1. The British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands boasts of having more yachts there than anywhere else in the world, reminding everyone that this destination is the perfect place to charter a yacht. With luxury oceanfront resorts, pristine white sands, chic boutiques and fine dining, the British Virgin Islands has it all like a true sailing fantasyland with over 40 islands and hundreds of anchorages all within sight of one another. . The ideal deep water easy island hop blend is perfect for the whole family. Combine all of this with crystal clear turquoise waters averaging 26°C year-round, picture-perfect beaches, stunning rock formations, plenty of land-based activities, and a great selection of dining options, and you can see why so many A la people love to surf here.
2. The Seychelles
The stunning Seychelles archipelago of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, off the east coast of Africa, boasts some of the most brilliant flora and fauna on earth, just 4 degrees south of the equator. The outer islands are low-lying, mostly coral atolls, and boating is mostly within the inner islands, all close together, making island-hopping easy. The Seychelles Islands can best be described as a paradise on earth with towering granite boulders, swaying palm trees and turquoise inlets that are framed by sparkling white sand beaches. Mahe is the largest island and being surrounded by other islands, its beaches are relatively calm and safe. Mahe is a mountainous island with peaks approaching 1,000 meters and tropical forests that are intertwined with hiking trails. The beautiful tropical scenery, white sand beaches and sparkling aquamarine waters make Seychelles a perfect sailing holiday destination.
3. The Greek Islands
Cruising is truly the best way to experience these stunning islands, set your own island-hopping itinerary, find out-of-the-way spots, or dine on Greek cuisine. Greece has 6,000 islands spread across the Aegean and Ionian seas, of which only 227 are inhabited. The Greek islands are home to some of the best sunsets in the world and with over 300 days of sunshine a year, this is one of the best places in the world to charter a yacht. Each of these islands has its own unique character, making every port visit unique. The continuous sunshine, traditional whitewashed villages, ancient archaeology, stunning natural landscapes and rich culture attract sailors from all over the world.
4. Croatia
Dubbed the ‘new Greece’, the ‘new Riviera’ and the ‘new Tuscany’, Croatia has become an increasingly must-see destination for all types of travellers, but there really is no better way to experience it than sailing the Adriatic, where the sun almost always shines. Croatia has revamped its infrastructure over the last decade to make it a popular destination for anyone looking for great cruises, historic scenery and remote beaches. Croatia is one of the hidden gems of the Mediterranean, with 1,185 islands and 1,778 km of coastline, it is a true paradise for sailors. The Dalmatian Islands are wild, rugged and mostly uninhabited and offer some of the best sailing in the area. The rolling coastline is dotted with pristine beaches, lush green hillsides, and old towns steeped in history.
5. French Polynesia
Roughly halfway between Australia and California, the 118 islands of French Polynesia are scattered across an expanse of the Pacific Ocean that spans more than 2,000 square kilometers. French Polynesia is made up of five main island groups, including Tahiti, a landscape of jagged volcanic peaks dotted with lush vegetation and spectacular waterfalls. The islands offer an alluring mix of beautiful lagoons, traditional culture and exotic marine life, with plenty to explore both on land and at sea. The wide lagoons around Raiatea, Tahaa and Bora Bora offer plenty of sheltered sailing in calm waters, and off the reefs, the long waves of the Pacific will give you a taste of ocean sailing at its finest.
6. The Côte d’Azur, France
It would be hard to find a more romantic place to cruise than the French Riviera. The Mediterranean coastline in the southeastern corner of France offers more contrasts than probably anywhere else in the world and there is no mistaking the glitz and glamor of the French Riviera. Monaco is the second smallest country in the world (after the Vatican) compressed into 1.95 square kilometers. The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, is the world’s most legendary place to charter a yacht filled with stunning beaches and stunning scenery. Some of the biggest, newest and most impressive superyachts from around the world gather here, with cruising itineraries that may include St. Tropez, Cannes, Nice and Antibes. This is the heart of global superyacht culture, with vibrant nightlife and exceptional cuisine and special events such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix. The French Riviera manages to combine historic architecture, unspoiled islands, small marinas, rugged landscapes and white sand beaches with the great cosmopolitan resorts of Nice, Cannes and Monte Carlo.
7. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
From Naples to Positano to the historic island of Capri, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a historic region full of picturesque harbors and historic sites. This is a more remote part of Italy, away from the tourists of Rome and the crowded marinas along the Riviera, a place where charter guests can cruise in comfort and plenty of privacy. This region also offers some fantastic southern Italian cuisine, with Michelin-rated restaurants within walking distance of some beautiful anchorages. Dine on board or ashore for both lunch and dinner and you won’t be disappointed. While the French may have their Riviera, it’s nothing compared to the endless beauty of Italy’s coastline. Often overlooked due to its proximity to places like Monaco, Italy’s coastline is no less beautiful and arguably less marred by advancing real estate developments. But for the best sailing trip in Italy, I recommend starting on the Amalfi Coast and working your way to Naples and the islands of Procida and Capri. The sparkling seas here and the beautiful Italian coastline are the perfect sight to complement a highly cultural region. You’ll see ancient ruins, clean sandy beaches, quaint towns, and some of the best seafood you’ve probably ever eaten.
8. Minorca, Spain
Although it may be the smallest and least known of the Balearic Islands, Menorca is dotted with beaches more spectacular than Mallorca and Ibiza combined. The undulating landscape of Menorca offers charming villages with traditional colorful houses and cobbled streets, beaches with secluded coves and an ideal climate for sailing, making it a true nautical paradise. Recent changes to Spain’s tax laws mean the charter scene has changed, as new superyacht owners can now offer their yachts for charter without having to pay taxes that used to make the practice prohibitive.
9. South coast of Turkey
Turkey’s south west coast has long been a popular yacht charter destination, with itineraries running from Bodrum to Fethiye. Sailing in Turkey is among the best in the world due to the constant winds, crystal clear waters, and abundance of beautiful beaches, secluded anchorages, coves, inlets, and marinas. Throughout its history, Turkey has been a crossroads of religions, where East meets West with a mix of cultures and cuisines. Turkey has more than 8,300 kilometers of mountainous coastline with small fishing villages and historical sites. The charter yacht of choice here is the Goleta, a local style of motorsailer. The quality of schooners has improved tremendously and many are as luxurious as motor yachts. They use sail and wind power and offer the best of both worlds and is one of the most enjoyable charter vacations you can enjoy with family and friends.
10. Montenegrin
Montenegro has in recent years become the new superyacht hotspot of the Mediterranean due to huge investments, from chic beachfront restaurants to luxury accommodations to attract yachting enthusiasts. Non-EU tax benefits (0% VAT) and rapidly growing infrastructure have made Porto Montenegro an advantageous yacht charter base for exploring the thousands of islands from Greece to Croatia. The deep blue and serene waters of Kotor and Tivat Bay are the perfect place for a great vacation. The mountains include some of the most rugged terrain in Europe with a picturesque coastline 295 km long, with 72 km of beaches and many old towns. Swim in clean and protected waters with magnificent bottoms or simply enjoy the incredible sensation of gliding through the water under sail.
11. Saint Martin
St. Martin has to be one of the most popular sailing destinations in the world and it’s no wonder why, as this island is bursting with beauty. The island is ruled by both the French and the Netherlands and you can really experience two cultures in one place when you visit. When you charter a yacht here there are plenty of other islands to explore including St Barths, Anguilla and Saba. Expect beautiful deserted beaches filled with silky white sand, exceptional waterfront restaurants, and exceptional shopping. Explore the waters and discover why Saba is a paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers. Enchanting tropical scenery combined with plenty of nightlife, world famous beaches and other islands to explore make this the number one Caribbean escape.
12. The Grenadines
White sand beaches and tropical waters make this area a paradise for boaters. The “Spice Islands”, as the Grenadines are sometimes called, are a chain of 32 picturesque islands scattered across 60 miles of the southern Caribbean in the West Indies, offering a perfect blend of spectacular scenery, culture, abundant marine life, friendly people. and pristine white sand beaches. Known as one of the best sailing waters in the world, you’ll find that the ideal sailing conditions and lack of crowds make it one of the best places for a vacation on the water.