Bozburun

A Harbour for the Soul

Bozburun is a serene harbor town on the Datça Peninsula, loved for its quiet elegance, crystal waters, and artisan boatbuilding heritage. Famous for crafting traditional Turkish gulets, it embodies the soul of slow sailing — authentic, unspoiled, and deeply connected to the sea. With its stone houses, pine-covered hills, and golden sunsets, Bozburun is a haven for those who seek peace over luxury and meaning over motion.

Historical & Cultural Background

Once a small fishing and sponge-diving village, Bozburun has deep maritime roots stretching back to the ancient Carian civilization. Its protected bay made it an ideal shipbuilding and trading port for centuries. Today, it’s one of Turkey’s most respected gulet craftsmanship centers, where traditional wooden yachts are built by hand — a living continuation of its maritime legacy. The rhythm of life here is slow and grounded: sunrise fishing boats, olive groves, and a deep respect for the sea that shapes its culture and people.

Excursions & Exploration

• Visit the local gulet workshops to watch artisans craft hand-built wooden boats — a Bozburun tradition.

• Explore Bozukkale (Loryma), an ancient harbor fortress accessible by sea, offering breathtaking views.

• Sail through Serçe Limanı and Dirsekbükü, two of the region’s most tranquil anchorages.

• Wander through the village streets, lined with bougainvillea, stone houses, and seaside cafés.

• Take a short cruise to Söğüt or Selimiye, neighboring coastal gems with authentic Aegean charm.

• End your day with a sunset dinner by the marina, where the water mirrors the last light of the day.

Onboard Experiences

• Morning Reflection – Wake up to mirror-still water surrounded by pine-covered hills.

• Craft & Culture – Visit a gulet shipyard and witness the artistry of traditional boatbuilding.

• Secret Bays – Drop anchor in hidden coves like Dirsekbükü or Bozukkale for an afternoon swim.

• Art of the Table – Enjoy fresh fish, olive oil, and local herbs served simply, in true Aegean style.

• Golden Hour Sail – Glide along the coastline as the sea turns liquid gold beneath the setting sun.

• Night of Stillness – Fall asleep on deck under a canopy of stars, surrounded by quiet and sea breeze.