Yedi Adalar

Aegean, Turkey 1 tours visit here

Yedi Adalar, the Seven Islands, is a cluster of small uninhabited islands and sheltered coves in the Gulf of Gökova, the long Aegean inlet that runs inland between the Bodrum and Datça peninsulas in Muğla province. The islets lie close together on the northern side of the gulf, and the narrow channels between them form a chain of natural pools with clear, protected turquoise water. Nothing is built on the islands and there is no road access, so the only way in is by sea. The shorelines are bare rock and pine forest dropping straight into the water, which is what makes the group a favourite for swimming, snorkelling and quiet anchorage rather than for beach time. Yedi Adalar is one of the standard stops on Blue Cruise gulet routes through the gulf, usually reached from Marmaris, Bodrum or the Akyaka and Gökova shore, and it also features on day-boat trips. Boats normally pause for a swim of an hour or two, or anchor overnight in one of the coves. The cruising season runs through the warm months, and mornings tend to be calmest, since the Aegean meltem wind usually strengthens through the afternoon. The wider gulf is a designated environmental protection area.