In the heart of the magnificent Hisarönü Gulf lies Selimiye, a village that feels more like a beautifully kept secret than a tourist destination. This is a sanctuary where time slows down, the sea is as calm as a mirror, and the air is filled with the scent of pine and almond blossoms. To charter a traditional gulet from Selimiye is to embrace this tranquility in its purest form. It is an invitation to a boutique Blue Cruise experience, defined by gourmet food, serene bays, and the gentle, unhurried rhythm of life on the water.
Advantages of a Gulet Charter in Selimiye
Choosing Selimiye as the starting point for your gulet holiday is a deliberate choice for quality and peace. The advantages are clear:
- Unmatched Calmness: The Hisarönü Gulf is naturally protected from the open sea, creating a vast, lake-like cruising ground. The water is almost always calm, making it perfect for those who want a serene and comfortable journey.
- Strategic Location: Selimiye is perfectly positioned in the centre of the gulf. All the legendary bays-Dirsekbükü, Bencik, Orhaniye-and charming villages like Bozburun and Söğüt are just a short, pleasant cruise away. This means less time travelling and more time enjoying.
- A Gourmet Epicentre: Selimiye is renowned for its exceptional waterfront restaurants. A gulet charter here offers the best of both worlds: exquisite meals prepared by your private chef on board and the option to step ashore for a world-class dining experience.
Who Is It Suitable For?
- Gourmet Travellers: Those for whom food is a central part of the holiday experience. The combination of fresh, local ingredients prepared on the gulet and the acclaimed restaurants ashore is a foodie's dream.
- Seekers of Serenity: Anyone looking to truly disconnect from a busy life. Selimiye's quiet ambiance, combined with the gentle pace of a gulet, creates the ultimate environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Couples on a Romantic Escape: With its stunning sunsets, starry nights, and intimate coves, Selimiye is an incredibly romantic destination, perfectly complemented by the privacy and charm of a private gulet.
- Nature Photographers and Artists: Every corner of the Hisarönü Gulf offers an inspiring vista of turquoise waters framed by pine-clad hills, providing endless subject matter for creative pursuits.
Season & Weather
The charter season in Selimiye is long and delightful, stretching from May through October. The gulf's protected nature ensures pleasant conditions throughout.
- May - June: The landscape is lush and green, the air is fresh, and the sea is invigorating. The bays are at their most peaceful.
- July - August: The warmest months are perfect for all-day swimming in the calm, bath-like waters. Gentle breezes provide welcome relief in the afternoons.
- September - October: Considered by many to be the best time. The sea is still wonderfully warm, the summer crowds have dispersed, and a golden, mellow light bathes the landscape.
Sample Itineraries
Itineraries from Selimiye are less about distance and more about depth and experience.
1-Day Route: Exploring Selimiye's Surroundings
Depart Selimiye in the morning for a snorkelling session at Aquarium Bay (Dişlice Island). In the afternoon, visit Kamelya Island to explore the monastery ruins on its peak. Enjoy a final swim before returning to Selimiye for the evening.
2–3 Day Route: A Culinary Cruise to Bozburun & Söğüt
- Day 1: A gentle cruise to Bozburun, the historic centre of Turkish gulet building. Explore the town's shipyards before anchoring in a nearby quiet cove for the night.
- Day 2: Head to the village of Söğüt, famous for its outstanding seafood restaurants. Go ashore for a memorable lunch with stunning views across the bay.
- Day 3: Enjoy a morning swim at the sailors' favourite, Dirsekbükü Bay, before a leisurely cruise back to Selimiye.
1-Week Route: Immersed in the Hisarönü Gulf
- Day 1: Settle into your gulet in Selimiye and enjoy your first dinner at anchor.
- Day 2: Cruise to Orhaniye to walk on the famous 'Kızkumu' sandbar and perhaps take a short trip to the nearby Turgut waterfall.
- Day 3: Explore the dramatic, fjord-like inlet of Bencik Koyu, which nearly splits the peninsula in two.
- Day 4: A slightly longer cruise west to the beautiful beaches of the Datça peninsula, like Palamutbükü.
- Day 5: Visit the magnificent Ancient City of Knidos at the very tip of the peninsula, anchoring in its historic harbour.
- Day 6: Cruise back into the heart of the gulf, exploring the islands around Bozburun (Kamelya, Dişlice).
- Day 7: Spend a final day swimming and relaxing at Dirsekbükü before returning to Selimiye for a farewell dinner.
Harbour, Transfer & Check-In
The closest airport is Dalaman (DLM), with a transfer time of around 2.5 hours. Selimiye does not have a large marina; gulets anchor in the bay or use the private jetties of waterfront restaurants. This adds to the village's intimate and authentic charm.
Yacht & Equipment
The traditional Turkish gulet is the perfect vessel for the calm soul of Selimiye.
- The Philosophy of Slow Travel: A gulet is not designed to be fast; it is designed to be lived on. It encourages you to savour every moment of the journey.
- Spacious Decks: Your gulet's deck is your private terrace on the sea-a place for sunbathing, dining, reading, and watching the world go by at a gentle pace.
- Home Comforts: With en-suite, air-conditioned cabins and a private chef catering to your every whim, you enjoy all the comforts of home in the heart of nature.
Cost Items
- Charter Fee: The rental price for the gulet and its professional crew.
- Provisions (Food & Drink): This is a major additional cost, planned according to your preferences.
- Fuel: Typically 3-4 hours of engine use per day is included, which is often sufficient for the short distances in Hisarönü.
- Restaurant Dining: If you choose to dine ashore at Selimiye's upscale restaurants, this will be an additional expense.
- Crew Gratuity: It is customary to tip the crew 5-15% of the charter fee at the end of your trip to show appreciation for their service.
Safety, Insurance & Rules
All commercially registered gulets are fully insured and equipped with all necessary safety gear. A key unwritten rule in Selimiye is to respect the tranquility of the bay, avoiding loud music late at night to preserve the peaceful atmosphere for everyone.
Local Highlights
- The Bays of Hisarönü: The main attraction. Each one-Dirsekbükü, Bencik, Akçabük-has its own unique character.
- Orhaniye & 'Kızkumu': The famous sandbar that allows you to seemingly "walk on water."
- Bozburun: A quiet town where you can still see master craftsmen building traditional wooden gulets by hand.
- Söğüt: A tiny village with a big reputation for having some of the best and most authentic seafood restaurants in the region.
- Kamelya Island: A delightful stop with a historic monastery on the hill and friendly donkeys roaming the grounds.
Tips
- Make Dinner Reservations: Selimiye's best restaurants are very popular. Ask your captain to book a table (and a jetty spot) for you a day or two in advance.
- Explore on Land: Take an afternoon to hire a taxi and explore inland, perhaps visiting the ancient plane tree in Bayır village or the waterfall near Turgut.
- Savour Local Products: Be sure to try the local almonds, pine honey, and goat cheese, which are regional specialities.
- Embrace the Silence: Put your phone away. The greatest luxury Selimiye offers is peace. Listen to the sound of the cicadas and the water lapping against your gulet.
- Be Flexible: While it's good to have a plan, the best cove is often a surprise recommendation from your captain based on the day's conditions. Trust their local knowledge and enjoy the discovery.
