Sedir Island (Cleopatra Beach): The Legend of the Golden Sand

The most valuable jewel of Gökova Bay, and Turkey's only beach with "Protected Sand": Sedir Island (Cleopatra Beach).

We definitely warn Limancepte.com guests when describing this island: "You can swim here, but it is forbidden to spread towels on the sand, step on it with slippers, or even take a single grain of sand out." Because according to the legend, these golden sands were specially brought from the North African deserts for the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra.

Here is everything you need to know about this most protected and mysterious island of Bodrum yacht charter and Gökova routes:

1. The Sand Event: Legend or Geology?

What makes Sedir Island world-famous is the "Oolitic" sand on its beach.

• Legend: Roman Commander Anthony wants to meet his lover Cleopatra here. However, when Cleopatra does not like the rocky structure of the island, Anthony brings this special sand from Egypt with 60 ships.
• Scientific Fact: According to geologists, this sand is a very special fossil based on calcium carbonate, reproducing in soda water, burning in fire, and resembling tiny pearls of the same size when viewed with a magnifying glass. It is seen only on Crete Island and here; its regeneration takes thousands of years.

3. Sea and History Intertwined: Ancient City of Cedrae

Sedir Island is not just a beach, it is also the Ancient City of Cedrae (Cedars).
Theater and Agora: After enjoying the sea, you can visit the ancient theater for 2500 people and the ruins of the Temple of Apollo hidden among olive trees with a short walk inland.
Walls: The island is surrounded by walls, giving it a "castle island" appearance from the sea.

4. How to Get to Sedir Island?

There is no road to the island. Transportation is only by sea.

• Çamlı Village Boats: Shuttle boats departing from Çamlı Village pier on the Marmaris-Muğla road drop you off at the island in 20-25 minutes.
• Private Boat Rental (Limancepte Recommendation): You can come with private boats departing from Akyaka or Bodrum and enjoy that turquoise water offshore without docking at the crowded pier of the island.

5. How is the Sea?

When you enter the sea from the forbidden sandy part of the beach, the ground is soft sand. The water starts shallow and does not deepen for meters. Its color is Maldives turquoise thanks to the white sand underneath. The water temperature is much warmer than other bays of Gökova.

Sedir Island FAQ

• Is there an entrance fee?
  Yes. It is an "Archeological Site". Museum Card is valid. If you don't have one, you need to buy a ticket.
• Is there food and drink on the island?
  Yes, there is a small cafeteria belonging to the museum management. Toast, ice cream are sold. Picnicking is forbidden.
• Are there sunbeds?
  Yes. There are sunbeds on wooden platforms behind the beach, usually free to use, but hard to find in season.
• Can you go from Bodrum to Sedir Island?
  Weekly Blue Cruise boats stop here. However, coming daily from Bodrum center by sea is very long (2-3 hours). Marmaris or Akyaka is closer for day trips.