The European winter is nearly over and the yachting industry is steadily gearing up for the upcoming yacht charter season. So, what are the top current charter spots? We look into the best destinations to explore aboard a luxury yacht this summer.
We have put together a list of Top 10 Mediterranean summer charter locations for you to choose from. Be it the breathtaking natural environment and history of the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia and Montenegro, the beautiful architecture of Greece and Turkey; Italy’s Costa Smeralda, Amalfi Coast, Capri or Rome, the vibrant life of Ibiza and the Balearics in Spain, or the chic and glamorous French Riviera, there is something for everyone. There is a great choice of luxury yachts available throughout the entire Eastern and Western Mediterranean from catamarans, motor yacht, sailing yachts, gullets, right through to superyacht and mega yacht charter.
If you feel inspired, send us an email and we will assist you in organising the best holiday you have ever experienced, choosing the best yacht that suits your needs in the best location of your dreams.
Rovinj – Croatia
1. Dalmatian Coast & Croatia yacht charter
With over a thousand unspoiled islands making up the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia yacht charter is an excellent way of enjoying your upcoming summer holidays, with so many things on offer, it is quite hard to pick just a few. Northern Adriatic and the Kornati Archipelago offer tranquility, whereas the southern part of the coastline is more dynamic and vibrant. There is a number of historical and beautiful UNESCO heritage sites to explore in this region, including Split or Dubrovnik. Trogir is one of the jewels of the Dalmatian coast and is a town of extraordinary architectural beauty; also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mljet, the greenest of all the islands, is a national park boasting unique forest habitat, centred on two lagoons with a spirit and charm all of its own. For an authentic dining experience try the traditional dish called ‘Peka’, prepared using one of the oldest cooking methods in Dalmatia. Hvar is known for its non-stop partying; and if you feel up to joining the beautiful people and celebs, then this is the right place to be. Continue reading for more information about the Dalmatian Coast as well as a selection of Croatia charter yachts …
Cannes le Suquet – Photo courtesy of CRT Cote dAzur – Photo by Robert PALOMBA
2. French Riviera & France Boat Rental
In the 18th century, the French Riviera, France, was established as a modern holiday destinations and as a winter health resort for the British upper class. Today, the coastline is one of the most glamorous and most popular charter grounds in the Mediterranean. Charming ports, stylish beach-clubs, state-of-the-art marinas and golden beaches spread over the coastline from Menton through to the picturesque fishing village of Saint Tropez. Renowned as the home to the famous international film festival, Cannes is an elegant town with a quaint old port and usually represents a starting point to a France yacht holiday. Well-connected to the coastline and worth a visit is Grasse, amongst France’s top perfume producers, scented with lavender, jasmine, violets and orange blossom from the surrounding fields. For art-lovers there is Antibes, set in delightful natural surroundings, housing one of the world’s greatest Picasso collections. The pretty and quaint old town of Villefranche-sur-Mer offers a perfect setting for a mid-morning breakfast and from here, you may like to take a day trip up to Eze, a medieval village settled atop a mountain. The exotic gardens are worth a visit and the views are truly spectacular. Synonymous with the decadent indulgence of living, Monaco is well know for the Monte Carlo Casino and the popular F1 Grand Prix race. Treat yourself to a day’s shopping at leading designer stores or enter the Monaco Cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace married. There is a vast selection of luxury charter yachts available in this area and you can find out more about France boat rental here …
Porto Katsiki – Lefkada – Image credit to Visit Greece
3. Ionian Islands Yacht Charter in Greece
Renowned for the pleasant, temperate climate, turquoise blue waters and stunning scenery, the Greek Ionian Islands offer an ideal setting for yachting holidays. Ionian Islands yacht charter is a favoured way of exploring this breath-taking group of islands. A cluster of twelve islands varying in size and located in Central Greece, include Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Paxi, Antipaxi, Erikousa, Mathraki, Othoni, Meganisi and the deserted islets of Strofades. Once part of Central Greece, the islands were detached from the mainland due to a seismic activity along the great coastline fault of the Ionian Sea. Thanks to this change the islands offer amazing scenery, including its rugged shores and the lovely beaches. The islands are renowned for their tall mountains, that used to belong to the Pindos Mountain range which crossed Central Greece. This area also boasts of a great water depth of 4,406 metres, the deepest in the entire Mediterranean. The Ionian Islands offer spectacular beauty and plenty of possibilities for various cruising itineraries. To find out more about Greece and Ionian Islands charter yachts continue reading here …
Photo by Xescu Prats – ‘Llaüts’ (fisherman boats) in Portinatx – Courtesy of Consell de Ibiza copy
4. Balearic Islands, Ibiza Yacht Charter in Spain
Thanks to the new yachting legislation in Spain, where charter yachts of all sizes operating in Spain can claim an exemption from the infamous matriculations text, and non-EU-flagged superyachts are allowed to charter within Balearic waters, there is an increasing selection in luxury motor yachts, sailing yachts and superyachts available for Balearics yacht holidays. One of the most popular charter itineraries include the Ibiza yacht charter, combining the natural beauty of the Spanish waters with the vibrant life of Ibiza. In addition to fantastic entertainment it offers, the island is also on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its wealth in culture, beautiful archeological history and an array of museums. By day you could also explore the street markets, cafes and bars or one of the many open-air cultural events. National Park of Ses Salinas and Es Vedrà, an uninhabited nature reserve island, are well worth a visit, too. For a selection of Ibiza charter yachts and additional information about Spain yacht holidays carry on here …
Scenic Costa Smeralda in the fabulous Italian yacht charter destination – Sardinia – Photo by Rolex Carlo Borlenghi
5. Costa Smeralda yacht charter in Sardinia
A Costa Smeralda charter is an ideal way of discovering one of the most beautiful travel destinations in Italy. Running about 20kms along the northern coast of Sardinia, Costa Smeralda is renowned for its emerald-green waters (hence the name Costa Smeralda – Emerald Coast), lush greenery and white-sand beaches. In addition to alluring natural beauty the coast has a selection of quality golf clubs, private jet and helicopter services, exclusive restaurants and resorts. The renowned Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda is held here each year in June and attracts a fantastic fleet of luxury sailing yachts as well as yacht available for Sardinia luxury yacht charter. Porto Cervo is the main town, situated in the Gallura region and was established by Prince Karim Aga Khan in the 1950s. One of Sardinia’s most exclusive holiday destinations, Porto Cervo offers designer boutiques, spa hotels, the finest restaurants and premier nightspots. There is a wide range of vessels available for Costa Smeralda boat rental; continue reading to have more information on the destination and see a sample Sardinia yacht range here …
Capri – Image courtesy of Capri Tourist Office
6. Rome, Capri and Amalfi Coast Yacht Charter
Renowned for its passionate people, ‘La Bella Vita’, important history and art, Italy should most definitely be encountered at least once in a lifetime. With the right itinerary and choice of activities, cruising the Italian coast could become one of the most exciting and fulfilling vacations you ever had. One of the most fascinating places in Italy is the Amalfi Coast or Costiera Amalfitana. Amalfi Coast yacht charter will allow you to enjoy the incredible engineering genius of the architecture of Positano or the scenic beauty of Ravello (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Favourites of the ‘crème de la crème’ are the jet set islands of Capri and Ischia. You could choose to sail further north and visit the ‘Eternal City’ – Rome. An absolute must-see in Rome is the Collosseum, St.Peter’s Basilica, the Imperial Forum, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona with Bernini’s splendid Four Rivers Fountain, Piazza del Popolo and endless other important historical sites. There is plenty to see and do while cruising Italy’s central coastline; continue reading to find out more about the coast and view the selection of Amalfi charter yachts available …
Corsica
7. Southern Corsica Yacht Charters
Known as the ‘Island of Beauty’ Corsica offers varied scenery, lovely architecture, great history and beautiful beaches. Travellers engaging in a luxury Corsica yacht charter have plenty of possibilities for water fun activities, diving, snorkelling or land-based activities such as hiking the Grande Randonnée or better known as GR 20. Corsica yacht holidays usually include a trip to Bonifacio, a small town perched on top of a cliff. There is no better way to indulge in this beautiful sight than by approaching it from the sea! Porto-Vecchio, the St-Tropez of Corsica is another stylish town to include in your itinerary. Situated in Southern Corsica, it offers a great selection of idyllic and unspoilt beaches, remarkable mountain scenery and vibrant cafes, bars, restaurants, boutique shops found in its historical Old Town. Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica represents the island’s largest city. It is famous as the birth-place of Napoleon, whose influence can be noted throughout the entire city. Stroll through the narrow winding streets and enjoy the varied architecture, or visit Ajaccio’s renowned cathedral. For more info and Southern Corsica charter yachts …
Turkey
8. Turquoise Coast – Turkey Yacht Charters
Turkey is a stunning cruising destination, with more coastline than any other country in the Mediterranean, where even those with the highest expectations will not be disappointed. By far the most dramatic way to explore the Turquoise Coast is on a Turkey luxury yacht charter sailing through the pristine blue water aboard a traditional turkish gulet. One of the most photographed beaches in the Med is Ölüdeniz or Blue Lagoon, known for its calm, crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming, water-sports and among the best places in the world to paraglide. The Sunken City of Kekova is a protected Lycian-Roman archeological site also well worth a visit. Another interesting and historically important location to add to your itinerary are the ruins of the ancient city Caunos from 3000BC, easily accessible and well worth exploring. Shopping for souvenirs is best done in Fethiye, where you should also try the traditional Turkish Bath followed by an hour long massage before returning aboard your superyacht. For a little more action, visit Marmaris, a busy town bustling with activity, shops, markets and nightlife; or Bodrum with many good bards, restaurants and some of the best open-air nightclubs in the Eastern Mediterranean. For a selection of Turkey charter yachts and more information about boat rental in Turkey continue reading…
Montenegro
Increasing in popularity as a luxury travel destination, Montenegro offers its visitors astonishing beauty and world-class amenities. Montenegro yacht charter is often combined with Dalmatian Coast and Croatia yacht charter vacation, were guests will either start or finish their unforgettable journey. The Bay of Kotor or simply Boka will amaze you by the overwhelming beauty, as if the mountains have cracked and let the sea in. The Bay of Boka Kotorska is the southernmost fjord in Europe and offers a thrilling view when approached from the sea. The bay has a lush Mediterranean vegetation that includes agave, palms, mimosas, oleanders, kiwis or pomegranates. Visitors on a Montenegro charter yacht usually fall in love with the lovely Ada Bojana; a triangular island of 5.4 square kilometres, artificially created in the 19th century. Interestingly, a ship called ‘Merito’ got stranded where the islands is today, and years of depositing river sediment have created this small paradise of Montenegro. Ada is famous for its sandy beaches and as a nudist resort. For upmarket restaurants and beach clubs visit the stylish and glamorous Port of Montenegro, under continuous development. Continue reading about Montenegro and a selection of Montenegro charter yachts here…
Lipari – Sicily – Photo Raffaele Tolomeo
10. Sicily & Aeolian Islands Yacht Charter
Last but not least we have the extraordinary destination from the Unesco World Heritage list – Sicily’s volcanic hot-spot, the Aeolian Islands. The islands are situated off the northern coast of Sicily and include the seven large islands of Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi and Panarea; as well as five small islets of Basiluzzo, Dattilo, Lisca Nera, Bottaro and Lisca Bianca. All of the islands are of volcanic origin and Aeolian Islands yacht charter is the best way to experience their beauty to the fullest. From aboard your chosen Sicily charter yacht you can enjoy the view of Stromboli and its flowing of lava coming from the crater toward the sea or stop over on Panarea, renowned for its jet-set visitors. Sicily and the surrounding islands are renowned for their incredible beauty, spectacular cuisine and a fantastic cruising ground. Follow the link to continue reading about Sicily and a selection of Aeolian Islands charter yacht selection …
Mediterranean Summary
A Mediterranean yacht charter offers endless possibilities and our team is here to assist you in creating the best yacht charter itinerary, based on your and your group’s preferences. CharterWorld is the only contact you will need to project your dream vacation anywhere in the Mediterranean this summer. We organise everything, from the yacht charter itinerary, different charter activities, catering, through to the fine dining experience ashore in the best local restaurants. Don’t hesitate to email us today.
