A gulet holiday is a new way to enjoy the Mediterranean. Travelers can sail between quiet bays, islands, historic towns, and coastal villages for a week without having to move from hotel to hotel, enjoying the comfort of a private, crewed vessel.
Both Turkey and Croatia are great places to sail, but their sailing seasons are different. July and August offer the peak of summer weather, and June and September can offer a better mix of warm water, moderate winds, and fewer crowds. For those who prefer a quieter time of the year for anchorage and sightseeing, May and October are good choices, when the weather at the beaches is not as extreme.
Traditionally, a gulet is a wooden sailing boat that is used in Turkey and the Mediterranean. Today's gulets feature this traditional style and have large decks, private cabins, professional crew service, and outdoor dining/relaxing spaces.
This experience is especially suited for a slow coastal exploration. Bodrum, Marmaris, Bozburun, Göcek and Fethiye are popular cruising destinations in Turkey. In Croatia, there are trails around Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Vis, Korčula, Mljet and the Kornati islands.
The best time to book a gulet rental with a crew is entirely dependent on which of the above is most important to the individual.
The primary Mediterranean gulet season is during the warmer months, and May and October are the less busy months of the year. The months of June and September are in between the low and peak seasons, with July and August typically the peak demand and warmest months of the year.
May and June usually have light to moderate breezes, with sea temperatures of 18-22°C; July and August are much warmer, with sea temperatures of 25-27°C and stronger afternoon Meltemi winds. September has warm water and light winds; October is more variable.
It is similar in Croatia. The quietest months are May and early June; the busiest months are July and August, and September is warm with fewer boats. October is a cooler and more variable month, especially as Bura and other autumn weather elements start to play a greater part.
The gulet charter price is also affected by the seasonality. Yacht rates tend to rise in the peak summer season and during the shoulder and low seasons, but this of course varies from yacht to yacht and charter to charter.
Seasonality also affects gulet charter prices. May and October generally offer the lowest rates, while June and September sit between low and peak season. July and August typically command the highest prices. Current GuletBroker guidance puts private weekly charters at roughly €7,000–€9,000 for standard gulets in low season and €14,000–€17,000 in high season, although rates vary by yacht, size, facilities, and itinerary.
July and August are the typical summer months in Turkey. The sea is especially appealing for swimming, and long sunny days are perfect for guests to spend much of their time outside.
The main consideration is the Meltemi. This wind, which comes from the north during summer, is likely to intensify in the afternoon and is strongest in July and August. It may be much stronger on exposed areas of the Aegean, and captains often make longer passages in the morning and take shelter in the bays during the afternoon when the wind is stronger.
This makes high summer a good time for visitors who like warm water and a high level of activity on the water. June or September might be better for those seeking more peaceful weather.
The hottest time of the year in Croatia's Dalmatian region is July and August. Hvar and Dubrovnik are popular tourist resorts and anchorages, and marinas can be busy during the summer season.
In many areas along the coast, the summer Maestral brings a good afternoon breeze. If you're looking for a bit of sailing, not just cruising between destinations, then this might be an appealing aspect. But bays popular in the summer months may need more careful planning.
June or September might be more pleasant for travellers looking for warm water without the summer heat.
One of the factors to consider when selecting a sailing month is wind. The Meltemi is the typical summer wind in Turkey, and is strongest in the month of July and August. Afternoon winds may be strong enough to affect the route and time of the day in places like Marmaris and Bozburun.
The wind pattern is different in Croatia. The Maestral is a summer afternoon wind, and the Bura is a colder north-easterly wind which can have greater significance in the spring and autumn. The Jugo is a southerly wind, which longer waves and rough seas may also accompany.
A professional crew can adjust the daily route to local conditions, especially when weather conditions vary, which is important.
June is one of the most beautiful months for a Turkish gulet holiday, as it is just before the busiest summer months. The water is now much warmer, days are much longer, and the best of the peak season is not yet here.
Göcek is particularly ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed vacation. The sheltered gulf of its location diminishes the impact of the Meltemi as compared to more open waters. Gulet Broker destination information lists May, June and September as the ideal time to enjoy warm water, moderate temperatures and fewer crowds.
June can thus offer a good combination of summer weather and reasonable sailing conditions for families and novices to charter.
September is one of the most rewarding times of the year to visit Croatia on a gulet. The sea is still quite warm in the summer, and the number of visitors starts to fall.
September, for instance, around Split, is warm, with fewer boats around popular bays. As the autumn season arrives, the Maestral starts to lose its strength and the chances of Jugo grow.
This creates a more laid-back vibe for swimming, island hopping, sightseeing, and spending time in historic coastal towns. September is a great option for those who wish to experience summer without the crowds.
May and October are quieter times to cruise the Mediterranean. They are especially attractive for those travelers who are not as focused on the hottest weather, but more on the peaceful anchorages, coastal views, and cultural experiences.
May in Turkey has relatively light and variable winds; October has changing winds and sometimes Lodos. October is cooler in Croatia, and the Bura is more important, especially in the northern and exposed regions.
These months may also provide a better seasonal value. Charter rates tend to be lower during the off-season months (July and August), but this can vary depending on the yacht and pricing.
The weekly yacht rate is not indicative of all the costs of a charter. The final arrangement may be subject to the vessel, destination, trip, and services offered.
Other costs may be transfers, fuel for some water-sports equipment, port or marina fees, provisioning arrangements and other destination-specific costs. An Advance Provisioning Allowance is also included in some yacht listings for things like food, beverages, fuel and marina fees.
This is why it's helpful to know what is covered by the charter terms before comparing vessels. A lower headline rate doesn't necessarily equate to a lower overall trip cost.
Food plays a major role in the life on board a gulet. Fresh Mediterranean dishes are often served outside, so they are especially suited for the warmer months.
This will depend on the yacht. Some charters have full board service; others have different food/beverage/provisioning. The destination and season can be used naturally with local seafood, fresh vegetables, fruit, salads and grilled dishes.
Provisioning may be customized based on guest preferences as well. Some charters will prepare for the trip in advance according to the needs of the group, and the menu on board will be based on what is available and required.
The most critical time of booking is in July and August, when the most popular vessels and departure dates are in demand. Those who need a specific cabin configuration, ship size, or departure port will find that booking is advantageous.
Many Turkish and Croatian charters operate on a weekly basis and on some boats, Saturday to Saturday is the standard. Boarding times and exact arrangements, however, may vary from yacht to yacht.
While it offers more flexibility, it's still important to plan for shoulder-season travel when the trip or ship details are a priority. It is more important to select the right boat than just select a particular month.
For those who are interested in the classic Blue Voyage experience, Turkey is a great destination. Routes around Bodrum, Marmaris, Bozburun, Göcek and Fethiye are available on the south-western coast where there are many sheltered bays and cruising areas. Travelers looking for a warm environment but not too windy will find June and September particularly appealing.
Croatia is another type of character. It is popular for island hopping, old coastal towns, Adriatic views, and the connections between Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, Vis, Korčula, Mljet, Kornati Islands, and other islands. June and September are warm, but not quite as stressful as the summer months.
It is up to you to choose the type of journey you want. Turkey is an excellent choice for a classic Blue Voyage and protected coast cruising,g and Croatia is perfect for island hopping as well as visiting historic towns and enjoying Adriatic culture.
The best month for each gulet holiday in Turkey or Croatia depends on the specific type of holiday. This will depend on the balance you wish to achieve between weather, sea temperature, wind, crowds, and atmosphere.
June and September are great times to travel as the weather is warm and there are fewer crowds. Those who prefer the hottest weather, warmest water, and all the summer fun are best suited for July and August. For those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, sightseeing and less hectic anchorages, May and October are better months.
The season is the most important factor to consider first, and then finding the right destination and itinerary for that season can make for a more comfortable and rewarding gulet experience.
Planning a gulet holiday in Turkey or Croatia? GuletBroker has over 23 years of experience helping travelers choose the right yacht, route, and itinerary for their Mediterranean journey. For expert guidance and personalized charter options, contact info@guletbroker.com