Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean coasts have eight brilliant cruise ports to welcome you.
You’ll find yourself at historic spots like Kuşadası, right by the ancient Ephesus ruins, and Istanbul’s swanky new Galataport, putting you steps away from the mighty Hagia Sophia.
Each port leads to something special – from Fethiye’s lovely harbour nestled among mountains to Bodrum’s marina, watched over by its grand castle.
These distinct ports can make your Turkish coastal trip truly memorable.
Fethiye Cruise Ship Port Guide
Fethiye’s natural harbour sits snugly between grand mountains along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast – a brilliant spot for cruise ships to drop anchor.
Getting around is dead easy since the port’s just a short walk from the city centre. Look up and you’ll spot the Tomb of Amyntas carved right into the mountain above the harbour. Fancy a wander? The ancient ruins of Telmessos are nearby, or you could potter through the old town. If you’re around on Tuesday, don’t miss the brilliant farmers’ market.
Beach fans are sorted too – just hop on a boat to reach the gorgeous Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz or take a trip to Kayaköy, the fascinating ghost town nearby.
Istanbul Cruise Ship Port Guide
Istanbul is where East meets West, sitting proudly between two continents with two main cruise ports: Galataport in Karaköy and Istanbul Port in Zeytinburni. If you’re docking at Galataport, you’ll be right next to brilliant spots like the Galata Tower, Spice Bazaar, and Grand Bazaar.
No matter which port you arrive at, you won’t be far from the jaw-dropping Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Fancy standing on two continents at once? Pop across the Bosphorus Bridge – it’s quite something. Getting about is dead simple: jump on the tram or grab a taxi to see all the best bits of this brilliant old city.
Izmir Cruise Ship Port Guide
Located on Turkey’s Aegean coast, Izmir’s Alsancak Port sits a nice 20-minute stroll from the city centre. You’ll spot plenty of taxis and shuttle buses at the terminal ready to whisk you into town or to nearby spots.
From the port, you can wander around the ancient Agora, pop into the bustling Kemeraltı Market, or head off to Ephesus, about an hour away. The port terminal has all the basics sorted – ATMs, duty-free shops, and a tourist info desk. You can hop online using Wi-Fi in certain areas. Top tip: it’s worth getting to the sights early to skip the crowds and dodge the midday sun.
Bodrum Cruise Ship Port Guide
Bodrum’s brilliant cruise port sits on Turkey’s southwest coast, with a modern marina just 10 minutes from the town centre. When your ship arrives, tender boats will take you to the terminal where you’ll find local tour guides and taxis.
The famous Bodrum Castle is a must-see – it’s home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Pop into the nearby bazaar for proper Turkish crafts, or stroll along the marina where you’ll spot posh shops and brilliant seafood places. Most of the good bits are an easy walk away, including the old Mausoleum site and the Roman amphitheatre.
If you fancy a swim, Kumbahçe Beach is just a short walk from where the cruise ships dock.
Alanya Cruise Ship Port Guide
The lovely port city sits along Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast, where cruise ships pull up to the modern terminal next to Alanya’s historic peninsula.
You can walk to the famous Red Tower and old Alanya Castle from the port. Inside the terminal, you’ll spot duty-free shops, a tourist desk, and shuttle buses to take you into town. It’s easy to visit Cleopatra Beach, Damlataş Cave, and the lively bazaar from here.
Ships come in all year, though it’s busiest from April to November. When it gets crowded and bigger ships can’t dock directly at the port, you’ll need to hop on a tender boat from the bay.
Kuşadası Cruise Ship Port Guide
Lively Kuşadası sees loads of cruise ships pull in each day – it’s one of Turkey’s busiest Mediterranean ports. The modern terminal sits right next to the city centre and its buzzing bazaar. Most people come here because it’s just a 20-minute trip to the ancient ruins of Ephesus.
Once you’re off the ship, you can wander over to Ladies Beach, pop into Scala Nuova mall, or have a look around the old fortress on Pigeon Island. You’ll spot plenty of places to eat and shop within easy walking distance. Need to go further? Local shuttles and taxis are always about. The terminal’s got everything you need – cash machines, duty-free shops, and Wi-Fi that won’t cost you a penny.
Marmaris Cruise Ship Port Guide
Marmaris’ cruise port sits right along Turkey’s gorgeous Turquoise Coast and handles ships throughout the year. The modern terminal is a quick 15-minute walk from the town centre – handy if you fancy stretching your legs. There’s room for three big cruise ships to dock at once.
You can easily walk to all the main spots from here. Marmaris Castle, the lively Grand Bazaar, and the pretty marina are just around the corner. Need a lift? You’ll spot plenty of taxis and dolmuş (shared minibuses) waiting outside the port entrance. If you’re after a bit of sun and sand, just follow the seafront walkway from the port – it’ll take you straight to lovely waterfront cafes and boat trip sellers who can sort you out with trips to nearby bays.
Çeşme Cruise Ship Port Guide
Perched on Turkey’s Aegean coast, Çeşme’s port brings cruise ships right into this lovely seaside town, famous for its thermal springs and spotless beaches. You’ll spot the port near the massive 16th-century Ottoman fortress that stands proudly over the town.
It’s a quick stroll from where your ship docks to all the good bits, including the old town centre and marina. Pop into one of the traditional hammams for a proper Turkish bath – it’s brilliant. The port’s got everything you need: modern facilities, duty-free shops, and helpful staff at the tourist desk. If you fancy going further afield, you’ll find plenty of taxis and local buses waiting outside.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Limassol Cruise Ship Port.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Paphos Cruise Ship Port.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Sarandë Cruise Ship Port.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Turkish Cruise Ports Offer Overnight Stays for Cruise Ships?
Both Istanbul and Kusadasi let cruise ships stay overnight at their ports. You can spend more time wandering these brilliant Turkish cities whilst your ship’s docked up for extended hours.
Are Turkish Cruise Ports Open Year-Round for Mediterranean Cruises?
Fancy a December cruise? The big ports like Istanbul and Kuşadası stay open all year, though winter sees fewer ships popping in and out. Smaller ports tend to wind down a bit during the quieter months.
What Currencies Are Accepted at Turkish Cruise Port Terminals?
Turkish Lira is the main currency, but you’ll have no trouble spending US dollars and euros at cruise port terminals. It’s a good idea to keep some Turkish Lira handy for bits and bobs and smaller payments around the ports.
Do Turkish Cruise Ports Require Visas for Short Port Visits?
You can skip getting a Turkish visa if you’re only hopping off the ship for less than 72 hours and stick to the port area. If you fancy going further, just sort out your e-Visa online before you sail. You can also grab a transit pass whilst on the ship.
Which Turkish Cruise Ports Have Direct Shuttle Services to Nearby Airports?
Direct shuttles run between Kusadasi cruise port and Izmir Airport, whilst Istanbul cruise port connects to both Istanbul airports. The Antalya cruise terminal also has regular airport transfers that make getting to and from your ship quite straightforward.
