Luxury Yacht Charter Mediterranean: Destinations

For many people, the ultimate idea of decadence is to laze in the Mediterranean sun aboard the decks of a luxury yacht. However, as with all things in life, you can have too much of a good thing, and all but the most lethargic of individuals would agree that such indulgence can soon become tiresome.

The fact is, there is only so much stimulation that the sea itself can provide and the whole point of choosing the Mediterranean as a destination for boat charter, is to enjoy the charms of the countries that share its beautiful shoreline.

However with a shoreline that extends for 46,000 km and is shared by 3 different continents and 21 different countries, the Mediterranean offers those interested in sailboat charter an almost inexhaustible choice of potential destinations. How then, does one go about choosing the ideal venue for Mediterranean yacht rental?

In order to answer this question you must first consider which type of boat you intend to charter for your Mediterranean sailing experience.

Should you choose to charter a sailing yacht, then your average sailing speed, depending on winds and weather conditions, is likely be between 8 and 10 knots (14-18km/h). Assuming 5-6 hours of sailing a day, you are looking at covering a distance of around 350km over a week long cruise.

If on the other hand you choose to charter a motor yacht, then your average cruising speed is likely to be a far more impressive 20 knots (36km/h), allowing you to easily cover distances of over 100km in a day and 700km (the distance from Nice to Rome) in a week.

If your time is limited, it is clear that you can only attempt to cover a relatively small part of the Mediterranean during your charter cruise. As a result the most popular destinations for yacht charters in the Mediterranean tend to be those where the coastal attractions are situated in close proximity.Luxury Yacht Charter in the Western Mediterranean

Popular destinations for Western Mediterranean charters include Croatia, the Cote d’Azur (The French Riviera), the Balearic Islands, and the Italian Riviera.

A typical cruise in Croatia might take you from Venice (close to the Croatian border) to Split, via the unforgettable Dalmatian Coast. This route will take you past literally thousands of beautiful islands offering countless ports and idyllic anchoring spots. This coastline also offers a host of ancient settlements and ruins, including the city of Pala with its well preserved 26,000 seat amphitheatre.

The Cote D’Azur needs little in the way of introduction and at any one time a large proportion of the Mediterranean’s yachts will be moored in one of the region’s many marinas. The Riviera is famous for its spectacular entertainment, and world-class cuisine while the towns of Nice, St. Tropez, Monaco, and Cannes are all centres of high-fashion and great shopping.

If you are looking for a somewhat quieter cruising experience then the Balearic Islands are an ideal choice. Comprised of four main islands, Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, the Balearics offer an abundance of wide beaches, rocky coastlines and historic towns. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Balearics are an ideal destination year round.

The Italian Riviera offers a wealth of diversity and its coastline is rich in culture and history. On the mainland, Portofino and the Amalfi Coast are particular favourites amongst the yachting community, while the picturesque islands of Ischia, Capri, and Elba are also superb destinations.

Luxury Yacht Charter in the Eastern Mediterranean

Popular destinations for Eastern Mediterranean yacht rental include Greece and Turkey.

Greece offers a mainland with a long and varied coastline, though it is arguably most famous for its thousands of islands. Here it is possible to trace a route steeped in both history and mythology, from Ithaca, home of the legendary Odysseus to Lefkada, where the 240ft White Cliff is said to be scene of the poet Sappho’s suicide.The coastline of Turkey is no less steeped in history. Amongst its coves you will find the sunken remains of ancient Greek and Roman civilisations, while high up in the cliffs, you will find ancient tombs carved into the rock. The most famous route in this region is known as the ‘Blue Cruise’. Starting in either Didim or Ku?adas? the cruise follows the prevailing winds to the port of Antalya, allowing those who sail it the opportunity to retrace an ancient and historically significant trade route.

For many people, the ultimate idea of decadence is to laze in the Mediterranean sun aboard the decks of a luxury yacht. However, as with all things in life, you can have too much of a good thing, and all but the most lethargic of individuals would agree that such indulgence can soon become tiresome.

The fact is, there is only so much stimulation that the sea itself can provide and the whole point of choosing the Mediterranean as a destination for boat charter, is to enjoy the charms of the countries that share its beautiful shoreline.

However with a shoreline that extends for 46,000 km and is shared by 3 different continents and 21 different countries, the Mediterranean offers those interested in sailboat charter an almost inexhaustible choice of potential destinations. How then, does one go about choosing the ideal venue for Mediterranean yacht rental?

In order to answer this question you must first consider which type of boat you intend to charter for your Mediterranean sailing experience.

Should you choose to charter a sailing yacht, then your average sailing speed, depending on winds and weather conditions, is likely be between 8 and 10 knots (14-18km/h). Assuming 5-6 hours of sailing a day, you are looking at covering a distance of around 350km over a week long cruise.

If on the other hand you choose to charter a motor yacht, then your average cruising speed is likely to be a far more impressive 20 knots (36km/h), allowing you to easily cover distances of over 100km in a day and 700km (the distance from Nice to Rome) in a week.

If your time is limited, it is clear that you can only attempt to cover a relatively small part of the Mediterranean during your charter cruise. As a result the most popular destinations for yacht charters in the Mediterranean tend to be those where the coastal attractions are situated in close proximity.Luxury Yacht Charter in the Western Mediterranean

Popular destinations for Western Mediterranean charters include Croatia, the Cote d’Azur (The French Riviera), the Balearic Islands, and the Italian Riviera.

A typical cruise in Croatia might take you from Venice (close to the Croatian border) to Split, via the unforgettable Dalmatian Coast. This route will take you past literally thousands of beautiful islands offering countless ports and idyllic anchoring spots. This coastline also offers a host of ancient settlements and ruins, including the city of Pala with its well preserved 26,000 seat amphitheatre.

The Cote D’Azur needs little in the way of introduction and at any one time a large proportion of the Mediterranean’s yachts will be moored in one of the region’s many marinas. The Riviera is famous for its spectacular entertainment, and world-class cuisine while the towns of Nice, St. Tropez, Monaco, and Cannes are all centres of high-fashion and great shopping.

If you are looking for a somewhat quieter cruising experience then the Balearic Islands are an ideal choice. Comprised of four main islands, Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, the Balearics offer an abundance of wide beaches, rocky coastlines and historic towns. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Balearics are an ideal destination year round.

The Italian Riviera offers a wealth of diversity and its coastline is rich in culture and history. On the mainland, Portofino and the Amalfi Coast are particular favourites amongst the yachting community, while the picturesque islands of Ischia, Capri, and Elba are also superb destinations.

Luxury Yacht Charter in the Eastern Mediterranean

Popular destinations for Eastern Mediterranean yacht rental include Greece and Turkey.

Greece offers a mainland with a long and varied coastline, though it is arguably most famous for its thousands of islands. Here it is possible to trace a route steeped in both history and mythology, from Ithaca, home of the legendary Odysseus to Lefkada, where the 240ft White Cliff is said to be scene of the poet Sappho’s suicide.The coastline of Turkey is no less steeped in history. Amongst its coves you will find the sunken remains of ancient Greek and Roman civilisations, while high up in the cliffs, you will find ancient tombs carved into the rock. The most famous route in this region is known as the ‘Blue Cruise’. Starting in either Didim or Ku?adas? the cruise follows the prevailing winds to the port of Antalya, allowing those who sail it the opportunity to retrace an ancient and historically significant trade route.