Europe’s Best Yachting Destinations

 

Chartering a private yacht is one of the best ways to make sure your vacation is breezy, intimate and unforgettable. Exploring by yacht gives you the flexibility to meet your group’s particular needs, as well as the freedom to reach those out-of-the-way, off-the-beaten-path gems that other travelers miss.

 

Daydreaming about cruising the Mediterranean islands is fun, but the more you look into it, the more it’s hard to decide just where to go. Let us help you take care of the guesswork! This overview of the best yachting destinations in the Mediterranean and southern Europe will help you understand what differentiates each region and consider which sailing area and which type of yacht is best for your family and friends.

 

 

 

Croatian Islands

 

The Croatian Islands, lying alongside the coast of Dalmatia, are quickly and easily reached by yacht and provide wonderful historic towns and pristine nature to explore, away from the more crowded summer hotspots of Split and Dubrovnik.

 

Although this sailing paradise is no longer a secret, with over 1,000 islands to explore, you can still find many wild, uninhabited and isolated areas. If you come in springtime, the water can still be warm enough to swim, and you are sure to find some private little inlets to call your own.

 

Some of the must-see isles include: the island of Hvar, said to be the country’s sunniest spot, with gorgeous medieval architecture and a swanky party crowd; the Kornati archipelago with its untouched beaches; the olive groves, vineyards and charming old town of Korcula Island; the lush scenic oasis of Mljet; the unspoiled beaches and small town of Vis (more popular since the Mamma Mia! sequel was filmed here in 2018); and the hermitage monasteries and “Golden Cape” of Brac Island.

 

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You could sail up north to the peninsula of Istria for exceptional wine, cuisine and culture. Take a day trip inland to the hilltop town of Rovinj if you like narrow lanes lined with chic art galleries, bars and boutiques. Or, you could end your itinerary to the south in Montenegro’s beautiful Bay of Kotor – the medieval walled town of Kotor is a well-preserved gem but its stunning natural setting is the greatest feature.

 

If you have more time, you could combine Croatia’s Adriatic Coast with the northern Adriatic, including the Italian cities of Venice and Trieste. With that being said, don’t underestimate the wealth of sights and activities the Croatian Islands have to offer all on their own!

 

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Greek Isles

 

Greece is one of the world’s best places to charter a yacht, and with about 6,000 islands and islets to explore, you can keep coming back year after year for new experiences. Discovering the Greek isles with a private yacht allows you to find more unspoiled Mediterranean landscapes and far-flung archaeological sites on different islands – and with no plane or ferry schedules to worry about, it’ll be a breeze to travel from one to the other! Besides the popular Cycladic divas (Santorini and Mykonos), there are boundless island locales where you can savor the traditional Greek lifestyle, along with exceptional fresh cuisine, ancient history and raw natural beauty.

 

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If you are in the Cycladic islands, a good alternative to Santorini is the volcanic island of Milos – it offers a mix of otherworldly beaches, thermal springs and historical and architectural sights. You can also escape to Folegandros, an island with an authentic character and rugged natural appeal. The two islets collectively known as Koufonissia are another hidden gem. Ano Koufonissia is a quiet retreat with the characteristic whitewashed Cycladic houses and a lively fishing community. Amorgos, the picture of wild and mountainous Greece, is a great island for hikers. Perhaps the most different of all the Cyclades is Andros, with a rich landscape, largely undiscovered beaches, and an excellent contemporary art museum.

 

The Sporades island group has remained largely under the radar, although you may have seen Skiathos and Skopelos in the 2008 Hollywood production of Mamma Mia!. If you’re looking for a bit of seclusion during your summer yacht charter, you might try the lovely, sleepy island of Skyros. To the far west, among the Ionian Islands, yachters will find lovely anchorages on Meganisi island and the beach of Voutoumi on Antipaxos.

 

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There are really too many great Greek islands to mention, but one thing we also love to remind people about is the amazingly rich yachting itinerary you can create when you combine Greece with Türkiye’s captivating historical coastline. Just keep reading!

 

 

Turkish Turquoise Coasts

 

The Turkish coasts boast some of the world’s best sailing opportunities. With over 5,000 miles of coastline, Türkiye has no shortage of coves, inlets, bays, beaches and marinas, but what makes this a true yachting paradise are azure blue waters and steady winds. Positioned as a meeting point between East and West, the culture reflects some of the typical Mediterranean hallmarks, but with a more exotic blend of cuisine and traditions. You can enjoy your own “Blue Voyage” along what’s been entitled the “Turquoise Coast”, which is divided into different areas that each claim their own treasures.

 

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From the popular resort town of Bodrum, you could sail out to explore the beautiful Gulf of Gokova and then motor over to the nearby Dodecanese islands of Greece (Kos, Kalymnos, Rhodes, etc).

 

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The Dalyan Coast, situated on a river delta, is another good place to begin your adventure. Get warmed up for the longer voyage with a gentle glide along the river to see the ancient ruins of Kaunos, and maybe meet some Caretta caretta sea turtles at their protected nesting grounds at Iztuzu Beach. Further south, the coastline of Fethiye is a honeymooner’s dream, with dense, peaceful pine forests caressing impossibly blue waters at places like the harbor town of Fethiye, Göcek lagoon, the surreal white-sand beach at Oludeniz, and Hisaronu. Also in this area are Gemiler Island (where St. Nicholas once lived) and the ghost town of Kayakoy.

 

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Hugging the southwest coast from Fethiye around to the humming cliffside city of Antalya, the Turkish Riviera comes alive with legends from the past and the stuff present-day Instagram influencer dreams are made of. This region is sprinkled with ancient ruins that blend wonderfully with the surrounding environment, and towns like Kaş and Olympos make sure you get a feel for the modern-day way of life.

 

 

Italian Coasts, Sicily & Sardinia

 

A luxury Italian getaway is easily accomplished with a private yacht charter. Mooring off the coast of some of Italy’s most sensational islands and towns, yachters can go ashore for dining, shopping, entertainment and nightlife, then come back to the serenity of their floating oasis away from the crowds.

 

When considering a boating vacation in Italy, the lemon-scented hillsides of Positano and Capri may first come to mind. Don’t forget other gems in the Gulf of Naples, like the islands of Ischia and Procida.

 

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Next you may think of the dramatic cliff-towns of the Ligurian Coast (the Cinque Terre) and up the ‘Italian Riviera’ to pretty Portofino and Santa Margherita. From here, yachts can even breeze over to Monaco and make their way down the French Riviera for one of the most glamorous sailing itineraries you could find.

 

The large islands of Sicily and Sardinia each warrant a week alone to explore all they have to offer. Go to Sicily for rugged coasts, quiet fishing villages, unique cuisine and cultural references, as well as the natural wonders of the Aeolian Islands. Choose Sardinia for its exceptionally clear turquoise waters, particularly around the Costa Smeralda and the La Maddalena Archipelago – great for underwater exploration.

 

 

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As always when traveling via yacht, you’ll gain unique access to more secluded coves and exclusive beach clubs (such as Capri’s La Fontelina) that are only reachable by boat. Aboard the yacht, your family or group of friends will also have the chance, in between the prerequisite cultural outings, to enjoy the water with snorkeling, swimming, jet ski and other water toys that may be available to you on your charter. A different kind of Italian vacation indeed!

 

 

French Riviera

 

The Côte d'Azur combines a rugged natural beauty with glittering beaches, relaxing hilltop towns and plenty of energetic, cosmopolitan centers such as Cannes, Saint Tropez, Nice and Monte Carlo. Visiting by boat in the summer will allow you to escape the infamous summer crowds gathered on the shores and roads of the South of France. Getting from place to place will be much more enjoyable with your private charter!

 

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With year-round sunshine, you can make the most of stunning surroundings such as the crimson coastal cliffs of the Esterel Mountains dropping into the Mediterranean, and the gorgeous Lérins Islands off the coast of Cannes, a natural paradise that also offers beach clubs and whale watching.

 

The Riviera’s famous upscale cities provide a dose of glamor and nightlife, as well as excellent dining and shopping opportunities. For a more unique experience, yacht down to the Îles d’Hyères, known locally as the Îles d'Or (Islands of Gold). Port-Cros and Porquerolles are both less developed islands, with a relaxed atmosphere and gorgeous sandy beaches.

 

 

Spain’s Balearic Islands

 

Spain’s Balearic Islands offer something for everyone – delightful weather, pleasant waters, an eco-rich aquatic environment and world-class resort towns. Mallorca is the largest of the four islands and a top destination for luxury travel. The capital city, Palma, offers a stunning old town dating back to the 13^th century, and an endless array of historical treasures, art galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants to explore along its cobblestoned streets. The interior of Mallorca harbors spectacular hiking trails and charming little villages.

 

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The island of Ibiza has become synonymous with all-night summer parties, but there’s more to see here with over 70 beaches, many adventure activities for children and families, amazing food and a rich history. With your private yacht charter, you can also easily hop over to Formentera, the smallest of the island group, and Menorca, the easternmost island with unspoiled natural scenery and a low-key vibe.

 

 

Yacht Types to Consider

 

Not all yachts move from points A to B with the same speed or manner. So it’s important to know the differences when considering the kind of experience you hope to achieve during your private yacht charter. All of our charters come with an experienced crew, so you only need to worry about finding the option that best suits your perfect holiday at sea.

 

This brief comparison of four common yacht categories lays out the pros and cons so you can make the right decision when choosing a boat for your adventure on the Mediterranean Sea!

 

 

Motoryacht

 

These powerful yachts rely on fuel power instead of mother-nature's winds (although some hybrids are also equipped with a sail). This is a popular boat category, so there are a variety of options offering sleek style and performance. Of course, one advantage is their ability to reach faster cruising speeds than other options, but the gas expenses can also make them significantly more costly. Whether your priorities are speed, style, size, or stability (for those prone to seasickness), we can find the right power yacht to match your needs.

 

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M/S Gulet Yacht

 

Gulets have a special history – beautifully handcrafted wooden vessels from Türkiye, they were originally used for transport by fishermen and sponge divers. Typically found near their home of origin in the eastern Mediterranean, modern hybrid versions have added a motor to the traditional double-masted hull. These graceful yachts are perfectly designed to function as comfortable traveling accommodation (not for adventure or sport) with spacious cabins and decks for lounging; they are ideal for leisurely cruises through turquoise waters.

 

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Sailing Yacht

 

Modern and classic sailing vessels harness the power of the wind. Today's sailing yachts offer everything from vintage construction to ultra-modern and sophisticated charters equipped with luxury amenities. Many also include a low-power engine for maneuvering in placid waters or difficult moorings. If you are looking for the quintessential adventure sailing experience, this category of boat will give you the genuine feeling of living an invigorating and romantic life at sea.

 

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Catamaran

 

A specialized type of sailing vessel, catamarans feature two parallel hulls with sails and extra space in between, usually covered with netting where you can relax. In addition to being particularly spacious, catamarans offer privacy as a result of more separated cabins. These vessels can move closer to shore thanks to shallow hulls that give the skipper more freedom of movement near the coastline. Keep in mind that there can be slightly higher prices for catamarans, and they should be reserved well in advance due to limited supply in many places, especially Croatia and Greece.

 

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