Stunning scenery, excellent weather and a long coastline make Turkey one of the world’s top destinations for a holiday afloat. Idyllic coves of aquamarine, hidden beaches and pictureque fishing habours are the ingredients of a memorable voyage, so what are the options for discovering Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.
Gulets are traditional wooden sailing boats which, in days gone by, were used for hauling cargo and fishing. These days they are the vessel of choice for cruising the Turkish riviera, and they vary in size and levels of comfort, with a large luxury boats having spacious cabins with ensuite bathroom, large communal areas and lots of deck to relax on.
With a group of family or friends you can charter a gulet with captain and crew, giving you the chance to tailor your own itinerary. This doesn’t have to be as expensive as it sounds, particularly if you avoid high season when prices are at their highest and the coast at its busiest anyway.
For singles or couples many operators offer cabin charters, where you book a berth or cabin on a gulet cruising a particular route.
Competent sailors can organise bareboat charters through operators such as Sunsail, which has a large Turkish fleet; or alternatively you can charter a privately-owned yacht, which are generally more comfortable and atmospheric. For the less confident or inexperienced yachtsmen there are skippered charters or flotilla holidays, where you join a group of other yachts.
Useful Tips
Avoid high-season (generally mid-July to the end of August) when its hot, busy and prices are at their highest.
Many gulet trips are sold as “sailing” holidays although the crew never actually hoist sail. If you want some real sailing action, rather than a leisurely cruise, do your homework before booking.
Air-conditioning is a must in high summer, but remember to enquire how many hours it can be used each day. Useage is generally restricted to certain times due to the noise and expense of running generators.
An all-inclusive package will usually include meals and accompanying drinks, although most operators charge for drinks, including water, at other times. You may want to ask for the bar prices before booking.
Pack light – as there is limited storage space on-board – and remember the suncream!
Visit The Directory
for Sailing and Cruising Operators
Offshore Breeze: Read an on-board diary