Excellent Mediterranean yacht sailing destinations in 2021? Here are some of the top cruising destinations around Europe that you should definitely consider experiencing. When it comes to European yacht holidays, destinations don’t get much better than Greece. This country is known for its magnificent Mediterranean coastline, stunning islands, and historic port towns. You can explore beautiful blue coves, dock at private white beaches, and hop between the many different islands.
Greece offers a wide range of popular sailing destinations, but the Ionian Islands are one of the most extraordinary. Some of the best starting points for a sailing yacht charter are the ports of Corfu, Lefkada and Zante, with the main season running from May to October. Temperatures range from 26 to 35 degrees Celsius and the warm breeze mostly comes from the northwest at 4-20 knots. One of the calmest areas in the Mediterranean thanks to the gentle thermal winds, tidal range is minimal at around 30 to 60cm. Waters between the islands and the mainland are protected, offering calm and relaxed sailing, and the area surrounding the northern Ionians is considered very straightforward with easy navigation and plenty of anchorages found amongst the islands. Although the Meltemi wind can sometimes cause difficult sailing conditions, generally yachts under sail can use this to achieve exhilarating performance. With the pleasant Mediterranean climate, welcoming locals and beautiful scenery, the Ionian provides a sensational location for idyllic sailing.
Whether you have been to heavenly destinations such as Greek Islands, the French Riviera, and Amalfi Coast before or not, these beautiful sailing spots in the Mediterranean will call you to come back over and over again. So, why not indulge in the opportunity to discover hidden natural gems, new local dishes, traditions, and people each time you visit the Mediterranean? Here are a few useful sailing yacht cruise tips to help you plan your unforgettable summer holiday in Europe’s fanciest location.
Scattered across the Mediterranean, the islands of Greece are ideal for exploring by boat. Set course for the Cyclades, where gems like Santorini and Mykonos are as alluring as ever. If you’ve only got one day to spend in Santorini, we recommend a trip to Akrotiri for a look at an ancient Greek settlement, and Santo Wines, for a taste of the region’s finest vino overlooking the famous caldera. Mykonos is set to be equally popular this summer, with the beach clubs buzzing and the picturesque bays studded with shiny superyachts. Head to Nammos for beachside dining, luxury shopping and partying among celebrities. If you’re looking to spend a day on shore, Cavo Tagoo is the place to be- caves carved into the chalky cliffs create a remarkably pretty setting. Discover more details at best Mediterranean yacht cruises in 2021. Consider including some of the following in your Greece sailing itinerary: Sail in the country’s blue waters from one island to another, and visit famous islands of the Cyclades archipelago, such as Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, Milos, Ios, or Naxos. Explore the Sporades (Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros, and Ionnisos) and the Dodecanese (Kos, Rhodes, Symi, and Kastellorizo). Sail around Crete. Adrift to Ionian islands of Lefkada, Corfu, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos.
Low season typically refers to any time outside of the high season periods. Groups of families and friends looking for a relaxing luxury vacation are advised to avoid high season weeks and opt for weeks outside of this time. The busiest periods are of course reflected in the charter costs and can be up to 15 to 30 percent more expensive than typical low season periods. Chartering a few weeks either side of these busy periods can be almost exactly the same, with the weather almost unchanged in some places, with far less crowds. Your broker will be able to provide you with an accurate estimation of all the costs involved in advance but here is a breakdown of what to expect. In general, you’ll find two basic rates: high season and low season, usually with specific dates set for each. In addition, you’ll find special events that are more expensive: New Year’s Eve, Monaco during the Grand Prix, Cannes during the Film Festival, the Olympics or the America’s Cup.
Sailing tip of the day: There’s a good reason to run the engine for a while before departing! This is my stern with the engine running slowly in gear against the lines. We all know that when we’re charging batteries this lets the engine warm up thoroughly. However, I have a different reason: I just changed the fuel tanks and return feeds. I once did this and let go my lines straight away only to have the engine stop two minutes later. I’d somehow made a mistake with the valves and was left with a full fuel-bleeding job with empty filters. Most of us with more than one tank change them in harbor. The entrance is exactly where we don’t want to lose power, so I always give the unit a 10-minute run in gear just to make sure that if it does pack it in it’s not for lack of fuel.
May is the time when the beautiful island of Ibiza starts to come to life once again. Usually, Ibiza should be now getting ready to inaugurate a busy summer season, with the opening of its famous clubs and discotheques and of a wide range of first class accommodations, ready to welcome most demanding guests travelling to the Island to enjoy Med’s ultimate destination for clubbers. Cala Xuclá is one of the smallest and most secluded beaches on Ibiza. You won’t find flashy beach bars, washrooms or watersports in this tiny cove, which backs onto a dense and aromatic pine forest instead of a busy promenade. Fishermen still store their boats in little enclaves carved into the pink and red rocks that surround the beach, providing a rustic contrast to the fancy vessels seen moored off Ibiza’s more mainstream beaches. The underwater landscapes at Xuclá are just as rugged as its countryside, making it excellent for snorkelling. Read additional info on https://intersailclub.com/.
This is a much more touristy option but the Balearics still make a beautiful European sailing destination, and you can avoid the crowds if you know-how. The cluster of Spanish islands include Ibiza, Mallorca, Menorca and Formentera; all major holiday spots known for their sun-drenched beaches and sparkling blue waters. Also include a few stops to the pretty, unspoilt towns of Deia in Mallorca and the secluded Ibizan bay of Cala Llentrisca.
