The coronavirus has made the future far from certain, however, it is still possible to roam far and wide in complete safety with all of life’s luxuries on hand aboard a charter yacht, and the Western Mediterranean is one of the top crewed luxury yacht charter destinations for 2021, 2022 and beyond. Whether chartering a sailing yacht or motor yacht, there is plenty of room onboard for sunbathing and dining, and the larger superyachts might come with a Jacuzzi, gym, pool or even spa and beauty facilities. Private travel arrangements ensure that you can maintain social distancing from the moment you leave your abode until you’re safe and relaxing on board.
Ultra-luxurious mega yacht FLYING FOX available for charter © Guillaume Plisson for Imperial
Choose where you disembark and whether you mingle with the crowds: There is a plethora of island chains boasting tranquil sandy beaches to make your own secluded anchorage, where the only footprints will be your own. Coastal trails and the water toys you bring with you will keep you active and entertained for hours before a sunset meal on the beach and partying through the night.
Your expert chef will be able to cater to all dietary requirements and allergies on board using fresh ingredients from local markets wherever possible. The crew will be fully vaccinated or have taken the PCR test and contactless collection of fuel and supplies is in place at marinas across the world.
A luxury yacht charter is one of the safest ways to recharge and look after your mental well-being during your valuable time off work; make the most of it doing what you love!
The Western Mediterranean
Spain and the Balearic Islands are one of the most famous Western Mediterranean destinations not only for the electric parties in Ibiza Town, but also the rich and varied culture all within walking distance around hot spots such as Palma and Ciutadella de Menorca. Formentera has stunning long golden sand beaches but it’s not the only location to boast such striking natural beauty: A luxury yacht gives you the opportunity to cruise off the beaten track and visit the Cabrera archipelago and national maritime park, take your pick of the best beaches on Mallorca and the dramatic coves around the north of Menorca.
Luxury holidays aboard motor yacht 11 11 © Jeff Brown
Fine dining opportunities and more traditional local restaurants can be found throughout the Balearic Islands, along with ancient forts, monuments, museums and galleries for a varied afternoon of sightseeing and shopping. The active outdoor lifestyle is complemented by the strong presence of health and wellness retreats for the restoration of mind, body and soul, resulting in a remarkable week or more satisfying all the different interests in your group.
Barcelona is a common place to commence and end a luxury yacht charter, and first-time visitors should not pass up the opportunity to admire the stunning Modernisme architecture – Catalonia’s answer to art nouveau. Gaudi and similar artist-architects have given the city a heritage like no other, and the Picasso Museum within the city’s old quarter is yet another impressive stop for art lovers. The Salvador Dalí House Museum is in Port Lligat farther up the coast – an ideal place to stretch your legs on a cruise between the Spanish coast and the French Riviera.
Beautiful Barcelona to discover on your vacation
The French Riviera, also known as the Cote d’Azur, is the most popular luxury yacht charter ground in the Western Mediterranean. This enviable reputation is secured through numerous prestigious events throughout the summer season and beyond, the most notable being the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix.
Marseilles neighbours the beautiful Calanques National Park, a wonder to behold with its pale cliffs topped with untouched forest while turquoise blue waters ebb and flow below. The city is the second-largest along the Cote d’Azur (after Nice) and has a reputation for culinary treats, fine wines and cultural treasures from its more than 26 centuries of history. On a visit the highlights are the beautiful religious icons within Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde, and the impressive Boulevard Longchamp, where the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural Museum are also situated.
Calanque in France
Toulon is an appealing destination for visitors who want to absorb much of the art and history of the coast: The Maritime Museum is comprehensive back to the 17th Century, and within walking distance of the port there are several galleries which include Musée d’Art de Toulon and the more contemporary Hotel des Arts. Cruising east, the Iles d’Hyeres and Cap Benat have a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of beaches and trails for a relaxing day amongst nature.
Saint-Tropez is one of the most famous destinations along the French Riviera, and in town visitors will discover plenty of eateries along picturesque streets, artists at work along the pavements, and plenty of opportunities to pick up a souvenir. Pampelonne Beach is the playground of the rich and famous, and this long sandy crescent is the perfect place to top up your tan and spend quality time with younger family members in the clear shallow sea. Nightclubs and bars will provide your evening entertainment both here and back in town while the children are looked after by the professional and talented crew.
Cannes is one of the top destinations on the French Riviera for glamorous events and family-friendly entertainment: Throughout the year, the Palais des Festivals hosts prestigious events such as the Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Yachting Festival, plus family favourites such as the International Games Festival.
A spot in the marina will give you a prime view of the Festival Pyrotechnique Cannes as well as all the regattas – the sailing yachts on show during Les Regates Royales look stunning at full speed around the bay.
Cannes
Museums, galleries and historic buildings will satisfy any cravings for local culture, and aromatic local cafes and Michelin quality restaurants provide everything from a quick meal to a memorable celebration while away from your luxury yacht. Take a moment to rejuvenate mind, body and soul in the spas, or engage in some retail therapy with the bespoke boutiques and prestigious international brands close to the waterfront.
The nearby Iles de Lerins make a great escape to nature for a walk or water sports, and the larger island, Ile Sainte-Marguerite, has a fort with the maritime museum on the north side and beaches to the south.
Nice is set within the beautiful Baie des Anges and is a desirable destination for itineraries filled with arts and culture, which can be further extended to include travel through the countryside to visit the scenic vineyards and lavender farms. Create your own unique fragrance at Monlinard Perfume Workshop, and Galeries Lafayette has all the latest fashions and accessories to update your style. Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas a Nice is just one of many religious buildings offering beauty inside and out, and the Marc Chagall and Matisse galleries should not be missed.
Monaco
Glamorous Monaco is the place to be for absolute opulence and thrills: Watch the Monaco Grand Prix while you dine aboard your luxury yacht, try your luck in the casino and go on lavish shopping sprees. Take life at a slower pace on a visit to the parks and museums, then celebrate a special occasion in one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants along the seafront.
It’s easy to slip between French style and Italian flair on a cruise around Corsica and Sardinia, the former having over 300 beaches to escape the summer crowds and spend quality time with your group. There are myriad villages and walking trails to discover along the coast should you ever want to leave the tranquil shores.
Sardinia has of much Corsica’s enticing natural beauty, but what sets it apart is Porto Cervo and the regattas that take place over the summer cruising season. The island history is told revealed through Roman and Phoenician ruins, and museums nestled into picturesque seaside towns.
The Italian Riviera is often combined with the French Riviera for Western Mediterranean luxury yacht charters for good reason: The colourful villages of UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Cinque Terre‘, the gorgeous Tuscan peninsula and islands such as Elba, plus the wonderful golden sand beach at Forte Dei Marmi where the luxury boutiques are on par with Monaco and Cannes.
The Amalfi Coast has some of the finest cultural sights and experiences anywhere in Italy: Naples is an exciting sprawling metropolis that will fill the days with museums, galleries, shopping, spas and delectable treats from the cafes, while the night comes alive with music, theatre and plenty of bars and clubs to dance the night away.
Nearby Pompeii is a beautiful yet haunting stop, while the island of Capri is all about indulgence in fine art – whether it’s to be found in galleries, churches, sculpted gardens or the fashion houses. Grottoes and coves line the cape around Sorrento and Positano, both of which are a great place to stretch your legs and soak up the ambience of the Mediterranean. In the past, poets and painters have been drawn to clifftop Ravello for its charms, and in modern times film crews and romantics come to bask in its beauty. Concerts take place in the gardens over the summer months, although the exceptional vista can be appreciated year-round.
Lastly, Sicily and the Aeolian Islands have excellent beaches and a quieter atmosphere compared to the hot spots of the Italian Riviera and Amalfi Coast. Food and wine are flavoursome thanks to the volcanic soils, and a trip to the summit of Stromboli Volcano at sunset will give an impressive fiery display.
Superyacht 11 11 ©Jeff Brown
It’s easy to slip between French style and Italian flair on a cruise around Corsica and Sardinia, the former having over 300 beaches to escape the summer crowds and spend quality time with your group. There are myriad villages and walking trails to discover along the coast should you ever want to leave the tranquil shores.
VIEW YACHTS AVAILABLE FOR CHARTER IN THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN
