For Marina connoisseurs, Turkey is set to get a number of new marinas in the coming years.

These include a 175-boat capacity marina at Trabzon, two marinas (500 and 200-boat capacity) in the Mersin metropolitan area, two in Antalya Province (425-boat and 250-boat capacities in Alanya and Gazipaşa respectively), two more in Izmir Province each with 400-boat capacities and one inside Cesme harbour. In addition there are set to be small marinas for up to 100 boats in the district of Burhaniye in the Aegean Sea (neighbouring Ayvalık) and on the Kumburgaz coast of Istanbul's Silivri district. Finally, the compound of Izmir's historic Konak Pier building is awaiting an extension to include Turkey's largest marina. The shopping mall part of the development is already open to visitors.