The Turkish Riviera has a way of capturing your heart effortlessly. With its rugged coastline dotted with ancient Lycian ruins, warm Mediterranean sun, gentle sea breeze, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it looks like a painting. Sailing with SailnStay on a gulet is by far the best way to explore its beauty. It takes you to unspoiled locations that are often off the beaten path, concealed from mass tourism.
- Top reasons to go on a gulet cruise with SailnStay
- My personal experience on a Sailnstay gulet cruise
- Onboard Comfort and Amenities
- Top destinations I visited on my Sailnstay gulet cruise
- Top experiences on a Sailnstay gulet cruise
- Tips to make the most of your Sailnstay gulet cruise
- Booking your holiday with SailnStay
Top reasons to go on a gulet cruise with SailnStay
Sailing the Turkish coastline with SailnStay aboard a gulet, a traditional Turkish wooden boat, is one of the best ways to explore hidden bays, secluded beaches, and charming coastal villages, accessible only by sea.
Gliding from one quiet cove to another, anchoring close to peaceful shorelines, and waking up in your cabin or on deck to the gentle sound of waves is something we often can only dream of when caught up in the hustle and bustle.
But it’s more than just an escape-from-it-all holiday. Sailnstay gulet cruises offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities and water sports. You’re not just visiting the coast; you’re living it.
Imagine having breakfast with a view of a tranquil island where free-roaming goats are the only inhabitants, taking early morning dives with Mediterranean reef fish or sea turtles, snorkelling whenever you feel like it, and sharing memories over dinners under the stars.
Oh, and let’s not forget about eating Magnum Double Raspberry ice creams from floating shops – yikes!
No schedules, no alarms, no emails – just pure freedom, salty hair, and total relaxation (looking at you, office life!).
My personal experience on a Sailnstay gulet cruise
I had the pleasure of partnering with Sailnstay this year to share my experience on a gulet cruise. As always, all opinions are my own.
In late June, I spent seven nights on a Fethiye-Kekova-Fethiye relaxation cruise, and I genuinely enjoyed every moment of it.
Each day brought something new, whether swimming in crystal-clear bays, exploring hidden coves by kayak, or heading offshore for a tandem paraglide from Mount Baba Dag.
While I kept myself active, it was also the first time in years that I had the chance to sleep in, relax on a sunbed as long as I wanted, and get a flawless golden tan.
The Crew
Our captain, Remzi, and his family ran the boat, and we felt as if we were being welcomed into their home rather than a charter. They were friendly, attentive, and always ready to help with a smile.
Turkish hospitality has a big reputation, and I can honestly say they embodied it in every way. I even got a little teary saying goodbye to everyone at the end.
The crew shared a lot about Turkish culture, were flexible to adjust the itinerary whenever we asked for it, and helped arrange optional activities. The captain even agreed to take me ashore by boat a few times so I could take the photos I wanted.
Food
One of the best things about a gulet cruise is that all your meals are taken care of. If that’s not luxury, then what is? For once you don’t have to think about cooking for an entire week and can just relax.
Emine, the captain’s wife, prepared fresh, traditional Turkish meals for us every day.
We were treated to a variety of delicious Turkish specialities, but what I miss most is the freshly grilled fish and ‘kahvaltı’—a typical Turkish breakfast with bite-sized delights like eggs, fresh cheeses, bread, butter, olives, and fruit preserves. Honestly, how could I ever go back to my usual porridge for breakfast after that?
Besides the three main meals, we enjoyed an afternoon coffee break with a sweet treat (happy calories don’t count!). Emine’s banana chocolate cake was my absolute favourite!
Emine also showed me the traditional way to brew Turkish tea using a double teapot. I’ve been a fan of Turkish tea for years. I love its deep, rich flavour and the way it is usually served in pretty tulip-shaped glasses. After this trip, I promised myself I’d buy a Turkish tea maker as soon as I got back to London.
Onboard Comfort and Amenities
Cabin
The cabins on the gulet were fairly small but cosy, each with a private bathroom and an enclosed shower.
If you’re travelling solo, you might need to share your cabin with one or more other travellers. On my cruise, the boat wasn’t full, so I had a cabin to myself. If you want to guarantee a private room, you can usually upgrade, depending on availability. Couples always get their own cabin.
Since I travelled in late June, the nights were already pretty warm. The captain ran the AC for a few hours in the evening, but it couldn’t stay on all night. Gulets use generators for AC, and these are turned off overnight both to keep noise down for nearby boats and to conserve fuel.
I slept fine nonetheless, but some guests preferred sleeping out on deck, which was actually part of the experience. No one complained – it’s an adventure, after all!
My cabin had power sockets, but they only worked when the engine or generator was running. So, I charged my power bank during the day in the salon and never had to worry about my phone running low on battery. But if you’re looking to unplug, there’s no better place to take a break from the grid (lol)!
Bar
You can’t bring your own drinks onboard, but there’s a bar where you can buy both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on tap at reasonable prices. You settle the bill at the end of the cruise.
Wine was our guilty pleasure, and we’d treat ourselves to a glass while sharing stories on the deck under the starry sky.
Sun Deck
The sun deck was spacious and had comfy sun loungers, plus a seating area with a table.
We enjoyed our meals outside at a large, family-style table at the other end of the gulet and barely used the indoor lounge.
With the sea just steps away, we spent most of our time swimming or just sunbathing and relaxing on deck. There was a ladder that made getting in and out of the water a breeze and an outdoor shower to rinse off the salt after a swim.
Fellow travellers
Who you end up sharing a gulet with can sometimes feel like a bit of a gamble. In my case, I definitely hit the jackpot. I sailed with a wonderful bunch of people of different ages and nationalities, and they were all a pleasure to cruise with. After all, how can you not get along with people who share the same passion for travel and adventure?
We shared plenty of stories and enjoyed several excursions together onshore. All activities were optional, so everyone could choose what suited them best.
Top destinations I visited on my Sailnstay gulet cruise
Sailnstay gulet cruises glide past breathtaking landscapes and secluded bays, with plenty of chances to visit charming seaside villages and towns, ancient ruins, and other coastal attractions. Here are some of the most popular spots we explored along the way:
Kas
Kas is a charming, laid-back town known for its stunning coastline, excellent diving spots, and quaint streets dotted with quirky cafes, local shops, and restaurants offering beautiful sea views.
I took a stroll around Kas with some fellow travellers, spent a couple of hours sipping lemonade at a seaside cafe, and made sure to pet every dog and stray cat I came across in the pretty alleyways. I couldn’t resist trying some of the trendy-flavoured ice creams too.
St Nicholas Island
St. Nicholas Island is famous for being the supposed resting place of St. Nicholas, the man who inspired the story of Santa Claus.
The island is home to the ruins of five churches and around forty other religious buildings, dating from the fourth to the sixth century. But it’s not just about history, the scenery there is absolutely stunning.
We took a boat over to the island and ended the day watching the sunset from a beautiful vantage spot. The view was mesmerising.
Kekova Island and the Sunken City
Kekova Island is a rocky spot famous for its underwater ruins—the remains of the ancient town of Simena, also known as the Sunken City.
Much of the town was swallowed by an earthquake in the 2nd century, leaving streets, staircases, and buildings visible beneath the clear water. We sailed along the coast, taking in the rare sight of these fascinating ruins.
Kalekoy
Kalekoy is a peaceful little seaside village just across from Kekova Island. It’s only accessible by boat, and with no cars around, it’s very serene. The main attraction here is the ancient ruins of Simena Castle.
We spent about an hour exploring the village, which was just enough time to hike up the hill, wander through the castle ruins and a nearby necropolis, and soak in the panoramic views. I’ll let the photos do the talking.
Kalekoy’s cobbled streets are lined with charming cafes decorated in a quirky, eclectic style. Along the way, vendors tempt you with fresh pomegranate juice, souvenirs, and small gifts featuring traditional Turkish designs. I must admit – it’s hard to leave empty-handed.
Demre
Demre is a town rich in archaeological and historical significance. It’s best known for St. Nicholas Church and the ancient city of Myra.
Myra boasts a well-preserved amphitheatre and stunning rock-cut tombs carved high into the cliffs.
I visited Myra and found the ancient ruins quite fascinating – definitely worth a stop on any itinerary.
While in Demre, I treated myself to dondurma, the famous Turkish ice cream. It’s thicker and chewier than regular ice cream, thanks to ingredients like salep (made from orchid roots) and mastic, a natural resin. The vendor even entertained me with one of the classic ‘dondurma tricks,’ which was great fun to watch.
Fethiye
Fethiye is a vibrant port city, famous for its lively harbour, markets, ancient Lycian rock tombs, and the nearby Blue Lagoon.
I stayed there for a day both before and after my cruise. One of my favourite spots was Sea Me Beach in Büyük Boncuklu Bay. It’s considered one of the most beautiful private bays in Fethiye. The beach is stylishly designed and even has an adults-only section with comfy loungers and delicious food you can order right from your sunbed.
I also recommend the more casual Çalış Beach, a free alternative to the exclusive Sea Me Beach.
Top experiences on a Sailnstay gulet cruise
One of the best things about SailnStay gulet cruises is that there’s always something to do. It’s the perfect mix of chill time and adventure.
You can try out water sports like kayaking, snorkelling, paddleboarding, swimming or diving.
If you’re looking for a bit more excitement, you can go paragliding from Mount Baba Dag in Ölüdeniz, which offers some of the best views in Turkey.
During my trip, we also visited Smugglers Inn—a fun pirate-themed bar accessible only by boat.
All the activities are optional, so if you’d rather spend your time reading a book or playing cards on the gulet’s deck, that’s totally fine too.
Tips to make the most of your Sailnstay gulet cruise
Best time to go
It really depends on what you’re after, but if you want to avoid the scorching summer heat, the best time to cruise is during the shoulder seasons—like May or September.
What to take with you on a gulet cruise
Sunscreen: The sun gets really intense, especially during the peak summer months, so don’t forget to pack a good, high-SPF sunscreen.
Mosquito repellent: Trust me…
Seasickness tablets: If you’re prone to seasickness like me, these are lifesavers. I had some stomach troubles only on the first day because of rough waves but quickly got used to the boat.
Beach towels: Bring your own beach towels, as the boat doesn’t provide them for use on deck.
Swimsuit: I guess this one is obvious; make sure to pack at least one—you’ll be swimming and enjoying the water a lot!
Water sports equipment: No need to bring your own unless that’s what you prefer; the boat provides all the gear you’ll need for kayaking, snorkelling, and more.
How to get to port in Fethiye
Most cruises depart from the port in Fethiye, which is served by two main airports: Dalaman and Antalya.
Dalaman Airport is the closer option, with a transfer time to Fethiye of about 45 minutes by car. Antalya Airport is farther away, and the transfer to Fethiye usually takes about 3 hours.
I flew from London to Dalaman and booked a taxi in advance to get to Fethiye. Alternatively, both airports offer shuttle buses and car rental options.
Where to stay in Fethiye before and after your cruise
If you’re spending a night in Fethiye before or after your cruise, I’d recommend Perle House. It’s only a 10-minute walk from the town centre, so getting around is really easy.
The hotel has six nicely decorated rooms with great sea views and spacious balconies. The owners are really friendly, and their dog totally won me over from day one.
Also, the traditional Turkish breakfast they serve is absolutely delicious and offers a wide range of options.
Booking your holiday with SailnStay
SailnStay offers both shared and private gulet cruises along the Turkish Mediterranean coast, ideal for travellers looking for an adventurous holiday.
Cruises usually range from 3 to 7 nights, with options designed for different age groups and routes. You can check out all available options and book your cruise here.
I hope you found this information helpful as you plan your own adventure in the Turkish Riviera. If you’ve been on a gulet cruise before, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Please share your stories, tips, or questions in the comments below. Happy sailing and safe travels!
