I am incredibly grateful for the many travel memories I treasure, and one of my favorites is gulet cruising in Turkey. I spent four nights and five days sailing along the Mediterranean coast from Fethiye to Olympos. Intentionally stepping back from the constant pull of the internet and simply relaxing, the trip felt far more restorative than any spa retreat I’ve tried.
A common misconception I heard from friends afterward was that a gulet sailing holiday means being stuck aboard a boat, bored for days on end. In reality, gulet cruising is much richer and more varied. If you haven’t experienced it before, it helps to understand what a gulet is, how it differs from other vessels, and what the Blue Cruise experience actually involves.
What is a Gulet in Turkey?
A gulet is a traditional, handcrafted wooden boat typically fitted with two or three masts. While similar boats exist in places like Italy, Montenegro and Croatia, Turkey — especially Bodrum and Bozburun — has a long-standing reputation for building and maintaining gulets. Originally used for sponge diving and fishing, gulets have evolved into floating boutique hotels designed for coastal cruising. Skilled shipwrights and craftsmen create unique layouts and decor, so each gulet has its own character.
Are Gulets Seaworthy?
Yes. Gulets are sturdy vessels maintained regularly, often hauled into shipyards each winter for repairs and upkeep. They differ from modern yachts, which often use the latest composite materials and are designed for long-range ocean passages. Gulets are purpose-built for comfortable coastal cruising — to move between bays and anchorages, offering stability and space rather than high speed or transoceanic range.
What are Blue Cruises on a Gulet?
Blue Cruises refer to set routes along Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, commonly called the Turkish Riviera. Captains follow itineraries that highlight scenic bays, charming coastal towns and historic sites. The Fethiye to Olympos route is a popular choice, and some itineraries even include nearby Greek islands. Travelers can join cabin-charter voyages on fixed routes, ideal for solo or budget travelers, or charter an entire gulet for a private, tailor-made itinerary.
What Is It Like Staying on a Gulet?
Most gulets measure between 20 and 30 meters and offer five to eight cabins, each with double or single beds and an en-suite bathroom. Many boats have air conditioning, though breezes at sea often make it unnecessary. Meals are typically served on deck and prepared by a cook, and the crew—captain and deckhands—handle navigation and anchoring. Gulets range from basic budget models to luxurious vessels with spacious cabins and refined furnishings. Sunbathing areas are usually at the bow, with a shaded seating or bar area inside or aft.
Where to Book Gulet Cruises in Turkey
Several coastal towns serve as major departure points for gulet cruises, with many boats setting out daily on trips from three to eight days. Among the most notable are:
Bodrum: A leading center for Turkey’s tourism industry since the 1980s, Bodrum offers everything from budget gulets to high-end luxury charters and has long attracted international visitors and celebrities.
Marmaris: Known for its busy marina and nautical services, Marmaris is a scenic sailing hub popular with visitors seeking easy access to coastal cruising.
Fethiye: A favorite for budget cabin-charter Blue Cruises to Olympos and other nearby destinations, Fethiye also caters to higher-end charters and is a common start point for many itineraries.
Things to Do on a Gulet Holiday
Gulet cruising is about far more than simply being at sea. Here are activities that make a Blue Cruise varied and memorable:
1: Explore coastal towns — Gulets often dock for a day or overnight, giving you time to wander seaside villages and discover local shops, markets and cafés. Kas is a fine example of a town that keeps its authentic charm while welcoming visitors.
2: Reach places only accessible by boat — Remote coves, uninhabited islands and archaeological sites like the ruins near Gemiler or Kekova are best seen from the water.
3: Sleep on deck — Many guests enjoy the simple pleasure of falling asleep under the stars on the foredeck, lulled by the sea.
4: Spot wildlife — Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) turtles are frequently sighted along parts of the Mediterranean coast, notably near Simena.
5: Enjoy spectacular sunsets — Sunsets over the Aegean and Mediterranean are often vivid and dramatic, a favorite evening ritual on board.
6: Catch your dinner — For seafood lovers, the crew may help prepare freshly caught fish for a barbecue right on deck, bringing sea-to-table freshness in minutes.
7: Snorkel and dive — Most gulets carry snorkeling gear and will stop for swimming breaks. Many coastal towns also offer scuba diving, with wrecks and rich marine life to explore.
8: Try floating ice-cream vendors — In popular bays, small boats selling ice cream and refreshments sometimes come alongside gulets, adding a playful local touch.
9: Rent jet-skis or parasail — Where available, water sports add adrenaline options for anyone seeking more active fun.
10: Visit ancient ruins — The Turkish coast is dotted with archaeological sites from Lycian, Roman and other civilizations, including Patara and Olympos, which are often included on Blue Cruise routes.
11: Combine with Greek island visits — Many itineraries include stops in the nearby Dodecanese Islands, such as Kos, Rhodes or smaller islands like Symi, offering a mix of Turkish and Greek coastal culture.
Further reading: If you are interested in gulet history and the cultural roots of coastal cruising, books about Cevat Şakir Kabaağaçlı (the Fisherman of Halicarnassus) explore how coastal life and sailing became popular in regions such as Bodrum.
Gulet cruising is a relaxed, flexible way to experience Turkey’s coastline—combining nature, culture, history, water activities and simple pleasures into a memorable, low-pressure holiday.