Deciding between a Corfu gulet cruise and a Rhodes gulet cruise is really deciding between two very different sides of Greece.
One takes you through the lush, green Ionian Islands with their Venetian charm; the other threads through the sun-bleached harbours of the Dodecanese, closer to Turkey than mainland Greece.
Both are brilliant, and neither is "better." It depends on what you want from your week.
Here's everything you need to compare our Ionian Gulet Cruise (Corfu) and Rhodes Gulet Cruise side by side, so that you can pick the right one.
What Is a Greek Island Gulet Cruise?
A gulet is a traditional wooden Turkish/Greek sailing vessel that carries somewhere between 15 and 25 guests in private cabins.
Think of it as a cross between a small ship cruise and a private yacht charter. You get a fixed route with a crew handling everything, but with far fewer passengers, more flexibility, and access to bays and harbours a bigger ship could never reach.
At Diamond Star Experience , gulets are graded by comfort level, from Standard through Premium, Luxury, Deluxe, right up to Ultra Deluxe VIP.
Both our Corfu and Rhodes gulet cruises are in the Standard category; the cabins are air-conditioned, and we have en-suite bathrooms and an authentic gulet atmosphere, without the luxury price tag.
It's the ideal starting point if you've never sailed a gulet before and want to see what all the fuss is about.
The days are unhurried.
You’ll have a relaxed, family-run crew looking after you throughout the week, homemade cooking using fresh local ingredients, and days built around swimming and sunbathing, evenings in a different harbour town most nights, and short scenic sails rather than a packed excursion schedule.
Pack light too. A soft holdall rather than a hard suitcase is perfect, since storage is limited, and swimwear and bare feet are very much the onboard uniform.
Both our Corfu and Rhodes gulet cruises follow this same relaxed format; the difference is entirely in where they take you.
Corfu Gulet Cruise: Sailing the Ionian Islands
Itinerary Highlights
The Corfu Gulet Cruise departs every Saturday at 17:00 from Corfu's Old Port and spends the week weaving through the Ionian Islands, an "emerald chain" known for green hills, olive groves, and turquoise bays.
Day 1, Corfu: Embarkation
Your adventure begins Saturday at 17:00 from Corfu's Old Port, famous for its Greek tavernas, local markets, and antique shops.
If you arrive a little early, you'll have time to explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town before you set sail. If everyone's aboard by 17:00 and the weather's kind, we may head straight for our first stop, Plataria.
Day 2: Sivota-Mourtos
Just south of Corfu, these lush islands are a world away from Greece's typical rocky coastline. Think green hills, olive groves, and impossibly clear water. Swim in the famous Blue Lagoon, explore Papanikolis Cave, then wind down with a taverna evening in Marina village. Optional: Plataria olive oil tasting.
Day 3: Parga
One of the prettiest villages in the Ionian, Parga pairs a striking Venetian castle with a lively waterfront and postcard-worthy bays.
Explore the old town, go out on the water, or enjoy the view. Note: water taxis (at your own cost) may be needed to reach shore due to limited port space. Optional: Parga wine tasting.
Day 4: Antipaxos
A hidden gem. Spend the day at secluded bays like Voutoumi and Vrika to swim, snorkel, or walk the cliff paths. You can have a beachfront dinner under the stars (optional) .
Day 5, Paxos: Gaios
Home to some of the best olive oil in the world, Paxos rewards a slower pace. You can cycle through the countryside, sink into a quiet cove, or try fresh local seafood in a harbourside taverna. Optional: Paxos island bus tour.
Day 6: Lakka, Paxos
Lakka's sea caves and hidden coves make it a favourite for divers and snorkellers, with some of the clearest water in the Ionian. We anchor in a secluded cove nearby rather than the Lakka marina itself, so it is off the beaten path.
Day 7: Back to Corfu
We sail back into Corfu in the afternoon with time to explore both the Old and New Towns, including the Venetian fortress, the historic streets, and a bit of last-minute souvenir shopping, before a traditional Greek dinner marks your final night. Optional: Greek night experience in Corfu.
Life Onboard and What's Included
This is a simple-style standard gulet; it is comfortable, but we want you to know that it's not a luxury experience, and cabins are compact.
It runs on a Half Board basis (breakfast and lunch on board), with dinners taken each night ashore in a different town, so you get a proper taste of local tavernas along the way.
Cabins have air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms; a Cabin Upgrade (£120 per person) gets you extra space and comfort, and an Overnight A/C Upgrade (£140 per person) is available for those who want cooler nights.
Prices, Dates, and September Availability
From £1,368 per person (standard cabin, May/Oct pricing); Cabins: 9; Max capacity: 25 guests; 7 nights/8 days.
| Corfu Cruise (per person) | May, Oct | Jun, Sep | Jul, Aug |
|---|
| Standard Cabin | £1,368 | £1,598 | £1,698 |
| Upgrade Cabin | £1,484 | £1,798 | £1,898 |
2026 September departures: 5, 12, 19, 26 September, every Saturday.
There's also an exclusive Diamond Star-only departure on 12 September aboard the Hera Gulet, with a Special September Discount of up to £200 per person . Cabins are limited for this date and go on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s worth calling ahead if this is your window.
Check live September availability for the Corfu cruise →
Rhodes Gulet Cruise: Island-Hopping the Dodecanese
Itinerary Highlights
The Rhodes Gulet Cruise departs Saturdays from Rhodes Harbour and heads into the Dodecanese: a quieter, less-visited stretch of Greek islands closer to the Turkish coast.
Day 1, Rhodes Harbour: Embarkation
Boarding begins after 16:00 in Rhodes. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the most atmospheric in Greece; there are medieval streets, grand stone buildings, and squares full of cafés and antique markets.
After a welcome briefing, the evening's free to explore and dine ashore at one of the many traditional tavernas (at your own expense) . Overnight in Rhodes New Marina.
Day 2: Rhodes to Symi, via Nanou Bay
Mid-morning we cruise toward Symi, one of the Dodecanese's prettiest islands, stopping first at Nanou Bay for a swim in turquoise water. Lunch is served on board.
By late afternoon you're docking at Symi Port, a postcard-perfect harbour lined with pastel neoclassical houses. Explore the village and dine on the waterfront in the evening. Overnight in Symi.
Day 3: Symi to Panormitis, via St George Bay
After breakfast we head to St George Bay (or a nearby alternative depending on the weather) for a swim and lunch at anchor.
In the afternoon we sail to Panormitis, which is home to the Monastery of the Archangel Michael (an early 18th-century pilgrimage site still inhabited by monks) and a lovely spot for quiet reflection. If sea conditions don't allow it, we anchor at Pedi Bay instead.
Dinner ashore at your leisure. Overnight in Panormitis or Pedi.
Day 4: Symi to Tilos, via Akrogiali Bay
Onward to peaceful Tilos; Tilos is all rocky mountains, hidden beaches, and dramatic coastline. We anchor at Akrogiali Bay for a swim followed by lunch on board, and then reach Tilos harbour by late afternoon.
You can wander the small town or head up to the abandoned hilltop village of Mikro Chorio by taxi or bus. Dinner ashore. Overnight in Tilos.
Day 5: Tilos to Chalki, via Trakhia Bay
A relaxed sail (timing depends on the sea) to Chalki, which is a tiny, tranquil island northwest of Rhodes. Swim and lunch at Trakhia Bay, then arrive at Nimporio (Chalki's only village) by late afternoon; its café-lined promenade is perfect for fresh seafood and a slow evening. Overnight in Chalki.
Day 6: Chalki to Kalithea, via Anthony Quinn Bay
An early departure back toward Rhodes, with breakfast served en route or on arrival at Anthony Quinn Bay (named for the actor who filmed The Guns of Navarone here), and a beautiful spot for a swim. From there it's on to Kalithea, known for its coves and historic thermal springs. Lunch on board, dinner ashore. Overnight in Kalithea.
Day 7: Back to Rhodes
After breakfast, we cruise back into Rhodes New Marina, arriving mid-morning, leaving you the day free to dig deeper into Rhodes Old Town, which is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns.
In the evening, join fellow guests for an optional farewell dinner ashore before your final night on board.
Day 8: Departure Day
A final breakfast on board before disembarking at 09:00 in Rhodes, marking the end of a week exploring the Dodecanese and hopefully the start of a reason to come back.
Life Onboard and What's Included
The Rhodes Gulet Cruise is also a standard A/C traditional wooden gulet on a Half Board basis (breakfast and lunch included, dinners ashore at your own expense). This cruise carries a full professional crew, including a Captain, Engineer, Steward and Chef, and includes 7 en-suite cabins (2 triple, 5 double).
Extras like snorkelling equipment, a welcome lunch, and a Captain's dinner are included; port fees (€150 per person, mandatory) and drinks are additional.
Prices, Dates, and September Availability
From £1,298 per person with the current September discount (standard price was £1,698 per person); cabins: 7; 7 nights/8 days.
| Rhodes Cruise per person | May, Oct | Jun, Sep | Jul, Aug |
|---|
| Standard Cabin | £1,498 | £1,698 | £1,798 |
| Upgrade Cabin | £1,618 | £1,818 | £1,918 |
September Late Availability: Save £400 per person, from just £1,298 per person.
2026 September departure dates: 5, 12 & 19 September, limited cabins remaining.
Enquire about Rhodes September dates →
Corfu vs Rhodes: Which Greek Island Gulet Cruise Suits You?
| Corfu (Ionian) | Rhodes (Dodecanese) |
|---|
| Scenery | Green hills, olive groves, and Venetian towns | Rocky coastlines, whitewashed villages, and ancient monasteries |
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| Vibe | Lush, mellow, and slightly off the tourist trail | Historic, sun-baked, and more remote islands |
|---|
| Cabins | 9 (max 25 guests) | 7 (max ~17 guests); a more intimate group |
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| From (per person) | £1,368 | £1,298 (September offer) |
|---|
| September discount | Up to £200 per person, exclusive 12 September departure | Up to £400 per person, dates: 5, 12, and 19 September |
|---|
| Best for | First-timers wanting Venetian charm and easy island-hopping | Travellers wanting quieter islands, monasteries, and a smaller group |
|---|
Honestly, you won't go wrong either way. Both are Half Board standard gulets with the same relaxed island-hopping format.
If you're drawn to greener landscapes and want the option of an exclusive Diamond Star departure, Corfu is the one.
If you'd rather explore less-crowded islands in a smaller group and the bigger September saving matters, Rhodes is the one to call about first.
How to Book Your Greek Island Gulet Cruise
Both cruises are cabin charters, meaning you book by the cabin rather than the whole boat, making it ideal for couples or small groups who don't need to fill an entire gulet.
Every package includes return flights, private transfers, and full ATOL protection, so your money is safe from the moment you book.
Because September dates are moving fast on both routes, the best next step is a quick call rather than waiting to book online. Akin and the team can check live cabin availability on the Corfu cruise or Rhodes cruise while you're on the phone.
Ready to Set Sail?
Whichever coastline calls to you, September's discounted dates won't last.
Corfu's exclusive 12 September departure and Rhodes' £400 per-person saving are both first come, first served.
Call 0330 390 0999 to check live availability for either cruise; Akin and the team have sailed both routes themselves.
Gulet Cruise FAQs
What is a gulet cruise?
A gulet is a traditional wooden Turkish motor yacht, built for slow, scenic sailing around the Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines, with spacious sundecks and en-suite cabins.
What is included in a gulet cruise holiday?
It depends on the vessel and package. Gulet holidays may include return flights, airport transfers, accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner, crew service and use of onboard equipment. Drinks, port taxes, optional excursions, and extended air conditioning may cost extra. Some cruises operate on a full-board basis, while others include breakfast and lunch only. The individual cruise page will show the exact inclusions and additional charges.
Which destinations can I visit on a gulet cruise?
Diamond Star Experience offers gulet cruises in Turkey, the Greek Islands, Croatia, and Montenegro. Routes may include Fethiye, Gocek, Corfu, Paxos, Rhodes, Symi, and other destinations across the Aegean, Ionian, and Adriatic coasts. The itinerary depends on the departure and weather and sea conditions. You can view the current featured gulet cruises .
Is Wi-Fi available on board a gulet cruise?
Most gulets offer complimentary cellular Wi-Fi, though coverage can drop off once you're away from the coast or between islands.
What should I pack for a gulet cruise?
Keep it light and casual. You should pack swimwear and comfortable clothing. A soft holdall works better than a hard suitcase, since storage on board is limited. Bed linen and bath towels are provided, but bring your own swimming or beach towel.
Are meals included on a gulet cruise?
Yes, though the exact board basis depends on the cruise. Some are Half Board (breakfast and lunch on board, dinners ashore), while others are Full Board. Meals are freshly cooked using local ingredients, often by a family crew.
Are drinks included on a gulet cruise?
No. Drinks are paid for on board, usually in cash, separate from your holiday price.
Is the itinerary fixed on a gulet cruise?
The overall route is planned, but the order and timing of stops can shift depending on weather and sea conditions. The captain always has final say, prioritising guest safety and comfort.
How do I choose the right gulet cruise?
Consider the destination, itinerary, board basis, vessel category, cabin type, and amount of time you want to spend ashore. A full-board cruise may suit you if you prefer most meals included, while a half-board itinerary gives you more opportunities to dine locally. You can also combine a gulet cruise with a hotel stay as part of a gulet-and-stay holiday. For advice, request a holiday quotation .
