Best Sailing Destinations in the Mediterranean

Unparalleled charm can be found on a sailing holiday in the Mediterranean, an area well-known for its abundance of perfect summer holiday destinations, providing a mixture of beauty, rich culture, history and the infectious relaxed Mediterranean way of life.

The Mediterranean coastline stretches approximately 2,500 miles and encompasses 23 countries, boasting varied landscapes and striking natural beauty alongside the countless islands, islets and bays. It is not hard to see why the Mediterranean is one of the top sailing destinations in the world.

With no shortage of fantastic sailing destinations within the Mediterranean from the traditional Greek islands to luxury Italian escapes, Croatian National Parks to sleepy Turkish bays, you may be left with a difficult decision to make - just where will you choose for your next sailing holiday?

Thankfully, here at Nautilus we have been organising sailing holidays in the Mediterranean for over 30 years so we know a thing or two about the top places for sailing. Through our first-hand experience, working closely with local fleets and listening to the invaluable experiences of our clients year after year, we have come to discover the top sailing destinations in the Mediterranean (although we admit, it is hard to choose just a few!).

To help you plan your next yacht charter holiday, we have lined up our top five sailing destinations in the Mediterranean to give you some inspiration and a glimpse into what your next summer sailing holiday could look like.

Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Few sailing areas offer more possibilities than Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Home to some of Croatia’s top tourist destinations such as Split and Dubrovnik, this beautiful stretch of coastline is a treasure trove of cultural gems. A fusion of cultural influences from Venetian to Byzantine has given Croatia a unique appeal and the National Parks and archipelago of Islands dotted off the coast are not to be missed. You can find pure escapism in idyllic bays on uninhabited islands in the Kornati or head to the lively, bustling towns and islands such as Hvar and Brac to experience their vibrant nightlife.

Bareboat yacht charters in Croatia are available from numerous bases along the Dalmatian coast, from Biograd, Zadar and Sibenik to Split and Trogir, right down to Dubrovnik. A one-way charter between Split and Dubrovnik is also an excellent way to pack as much as possible into a sailing holiday in Croatia. We also have fantastic flotilla options, giving you support as well as invaluable local knowledge for an unforgettable sailing holiday – sample the best of the Dalmatian Coast on the Dalmatian flotilla setting sail from Sibenik or soak up history, culture and beauty on the Split or Dubrovnik flotilla.

If you have never visited Croatia on a sailing holiday before, this is your sign to get planning. If you have been lucky enough to have already experienced Croatia’s charm, then you can be safe in the knowledge that due to her expansive coastline and the sheer volume and variety of offshore islands, you could return to Croatia year after year (as many do) and not visit the same area twice. Take a look at our sailing itineraries for inspiration on sailing routes and top places to visit in Croatia.

North and South Ionian, Greece

Ask someone about sailing holidays in the Mediterranean and chances are, Greece will spring to mind. Sun-drenched days filled with island-hopping, swimming in beautiful bays, exploring ancient sites and settling into a local taverna for a simple, yet absolutely delicious traditional Greek meal are just a few of the delights waiting for you on a sailing holiday in Greece.

The Ionian is consistently one of our top selling sailing destinations here at Nautilus and is incredibly popular with families, groups and couples looking for a relaxing but interesting Greek yacht charter.

For a family sailing holiday, the calm sailing conditions and line of sight sailing found in the South Ionian are ideal. The beauty of the Ionian Islands has captured the hearts of most all who visit and couples and newlyweds may be interested to know that the Ionian recently featured on our list of Top Romantic Sailing Destinations. Visit Meganisi, Ithaka and Kalamos for rustic charm and raw natural beauty, sail to Lefkas for unspoiled fishing villages and beautiful beaches or head to the ‘pearl of the Ionian’, Fiskardo on Kefalonia, a bustling and popular spot with original Venetian architecture, sophisticated shops, cafes and a wide variety of tavernas and restaurants.

In the North Ionian, a sailing holiday from Corfu is blessed with a fabulous mixture of traditional fishing villages, get-away-from-it-all idyllic bays, atmospheric seaside towns and breathtaking scenery. During the summer season, Corfu is well-known for reliable winds which make for great sailing and with daily flights from the UK, Corfu is very accessible. The sailing season in Corfu is longer than many of our other Mediterranean sailing destinations and is a great place to visit for some end of season sailing.

Visit the stunning bays found on Paxos and Antipaxos, head to Erikousa for remote relaxation or sail to Sivota or Plataria on the mainland. Before or after your yacht charter, be sure to explore the fascinating Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Choose from bareboat yacht charters setting sail from Corfu, Palairos or Lefkas or for a fun, sociable and supportive sailing holiday why not choose the Corfu flotilla or Ionian flotilla?

Fethiye Bay, Turkey

For tranquil sailing, stunning scenery, historic sites and warm hospitality head to Turkey for your next sailing holiday. The Gulf of Fethiye is a yachtsman’s paradise with so many sheltered anchorages, coves and islands with crystal clear water, ideal for swimming and snorkelling and perhaps even catching a sight of turtles and dolphins!

Enjoy the slower pace of life lived here – a refreshing break from our often very busy lives. The Turquoise Coast of Turkey is home to everything from ancient Lycian tombs, natural springs, mud baths and beautiful pine fringed bays. Most evenings here will be spent on anchor in a picturesque bay after indulging in delicious fresh seafood in the bay’s lone restaurant. Kapi Creek, Dirsek, Sailor’s Paradise, Sogut and Serce are all fabulous bays to include on your Fethiye yacht charter.

Bareboat charters in Turkey start from Fethiye, Gocek, Orhaniye or Marmaris. For a flotilla option, take a look at the Fethiye flotilla.

Sardinia, Italy

Find Caribbean beauty right here in the Mediterranean - the dazzling waters and white sandy beaches of Sardinia give fortunate visitors a feeling of being miles away in the Caribbean rather than in Italy. Sardinia’s Emerald Coast or “Costa Smeralda” is a long-standing favourite escape for mainland Italians looking for an idyllic summer escape and now holds a strong position in the list of top sailing destinations in the Mediterranean.

A striking coastline dotted with jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches as well as chic seaside towns where you can experience the buzz of Italian life, as well as fabulous food. A sailing holiday in Sardinia is a top choice for the foodies out there, with so many delicious local specialities to try out.

Sail north to explore the Maddalena National Park, a marine park scattered with islands and sandy beaches, including the famous pink beach "spiaggia rosa" on Budelli. You can’t help but be blown away by the beauty here and keen snorkellers and divers are in for a treat. Caprera, Razzoli, Santa Maria, Santo Stefano and Spargi are all top places to visit when sailing in the Maddalena National Park.

Setting sail on your yacht charter from Portisco in Sardinia, you have the unique opportunity to visit two countries in one sailing holiday. Bonifacio on the French island of Corsica is within easy reach (as well as the beautiful Lavezzi islands) and the dramatic entrance through the narrow opening in the cliff, the “Bocche di Bonifacio”, is not be missed.

Mallorca, Spain

The Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza are one of the most sun-filled destinations in Spain, boasting over 300 days of sunshine per year. With over 200 miles of stunning coastline, a round-the-island itinerary packs in all the top sights and ensures there will be something for everyone on your Mallorca yacht charter!

Start your yacht charter from the beautiful city of Palma and take your time to wander the characterful streets, visit the impressive Gothic cathedral and experience the capital’s thriving food scene. As you make your way around the island’s rugged coastline you will find countless gorgeous bays in which to while away your afternoons, sunbathing, swimming and exploring Mallorca’s best beaches.

Visit the bustling fishing harbours of Andratx, Soller and Pollensa, marvel at the stunning views from Cap de Formentor, the northernmost point of the island, and enjoy the slower pace of life on the white sandy beaches of Cala d'Or and the peaceful Cabrera Island Nature Reserve.