Why Travelling Croatia by Gulet Is So Unique

Gulets are traditional wooden boats that have long been part of life on the Mediterranean coast; especially in Turkey, where they were originally used for fishing and trade. Over time, these vessels evolved into handcrafted motor-sailing yachts designed for comfort at sea. Today, they’re most commonly found along the coasts of Turkey and Croatia, where they’ve become a favourite for slow travel by sea.

While Croatia is known for all kinds of sailing experiences, from sporty catamarans to sleek private yachts, gulets offer something a little different. They’re spacious, relaxed, and intentionally designed for group travel, with a full crew onboard to handle everything from cooking to navigation.

At Anchor Croatia, we’ve helped dozens of groups choose the right boat for their trip. And for those who want a week that feels more authentic, traditional and luxurious, these boats are for you. 

Ultimate Comfort 

Most gulets in Croatia range from 20 to 40 metres long and are crewed by a team that includes a captain, chef, deckhands, and sometimes a hostess or guide.

Unlike smaller sailing yachts, gulets are all about space. You don’t have to squeeze past anyone in a narrow galley or climb over each other to get a towel from your cabin.

Comfort Highlights:

• outfitted with ensuite cabins
• large decks with room to sunbathe, read, or stretch out for a nap
• meals served on a shaded aft deck, often at the heart of the boat
• handcrafted with wood, making it feel like old money luxury

The Food is Half the Experience

The approach to food on gulets is different from what you’ll find on most modern yachts. Instead of high-concept tasting menus or dishes you could get at a fine dining restaurant anywhere in the world, meals on gulets tend to be generous, home-style, and deeply rooted in local traditions.

Chefs cook with seasonal ingredients, often locally sourced, and serve up everything from grilled fish and slow-cooked meats to fresh salads, local cheeses, and fresh bread. It’s the kind of food that brings people together around a big wooden table. 

A Different Kind of Itinerary

Sailing on a gulet isn’t about rushing from one hotspot to the next. It’s about finding rhythm. Waking up in a quiet bay, taking a morning swim before coffee, and setting sail once the wind picks up.

You’ll visit historic harbour towns and wild, remote coves. You might dock somewhere that’s only accessible by boat. You might change course because someone had a gelato craving. 

It’s flexible, personal, and often tailored to your group’s interests—whether you want to hike, snorkel, sip wine, or just float for hours. This is slow travel, not speed island hopping. 

So… why choose a gulet?

If you’re looking for a week of rest, connection, and full-body exhale, a gulet has a way of giving you all three.

It’s not flashy, and that’s the point. It’s the feeling it gives you. The warmth of the crew, the pace of the sea, the simple comfort of being barefoot for seven days straight.

If you’re travelling with your family or group of friends of 8-12 members, this is an ideal option for you. Email sail@anchorcroatia.com to inquire about open dates.