It is perfectly possible to charter a gulet in Turkey and cross to the nearest Greek islands, spending part of the week in a different setting. The distances in the Dodecanese are short, and you will notice a change in atmosphere once you enter Greek waters. Guletsailor also offers charters that explore only the Greek islands, based in places such as Kos, Rhodes, Athens and Corfu.
This means you can either combine the two coasts or start your journey entirely in Greece. This guide looks at the islands that are easily accessible by boat and the practical considerations that affect the choice of gulet.
The main differences at a glance
The islands closest to the Turkish coast are part of the Dodecanese archipelago. They are the easiest to reach as part of a mixed itinerary and are the islands that most people visit first.
- Kos is only a short crossing from Bodrum, often under two hours. It has a proper harbour and beaches, as well as easy access to smaller islands such as Pserimos and Kalymnos: The atmosphere is relaxed, making it ideal for a first stop in Greece.
- Symi is further south and is typically reached from Marmaris or Datça. Its harbour is one of the most colourful in the Aegean Sea with neoclassical houses rising above the water. The island itself feels smaller and quieter than Kos or Rhodes.
- Rhodes is the largest of the group. It has a historic old town and more facilities, but the crossing from the Turkish coast is longer, so it usually appears in itineraries that include Symi or start from a Greek base.
More distant destinations include the Saronic islands (Hydra, Spetses and Poros) from Athens and the Ionian islands (Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos) from Corfu. These feel quite different from the Dodecanese and are usually booked as separate weeks rather than as extensions from Turkey.
The main practical difference on a mixed route is the border formalities. The captain handles the clearance but you should allow time for this process and note that some Turkish boats must start and finish in Turkey with no guest changes allowed while in Greek waters.
Charter cost and fuel budget
Rates vary depending on the boat, the week, and whether you start in Turkey or Greece. Peak weeks in July and August are more expensive, while those in May, June, September and October are usually more reasonable. Different VAT rates and local taxes may also apply to a pure Greek charter or a mixed itinerary.
The base rate on most boats covers the yacht and crew, a set fuel allowance (usually enough for around four hours of cruising per day), linen, towels, and basic cleaning. Food and drink are usually charged separately and arranged as a separate provision. Port fees, landing taxes on the Greek islands, extra fuel beyond the daily allowance and crew gratuities are not included in the base price either.
Because the crossings themselves are short, fuel rarely represents the largest variable cost for a week in the Dodecanese. The larger cost differences usually come from the size and standard of the boat, and from the season, rather than the distance between islands.
Deck space, cabins and comfort
Gulets suited to these routes range from classic four- or five-cabin boats to
larger motor-sailers. On a mixed Turkey – Greece charter week, most groups look for the following:
- Enough deck shade for the middle of the day
- A comfortable swim platform for frequent stops in clear water
- Cabins that match the group size (a mix of doubles and twins is common)
Larger boats offer more deck space and often stronger air conditioning which is important if you are travelling in the height of summer. Smaller boats can feel more intimate and are sometimes easier to manoeuvre into tighter harbours.
The pure Greek fleet which is based in Kos, Rhodes or Athens, includes both traditional gulets and more contemporary designs, so you have a wider choice once you have decided whether to start in Turkey or Greece.
Cruising pace and route flexibility
As the islands are close together, daily trips during Greece island gulet charters are tend to be short. A typical day might include swimming in the morning, moving to the next island or bay, and spending the afternoon at anchor, rather than taking a long open-water passage. This makes it easy to change the plan once you are on board, such as spending an extra night in a quiet bay in Symi or exploring a smaller island like Pserimos instead of sailing further.
Meltemi winds can strengthen in July and August, particularly in more open areas. Captains generally plan the longer journeys for the morning, when the conditions are calmer. Routes that stay among the central Dodecanese islands tend to keep daily distances modest and options flexible.
Which boat suits your group?
Guletsailor’s range of options in Greece covers a variety of sizes and styles. You can choose from classic wooden gulets based in Kos or Rhodes, or larger boats operating from Athens or Corfu. If you would like to visit a couple of Greek islands as well as the Turkish coast, the team can check which boats are permitted to make the crossing and which weeks still have availability. Alternatively, you can choose to start and finish on the Greek side with a pure Greek week. The best option for you depends on your group size, preferred pace, and whether the Greek stops are the main focus or a highlight within a Turkish week.
Check out our Greece gulet charters page to find the best vessels for your dream holiday, or contact our team to find the perfect boat for your specific requirements and plans.
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