With its exceptional weather, historic cultures and refined cuisines, the Mediterranean region is popular with travellers of all kinds. In fact, it’s the most visited European region by some distance, and it’s also one of the world’s top sailing destinations, offering bountiful coastlines, crystal clear waters and bustling port towns to explore.
Whether navigating by yourself or relaxing on a deck while a crew takes care of the hard work, there’s arguably no better way to see the array of beautiful destinations than by water. You’ll need to decide on your mode of transport of course, be it browsing yachts for sale or co-ordinating luxury charters, but just as exciting is choosing where you’ll set sail for first.
Read on to discover six places to add to your itinerary in time for the summer season.
The French Riviera
The south of France has been synonymous with yachting, sun and glamour for decades, and its beauty certainly isn’t fading. From the swanky beach clubs of St Tropez to the high-rolling elegance of Monaco, Cannes and Nice, you’re spoilt for choice both at sea and on land.
You won’t be short of high-profile events to attend either, including the Monaco Grand Prix and the Cannes Film Festival, while the destinations are brimming with beautiful beaches, plenty of places for history and art lovers to visit and renowned restaurants serving up delectable cuisine.
The Balearic Islands
Spain’s Balearic Islands are also deservedly popular with sailors and sunseekers and the four main islands of Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca offer diverse experiences, from pumping nightclubs to secret coves, breath-taking mountaintops and spreads of fresh seafood.
You can easily experience the best of both worlds in one trip, splitting your time between serene anchorages in the day and inland hot spots at night. From water sports to boutique shopping and so much more in between, you’ll never be bored of ways to spend your time in and around these beautiful islands.
Croatia
Croatia has emerged as one of the best sailing countries in the Med thanks, in large part, to its extensive 1,200 islands, allowing you to hop from one to the other with ease. The historic coastal cities of Dubrovnik and Split and the glitzy island of Hvar tend to attract the most visitors, and for good reason too, but its many other islands are perfect for secluded adventures.
Montenegro
The Bay of Kotor in neighbouring Montenegro is similarly impressive, in fact, this minute country’s coastline spreads just 300km, so can be sailed in a short time, and it’s great for beginners, too. Beautiful beaches, romantic towns and fascinating cities, stunning landscapes, tiny islands, UNESCO World Heritage national parks – you won’t regret sailing to Montenegro.
The Amalfi Coast
Authorities in the beautiful Amalfi Coast introduced road traffic restrictions last summer to limit overcrowding, but you won’t need to worry about that on the water as you float between the famously stunning hillside towns of Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi. The Amalfi coast is a jewel of the Mediterranean, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
A little further out to sea sits the small isle of Ischia and its hot springs, with the cosmopolitan Capri nearby, too. You’re spoilt for choice, so why not do it all?
Sicily
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean boasting stunning black sand beaches, charming villages and towering volcanoes that are best explored by yacht.
The lively capital city and ancient port of Palermo is the place to go for local delicacies, while the seven stunning Aeolian Islands offer more relaxed attractions. Think sandy coastlines, quaint fishing villages and even volcanic mud baths.
Where will you be sailing to from this pick of Mediterranean hot spots this summer?
