What is a Gulet

A gulet is a traditional wooden yacht, originally built in Turkey for fishing and transport along the Aegean coast. Today, gulets are popular charter yachts, offering a mix of handcrafted elegance and modern comfort in Turkey, Croatia, Greece and many other countries.

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The history of the gulet dates back centuries to the coastal towns of southwestern Turkey, particularly Bodrum and Marmaris, where wooden boatbuilding became a way of life. Originally used by fishermen, sponge divers, and merchants transporting goods between coastal villages and islands, these sturdy wooden vessels were built entirely by hand using techniques passed down through generations.

As tourism flourished, gulets gradually evolved from hardworking boats into elegant charter yachts. While they now feature modern comforts such as air-conditioned cabins, en-suite bathrooms, spacious sun decks, and water toys, their authentic wooden craftsmanship and timeless design remain unchanged. Many gulets still carry their traditional sails, although today they are primarily powered by modern engines, combining heritage with reliability and comfort.

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A gulet holiday is also one of the most authentic ways to experience the Mediterranean. You smell the natural wood, hear the gentle creak of the timber as the yacht moves with the waves, and feel a connection to centuries of maritime tradition. Every gulet has its own character, shaped by the craftsmen who built it and the sea it cruises.

Whether you charter an entire yacht with family and friends or book a cabin on a boutique cruise, travelling by gulet is about more than reaching a destination. It is about embracing a slower pace of life, surrounded by nature, history, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality.

A gulet is more than a yacht. It is a handcrafted piece of maritime heritage that continues to bring people closer to the sea.