Turkey vs Greece Yacht Charter
Which Mediterranean destination offers the better sailing holiday in 2026?
The Verdict
Choose Turkey if: you want the best value, all-inclusive meals and crew, hundreds of hidden bays, and a more relaxed floating hotel experience. Turkey is 40–60% cheaper than Greece for a comparable charter.
Choose Greece if: you want classic island hopping between dozens of famous islands, no visa requirement (for EU/UK travellers), and the iconic Cyclades or Ionian scenery.
For most travellers — especially those prioritising value, comfort and hidden natural beauty — Turkey is the better choice.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | 🇹🇷 Turkey | 🇬🇷 Greece | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charter cost (8 pax/week) | €3,500–€12,000 | €6,000–€20,000 | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| Meals included | ✅ Yes (chef onboard) | ❌ Usually extra | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| Full crew included | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Skipper only (often) | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| Hidden bays & coves | 300+ accessible | ~80 accessible | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| Ancient ruins en route | ✅ Abundant (Lycian, Roman) | ✅ Yes (Greek, Byzantine) | Tie |
| Island hopping | ⚠️ Limited islands | ✅ Hundreds of islands | 🇬🇷 Greece |
| Water clarity | Exceptional | Excellent | Tie |
| Meltemi winds (July–Aug) | Moderate (Aegean) | Strong (Cyclades) | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| Marina infrastructure | Good–Excellent | Excellent | 🇬🇷 Greece |
| Cuisine onboard | ✅ Turkish meze, fresh fish | ⚠️ Self-catered usually | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
| Visa requirements (UK) | e-Visa required (£20) | No visa (EU/Schengen) | 🇬🇷 Greece |
| Overall value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | 🇹🇷 Turkey |
The Cost Difference is Dramatic
🇹🇷 Turkey — 8 Guests, 1 Week
Classic gulet, all-inclusive
🇬🇷 Greece — 8 Guests, 1 Week
Comparable sailing yacht
Turkey saves you approximately €6,400 per week (€800 per person) for a comparable experience.
Turkey: 300+ hidden bays accessible only by boat
Many with no road access — complete privacy guaranteed
Greece: Iconic island hopping between famous destinations
Hundreds of islands — but at a significantly higher cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turkey or Greece better for a yacht charter?
Turkey offers significantly better value — 40–60% cheaper with meals and full crew included. Greece offers more island variety and no visa requirement for UK/EU travellers. For value and hidden bays, Turkey wins. For island hopping, Greece wins.
Why is yacht charter cheaper in Turkey than Greece?
Turkey's lower cost of living, competitive charter market, and the inclusion of meals and full crew in the base price make it substantially cheaper. A comparable week in Turkey costs 40–60% less than Greece.
Can you sail between Turkey and Greece on a charter?
Yes, it is possible to sail between Turkey and Greece on some routes (e.g., Marmaris to Rhodes). However, this requires specific charter agreements and additional paperwork. Most charters stay within one country.
Do I need a visa to charter a yacht in Turkey?
UK citizens need a Turkish e-Visa, which costs approximately £20 and can be obtained online in minutes before travel. Most other nationalities can also obtain an e-Visa easily.
Start Your Turkey Yacht Charter
Browse gulets and yachts departing from Marmaris — the gateway to the Turquoise Coast.
View Yacht ChartersWritten by
James Wilson
Plan Your Trip
Compare prices and save on your Marmaris holiday
Powered by KAYAK - Compare hundreds of travel sites at once
Keep Reading
More guides you'll find useful
Reader Reviews
What travellers are saying about this guide
Really helpful guide! We used this when planning our Marmaris trip and everything was exactly as described. The tips about booking in advance saved us a lot of money.
Brilliant article — very detailed and up to date for 2026. Bookmarked it for our summer holiday planning. Exactly the kind of honest, practical information I was looking for.
Great information, really helped us decide between different options. The price comparisons were super useful. Only wish there were a few more photos to visualise everything better!
Leave a Review
Share your experience to help fellow travellers
You May Also Like
Continue exploring more destinations, activities, and experiences
We use cookies to improve your experience
We use cookies and similar technologies to personalise content, analyse traffic, and provide social media features. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies. You can manage your preferences or learn more in our Privacy Policy. This site complies with UK PECR and EU GDPR regulations.