Yalıkavak Marina (Palmarina)

Introduction

On the north-west tip of the Bodrum Peninsula, Yalıkavak Marina — branded Palmarina — is Turkey's flagship superyacht harbour and one of the most decorated in the Mediterranean.

What You'll Feel

Rounding the headland from seaward you slip into a sheltered bowl rimmed by low Bodrum hills, rows of yachts climbing in size toward the superyacht quay and, behind them, an open-air promenade of shops and restaurants where a working marina's sheds would normally stand. By night that promenade becomes one of Bodrum's social centres.

What Makes It Unique

It pairs genuine superyacht-grade infrastructure with a resort ashore: five Gold Anchors and a run of "World's Best Superyacht Marina" awards on one side, a 100-brand promenade and a classic Aegean cruising ground on the other.

The Story Behind

The harbour began as Port Bodrum Yalıkavak. In 2011 the Palmali Group acquired it and rebuilt it almost from scratch to take the superyachts older Aegean marinas could not — turning a regional marina into the Aegean's most glamorous address. Among reported visitors are Bill Gates and Roman Abramovich.

Hidden Legends

The glamour is recent: within living memory Yalıkavak was a sponge-diving and fishing village, and the windmills on the ridge above the bay milled the peninsula's grain long before the first superyacht moored below.

Local Life

Yalıkavak sits at the centre of Turkish superyacht culture through the summer season. A short hop down the peninsula, Gümüşlük is the bohemian village built beside the sunken ancient city of Myndos — famous for waterfront seafood eaten over the ruins.

Best Time to Visit

Summers are governed by the meltemi, blowing mostly from the north / north-west and strongest in the afternoon; plan crossings toward the Greek Dodecanese for the morning calm. High season is July–August; spring and autumn are quieter and kinder to the wind.

Fun Facts

• Rebuilt after the Palmali Group acquired it in 2011 — it began as "Port Bodrum Yalıkavak".
• Holds five Gold Anchors — the top Yacht Harbour Association rating.
• Was the first marina in Turkey awarded 5 Blue Stars.
• Repeatedly voted "World's Best Superyacht Marina".
• Named International Marina of the Year for 2020–2021.
• Its superyacht quay takes vessels of roughly 135 m LOA.
• Total capacity is in the order of 600–700 yachts.
• Ringed by an open-air mall of more than 100 brands.
• Bill Gates and Roman Abramovich are among reported visitors.
• A short sail from the sunken ancient city of Myndos at Gümüşlük.
• Summer sailing here is defined by the north-westerly meltemi.