"Beyond Yacht Charter: Uncovering the Legendary Cleopatra Beach" - Sedir Island, Gökova Gulf

Cleopatra Beach in Sedir Island

According to a long-held myth, it is said that the Roman General Marcus Antonius once arranged for a special present to be sent to Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt. This gift supposedly consisted of a large delivery of white ooidal sand from the coast of Alexandria, Egypt, all the way to Sedir Island, which is now famously known as Cleopatra Beach, Sedir Island located in Gokova gulf in southern west of Turkey.

According to the article on TJES, observations made on the white ooidal sand beach of Cleopatra on Sedir Island have finally solved the age-old mystery surrounding a supposed shipment of sand from Egypt and the recent formation of oolite in that location. The current study offers a different explanation tho! Stating that the white ooidal sands found on Cleopatra Beach are consistently formed through erosion and in-place reworking of the Neogene oolitic sandstone bed directly beneath the shoreline. Additionally, the study suggests that a similar process of recycling may likely account for the origin of oolitic sands on the coast of Alexandria, Egypt. This assertion is made despite the absence of historical documentation regarding such a significant shipment.

However!

This discovery doesn't take an ounce of charm away from this stunning sandy paradise! Whether it was a lavish gift fit for a queen or just Mother Nature showing off, Sedir Island still pulls in folks from around the world like a magnet. Who can resist the call of the crystal-clear waters and the ancient wonders waiting to be explored in the sunny south Aegean of Turkey.

Now let’s rewind for a moment! In ancient times Bozburun peninsula and surroundings were the property of Rhodes which was called Persia and Kedreai Island was also inside of Rhodian Peraea. During the 3rd century BC, people on the island were local Karians who worshipped god Apollo, spoke and wrote in Greek and were living like other Hellenes did! However on 5th century BC Kedrai joined the Delian League and attacked by Spartan commander Lysandros who supported Athens during famous Peloponnesian war and residents of the islands unfortunate fate had begun being sold to slave traders. Not so much know about the settlement until in 129 BC the city came under rule of Rome and became the first Roman province established in Asia Minor.

So the settlement is situated on the east side of the isthmus that divides the island into two. Surrounded by city walls, the theatre, sanctuary, residential area, harbor, and various other important public and religious structures are located in this area. The necropolis, harbor, and part of the other public structures are located on the mainland, which is to the eastern side of

the island. Most of the remains that stand today are from the Eastern Roman empire period such as Isthmus Church remaining which dates to 13th century AD, one of the biggest Basilica with size of 35 to 19 meters dates between 5th and 7th century AD, Kedreai Theater leaning on northers hills on the island with 2500 people capacity dates back to 4th BD and the Apollo Sanctuary which covers an area of 36 to 36 meters dates back to 2nd century BC.

Nowadays, this 800-meter-long shoreline small island, fondly known as 'Sedir Island,' still captivates many visitors, even though the cedar trees that once inspired its name are no longer there. It remains an incredible stop for yacht charter guests sailing in the picturesque Gokova Gulf in southwestern Turkey. With its soft sandy beach, trekking trails, and historical attractions, Sedir Island offers an unforgettable experience.

If you're planning a yacht charter in Gökova Gulf, be sure to add Sedir Island to your itinerary for a fantastic day out on the island! Explore our yacht charter itinerary in Turkey and set sail for the Gokova Gulf, including a must-visit stop at Sedir Island!

Check out Bodrum-Gokova Itinerary now !