The Mediterranean is the place to sail in Europe. Gorgeous blue waters, fascinating coastlines, tiny fishing villages and onshore opportunities that involve fine art and food make this a prime destination.
- Greek Islands
Think deep blue skies, clear waters, stark white villages and seaside tavernas and you’ll be in Greece. The best way to travel these isles is by boat. Go ashore to view the ancient wonders and make a new port every day.
- Azores, Portugal
Island hop between these nine small, almost forgotten islands in the Gulf Stream watching out for dolphins and whales as you go. The waters here literally team with life, while ashore there are extinct volcano cones and hot springs to bathe in.
- Devon, England
Explore Agatha Christie’s homeland along the beautiful coast of southern England. Sailing is the perfect way to appreciate these quaint coastal and river towns steeped in Elizabethan history.
- Sicily, Italy
This island at the boot of the Italian mainland is itself surrounded by smaller islands with incredible charm. The rugged volcanic islands of Salina, Lipari and Vulcano lie off the north coast while the remote Egadi islands lie to the west. There is fabulous hiking to be done on all these islands, fishing, swimming in the tiny bays and downing a vino or two.
- Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
The 3107 mile Adriatic coastline has clear seas, a gentle summer climate, quaint villages and historic towns – in other words it’s a magnificent cruising area. More than 1000 islands dot the coast providing many anchorages and harbors. The onshore scenery is gorgeous from soaring mountains to deep gorges and waterfalls; and the authentic folk towns are full of freshly made goods and friendly locals.
- Bay of Naples, Italy
Blue skies, abundant food and wine, swank little towns and gorgeous isles form this inspirational section of coastline. Take in the Isle of Capri, the Blue Grotto, Ischia, the spectacular Amalfi coast and the artist community of Positano.
- Turkey
This is a must-do for any sailing in the Mediterranean. Amphitheatres, sunken villages and rock toms await discovery all along the coast. The rocky coastline itself offers countless bays and protected harbors and places to snorkel and swim.
- Corsica, France
This is one of the best kept secrets of the Western Mediterranean. Its semi-isolation has kept it free of frenzied tourist hordes and left it with a touch of timelessness. There are small fishing villages and unspoiled harbors interspersed along the dramatic western coastline.
- Balearics, Spain
The islands of Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera lie at the intersection of the maritime routes in the Mediterranean. They have also preserved traces of the many different civilizations which landed at various periods in the past like the Moors, Byzantines, Greeks, Romans and crusading French knights. Come for the peaceful, natural beaches or the lively seaside resorts.
- Cote D’Azur, France
Sip champagne with the other yachters during the Cannes Film Festival or the Grand Prix of Monaco along this sophisticated coastline. Or visit at other times for a quiet view of the chic coast.