IN THE ROUTE OF ST. PAUL

Ancient Marmaris, Physkos, was an impor­tant stage on the Anatolia-Rhodes-Egypt trade route. In the 16th century, Suleyman the Magnificent had a citadel built on a hill just behind the harbor; today, its remains house the Marmaris Museum. Pine forests cover the mountains, which surround Mar­maris; on shore a white line of sand and rock separates green from blue. The beach areas sparkle, and provide visitors with a perfect opportunity to dive, snorkel and swim in relaxing conditions.Yachts and boats decorate the coast of this lovely tourist center where thousands con­verge to enjoy a fun-filled, self-indulgent holiday. Those who surf and water ski will thrill at the possibilities in Marmaris. Energetic entertainment at a lively bar, or dan­cing until dawn at a sophisticated disco­theque can end an ideal day. There are many good buys in Marmaris bou­tiques, colorful bazaars and markets. You can find excellent leather and suede goods, copper and brassware, jewelry, and objects Carved of onyx. Turkish carpets, textiles and embroidery make good handcrafted souvenirs, and the locally produced pine scented honey called “cam Bali’ is superb. The Marmaris Netsel Marina, one of the largest and best-equipped marinas in Turkey, and the Marmaris Albatross Marina, one of the best for wintering and main­taining yachts, make Marmaris an excellent starting point for the Blue Voyage tour of the Aegean Coast. In May, the Marmaris Yacht Charter Show provides an opportu­nity to meet the captains and their crews.With plenty of provisions aboard, you set sail in the craft of your choice and languidly explore the spectacular beauty of southern Turkey.

At Ekincik, a delightful yacht mooring, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this area and the friendly hospitality of its people.

Delikli Island lies right off the coast, south­east of Ekincik. Yachtsmen enjoy a change of pace when they anchor at the island and take a smaller craft excursion into the Dalyan Delta. The Delta, with a long, gol­den, sandy beach at its mouth, is a nature-conservation area and a refuge for sea turt­les (Caretta Caretta) and blue crabs. At a bend in the river, high on the cliff face above the fascinating ancient harbor-city of Caunos, magnificent tombs were carved into the rock. From Delikli Island, sailing southeast, you arrive at Sarigerme with its pleasant holiday complexes, nestled in cozy pine forests. Yachtsmen will want to anchor at Baba Island, across from the pris­tine sandy beaches. The Gulf of Gocek, with the friendly Club Marina set in a beautiful pine forest, is one of the Mediterranean’s best sailing spots. Dotted with islands and indented with many coves, its land and seascapes are ir­resistible. The ruins of Arymaxa, an an­cient city at the southern tip of the gulf, lie at the edge of the azure waters. Opposite on Tersane Island stand Byzantine ruins including those of the ancient shipyards. From the Gulf of Gocek sail on into Fethiye.