Why Go Sailing in Turkey?
Charter a yacht in Turkey and see what it means when the East meets the West. Choose among numerous yacht rental options and start your Turkish sailing adventure! Meet friendly local people, immerse yourself in Turkey’s rich culture, eat amazing food and get splendid views of one of the most desirable sailing destinations in the world. Excellent sailing conditions with no tides and no strong currents will make your sailing holiday relaxing and unforgettable. Turkey is the home of the gulet, a large wooden sailing ship with two or three masts. Sailing aboard a gulet is a perfect opportunity to capture the essence of Turkey.
Choose Your Perfect Boat in Turkey
Sailing Conditions in Turkey
The Turkish coastline has excellent sailing conditions and weather. The best time to sail in Turkey is from April till the end of November. Weather is perfect and conditions are very favourable for long and relaxing sailing days.
The sun shines for more than 300 days a year in the seas around Turkey, so you will soak up plenty of sun on your rental yacht. Aegean and Mediterranean regions in Turkey have Mediterranean climate. These areas have a sailing season that lasts a bit longer than in other European destinations.
The peak yacht charter season and the hottest months are July and August. These months have very little rain, and the sailing conditions are excellent. The temperatures range between 28 and 35 °C. Preseason and postseason months are also a good sailing choice if you prefer fewer boats, but still warm and beautiful weather.
It is always advisable to read up on the winds specific for the sailing region you are about to visit. The two most recognizable winds you will feel when sailing in Turkey are meltemi and lodos. The Meltemi are hot and dry northerly winds that blow in the Aegean from mid-May to mid-September. The winds can arrive without warning and persist for days, even though they often swell in the afternoon and die down each night. These winds usually provide good and steady sailing for the region. However, be aware that they can be quite severe for short periods. The meltemi are the strongest in July and August. The other winds specific for Turkey's most important sailing region are called lodos, which are also fierce winds that blow from the southwest. Lodos occur in autumn and winter and bring waves. They are at their strongest in the afternoon and often die down at night but can sometimes last for days without a break.
Sailing Regions in Turkey
Important Info for Sailing in Turkey
Best Time to Sail
April – November
Climate
Mediterranean
Sailing License
Required (certificate of competence)
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Spoken Language
Turkish
Top Attractions
Istanbul, Antalya, Ephesus, Cappadocia, Izmir, St. Nicolas Island, Terraces of Pamukkale, Butterfly valley - Fethiye, Oludeniz Beach, Patara Beach, Bodrum Castle, Pergamon, Mount Nemrut
Top Reasons to Visit Turkey
Sail in Turkey and do not miss an opportunity to see a jewel of the eastern Mediterranean, Bodrum, a city known as ancient Halicarnassus. Get off your charter yacht and stroll around the famous Turkish bazaars and relax in Hamam, a Turkish bath. Discover old fishing villages and try delicious seafood. Traditional yachts have been built here since ancient times. The Bodrum Cup, a regatta for gulets that takes place in October, will also be something that you may find interesting.
Make the most out of your sailing holiday in Turkey, visit Fethiye and cruise the Lycian Coast which makes up much of the Turkish Riviera and visit maritime settlements, see rugged cliffs and the Lycian Tombs, buildings carved out of rock. Make sure you stop at Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon - one of the most popular beaches on the Mediterranean. The panorama of the area is a dream come true for paragliders, who glide from the Babadağ mountain to the beach. Marmaris will amaze you with its stunning bays, ancient cities, and lively nightlife. Sail to Sedir Island, known as Cleopatra Island, which is famous for its white sand that was allegedly brought from Egypt for Cleopatra’s visit. Stop at the popular beach resort, Icmeler, covered in pine trees.
Charter a yacht in Göcek and explore the adjacent 12 islands, which attract visitors with their unspoilt nature. Göcek can be your starting or ending point on the immensely popular Blue Cruise along the Turkish Riviera. Sail in beautiful natural surroundings, enjoy Turkish delicacies, soak up the sun and get the best of your yacht charter vacation in this amazing country!
