1. The British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands boast 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 beachfront resorts, pristine white sands, chic boutiques and fine dining, the British Virgin Islands has it all as a true fantasyland to sail with over 40 islands and hundreds of anchorages all within sight of each other. . 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, an abundance 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 sailing 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 rocks, swaying palm trees and turquoise coves 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 landscape, white sand beaches and sparkling aquamarine waters make Seychelles a perfect sailing holiday destination.
3. The Greek islands
Sailing is truly the best way to experience these stunning islands, set your own island hopping itinerary, find off the beaten path 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 visit to the port one of a kind. Continuous sunshine, traditional whitewashed villages, ancient archaeology, stunning natural landscapes and rich culture attract sailors from around the world.
4.Croatia
Called the ‘new Greece’, the ‘new Riviera’ and the ‘new Tuscany’, Croatia has become an increasingly must-see destination for all types of travelers, but there really is no better way to experience it than by cruising the Adriatic, where the sun almost always shines. Croatia has revamped its infrastructure over the past decade to make it a popular destination for anyone seeking fantastic cruises, historical settings, 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 ancient towns steeped in history.
5. French Polynesia
About 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 calm water sailing, and off the reefs the long swells of the Pacific will give you a taste of ocean sailing at its finest.
6. The French Riviera, France
It would be hard to find a more romantic place to sail than the French Riviera. The Mediterranean coast in the southeast corner of France offers more contrasts than probably anywhere else in the world, and there’s 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 cruise itineraries that can include St. Tropez, Cannes, Nice and Antibes. This is the heart of global superyacht culture, with vibrant nightlife, exceptional cuisine and special events, including the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix. The French Riviera manages to combine historic architecture, untouched islands, small marinas, rugged landscapes, and white-sand beaches with the large cosmopolitan resorts of Nice, Cannes, and Monte Carlo.
7. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
From Naples to Positano and the historic island of Capri, Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a storied region filled with picturesque ports and historic sites. This is a more remote part of Italy, far from the tourists of Rome and the crowded marinas along the Riviera, a place where charter passengers can cruise in comfort and plenty of privacy. This region also offers fantastic southern Italian cuisine, with Michelin rated restaurants within easy reach 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 the progress of real estate developments. But for the best sailing trip in Italy, I recommend starting on the Amalfi Coast and working your way up to Naples and the islands of Procida and Capri. The sparkling seas here and the gorgeous 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. Menorca, Spain
Although it may be the smallest and least known of the Balearic Islands, Menorca is dotted with more spectacular beaches than Mallorca and Ibiza combined. The undulating landscape of Menorca offers charming villages with traditional colored 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, with new superyacht owners now able to offer their yachts for charter without paying taxes that used to make the practice prohibitive.
9. South coast of Türkiye
Turkey’s southwest coast has long been a popular yacht charter destination, with itineraries running from Bodrum to Fethiye. Yachting in Turkey is among the best in the world due to constant winds, crystal clear waters and an 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 Gulet, a local style of motorsailer. The quality of gulets has improved enormously and many are as luxurious as motor yachts. They use both sail and wind power and offer the best of both worlds and it is one of the most enjoyable charter holidays you can enjoy with family and friends.
10. Montenegro
Montenegro has become the new superyacht hotspot of the Mediterranean in recent years due to huge investments, from elegant waterfront 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 calm and deep blue 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 295 km long coastline, 72 km of beaches and many ancient towns. Swim in clean, protected waters with magnificent seabeds or simply enjoy the incredible sensation of gliding through the water under a 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 brimming 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 lined with silky white sand, exceptional waterfront dining, and exceptional shopping. Explore the waters and find out why Saba is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. The 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 sailing lovers. The “Spice Islands”, as the Grenadines are sometimes called, are a chain of 32 picturesque islands spread 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 virgin white sand beaches. Known as some of the best sailing waters in the world, you’ll find that ideal sailing conditions and a lack of crowds make it one of the best places for a vacation on the water.