Greece and Turkey offer beautiful yacht charter destinations with many stunning islands, dramatic coastlines and a fascinating history which has influenced much of our modern world. For East Med yacht charters combine all that with dry summer weather, cloudless skies, sea the deepest shade of blue, natural and warm hospitality and an impressive fleet of fully crewed charter yachts.
Greece and the Greek Islands are one of the most popular summer yacht charter destinations in the world. Strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Western Asia and Africa, modern Greece traces its roots to the civilization of Ancient Greece, considered to be the cradle of Western civilisation. Greece is the birthplace of democracy, western philosophy, western literature, political science, major scientific and mathematical principles, western drama – including both tragedy and comedy and of course, the Olympic Games. The cultural and technological achievements of Greece greatly influenced the world with many aspects of Greek civilization being imparted to the East through Alexander the Great’s campaigns and to the West through its incorporation into the Roman Empire. From this rich legacy no fewer than 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites are located in the country. Not only is Greece fascinating to visit it is also beautiful and with it’s many island chains and long coastline it is a dream charter area.
Turkey – Where Europe meets Asia, Turkey has a wealth of history and intrigue and a luxury superyacht charter is a perfect way to explore the country’s amazing East Mediterranean coastline.
Along the south-western tip of Turkey’s coastline are spectacular pine-clad hillsides, sheltered bays and turquoise water, many pretty anchorages, beautiful clear water for swimming and watersports, fishing villages, ancient ruins and archeological sites including Lycian and Greek cities, sunken Roman harbours and crusader castles to explore. In fact there are ruins of ancient cities all along the coast with more being uncovered each year. You won’t find many sandy beaches along the western end of this stretch of coast. But it is beautiful and the water is crystal clear. Everyday a new cove, a new bay or an island to be enjoyed.
The area is well served by international airports and an ideal cruise would be downwind from Bodrum to Gocek for which you ideally need 10-14 days. This would give you time to visit the Datca and Bozburun peninsulars. If you have time, further east are Kas, Kalkan and Antalya. This route is a fabulous mix of wide-open spaces, historical sites, towns and fishing villages. A seven-day charter will more likely be based on the main centres taking you from Marmaris to Gocek in the Bay of Fethiye or Gocek to Kas. Or vice versa.
The Turkish “Gulet” is a traditionally designed Turkish motor-sailor. They have the heritage of the ancient boats that sailed across the Aegean and Mediterranean seas for thousands of years. Most modern Gulets provide a sophisticated level of holiday luxury with very comfortable interiors, private air-conditioned cabins and professional charter crews. Several of the luxury charter yachts which we see in the Caribbean and west Med will also operate along this coastline in summer months.
The summer season in the East Med extends from early May into late October, but the peak months are July and Augus. In May/June and September/October you’ll have great sailing conditions and lovely weather but at low-season rates.
Please contact us for further information on East Med yacht charters and vacations, specific destinations and recommended yachts.