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Turkish Boat Holidays: A New Travel Trend For You
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by Viktoriia Sittseva - 15/07/2022
- Holiday, Rentals, Turkey, Yacht Charter & Booking
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Are you bored with a vacation spent queuing for a buffet surrounded by sun-burnt compatriots?
By the way, did you know that after average holidays, people reported no change in their happiness level?
Why are we wasting time, money, and energy if the vacation doesn’t pay off?
So we want to introduce to you a great way to finish it rested and energized—the Turkish boat holidays.
Read below why you should try it.
Let’s check?
Another Look at the Best Vacation Spots in Turkey
Turkey is worth visiting as it has beautiful nature, plenty of historical sights, a rich culture, delicious cuisine, and beaches with clear azure waters. Moreover, the weather is usually sunny.
And the temperature is mild with occasional rainfall.
Yes, we could create a list of the best vacation spots in Turkey. And you could be the next tourist on the beaten path to the sights.
But instead, we offer you freedom.
Yes, the freedom to choose the place, time, and people around you.
Sounds tempting?
Turkish Boat Holidays in the Mediterranean
It is worth noting that the Mediterranean is a fairly popular destination for cruising.
After all, it has something to offer!
Among the attractions are breathtaking views, incredible cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and charming coastal towns.
The Mediterranean region is distinguished by its rich history. And it dates back to about 130,000 BC.
It has survived pirates, empires, and wars.
So now, the Mediterranean is one of the largest trading areas in the world.
Exploring the Mediterranean part of Turkey by sailboat or other seacraft is an unforgettable experience!
In addition, coastal towns will welcome you with delicious-smelling food and a cold beer or local wine. Skip restaurants with images on their menus and follow some locals inside their favorite joints to have an actual local meal.
It is a great way to fit in.
And learn about the local culture.
Visa Requirements for Visiting Turkey
Tourist visas are easily obtained by citizens of practically all countries upon arrival in Turkey at ports of entry or airports. See Turkey’s Visa Policy.
And depending on your nationality, you may be asked to pay a visa fee per person.
When is the Best Time to Sail in Turkey?
Turkey has a wide range of climates, with significant differences between areas. Also, it has some microclimates due to the different exposure of slopes and coasts.
So the coastal areas have a mild climate in general. But the Black Sea coast is colder than the Mediterranean coast.
Turkey’s south coast is one of the best sailing destinations in the Mediterranean Sea. In Turkey, you can sail all year round. And most of the year, the weather is pleasant here.
However, you should know that from November to March, some places are completely closed.
By the way, temperatures can reach well over +40 C in July and August! Also, prices for marinas and restaurants frequently double during that period.
And the most beautiful beaches, scenic promenades, or nice taverns can be ruined by massive crowds in the most popular locations.
As a result, spring and autumn are the best times to visit the Mediterranean part of Turkey.
Aegean Sea
The Aegean Sea runs along the Turkish coast from just above the Dardanelles to near Rhodes. Several big gulfs bite back into the shore, making it a popular cruising region, especially south of Kusadasi.
Turkey’s coastline boasts decent marinas and facilities, generally free anchorages, and attractive local town quays within day-sail distance.
Rent a Sailboat in the Mediterranean
What does “rent a boat” mean?
When you rent a boat, you get the boat. And everything else (food, fuel, etc.) and everyone (crew, cook, etc.) is up to you. Usually, you can rent small boats or small yachts for up to 1 day.
For people who care about boats, here are some details.
So boats have cabins with different capacities, usually each with its own ensuite shower and WC.
And you must be your own captain, providing everything you will need for your journey.
It includes fishing equipment, water sports equipment, beverages, meals, and so on.
Yachting Vacations in Turkey
Aside from the fantastic boat rental alternatives, many sailors will love the charter.
There are various types of charter boats. Most are large yachts on which you will spend a week or more. There are two types of charters: bareboat and crewed.
Bareboating gets you the boat but not the expensive extras like crew, chefs, food, and fuel that you would find on a typical yacht charter. Also, you have to pay harbor fees in marinas or ports.
A bare boat, in a nutshell.
But cooking gas, dinghy, Wi-Fi, and linen are usually included in the charter fee.
Pretty similar to renting a boat, right?
A crewed charter assumes that you rent a yacht with a crew that will manage the vessel and supervise cleaning, cooking, and provisions. Although you will not have the privacy of a bareboat charter, you can relax and trust your journey to your own captain, chef, cook, and hostess.
Blue Voyage or Blue Cruise on a Turkish Gulet
What is a Turkish gulet? Many people associate the word “gullet” with a shabby wooden ship on which tourists ride in Turkey during the season.
Foamy discos, loud animation, and crafts styled as pirate ships have little in common with a traditional gullet trip around the Mediterranean.
A gullet, also known as a schooner, is a wooden sailing vessel.
This type of vessel is ideal for traveling around the Mediterranean because it is more organic. The gulet has both sails and a motor.
Also, Turkey has its own shipyards where gulets are built, making the rental very affordable.
And gulet is a large yacht. So it is an excellent choice for big groups, even up to 20 people.
And this is without taking into account the crew!
Further reading:
The Pros and Cons of Turkish Boat Holidays
Pros of Turkish Boat Holidays
1. Reasonable price. You can share the cost of the service with friends, family, or colleagues. This way, you can have a good time and save money. Turkey pleases tourists with its prices. In other countries, you will pay an average of 50% more.
2. Get away from civilization and spend time alone with nature. It’s hard to imagine what could be more exciting than surfing the water to escape from the daily routine. Relaxing on a yacht will help you forget about the emergency at work.
And you do not need to be an experienced sailor or have certain skills.
3. Or sometimes be closer to civilization. If you wish, you can stop in any port town and enjoy spending time on land.
4. You can travel by creating your own route. You are the captain of your vacation. And it is a great opportunity to gain new and vivid impressions.
5. Time in the circle of close people without strangers. Traveling on a yacht will provide you with an entirely new perspective on reality! And you will undoubtedly want to share this experience with your closest friends and family.
6. A sea cruise is one of the most romantic ways to see Turkey. A diverse landscape with secluded bays, long sandy beaches, and green pine forests that reach all the way to the water. Also, Turkey is a simple sailing area in terms of area and sailing technology.
What To Do While Cruising?
For those who are concerned about activities while sailing.
Here are several impressions of this experience: calmness, relaxation, pleasure, time for yourself, and fun.
While falling asleep in your cabin, you will know that something new and exciting awaits you tomorrow.
Sunbathe on the deck, immersed in a book that you have long wanted to read but have constantly put off.
Or just enjoy the scenery around you.
Then dive into your own saltwater pool.
Feel the salty breeze on your face, crack open a cold drink, and relax on a well-deserved vacation!
Cons of Turkish Boat Holidays
1. The sea weather in this region can be unpredictable. What can create some inconvenience while sailing? Sometimes it is necessary to change the location at the last minute following the latest weather forecast.
2. During the summer, the Mediterranean is heavily loaded. It makes anchorages very busy. And often, the boats are too close to each other.
Massive crowds affect the rapid rise in prices in marinas and ports.
3. Summer in this region can seem very hot. And it is not easy to find a way to cool off in calm weather. But do not forget that you have your own pool at your disposal:)
4. Lack of stable internet. But this disadvantage can be turned into a benefit: digital detox, communication, bathing, books, and watersports. Even just lying on a yacht will be more exciting than lying at home!
Final Thoughts About Turkish Boat Holidays
Most people imagine a trip to Turkey as watching hot air balloons take off from Cappadocia.
Or spending hours admiring the craftsmanship of the handmade carpets in the markets.
But there’s another side to this Southeastern country: its stunning Turkish Riviera.
See the cities from the water, go to deserted bays and try to catch real sea fish right from the yacht!
We believe that the next level of “best vacations” will be yachting. Or sailing.
We are still not sure.
Learn more about Turkish boat holidays:
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