Sailing from Turkey to Greece by Chartering

Sailing from Turkey to Greece by Yacht: Complete 2026 Guide

The Aegean sits between Turkey and Greece, and some of the most rewarding sailing in the Mediterranean happens in these waters. The crossings are short, the islands are exceptional, and the contrast between Turkish and Greek culture within a single charter week is unlike anywhere else. This guide covers everything you need to know; distances, timing, paperwork and route options, before you set sail.

How Far Is Turkey from Greece by Boat?

The distance from Turkey to Greece by sea depends entirely on where you depart from. The Turkish coast and the Greek Dodecanese islands sit remarkably close together, some crossings take less than two hours. Others require a full day at sea. The table below covers the most popular yacht charter crossing points.

Crossing distances and sailing times

Sailing times assume calm to moderate sea conditions and average gulet or motor yacht speeds of 8-10 knots. Add 30-60 minutes for customs clearance at both ports.

The Bodrum to Kos crossing is the most popular on a Turkey – Greece yacht charter. It is short enough to complete before lunch, leaving the rest of the day for exploring Kos Town or anchoring in one of the island’s quieter bays. Families with children particularly appreciate this, the crossing is over before anyone gets restless.

The Datça to Symi crossing is a favourite for guests who want something less visited. Symi harbour is one of the most photographed in the Aegean, with its neoclassical mansions climbing the hillside above the port. The island sees far fewer charter boats than Kos or Rhodes.

The Fethiye to Rhodes crossing is the longest practical one-day passage on this coast. Rhodes rewards the effort, the medieval walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most compelling ports in the eastern Mediterranean.

Best Time to Sail from Turkey to Greece

The Aegean has a defined sailing season, and timing your crossing makes a significant difference, not just for comfort, but for the quality of the experience on both sides of the border.

May and June: The best months for sailing from Turkey to Greece. Winds are light to moderate, seas are calm, and the Greek islands have not yet reached peak season crowds. Port police queues at entry points are shorter, meaning customs clearance moves faster. Daytime temperatures sit comfortably in the mid-20s°C. If you have flexibility on dates, early June is the single best window for this crossing.

July and August: High season brings the Meltemi, a strong northerly wind that dominates the Aegean from mid-July through August. On gulets and motor yachts, the Meltemi is manageable but can make some crossings uncomfortable, particularly the longer passages such as Fethiye to Rhodes. Your captain will monitor forecasts and may delay a crossing by a day if conditions are unfavourable, this is standard practice. The Bodrum to Kos crossing, sheltered by the peninsula, remains the safest choice if you are sailing in this period.

September: Genuinely excellent. Sea temperatures stay warm at 24–26°C, the Meltemi eases considerably, and Greek island ports are noticeably quieter than in August. Many guests who have completed this route in both July and September specifically request September on rebooking.

October: Still viable for the shorter crossings. Weather windows become less predictable and some smaller Greek island ports reduce services from mid-October. The upside: complete privacy, lower charter rates, and a quieter, more local atmosphere on the islands.

Motor Sailor Son of Wind

Documents and Formalities for Sailing from Turkey to Greece

Crossing from Turkey into Greek waters means crossing an international border, Turkey is not part of the Schengen Area, and Greece is. The paperwork is straightforward when handled correctly, but there are rules worth knowing before you depart.

Transit Log (Turkey)

Any yacht wishing to visit more than one Turkish port must carry a Transit Log, officially called the Yacht Registration Certificate. This document is issued by the Turkish port police at your departure point and tracks the vessel’s route, crew list, and legal entry and exit from Turkish waters. The cost is approximately €150, depending on the registered gross tonnage of the vessel. For charter guests, this fee is typically included in your charter package or covered through the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA). Your charter company handles the application. Further detail on Turkish transit log requirements is available via the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Passports and Visas

Greece is part of the Schengen Area. The following rules apply:

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals, may enter Greece with a valid passport or national ID card. Carrying a passport is recommended for sea border crossings.

UK, US, Canadian, Australian and most other nationals, visa-free entry to Greece for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport must have been issued within the previous 10 years and remain valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. Port police enforce passport validity rules strictly at sea borders. Current Schengen entry requirements are published by Your Europe (EU).

Schengen 90-day rule, time spent in Turkey does not count against your 90-day Schengen allowance. If you are approaching your limit, a period in Turkish waters pauses the clock.

Nationals requiring a Schengen visa – this must be arranged before the charter departs. A Schengen visa cannot be obtained at a Greek island port of entry.

Entering Greece: Port of Entry

All yachts crossing from Turkey must clear customs, immigration and port police at a designated Greek Port of Entry. You cannot anchor or go ashore before completing entry formalities. The Q (Quarantine) flag must be flown from the moment you enter Greek waters until clearance is complete. Allow 2-4 hours at busy ports in peak season. Main ports of entry near the Turkish coast: Kos, Rhodes, Symi, Kalymnos, Nisyros.

TEPAI – Greek Cruising Tax

Greece applies a cruising tax (TEPAI) to vessels in Greek waters. For charter guests on a commercial vessel, this is handled by the charter company and included in the overall cost, no action required on the guest’s part. Current guidance is published by Noonsite Greece.

Returning to Turkey

On re-entry to Turkey, your Transit Log is surrendered at the Turkish port police and passports are stamped. Allow 1-2 hours at a busy port. Using a licensed port agent, which your charter company will already have arranged, significantly speeds up the process on both sides of the border.

Choosing the Right Yacht

The type of yacht you charter shapes the entire experience, not just comfort on board, but which crossings are practical and what the week actually feels like.

Sailboats: Available in various sizes and designs, sailboats are perfect for those who enjoy the traditional sailing experience and want the thrill of harnessing the wind across open water. Both seasoned sailors and first-timers can enjoy navigating the coastal landscapes of Turkey and Greece aboard a classic sailing yacht.

Gulets: The traditional choice for Turkey – Greece itineraries. A gulet is a wooden motor sailer, typically 20 to 35 metres with wide beam, generous deck space and comfortable cabins. Gulets are stable in moderate seas and well-suited to the shorter Aegean crossings. They are not fast, average speed is 8-9 knots, meaning longer passages like Fethiye to Rhodes require an early departure. Where gulets excel is in the experience on board: full crew, a cook preparing fresh meals, and a deck designed for spending long hours at sea in comfort. For families and groups of 6 to 12 guests, a gulet charter from Bodrum to the Dodecanese is the natural choice.

Motor Yachts: The right choice when covering distance matters. A motor yacht at 14 – 18 knots can reach Rhodes from Marmaris in under two hours, opening up itineraries that a gulet cannot practically achieve in a week. For guests who want to visit multiple Greek islands or who prefer speed and contemporary interiors, a motor yacht is the stronger option.

Catamarans: Spacious, stable and ideal for families or larger groups. A catamaran charter offers more living space than a monohull of equivalent length, shallower draft for access to quieter anchorages, and exceptional comfort on the crossing, particularly for guests concerned about seasickness. The Bodrum to Kos crossing on a catamaran is as comfortable as Aegean sailing gets.