Top Three Winter Sun Sailing Options

 

🥇 1. British Virgin Islands — my first choice

If you want a 7-day sailing holiday where the sailing itself is a major part of the experience, I'd put the BVI at the top.

You get:

Short, enjoyable sailing legs

Lots of sheltered anchorages

Warm water around 26°C

Reliable trade winds

Fantastic snorkelling

Beautiful beaches

Plenty of good restaurants and beach bars

Very little need for long passages

January–March is particularly good, although February is often considered one of the best months.

Ideal itinerary: Tortola → Norman Island → Peter Island → Cooper Island → Virgin Gorda → Anegada → Jost Van Dyke → Tortola.

🥈 2. Seychelles — spectacular tropical sailing

The attraction is that the sailing is combined with extraordinarily beautiful islands: granite cliffs, enormous boulders, jungle, deserted beaches and excellent snorkelling.

December–March brings warm temperatures around 29°C and generally lighter winds, typically around 5–15 knots, with occasional short rain showers.

Best for: a relaxed luxury catamaran + swimming + exploring ashore holiday rather than hard-core sailing.

🥉 3. Grenadines — perhaps the most romantic

Ideal itinerary: 

St Vincent → Bequia → Mustique → Canouan → Tobago Cays → Mayreau → Union Island.

The Tobago Cays are a major highlight — turquoise water, reefs, turtles and small uninhabited islands.

I'd choose the Grenadines over the BVI if you want the holiday to feel more remote and less developed.

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🌴 Our suggested 8-day family Thailand sailing adventure

 I'd start and finish around Phuket, travelling through Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao, Krabi, Railay and Phi Phi, with plenty of time off the boat.

Day 1 — Phuket → Koh Yao Noi

Sailing: 2–3 hours

Settle aboard the catamaran and sail east into the wonderfully sheltered waters of Phang Nga Bay.

Family activities:

Swimming and paddleboarding

Snorkelling from the yacht

Take the dinghy ashore

Explore a small fishing village

Thai dinner on the beach

Koh Yao Noi is particularly attractive for families because it feels much more relaxed and authentic than Phuket. The island is known for quiet beaches, coconut plantations and traditional villages.

Day 2 — Koh Yao → Phang Nga Bay

This is the big adventure day.

Sail among the extraordinary limestone pinnacles of Phang Nga Bay.

Activities ashore/on the water:

Kayak through sea caves

Explore hidden hongs (lagoon caves)

Visit James Bond Island

Visit Koh Panyee, the spectacular village built on stilts over the sea

Have lunch in a local restaurant

Swim from the yacht in the afternoon

The combination of kayaking, caves and the floating village makes this one of the best days for children.

Day 3 — Phang Nga → Koh Yao Yai

A deliberately easy day.

Sail south through the islands, stopping whenever you find a beautiful beach or snorkelling spot.

Once ashore on Koh Yao Yai:

Hire bicycles

Cycle through coconut plantations

Visit a local village

Stop for a Thai lunch

Visit a rubber plantation

Have a beach afternoon

Sunset dinner overlooking the bay

This is the day I'd keep relatively unstructured—the children can have some independence while the adults enjoy the scenery. Cycling and exploring the villages are among the activities commonly suggested for the island.

Day 4 — Koh Yao Yai → Koh Hong → Railay

Sailing: around 3–4 hours, broken up with stops.

Stop at Koh Hong for a morning swim and kayak into the spectacular lagoon.

Then sail towards Railay Beach.

Afternoon ashore:

Explore the beaches

Walk through the jungle

Visit the famous caves

Try introductory rock climbing with an instructor

Explore the little restaurants and shops

Railay is particularly good if you have teenagers—it adds a genuine adventure/sport element rather than simply another beach stop.

Day 5 — Railay → Phi Phi

Head south towards the famous Phi Phi Islands.

I'd avoid spending the whole day around the busiest areas and instead have the skipper look for a quieter anchorage.

Activities:

Snorkelling

Paddleboarding

Cliff jumping where safe and permitted

Beach exploration

Sunset from the boat

The journey from Krabi to Phi Phi is roughly 25 nautical miles on typical itineraries, making it a proper little sailing adventure without being an enormous passage.

Day 6 — Phi Phi exploration day

This would be your no-sailing day.

Take the dinghy or a local boat to explore:

Maya Bay

Phi Phi Leh

Monkey Beach

Hidden coves

Snorkelling reefs

Viewpoint hike

For younger children, I'd concentrate on swimming and snorkelling; for teenagers, the viewpoint hike and kayaking make the day more adventurous.

Day 7 — Phi Phi → Koh Racha

This is your tropical-island finale.

Sail towards Koh Racha Yai.

Spend the afternoon doing absolutely nothing—or:

Snorkelling

Paddleboarding

Swimming

Beach football

Fishing from the boat

Sunset barbecue

I'd make this a particularly relaxed evening aboard the yacht.

Day 8 — Koh Racha → Phuket

Have one last swim after breakfast and sail back towards Phuket

If your flight isn't until the following day, I'd actually recommend adding one night in a Phuket hotel rather than going directly from yacht to airport. It gives everyone a chance to have a proper shower, explore Phuket and recover from the sailing adventure.

The important thing is not to make it a sailing holiday where everyone is stuck on the boat all day. Thailand is at its best when you alternate short sailing passages with genuinely interesting things to do ashore.

⛵ What I'd choose for the boat

For a family I'd look for a 40–50 ft crewed catamaran with:

3–4 cabins

Air conditioning

Large shaded cockpit

Good dinghy

Kayaks or SUPs

Snorkelling equipment

Plenty of water toys

Experienced local skipper

Cook, if budget allows

A catamaran is especially appealing here because it gives you shallow-water access, lots of deck space and considerably more stability than a monohull.

There are already 5–8 day itineraries operating around essentially this route, including Phang Nga, Koh Yao, Krabi, Railay, Phi Phi and Racha.

☀️ When I'd go 

For this particular family adventure, I'd choose November to April. The Andaman Sea is generally much more settled during this period, with clearer water and better conditions for family sailing, although the exact weather always needs checking before departure.

My personal sweet spot would be February–March: warm, relatively dry, and excellent for swimming and snorkelling.

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Our Top 6 Areas for a quiet Mediterranean Sailing Holiday

 

If peace and quiet are your priority, there are still some wonderful parts of the Mediterranean where you can sail for hours, anchor in empty bays and avoid the big flotillas. The trick is to avoid the famous hotspots and, if possible, avoid July and especially August. June and September are generally much quieter.

🥇 1. Alonissos & the Sporades — my favourite for tranquillity

This would be very high on my list.

The Alonissos Marine Park is particularly special: there are numerous small islands and islets, exceptionally clear water and secluded bays, with very little development. It's also a protected area for Mediterranean monk seals.

A lovely week could be:

Skiathos → Skopelos → Alonissos → Peristera → Kyra Panagia → Skopelos → Skiathos

You get considerably more greenery than the Cyclades, beautiful swimming spots and some wonderfully peaceful evenings at anchor.

🥈 2. Datça & Bozburun, Turkey — best for secluded bays

If your definition of a perfect sailing holiday is:

Sail for a couple of hours → find a completely quiet bay → swim → lunch on board → swim again → sunset → barbecue

…I'd seriously consider south-west Turkey.

The Datça peninsula is relatively remote and has a coastline packed with little bays accessible primarily by boat. Bozburun is another particularly peaceful area.

It also has a big advantage over the Cyclades: more sheltered sailing and fewer big charter crowds.

🥉 3. Lastovo, Croatia

If you like the idea of Croatia but don't want Hvar, Split or Dubrovnik crowds, look much further south.

Lastovo is one of Croatia's more remote inhabited islands, with a very different atmosphere from the busy Dalmatian hotspots. You can combine it with Mljet, Korčula and the Lastovo archipelago.

The drawback is that Croatia's most popular islands can become busy in July/August, so this is particularly attractive in June or September.

4. Small Cyclades, Greece

For a classic Greek sailing experience, I'd look at:

Naxos → Iraklia → Schinoussa → Koufonisia → Kato Koufonisi → Amorgos

Rather than the big-name Cyclades.

The tiny islands have a much slower pace, beautiful beaches and plenty of opportunities to anchor away from the main villages. Koufonisia is particularly lovely, although it has become more popular in recent years.

One caution: the Meltemi wind can be strong in July/August, so this is better suited to experienced sailors.

5. Dodecanese — Tilos, Lipsi & Astypalea

This is the Greek option I'd investigate if absolute tranquillity matters more than seeing the famous islands.

I'd particularly look at:

Kos → Nisyros → Tilos → Chalki → Alimia → Rhodes

or, for an even more remote feeling:

Kos → Lipsi → Leros → Patmos → Arki → Marathi

You can have lovely little harbour evenings without the scale of tourism found on Santorini/Mykonos.

6. Menorca

Don't overlook Spain.

Menorca is considerably more relaxed than Ibiza and much of Mallorca, with numerous beautiful calas and a more natural feel.

I'd concentrate on the north and east of Menorca, rather than basing the trip around the busiest southern beaches.

One important point: when you go matters almost as much as where

If you're able to choose your dates, I'd rank them:

🥇 September – warm sea, lovely weather, noticeably fewer boats

🥈 June – excellent combination of warmth, wind and relatively low crowds

🥉 May – wonderfully quiet, but sea can still be cool

😐 July – perfectly possible, but increasingly busy

❌ August – hardest month to achieve genuine solitude

The difference can be enormous. The Med in September can feel like a completely different place from the same anchorage in August.

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Cuba Sailing Adventure

 

For a 7-day sailing holiday in Cuba, I would suggest the south coast from Cienfuegos, rather than trying to circumnavigate the island. You get a lovely combination of sailing, deserted beaches, snorkelling, wildlife and—most importantly—time ashore in Trinidad.

There are established sailing itineraries from Cienfuegos through the southern cays, and the area is well suited to catamarans because many of the cays have very shallow water.

Day 1 — Cienfuegos

Cienfuegos → Punta Gorda / overnight aboard

Fly into Havana and transfer to Cienfuegos, or arrange your trip around Cienfuegos if flights work.

Spend the afternoon exploring the wonderfully preserved French-influenced city before boarding your catamaran.

Highlights

Cienfuegos historic centre

Palacio de Valle

Punta Gorda

Welcome dinner aboard

Short evening sail if conditions allow

Cienfuegos is a particularly good starting point because it gives access to both the southern coastline and the offshore cays.

Day 2 — Cienfuegos → Guajimico → Casilda

A beautiful coastal sailing day.

Stop at Guajimico, where you can:

snorkel

swim

explore caves

have lunch ashore

Then continue towards Casilda, the port serving Trinidad.

Overnight: at anchor near Casilda.

This is broadly the route used by established Cuba sailing itineraries.

Day 3 — Trinidad

This would be my big cultural day.

Take a taxi or organised excursion into Trinidad, one of Cuba's great colonial towns.

Spend the morning and afternoon:

wandering the cobbled streets

visiting Plaza Mayor

exploring the old churches and mansions

having lunch in a local paladar

visiting the Valle de los Ingenios if you want an excursion

Then return to the boat for a swim and sunset.

Evening: I'd definitely arrange a night in Trinidad for Cuban music and dancing.

Day 4 — Casilda → Cayo Blanco de Zaza

Now the holiday changes character completely.

Leave civilisation behind and sail towards the small offshore cays.

Cayo Blanco de Zaza is ideal for:

deserted beaches

snorkelling

kayaking

swimming

paddleboarding

a barbecue or seafood dinner aboard

Spend the night at anchor beneath the stars.

This section of the south coast is particularly attractive because it receives relatively little cruising traffic. One experienced Cuba sailing account describes sailing roughly 250 nautical miles around the southern coast in a week and encountering remarkably few other sailboats.

Day 5 — Cayo Blanco → Cayos Machos de Fuera

A relaxed sailing day between the cays.

I'd deliberately keep the schedule flexible rather than trying to cover huge distances.

Spend the afternoon:

snorkelling over reef

exploring the beach

kayaking through mangroves

looking for iguanas and other wildlife

fishing from the boat

Then enjoy a sunset dinner on deck.

Day 6 — Cayo Machos → Cayo Blanco de Casilda

Another relatively short sailing day.

This is your "Caribbean paradise" day—no sightseeing agenda whatsoever.

I'd spend the morning sailing, then anchor somewhere beautiful for:

swimming

snorkelling

paddleboarding

lunch aboard

beach walk

afternoon nap!

The Cuban government tourism site highlights the excellent snorkelling, coral reefs, beaches and private-charter possibilities around its northern cays; similar shallow-water conditions are found throughout Cuba's island cruising grounds.

Day 7 — Cayo Blanco → Cienfuegos

Set sail early for the return to Cienfuegos.

Make the most of the final morning with one last swim or snorkel before heading back.

Arrive in Cienfuegos in the afternoon, allowing time for:

a final wander around the city

dinner overlooking the bay

Cuban music

final night aboard or in a hotel

Then transfer back to Havana the following morning.

The real attraction is the combination: you get one fantastic Cuban town (Trinidad), one interesting colonial city (Cienfuegos), and five days of increasingly wild islands and beaches.

⛵ Catamaran or monohull?

I'd choose a 40–45 ft catamaran for this trip. The shallow water around the Cuban cays makes a shallow-draught catamaran particularly practical, while giving you much more space for swimming, eating and relaxing.

One caveat: Cuba requires a little more logistical planning than Greece, Croatia or the Seychelles. Provisioning can be unpredictable, and customs/coastguard formalities are part of sailing there.

For weather, the traditional cruising window is roughly November–April, with December–April generally regarded as the strongest period for chartering.

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Why would you sail around Crete ?

 

Sailing around Crete is fantastic , particularly if you want a holiday that combines sailing with plenty to do ashore.

This is why Crete works so well for a week of sailing.

1. Dramatic coastline and clear water

Crete has beautiful turquoise bays, caves, beaches and rugged cliffs. The northwest coast around Chania and the Gramvousa peninsula is particularly rewarding from a boat.

2. A good mix of sailing and exploring

You can alternate sailing days with time ashore for:

Ancient ruins and archaeological sites

Mountain villages and traditional tavernas

Hiking gorges and coastal paths

Snorkelling and swimming

Local food and wine

Historic Venetian harbours

3. Excellent food 🍋

Crete is arguably one of Greece's best food destinations. Sailing lets you reach small coastal tavernas that aren't necessarily convenient by road. Expect grilled fish, lamb, dakos, fresh vegetables, local cheeses and excellent olive oil.

4. Beautiful small harbours

Places such as Loutro, Chora Sfakion and Agia Galini give you a very different experience from staying in a resort. Arriving by boat makes these places particularly special.

5. You can combine famous sights with quieter anchorages

A seven-day route doesn't have to mean moving every day. You can spend a morning swimming in a remote bay, sail a few hours, then have dinner in a village harbour.

The important caveat !!

Crete is large, so I wouldn't try to sail around the entire island in seven days. You'd spend too much time covering distance.

For a first 7-day sailing holiday, I'd suggest either  :-

Option A – Western Crete ⭐

Chania → Gramvousa/Balos → Kissamos → Paleochora → Loutro → Chora Sfakion → Chania

This gives you spectacular scenery, beaches, swimming, villages and some of Crete's best-known attractions.

Option B – Eastern Crete

Heraklion → Dia → Agios Nikolaos → Spinalonga → Mochlos → Kouremenos → Sitia

This is better if you want more history, archaeology, traditional villages and quieter eastern coastline.

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The Seychelles -- one of the world's finest sailing destinations

 

Here is a  relaxed 7-day sailing itinerary covering the beautiful Inner Islands, starting and finishing on Mahé.

Day 1 – Mahé to Praslin (26 nautical miles, 4–5 hours)

Morning

Depart Eden Island Marina on Mahé.

Enjoy your first sail across turquoise waters to Praslin.

Afternoon

Anchor at Baie Ste Anne or Anse Lazio.

Swim or snorkel straight from the yacht.

Onshore activities

Visit the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai nature reserve.

See the famous Coco de Mer palms and endemic black parrots.

Enjoy dinner at a local Creole restaurant.

Day 2 – Explore Praslin

A leisurely day with minimal sailing.

Onshore activities

Relax at Anse Lazio, regularly ranked among the world's finest beaches.

Optional visit to Anse Georgette.

Short hike through coastal trails.

Water activities

Paddleboarding

Snorkelling

Sunset drinks aboard your yacht

Day 3 – Praslin to Curieuse Island (4 nautical miles)

Curieuse is a protected national park.

Onshore activities

Walk among hundreds of free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises.

Follow the mangrove boardwalk.

Visit the restored Doctor's House museum.

Afternoon

Snorkel around St Pierre Islet, famous for colourful reef fish and clear water.

Day 4 – Curieuse to La Digue (7 nautical miles)

La Digue has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

Onshore activities

Hire bicycles (the best way to explore).

Visit the spectacular Anse Source d'Argent.

Explore traditional vanilla plantations and coconut groves.

Browse local artisan shops.

Evening

Fresh seafood barbecue or beach restaurant.

Day 5 – La Digue and Coco Islands

A short cruise to some of the Seychelles' best reefs.

Activities

Snorkelling with turtles.

Optional scuba diving.

Kayaking around granite boulders.

Onshore

Visit Grand Anse or Petite Anse.

Watch the sunset from one of the island's quiet western beaches.

Day 6 – La Digue to Mahé (approximately 35 nautical miles)

A longer but rewarding sail back towards Mahé.

Afternoon

Anchor at Beau Vallon or Sainte Anne Marine National Park.

Onshore activities

Explore Victoria, one of the world's smallest capitals.

Visit Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market.

Sample Creole cuisine and local rum.

Day 7 – Mahé

Spend your final day exploring the largest island.

Options include -

Hike the Copolia Trail or Morne Blanc for panoramic island views.

Visit Takamaka Bay.

Relax at Anse Intendance or Petite Anse.

Browse local craft markets before departure.

Wildlife you may encounter-

Aldabra giant tortoises

Hawksbill and green turtles

Reef sharks 

Eagle rays

Dolphins

Flying fish

Hundreds of tropical fish species

Best time to sail =

April–May: Light winds, calm seas, excellent visibility.

October–November: Another superb period with warm weather and outstanding snorkelling.

June–September: Stronger southeast trade winds make for livelier sailing.

December–March: Hotter and more humid, with occasional tropical showers.

This itinerary strikes a good balance between sailing (generally 1–5 hours per day, except for the return to Mahé) and plenty of time ashore to enjoy the Seychelles' beaches, wildlife, hiking, and Creole culture. If you're interested in a more adventurous trip, I suggest suggest a route that includes the remote islands of Cousin, Aride, and Silhouette for even better birdlife, diving, and secluded anchorages.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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