Once you have decided on a gulet holiday, the next big question is where to go. Turkey’s south-west coast offers several distinct cruising areas, each with its own character, scenery, wind conditions and highlights, and the choice of starting port shapes your entire week. In this guide we compare the most popular weekly gulet charter routes – from Bodrum, Marmaris, Bozburun, Göcek and Fethiye – so you can choose the one that best fits your group, your travel plans and the kind of holiday you dream of.
There is no single best route: a family with young children, a group of friends celebrating a birthday and a couple seeking romance and fine dining may each prefer a different area. What matters is understanding the strengths of each region. Our advisors know all of them intimately and are always happy to give honest advice, but this overview will help you start.
| Route | Airport | Water | Highlights | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bodrum – Gökova | Bodrum (BJV) | Very calm | Orak, Cleopatra Island, English Harbour | Families, first-timers |
| Bodrum – Greek islands | Bodrum (BJV) | Moderate | Kos, Pserimos, Kalymnos, Knidos | Island-hoppers |
| Marmaris / Bozburun – Symi | Dalaman (DLM) | Calm–moderate | Hisarönü Gulf, Selimiye, Symi, D-Maris | Couples, luxury seekers |
| Göcek – Twelve Islands | Dalaman (DLM) | Very calm | Twelve Islands, Dalyan, rock tombs | Families, nature lovers |
| Fethiye – Kekova | Dalaman (DLM) | Moderate | Butterfly Valley, Kaş, sunken city | Adventurers, repeat visitors |
Bodrum and the Gulf of Gökova
Bodrum is the best-known gulet base in Turkey, with the largest fleet of luxury gulets and motorsailers and excellent flight connections to the UK. The classic week heads into the Gulf of Gökova, a long, mountain-ringed gulf whose northern shore is lined with pine forests and quiet bays. The water here is usually flat calm, the cruising legs are short and the scenery is spectacular, making it ideal for families and first-time charterers. Highlights include the turquoise water of Orak Island, the golden sand of Cleopatra Island, the wartime hideaway of English Harbour and the tranquil Seven Islands. Read more in our 7-day Bodrum to Gökova cruise and Bodrum gulet charter guide.
Bodrum and Gökova
Marmaris, Bozburun and the Hisarönü Gulf
Marmaris and the nearby gulet-building village of Bozburun open up one of the most varied cruising areas on the coast. The Hisarönü Gulf is a maze of sheltered bays and traditional villages such as Selimiye and Söğüt, the Datça peninsula offers ancient Knidos and the glamorous D-Maris Bay, and the Greek islands of Symi and Rhodes are within easy reach. It is a superb choice for couples and groups who want a mix of peaceful anchorages, authentic village life and a touch of luxury. See our Marmaris guide, Bozburun guide and Bozburun to D-Maris cruise.
Marmaris and Bozburun
Göcek and Fethiye
Göcek, just twenty-five minutes from Dalaman airport, is the gateway to the Twelve Islands – a sheltered archipelago of pine-covered islands and coves where the sea is almost always calm. It is perfect for families, paddleboarders and anyone who loves nature, with highlights such as Cleopatra’s Bath, the Lycian rock tombs of Dalyan and the turtle beach at İztuzu. From Fethiye you can also head east to the Butterfly Valley, the beautiful harbour of Kaş and the sunken city of Kekova, a longer route that rewards repeat visitors and more adventurous groups.
Which Route Should You Choose?
For a first gulet holiday with children, we usually recommend Bodrum–Gökova or Göcek–Twelve Islands for their calm water and short distances. For couples and groups seeking variety and luxury, Marmaris or Bozburun with Symi and D-Maris Bay is wonderful. For island-hoppers, Bodrum with the Greek Dodecanese is ideal, and for adventurous repeat visitors, Fethiye to Kekova offers something new. Whatever you choose, your captain will tailor the route day by day. Explore our best gulets for 2027 to find the perfect yacht.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which route has the calmest water?
The Gulf of Gökova and the Twelve Islands of Göcek are the most sheltered.
Can we do a one-way route?
Yes, one-way routes such as Bodrum to Marmaris or Göcek to Kaş are possible with a repositioning fee.
Which airport should we fly into?
Bodrum for Bodrum routes; Dalaman for Marmaris, Bozburun, Göcek and Fethiye.