Quick Answer
Choose Turkey if you want a fully crewed gulet with your own chef, calm sheltered bays, short daily passages and excellent value for a group. Choose Greece if island-hopping between lively harbour towns is your priority. Or enjoy both: from Bodrum, Marmaris or Bozburun you can reach Greek islands such as Kos, Symi and Rhodes on the same charter.
Turkey and Greece share the same sea, the same sunshine and centuries of history – yet a week on a yacht feels very different on each side of the Aegean. Here is our honest comparison to help you decide where to sail in 2027.
Turkey vs Greece at a Glance
| Turkey | Greece | |
|---|---|---|
| Classic yacht | Wooden gulet with a full crew and chef | Motor yachts, sailing yachts and catamarans |
| Coastline | Deep, green, sheltered bays and pine forests | Open seas between many islands |
| Daily rhythm | Short passages, long swims, quiet anchorages | Longer hops between islands and harbour towns |
| Food on board | Fresh Turkish cuisine cooked by your own chef | Often dining ashore in tavernas |
| Value for groups | Excellent value per person on a crewed gulet | Generally higher for a comparable crewed yacht |
| Wind in midsummer | Meltemi in the Aegean; very sheltered in Göcek | Meltemi strong in the Cyclades |
| Atmosphere | Peaceful, nature and history | Lively island towns and nightlife |
Why Choose Turkey
- The gulet experience: spacious wooden gulets with a captain, crew and chef are a Turkish tradition – a way of cruising you will not find in the same form elsewhere.
- Sheltered waters: the Göcek bays, the Gulf of Gökova and the Hisarönü Gulf offer calm anchorages even in midsummer.
- Short passages: more time swimming, less time underway – ideal for families.
- Value: a private crewed gulet often costs less per person than a hotel of similar quality.
- History: Lycian tombs, sunken cities and ancient harbours along the way.
Why Choose Greece
- Island-hopping: a different island and harbour town almost every day.
- Village life: evenings in tavernas and harbourside squares.
- Variety of yachts: a wide choice of motor yachts, sailing yachts and catamarans.
We also offer crewed yachts in Greece – see our yachts in Greece.
The Best of Both: Turkey and the Greek Islands in One Week
From Bodrum you can reach Kos, Kalymnos and Pserimos; from Marmaris and Bozburun, Symi and Rhodes. With the transit log and passport formalities arranged by your crew, many guests combine the Turkish coast with a Greek island or two. Read our guide to planning a gulet itinerary in Turkey and the Greek islands.
Our Recommendation
For families, groups of friends and anyone who wants a truly relaxing week with their own crew and chef, Turkey is hard to beat. For couples who love lively harbour towns, Greece is a wonderful choice. And if you cannot decide, start in Turkey and sail to a Greek island. Compare all regions in our best yacht charter destinations in Turkey guide.
Yachts for Turkey and the Greek islands
Planning for summer 2027? The finest gulets and yachts for July and August are reserved first – read our 2027 early booking guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a yacht charter cheaper in Turkey or Greece?
For a fully crewed charter, Turkey generally offers better value, especially on a gulet shared by a family or group.
Can I visit Greek islands on a Turkish gulet charter?
Yes. From Bodrum, Marmaris and Bozburun you can reach nearby Greek islands such as Kos, Symi and Rhodes, with transit log and passport formalities arranged by your crew.
Which is calmer in summer?
Turkey’s sheltered bays, especially around Göcek, are usually calmer than the open Cyclades, where the meltemi can be strong in July and August.
Where is the food better?
Both are excellent. On a Turkish gulet your own chef cooks fresh Turkish cuisine on board, while Greek charters often include more dining ashore.
When is the best time for both?
May to October, with June and September offering warm water and quieter anchorages.
Tell us what kind of week you are dreaming of, and we will help you choose. Discover our luxury yacht charter in Turkey.