The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most popular destinations for yacht lovers, and for good reasons. It offers stunning scenery, rich culture, delicious cuisine, and diverse sailing conditions. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous exploration, or a glamorous party, you can find it all in the Mediterranean.
But how do you hire a yacht in the Mediterranean and make the most of your sailing holiday? Here are some tips and recommendations to help you plan your dream trip.
Choose Your Yacht Type
The first step is to decide what kind of yacht you want to hire. There are many options available, depending on your budget, preferences, and sailing skills. Some of the most common yacht types are:
– Bareboat charter: This is where you rent a yacht without a skipper or a crew, and you are responsible for sailing and managing the boat yourself. This option gives you the most freedom and flexibility, but it also requires a sailing license and experience.
– Skippered charter: This is where you rent a yacht with a skipper, who will take care of the navigation and safety of the boat. This option allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery, without worrying about the technical aspects of sailing.
– Crewed charter: This is where you rent a yacht with a skipper and a crew, who will take care of everything from sailing to cooking to cleaning. This option offers you the ultimate luxury and comfort, but it also comes with a higher price tag.
– Sailing yacht: This is a yacht that is powered by sails, and it offers a more authentic and eco-friendly sailing experience. Sailing yachts are usually smaller and slower than motor yachts, but they are also more affordable and fuel-efficient.
– Motor yacht: This is a yacht that is powered by engines, and it offers a faster and smoother sailing experience. Motor yachts are usually larger and more spacious than sailing yachts, but they are also more expensive and less environmentally friendly.
Choose Your Destination
The next step is to choose where you want to sail in the Mediterranean. There are many countries and regions to explore, each with its own charm and attractions. Some of the most popular destinations are:
– France: The French Riviera is one of the most glamorous and sophisticated sailing destinations in the world, with its chic resorts, elegant villas, and famous festivals. You can also visit Corsica, a beautiful island with rugged mountains, sandy beaches, and rich history.
– Italy: Italy is a country of art, culture, and cuisine, with its stunning cities, monuments, and museums. You can also sail to Sardinia, an island with crystal-clear waters, rocky coves, and ancient ruins.
– Croatia: Croatia is a country of natural beauty, with its thousands of islands, national parks, and waterfalls. You can also visit Montenegro, a small country with dramatic landscapes, medieval towns, and UNESCO sites.
– Spain: Spain is a country of diversity, with its vibrant cities, colorful festivals, and varied regions. You can also sail to the Balearic Islands, a group of islands with stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and charming villages.
– Greece: Greece is a country of history, mythology
A Wonderful Scent Of Winter Nights, Snow And New Year
What to consider before sailing in the Mediterranean are:
– Check the weather forecast regularly and plan your route according to the wind direction and speed. The Mediterranean can have unpredictable and variable winds, so be prepared to adjust your sails accordingly.
– Learn the basic sailing skills before you go out to sea on your own. You can take a practical training course or join a flotilla sailing holiday, where you can sail with other boats and get guidance from a lead skipper.
– Choose your destination based on your preferences, budget, and sailing season. The Mediterranean has many countries and regions to explore, each with its own charm and attractions. Some of the most popular sailing locations are Greece, Croatia, Italy, France, and Spain.
– Be respectful of the local customs, regulations, and environment. The Mediterranean is a rich and diverse cultural area, so be aware of the differences and similarities between the places you visit. Follow the rules for anchoring, mooring, and waste disposal. Avoid crowded or protected areas and respect the wildlife.
– Enjoy the scenery, cuisine, and activities. The Mediterranean offers stunning views, delicious food, and fun things to do on land and water. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, hike, bike, or just relax on the beach. You can also visit historical sites, museums, markets, or festivals.
Some Places in the Mediterranean that You Can Only Reach by Yacht
The Mediterranean is a vast and diverse sea that offers many opportunities for yacht chartering. There are countless islands, coves, bays, and beaches that are inaccessible by land, but can be reached by yacht. Here are some of the most stunning and secluded places in the Mediterranean that you can only reach by yacht.
Cala Isola dei Porri and Cala Granara, Sardinia
These are two of the most enchanting beaches in northern Sardinia, located on the island of Spargi, part of the Maddalena Archipelago National Park. The beaches have crystal-clear water, white sand, and lush vegetation. You can anchor your yacht in the calm bays and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing².
Navagio Beach, Zakynthos
This is one of the most famous and photographed beaches in Greece, located on the northwest coast of Zakynthos island. The beach is also known as Shipwreck Beach, because of the rusty remains of a smuggler’s boat that ran aground in 1980. The beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and can only be accessed by boat. You can admire the dramatic scenery, explore the shipwreck, or jump from the cliffs¹.
Kekova Island, Turkey
This is a small island off the coast of Turkey, near the town of Demre. The island is famous for its underwater ruins of an ancient Lycian city that was destroyed by an earthquake in the 2nd century AD. You can sail around the island and see the submerged walls, stairs, and buildings. You can also visit the nearby village of Kaleköy, which has a medieval castle and a charming atmosphere.
Fjord of Furore, Italy
This is a hidden gem on the Amalfi Coast, near the town of Praiano. The fjord is a narrow inlet of water that cuts into the rocky cliffs and forms a small beach at its end. The beach is often deserted and has a natural arch that frames the sea. You can anchor your yacht in the fjord and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of this place.
Hornsund Fjord, Svalbard
This is a remote and spectacular destination in the Arctic Circle, part of the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. The fjord is surrounded by glaciers, mountains, and icebergs. You can sail along the fjord and see the wildlife, such as polar bears, seals, walruses, and whales. You can also visit the Polish research station or hike to the nearby peaks.
“Smooth seas do not make good sailors”
Some tips for sailing in the Mediterranean are:
– Get your International Certificate of Competence (ICC), which is the official United Nations sailing license. You can get it through NauticEd.org or the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). You can either take an online course and a practical exam, or do a five-day course on a boat.
– Plan your route based on the wind direction and speed, as they can vary a lot in the Mediterranean. You can use apps like PredictWind or Windy to check the weather forecast. You can also use pilot books or cruising guides to find the best anchorages and marinas.
– Learn how to park and anchor your boat properly, as the Mediterranean has many crowded harbors and mooring fields. You may need to use a stern-to or bow-to technique, which involves tying your boat to a quay or a buoy with lines from the stern or the bow. You may also need to use a trip line or a buoy to retrieve your anchor.
– Be aware of the local regulations and customs, as they can differ from country to country. You may need to pay fees, taxes, or permits to enter certain waters or ports. You may also need to fly a courtesy flag of the country you are visiting, and respect their culture and etiquette.
– Enjoy the diversity and beauty of the Mediterranean, which offers many different sailing destinations, such as Greece, Croatia, Turkey, Italy, Spain, France, and more. You can explore the ancient history, the stunning scenery, the delicious cuisine, and the vibrant nightlife of each place.
Why Choose a Yacht Charter Holiday in Croatia
Croatia is our most popular charter destination in the Mediterranean and for good reason.
The Adriatic coastline with its clear seas, gentle summer climate, quaint villages and historic towns, is a magnificent cruising area. The 5000km long coastline is sheltered by chains of the 700 islands, amongst which there are many anchorages and harbours.
You do not have to be a yachtie to enjoy a yacht charter holiday in Croatia. Your floating apartment can transport you from one Taverna to the next, where you can stop ashore and enjoy quality meals at bargain prices.
For those who like to sail long distances, it is possible to do one ways from Split to Dubrovnik or Pula to Split, each night enjoy a different island, port or village.
The Cruising Waters/ Conditions
Next to Sweden, Croatia has the most heavily indented coastline in Europe with literally thousands of protected anchorages spanning 400 kilometres of islands and coast.
The best cruising for first time bareboat or gulet charter, is a little North and South of Split. Islands of Brac, Hvar.
The cost to hire a yacht varies from $300 a day upward.
