Summer might seem like an age away but now is the best time to prepare for your dream Mediterranean holiday – and once you’ve found your perfect superyacht you’ll want to add some of these trending destinations to your itinerary. So, which are the hottest summer yacht charter destinations in 2020?

Dubrovnik, Croatia

• Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is filled with history and its evocative streets have been the filming location for the Game of Thrones series. It’s possible to take a tour to learn about its real ancient history and which places were used in the fictional world, and en-route there will be plenty of eateries and markets to catch your eye.

Dubrovnik Cathedral and the Rector’s Palace are two of the highlights of the Old Town, but those who want to see the city from a different perspective and take a cable car up to the summit or kayak along the outer walls.

DISCOVER CROATIA

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

• Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

If you’re looking for picture-perfect old villages against a backdrop of towering green hills and bold blue seas, the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro will provide a satisfying adventure for the whole family among coastal ruins, ancient cathedrals and bustling town squares. The main city of Kotor lies at the end of the Bay nestled in the hills. On offer is the Castle of San Giovanni, the Sea Gate, Maritime Museum, the unusual Cats Museum and the ornately painted Church of St. Eustachius.

MORE ABOUT BEAUTIFUL MONTENEGRO

Amalfi Coast, Italy

• Amalfi Coast & Capri, Italy

When it comes to effortless luxury, Capri is the place to be: The most lavish brands and boutiques are all to be found along one high street, and once you’re done updating your summer wardrobe there is a choice selection of picturesque cafes to rest and become acquainted with the flavourful Italian coffees and cakes. The verdant Gardens of Augustus are a highlight of Amalfi and the view out over the Via Krupp hairpin bends and the glittering sea beyond. The Blue Grotto is one of the most popular attractions along the coast and guests can kayak or paddleboard along the bays for an up-close view of some of the other grottoes around the island.

Island of Capri

History lovers and romantics should combine the town of Amalfi with clifftop Ravello. The former location was once a powerful port along the coast that influenced the early maritime code, and scattered among the streets is the Diocesan Museum of Amalfi, the heavenly Cloister del Paradiso and the imposing Amalfi Cathedral.

Ravello has inspired generations of artists and poets, and a walk along the Terrace of Infinity will have you falling in love with this tranquil setting too. Concerts are held in the terraced gardens at Villa Rufolo during the summer evenings – perfect for couples and groups wanting a special treat.

No trip to the Amalfi Coast is complete without sampling pizza in its home city of Naples, and the delicious gelato is worth every mouthful. The city also has an extensive collection of the best artefacts recovered from Pompeii – another exceptional location to add to your tour of the Amalfi Coast.

 NAPLES | CAPRI | AMALFI COAST

French Riviera

• Antibes, France

Antibes is perfectly situated between Cannes and Nice for travelling along the French Riviera and taking in its incredible towns and cities. The Cap d’Antibes boasts excellent beaches and snorkelling sites, lighthouses, chateaus and the famous Eden Roc Hotel that has attracted celebrities since it opened in 1870.

Just a short walk from the Antibes marina there is a plethora of museums dedicated to Picasso, Raymond Peynet, La Tour (open by appointment only) and to Absinthe, where you can sample some of the Green Fairy’s magic at the bar.

DISCOVER FRENCH RIVIERA | ANTIBES

Boats in Saint Tropez, France

• Saint-Tropez, France

Perhaps the most famous destination in the Western Mediterranean for getting a suntan, Saint-Tropez is a charming seaside town with cobblestone streets and great cafes and restaurants to recharge and rest weary feet after souvenir shopping among the shops and galleries.

There are beach clubs galore with top DJs and tasty cocktails along Pampelonne Beach, where you won’t be the only luxury yacht anchored along the sweeping curve of golden sand.

 SAINT TROPEZ ABOARD A YACHT

Sandy beach in Majorca, Spain

• Majorca, Spain

Majorca has some of the most impressive history of the three Balearic Islands, and Palma alone has a 15th Century Gothic civil building, a 14th Century hilltop castle and the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Catedral de Mallorca, which was also done in the Gothic style and features a wrought iron canopy and rose window by Gaudi. Art still has a strong influence in the city and galleries and events are easy to come by.

To the north, the old artists’ colony of Deià still retains much of its former allure, and the coastal trails will tempt you to jump on your bikes and go farther in your exploration, particularly around the Cap de Formentor, which has some of the best scenery on the island.

YACHTING IN SPAIN

Spectacular beaches of Sardinia

• Sardinia, Italy

Ancient history and modern delights come together on Sardinia to provide the very best experiences of a luxury yacht charter: Porto Cervo has opulent shopping opportunities and hosts the Mediterranean’s most prestigious regattas, while Cagliari has stunning architecture including a 5th Century basilica and the ruins of the ancient city of Karalis. Food connoisseurs have a selection of Michelin-starred restaurants and delectable wines from the vineyards from across the island to fill the days, and there is a variety of shops and galleries to pick up meaningful mementoes.

There are magnificent white sand beaches farther south with one of the largest being Spiaggia di Porto Pinto, and the crystal clear seas will help young swimmers gain confidence in the shallows. Many luxury yachts that come to Sardinia visit La Maddalena Archipelago, a nature reserve with rare flora and fauna on land and in the water. This stunning stop is a great place for snorkelling and Scuba diving, and the beaches of Corsica are only a short cruise away.

GET TO KNOW SARDINIA

Mykonos, Greece

• Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos is the iconic Greek holiday destination, with its white-washed windmills and blue and white buildings nestled at the heart of the Cyclades Islands. Begin the day anchored in a secluded bay for breakfast surrounded by the wonders of nature, then wear off your meal on the sunbeds or go adventuring on the water toys to discover the local ruins.

As the midday heat reaches its most intense, head indoors and makes use of your air-conditioned interiors for socialising and spending time on hobbies or go into town for shopping in the boutiques and discovering the region’s rich culture through its museums and art galleries. As night falls, the lights from the traditional tavernas and modern bars will entice you in for a glass of ouzo.

CRUISE AROUND GREECE

Bodrum, Turkey

• Bodrum, Turkey

Like many of the impressive coastal settlements across the Mediterranean, Bodrum first attracted artists, writers and musicians to its walls before it became a desirable place to visit on the tourist trail, and both modern and ancient culture have left their mark for visitors to discover. Castles, forts and the Mausoleum of Mausolus – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – will fire the imagination. Music festivals, big-brand shopping and all-night bars, clubs cafes and restaurants are among the more modern delights, and bridging the gap between the ages are plenty of hammams and traditional shoemakers for pampering and memorable souvenirs of your visit.

Back on board you luxury yacht, nearby island Kara Ada has a wealth of wreck dives for the more experienced, yet the myriad bays will tempt water sports enthusiasts for hours of sail-based fun across glassy waters.

YACHT CHARTER IN  TURKEY