Half the fun of a blue cruise is the food you discover along the way: village markets piled with tomatoes and figs, fishermen selling the morning catch, honey from the pine forests of Muğla and almonds from Datça. Here is how provisioning and shopping work on a private gulet, yacht or motorsailer charter – and the local products and drinks you should not miss.
Deck dining on the 47 m motorsailer De LoveHow provisioning works on a charter
Your preference list
Before you sail, we ask about allergies, diets, favourite foods and drinks.
Pre-charter shopping
The crew stocks the galley with the basics and your special requests.
Fresh every day
The chef buys bread, vegetables, fruit and fish along the route.
What is included – meals, drinks and extras – depends on the yacht and your contract. We explain everything clearly before you book.
Weekly markets near the charter bases
| Town | Market | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bodrum | Weekly town market (Tuesday) | Famous for textiles as well as produce |
| Yalıkavak | Weekly market (Friday) | Fresh produce and local goods |
| Göltürkbükü & Gümbet | Weekly market (Saturday) | Seasonal fruit and vegetables |
| Turgutreis | Weekly market (Sunday) | Produce and local goods |
| Göcek | Sunday market | Covered market near the marina, cash only |
| Marmaris | Thursday market | Produce, spices and local products |
Market days can change – please check locally before you plan a visit.
35 m gulet Grand Acar – a quiet bay after a morning at the marketLocal products worth trying
Pine honey (çam balı)
Dark, less sweet honeydew honey – Muğla produces most of Türkiye’s pine honey, and Marmaris is famous for it.
Datça almonds
The large Nurlu almond is grown on the Datça Peninsula and registered as a local variety.
Olive oil
Bodrum oils are light and fruity; Milas olive oil holds a geographical indication.
Bodrum mandarin
A fragrant mandarin protected by a geographical indication.
Ezine cheese
Protected white cheese – an Aegean breakfast essential.
Figs & seasonal fruit
Sweet figs, melons and watermelon in summer.
Turkish drinks on a blue cruise
- Çay – black tea in tulip glasses, served all day; Turkish tea culture is on UNESCO’s heritage list.
- Türk kahvesi – Turkish coffee, also recognised by UNESCO, often served with lokum.
- Rakı – the aniseed spirit that turns milky with water (“lion’s milk”), enjoyed with meze and fish.
- Turkish wine – Aegean regions such as Urla, Bozcaada and Denizli, and native grapes like Öküzgözü, Boğazkere, Kalecik Karası, Narince and Emir.
- Ayran & fresh juices – refreshing on hot days at sea.
Sunset drinks on board the 47 m motorsailer De LoveFrequently asked questions
How is food bought for a gulet charter?
Before your charter the crew provisions the basics based on your preference list. During the week the chef shops at local markets, bakeries and fish markets along the route, so ingredients are always fresh.
Are drinks included on a gulet charter?
It depends on the yacht and contract. Water, tea and coffee are usually available; alcoholic and soft drinks are often charged by consumption or arranged as a package. We confirm this clearly before you book.
What local products should I try?
Muğla’s pine honey, Datça almonds, Aegean olive oil, Bodrum mandarins in season, Ezine cheese, Turkish wines from native grapes, rakı, Turkish tea and Turkish coffee.
Plan your menu and drinks with us
Send us your preferences – we will make sure your yacht is provisioned exactly the way you like.