BOAT-COMPARATOR Guide

Renting a boat in Turkey: gulets, coves and the Lycian coast

Bodrum, Göcek, Fethiye, Marmaris: why the Turkish coast is one of the best value charter grounds anywhere, and how to choose between gulet and sailboat.

The Turkish coast is the worst-kept secret of the eastern Mediterranean: hundreds of sheltered coves, ancient ruins at the water's edge, exceptional seaside food — and prices often 20 to 30% below neighbouring Greece for an equivalent boat.

Four bases, four moods

Bodrum is the historic gateway, lively and well connected. Göcek, tucked into its gulf, is anchoring paradise: twelve islands and dozens of coves within two hours. Fethiye opens onto the Ölüdeniz lagoon and Butterfly Valley, and Marmaris pairs a huge marina with the Hisarönü gulf.

The gulet, an institution

This traditional wooden schooner, chartered with crew (captain and cook), is the local way to sail: you drift from cove to cove, meals appear on the aft deck, and the per-person price rivals a resort — for an experience beyond comparison. Expect €350 to €800 per day for the whole boat depending on size and standard.

When to go

April-June and September-October are the sweet spots: gentle heat, moderate meltemi, quiet coves. July-August is hot and busy, but the coast is so indented that a calm anchorage is never far. The season stretches comfortably into early November.

Paperwork

No license is required under sail, but a sailing résumé is for bareboat charters; the transit log (Turkish navigation tax) is usually included or charged at embarkation — check the line on the contract. With prices quoted sometimes in euros, sometimes per week, comparing platforms pays off particularly well here.

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