Summer Sailing Hotspots

 

If you're looking for the best European sailing destinations this summer, the ideal choice depends on whether you want lively nightlife, secluded anchorages, reliable winds, or easy island hopping.

Here are some of the standout hotspots to consider :-

🇭🇷 Dalmatian Coast

One of Europe's most popular sailing regions.

Highlights:

Island-hop between Hvar, Brač, Vis, Korčula, and Mljet.

Hundreds of sheltered coves and historic harbours.

Crystal-clear water and relatively short sailing passages.

Best for: First-timers, flotillas, families, and mixed groups.

🇬🇷 Cyclades

Famous for whitewashed villages and stronger summer winds.

Highlights:

Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Santorini.

Reliable Meltemi winds in July and August.

Spectacular scenery and authentic tavernas.

Best for: Experienced sailors seeking exciting sailing.

🇬🇷 Ionian Islands

The gentler Greek option.

Highlights:

Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Paxos.

Warm, calm seas with predictable afternoon breezes.

Plenty of protected anchorages.

Best for: Beginners and relaxed cruising.

🇮🇹 Amalfi Coast and Aeolian Islands

Amalfi Coast

Positano, Amalfi, Capri.

Dramatic cliffs and luxury atmosphere.

Can become crowded in peak season.

Aeolian Islands

Active volcanoes including Stromboli.

Excellent swimming and unique overnight anchorages.

Best for: Food, scenery and memorable cruising.

🇪🇸 Balearic Islands

Includes Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.

Highlights:

Beautiful turquoise coves.

World-class beach clubs alongside peaceful anchorages.

Excellent marinas and charter infrastructure.

Best for: Combining sailing with nightlife and beaches.

🇫🇷 French Riviera

Highlights:

Nice, Cannes, Antibes and Saint-Tropez.

Luxury marinas and glamorous ports.

Great restaurants and events.

Best for: Luxury yachts and vibrant social scene.

🇹🇷 Turquoise Coast

Although partly in Asia, it's one of the Mediterranean's premier sailing destinations.

Highlights:

Göcek, Fethiye, Marmaris.

Pine-covered bays and ancient ruins.

Excellent value compared with much of Western Europe.

Best for: Longer cruises and excellent value.

Best by interest,  then go to...

Easy island hopping Croatia

Reliable sunshine Greece

Calm sailing Ionian Islands

Stronger winds Cyclades

Luxury French Riviera

Nightlife Ibiza & Mykonos

History Croatia & Turkey

Best value Croatia & Turkey

Food & wine Italy

When to go

June: Warm weather, fewer crowds, good prices.

July: Peak season with excellent weather and busy marinas.

August: Hottest and busiest month; book berths well in advance.

September: Often considered the sweet spot—warm sea, settled weather, and fewer crowds.

For a one-week charter, Croatia and the Ionian Islands are often the easiest and most rewarding. If you're after more adventurous sailing the Cyclades offer some of the Mediterranean's best wind conditions.

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Menorca Sailing Adventure

 

A week is an ideal amount of time to sail around Menorca. The island is only about 105 nautical miles (195 km) around its coastline, allowing for short passages of 10–25 nautical miles most days. The south coast offers turquoise calas (coves) and limestone cliffs, while the north is wilder, with red-rock landscapes and excellent sailing when conditions permit. Weather and wind should always dictate your route—the Tramuntana (northerly wind) can make the north coast uncomfortable, while southerlies can make the southern anchorages exposed.

Day 1 – Mahón to Illa del Rei and Cala Mesquida (8–10 NM)

Morning

Pick up the yacht in Mahón, one of the world's largest natural harbours.

Provision the boat and enjoy a relaxed departure.

Afternoon

Visit Illa del Rei by tender if open.

Sail out to Cala Mesquida for your first swim and overnight anchorage.

Ashore

Explore Mahón's Georgian streets.

Sample local Mahón cheese and gin.

Walk the waterfront before departure.

Day 2 – Cala Mesquida to Fornells (18 NM)

A beautiful sail along the dramatic northeast coast.

Highlights

Swim stops at Cala Presili and Cala Tortuga.

Anchor or berth in Fornells.

Ashore

Wander the fishing village.

Hire kayaks or paddleboards.

Try Menorca's famous lobster stew (Caldereta de Langosta).

Optional evening

Sunset walk around the bay.

Day 3 – Fornells to Cala Pregonda then Ciutadella (22 NM)

This is one of the island's finest sailing days.

Morning

Stop at Cala Pregonda for swimming and snorkelling.

Afternoon

Continue west to Ciutadella.

Ashore

Explore the medieval old town.

Visit the cathedral and narrow lanes.

Dinner beside the picturesque harbour.

Day 4 – Ciutadella to Cala Turqueta and Cala Macarella (12 NM)

A relaxed day exploring the celebrated south-coast coves.

Swimming

Cala Turqueta

Cala Macarella

Cala Macarelleta

Ashore

Short walks along the Camí de Cavalls coastal trail.

Excellent snorkelling.

Paddleboarding if conditions are calm.

Spend the night at anchor if weather allows.

Day 5 – Cala Galdana to Cala Mitjana and Binibèquer (24 NM)

Cruise east along the southern coast.

Stops

Cala Mitjana

Cala Trebalúger (more secluded)

Binibèquer

Ashore

Explore the whitewashed fishing village.

Browse artisan shops.

Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the harbour.

Day 6 – Binibèquer to Es Grau and S'Albufera des Grau (10 NM)

One of Menorca's quietest corners.

Ashore

Walk through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Birdwatch in S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park.

Rent a kayak through the wetlands.

This is a wonderful contrast to the busy southern beaches.

Day 7 – Es Grau back to Mahón (8 NM)

An easy final sail.

If time allows:

Stop at Cala Rafalet.

Enjoy one final swim before returning the yacht.

Finish with lunch overlooking Mahón harbour before disembarking.

Best onshore experiences

Walk sections of the historic Camí de Cavalls coastal trail.

Explore the old towns of Mahón and Ciutadella.

Visit the prehistoric Naveta des Tudons and the ancient Talayotic sites if you have transport from Ciutadella.

Sample local Mahón cheese, sobrassada sausage and Xoriguer gin.

Paddleboard or kayak in the calm southern calas.

Visit S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park for walking and wildlife.

This itinerary balances daily sailing (typically 2–5 hours), spectacular anchorages, and enough time ashore to experience Menorca's history, cuisine, walking trails and natural beauty without feeling rushed. It also leaves enough flexibility to reverse the route if wind conditions favour sailing the opposite direction, which is common practice among local skippers.

WE HAVE MORE THAN 12,000 PRIVATE YACHTS  AND GULETS CHARTER BOATS

AVAILABLE IN 60 COUNTRIES

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Croatia Island Hopping Adventure

 

Here is a classic Croatian sailing week with a mix of lively towns, quiet anchorages, hiking, history, swimming, and a bit of adventure, I'd recommend a 7-day Split → Dubrovnik route. It covers the best islands without feeling rushed and keeps daily sailing legs manageable (generally 15–30 nautical miles).

Day 1 – Split → Brač (Bol)

Sailing: 2–3 hours

Onshore activities

Walk to Zlatni Rat, Croatia's most famous beach

Hike or taxi to Vidova Gora, the highest point on any Adriatic island

Explore Bol's waterfront promenade

Sunset drinks overlooking the harbour

Evening vibe: Relaxed coastal town with good seafood and wine.

Day 2 – Brač → Hvar Town

Sailing: 3–4 hours

Onshore activities

Climb to Fortica Fortress for panoramic views

Wander the Venetian old town

Visit St. Stephen's Square

Sample local Hvar wines

Optional

Stop for a swim in the Pakleni Islands before entering port. Hvar is famous for both nightlife and beautiful coves.

Evening vibe: Chic, energetic, and lively.

Day 3 – Hvar → Vis

Sailing: 3–4 hours

Onshore activities

Explore Vis Town or Komiža

Scooter tour through vineyards and old military tunnels

Visit Stiniva Bay

Fresh seafood dinner at a waterfront konoba

Optional excursion

Take a small boat to the Blue Cave on nearby Biševo Island. Vis is often considered one of Croatia's most authentic islands because of its long military isolation.

Evening vibe: Quiet, authentic, less commercial.

Day 4 – Vis → Korčula

Sailing: 5–6 hours

Onshore activities

Explore the medieval walled old town

Walk the city ramparts

Visit local wineries in Lumbarda

Sunset cocktails overlooking the Pelješac Channel

Korčula is often called a "mini Dubrovnik" because of its historic stone architecture.

Evening vibe: Historic and romantic.

Day 5 – Korčula → Mljet National Park

Sailing: 3–4 hours

Onshore activities

Cycle around the famous saltwater lakes

Kayak on Veliko Jezero

Visit the Benedictine monastery on St Mary's Islet

Swim in secluded coves

Mljet is one of Croatia's greenest islands and consistently ranks as a highlight for sailors.

Evening vibe: Nature-focused and peaceful.

Day 6 – Mljet → Šipan (Elaphiti Islands)

Sailing: 4–5 hours

Onshore activities

Walk through olive groves and old villages

Swim in quiet bays

Visit local family-run wineries

Enjoy a slow Dalmatian dinner

This is your decompression day before Dubrovnik. The Elaphiti Islands are far less crowded than the major stops.

Evening vibe: Sleepy island charm.

Day 7 – Šipan → Dubrovnik

Sailing: 2–3 hours

Onshore activities

Walk Dubrovnik's city walls

Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town

Ride the cable car to Mount Srđ

Visit hidden bars outside the walls

Celebrate the end of the voyage with a harbour-front dinner

Dubrovnik provides a dramatic finale after a week of island hopping.

Best for Different Interests,     More adventure

Replace Šipan with Lastovo Nature Park:

Stargazing

Sea caves

Hiking trails

Much fewer tourists

More nightlife

Spend two nights around Hvar and skip Šipan.

More hiking and nature

Add:

Vidova Gora (Brač)

Mljet National Park

Mount Srđ (Dubrovnik)

Food & wine focus

Look for:

Plavac Mali wines on Hvar and Korčula

Oysters near Ston

Fresh lobster around Vis

Family-run konobas on Šipan

Best months

May–June: Warm, green landscapes, fewer crowds

September: Warm sea, harvest season, calmer atmosphere

July–August: Most lively but busiest and hottest

This route gives you a strong balance of sailing, culture, hiking, swimming, food, and historic towns without spending every day underway.

WE HAVE MORE THAN 12,000 PRIVATE YACHTS  AND GULETS CHARTER BOATS

AVAILABLE IN 60 COUNTRIES

WAITING READY FOR YOU - JUST SELECT - COMPARE - BOOK IN MINUTES ONLINE

UP  TO  50% OFF ON  EARLY  BOOKING  DEALS 👍

UNBEATABLE  PRICES  FOR  YOUR  COMPLETE  PEACE OF MIND ON THE WATER.

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The top 4 luxury yacht charter destinations in France

France is one of the world’s premier yacht charter hubs, home to a myriad of opulent marinas and infrastructure that makes sailing between them easy. And although the Côte d’Azur, in the south of the country, isn’t the only place you can begin your voyage from, it boasts some of the most iconic destinations that together, make for an incredible itinerary and a yachting holiday you’ll never forget.

With a number of superyacht-friendly ports located all along the Côte d’Azur, all in some of Europe’s most elegant and extravagant destinations that are worthy of a place on every luxury traveller’s bucket list, there’s nowhere better to embark on a summer yachting adventure.

Here, we take a look at four of the most notable bases for luxury yacht charters in France where you can hop on board your luxury vessel and get going from –as well as enjoying the lavish atmospheres they have to offer while you’re there.

                                                                           CANNES

Although perhaps best-known for the iconic annual Cannes Film Festival, which attracts film stars and other celebrities from across the globe, Cannes’ golden beaches, lavish  hotels and designer boutiques make it easily one of the most upscale destinations in all of France. 

It also happens to be one of the most significant luxury yacht charter bases in the Mediterranean, enjoying a privileged central location on the French Riviera that makes it the perfect jumping-off point for exploring the coast, whichever direction you plan on heading in.

The main port of Port Canto takes yacht and superyacht activity in its stride, and throughout the summer months, you’ll often spot some of the most extravagant vessels in the world moored here. Yacht charters often set off from the port, but the nearby Vieux port is another option from which you can kick off your journey in style.

A real selling point of Cannes in terms of luxury yacht charters is the impeccable infrastructure and operational excellence it offers, ensuring that both arriving and leaving feel as seamless as they should.

                                                                  SAINT-TROPEZ

When it comes to France’s most glamorous destinations, Saint-Tropez is right up there at the top of the list. Steeped in luxury and sophistication, over recent years it has become a playground for the global elite, boasting lavish five star hotels, Michelin-starred eateries and a plethora of elevated beach clubs, making it a must-visit location along the Côte d’Azur. 

Even better, it’s an excellent starting point for embarking on your yachting escape, with lavish vessels kept moored and waiting in the marina for monied holidaymakers to climb on board. The marina is located just steps from the town centre, so when you’re not sipping Champagne on the sundeck or enjoying a gourmet meal prepared by an esteemed French chef, you can wander to one of the nearby wine bars or seafood restaurants, peruse the town’s array of luxury boutiques and soak up the chic Saint-Tropez vibe.

Although Saint-Tropez is a great place to charter a luxury yacht from, it often works best as a mid-route stopover on those that aim to take in a variety of destinations along the Côte d’Azur.

                                                                         ANTIBES

 Port Vauban in Antibes is considered to be one of the most significant yacht harbours not just in Europe, but the entire world – and with good reason. The marina is extensive, and its ability to cater to some of the largest yachts in a way that other harbours cannot means that many charter companies choose to operate from here, with numerous private owners also berthing their yachts here throughout the year. 

As well as offering full-service facilities to meet the needs of yacht owners and charter companies alike, the port is located appealingly close to Antibes’ charming old town, where you can stroll through historic streets, peruse Provençal markets and dine at one of the many upscale eateries. Just like Cannes and Saint-Tropez, Antibes is a sophisticated spot where you’ll rub shoulders with the world’s wealthy, and makes an excellent stop on any yachting route, as well as the ideal place to begin or end it.

                                                                               NICE

Most visitors to the French Riviera fly into Nice – which tells you something about the kind of infrastructure it offers, and it’s something that also extends to its marinas. Port Lympia is invariably lined with luxury yachts throughout the year, and another major base for charter operators – so if you’re looking for somewhere convenient to set sail from to explore the region’s coastline, then this is it. 

But Nice isn’t just a top player when it comes to logistics, and is a highly desirable destination in itself, so you won’t want to miss out on spending some time here before or after your yachting adventure ends. Its old town, all winding streets and traditional architecture, is packed with excellent restaurants and stylish shops, and its pretty pebbled beaches are lined with glamorous beach clubs serving up fresh seafood and Champagne.

From Nice, destinations like Monaco and Villefranche-sur-Mer are in particularly easy reach, but other destinations along the coast are just as accessible.

WE HAVE MORE THAN 12,000 PRIVATE YACHTS  AND GULETS CHARTER BOATS

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A classic 7-day gulet cruise along Turkey's Turquoise Coast

 

A classic 7-day gulet cruise along Turkey's Turquoise Coast is one of the best sailing holidays in the Mediterranean.

The Fethiye–Kekova–Fethiye route offers a wonderful balance of sailing, swimming, history, and time ashore, with calm waters and spectacular scenery.

Day 1 – Fethiye to Butterfly Valley & St. Nicholas Island

Board your traditional gulet in the afternoon.

Sail to Butterfly Valley for a swim.

Continue to St. Nicholas Island.

Onshore activities

Walk to the Byzantine church ruins.

Watch the sunset from the island's hilltop.

Enjoy your first traditional Turkish dinner on board.

Day 2 – Ölüdeniz and Kaş

Sail to the famous Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon before continuing to the charming harbour town of Kaş.

Onshore activities

Wander through boutique shops and cafés.

Visit the ancient theatre overlooking the sea.

Optional scuba diving or sea kayaking.

Evening stroll along the waterfront.

Day 3 – Kekova and the Sunken City

Cruise over the waters of Sunken City of Kekova, where ancient ruins lie beneath the sea.

Onshore activities

Explore Simena Castle.

Climb for panoramic views.

Sample homemade Turkish ice cream in Kaleköy.

Swim from the gulet in secluded coves.

Day 4 – Demre and Myra

Anchor near Demre.

Onshore activities

Visit Ancient City of Myra with its impressive Lycian rock tombs.

Explore the Church of St. Nicholas, associated with the historical inspiration for Santa Claus.

Browse local markets.

Day 5 – Firnaz Bay and Hidden Coves

A more relaxed sailing day with several swimming stops.

Onshore activities

Short coastal walks.

Paddleboarding or snorkelling.

Fishing from the gulet.

Enjoy a barbecue dinner under the stars.

Day 6 – Gemiler Bay and Kayaköy

Return towards Fethiye.

Onshore activities

Visit the atmospheric Kayaköy, an abandoned Greek village.

Explore its stone houses and churches.

Stop for coffee in a traditional village café.

Day 7 – Return to Fethiye

After breakfast, sail back into Fethiye.

Before departure

Visit the lively fish market.

Explore the old town (Paspatur).

Shop for Turkish ceramics, spices, and textiles.

If time allows, visit the Lycian rock tombs overlooking the town.

Typical inclusions

Private ensuite cabin.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner freshly prepared on board.

Tea and coffee.

Professional captain and crew.

Fuel and harbour fees.

Snorkelling equipment (on many gulets).

Optional activities

Tandem paragliding over Ölüdeniz.

Scuba diving.

Sea kayaking.

Guided archaeological tours.

Turkish bath (hamam) in Fethiye or Kaş.

This itinerary combines leisurely sailing with ancient history, picturesque harbours, hidden swimming bays, and authentic Turkish villages, 

making it one of the most rewarding week-long gulet adventures on the Turquoise Coast.

WE HAVE MORE THAN 12,000 PRIVATE YACHTS  AND GULETS CHARTER BOATS

 AVAILABLE IN 60 COUNTRIES

WAITING READY FOR YOU - JUST SELECT - COMPARE - BOOK IN MINUTES ONLINE

UP  TO  50% OFF ON  EARLY  BOOKING  DEALS 👍

UNBEATABLE  PRICES  FOR  YOUR  COMPLETE  PEACE OF MIND ON THE WATER.

#yachts2rentnow