Romantic Sailing Destinations

The ideal time to visit the British Virgin Islands is between December and April which is the dry/peak season in the BVI. At this time of year, the average temperatures stay around 28-30°c, winds are steady and the hotels, restaurants and beach bars are alive with activity. Read our post ‘Best time to sail in the BVI’ for more information.

1. The Baths National Park on Virgin Gorda
2. Sample a delicious lobster dinner on the stunning white sand island of Anegada
3. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the islands’ beach bars
4. Snorkelling and diving
5. Sample one (or a few!) of the 350 different rums at Cooper Island Beach Club
6. Hike to the hills for some incredible views over these magical islands

1. Discover The Baths National Park on Virgin Gorda.

   A must-visit for anyone holidaying in the British Virgin Islands, a true natural wonder that is a delight to explore. Make your way through the maze of massive granite boulders and sparkling rock pools to the beautiful horseshoe shaped Devil’s Bay. Stop for photos in the ‘Cathedral Room’, a beautiful rock pool set within a cave and take time to enjoy the spectacular views from the Top of the Baths Restaurant and Bar at the end of your day’s adventures.

2. Sample a delicious lobster dinner on the stunning white sand island of Anegada.

   There is nothing quite like dining on the freshest lobster whilst on one of the most beautiful islands in the world (in our opinion!). No visit to the BVI would be complete without trying this local delicacy and you couldn’t wish for a more romantic setting for your evening meal.

3. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the islands’ beach bars

   The incredibly open, friendly and welcoming locals are a big part of what makes a holiday in the British Virgin Islands so unique. A perfect place to soak up this welcoming atmosphere is in one of the many bustling beach bars. Do not miss an afternoon on the soft sands of White Bay on Jost Van Dyke sipping on the iconic Painkiller cocktail at the Soggy Dollar Bar whilst enjoying the beautiful views with your loved one.

4. Snorkelling and diving

   The British Virgin Islands have some fantastic snorkel and dive sites that will impress underwater novices and seasoned divers alike. Glide through the crystal clear waters spotting an array of colourful fish, turtles, rays and seahorses. Some of the best snorkelling spots in the British Virgin Islands are:

   • The Caves and The Indians of The Bight, Norman Island
   • Monkey Point, Guana Island
   • Loblolly Bay, Anegada
   • The Dogs, Dog Islands
   • Cistern Point, Cooper Island

   Some of the best dive sites in the British Virgin Islands are:

   • The wreck of RMS Rhone, Salt Island
   • The Chimney, Great Dog Island
   • Alice’s Wonderland, Ginger Island
   • The wreck of Chikuzen
   • The Aquarium, Virgin Gorda

5. Sample one (or a few!) of the 350 different rums at Cooper Island Beach Club

   Cooper Island Beach club is a great place to spend some time on your romantic sailing vacation. A self-sufficient eco resort with beautiful accommodation, boutique shop, restaurant and an incredibly well-stocked rum bar which is home to one of the largest selections of rum in the Caribbean. Over 350 different rums from all over the world are housed here, waiting to be discovered and enjoyed on your trip to the British Virgin Islands.

6. Hike to the hills for some incredible views over these magical islands

   The British Virgin Islands are home to some fantastic walking and hiking trails and are perfect early morning or late afternoon excursions during your romantic sailing holiday. Whether you fancy an easy stroll through beautiful nature or a heart pumping hike to the hills, you will find a walk to suit all levels in the BVI. A few great hikes and walks in the British Virgin Islands are:

   • Norman Island – one of the few private islands which allows access to their hiking trails and you will be grateful for it! Various hiking trails take you on incredibly scenic routes with sweeping vistas of the sparkling seas and the islands beyond. Hike to the top of Spyglass Hill, an infamous pirate lookout or head to the serene Benure’s Bay for a dip in the tranquil waters or the secluded Money Bay. Whichever route you choose you will not be disappointed and don’t forget to refuel afterwards with a delicious meal at Pirate’s Bight.
   • Sage Mountain, Tortola – the highest peak in the British Virgin Islands at 1710 feet, the panoramic views awaiting you make it more than worth the climb. A slightly more challenging hike and one that will appeal to the fitness loving couples out there! Sage Mountain was the first National Park in the BVI and offers 14 different trails through this thriving forest, including circular routes.
   • The Baths at Virgin Gorda – already listed as one our top things to do in the BVI, the walk through the Baths is a unique experience and a walk that is not to be missed when visiting the British Virgin Islands.
   • Jost Van Dyke – take a peaceful stroll from Great Harbour over the hill to the idyllic White Bay, a perfect start or end to your day on Jost Van Dyke. Alternatively, take either the inland or coastal route from Foxy’s Taboo to the beautiful Bubbly Pool. Locally known as Mother Nature’s Jacuzzi, you can relax in the shallow tide pool and cool off after your walk before heading back to Foxy’s Taboo for your morning coffee.

For your honeymoon or romantic sailing holiday in the British Virgin Islands, we offer bareboat, skippered and crewed sailing holiday options depending on your preferences.

For those with sailing experience and/or qualifications a bareboat sailing holiday in the BVI gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Enjoy the solitude of having the entire yacht to yourselves and choosing the perfect itinerary for you and your loved one.

If you want to experience the joy of a sailing holiday but have little or no sailing experience then you can add a skipper to any bareboat holiday in the BVI. The skipper will take care of all the day-to-day sailing, as well as having extensive knowledge of the local area which will be invaluable when it comes to making suggestions for places to visit, things to do, the best restaurants to eat at etc. The skipper will need his own cabin on your yacht and many larger yachts and catamarans have designated skipper cabins.

For an unforgettable holiday, why not treat yourselves to a crewed yacht charter in the British Virgin Islands? These luxurious and spacious catamarans come with a skipper and hostess to give you the ultimate romantic sailing holiday experience. Delicious meals are served onboard whilst sailing in pure comfort and style, enjoying the top places to visit in the BVI. A dream holiday in the Caribbean.

Although useful to have one, a sailing license, certificate or qualification is not required for a BVI yacht charter, however, our partners will need to see a complete sailing resume.

The sailing resume for a BVI Yacht Charter must demonstrate experience as a skipper of a similar type and size (within five feet) of the yacht as the one you are looking to charter. The experience should also be recent and the company will look for experience within the last five years.

For those with no previous sailing experience or qualifications, skippered or crewed sailing holidays in the British Virgin Islands are available.

The Seychelles offer ideal sailing conditions throughout the year but there are 2 distinct seasons.

From November to April north-westerly trade winds blow around 10 knots with calm seas but it generally feels hotter and more humid. From May to October the dry southeast tradewinds give cooler temperatures and consistent 20 knot winds. The wet season is from December to February.

1. Visit the most beautiful beaches in the world – the Seychelles are famous for their spectacular beaches so there is no shortage of beautiful beaches to visit on a yacht charter in the Seychelles. Anse Source d’Argent is often at the top of the world’s most beautiful beaches lists thanks to its impressive granite rocks and calm, crystal clear waters. Other beaches to be sure to visit are Anse Lazio, Anse Intendance, Anse Takamaka, Anse Georgette, Grande Anse, Petite Anse and Anse Cocos.
2. Enter the Garden of Eden – the Vallée de Mai on the island of Praslin is a protected natural park and UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient palm forest is home to many rare bird species, countless animals and a vast array of native plants including the enormous Coco de Mer.
3. Walk with giant tortoises on Curieuse – the islands of Curieuse is a sanctuary for flora and fauna as well as being home to hundreds of giant tortoises. Walk the island’s nature trails and find yourself in a unique natural haven.
4. Snorkel in the Sainte Anne Marine Park – this protected area houses a rich and varied marine life where you can encounter turtles and dolphins.

For your honeymoon or romantic sailing holiday in the Seychelles you have the choice of bareboat and skippered sailing holiday options depending on your preferences and experience level.

For those with sailing experience and/or qualifications a bareboat sailing holiday in the Seychelles gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Enjoy the solitude of having the entire yacht to yourselves and choosing the perfect itinerary for you and your loved one.

If you are wanting to experience the joy of a sailing holiday but have little or no sailing experience then you can add a skipper to any bareboat holiday in the Seychelles. The skipper will take care of all the day-to-day sailing, as well as having extensive knowledge of the local area which will be invaluable when it comes to making suggestions for places to visit, things to do, the best restaurants to eat at etc. The skipper will need his own cabin on your yacht so do take this into consideration when choosing your ideal yacht for your sailing holiday in the Seychelles.

For a Seychelles Yacht Charter the skipper of the yacht will need a sailing license that is recognized by the local port authorities. The designated skipper will also need to hold a valid VHF license.

For those with no sailing qualifications, skippered sailing holidays in the Seychelles are available.

The best time to travel to Tahiti is during the dry season, from May to October, when temperatures range from 25-30oC and the constant south-easterly Tradewinds blow at 15-20 knots. From November to March there are more variable winds.

1. Sail in the lagoon at Bora Bora - undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Bora Bora is one of the top places to visit on a romantic holiday or honeymoon.
2. Find tranquillity and authentic Polynesian culture in Huahine - slip away beyond the reef and sail to Huahine, a breathtakingly beautiful island where the ancestral culture is still very much alive in local traditions and customs.
3. Explore the ‘sacred’ island of Raiatea - visit the archaeological site of Taputapuatea, a UNESCO World Heritage site which was once the political and religious centre of Polynesia or go for a hike through the lush vegetation to discover stunning waterfalls followed by a delicious meal to experience the exquisite Polynesian cuisine.
4. Savour the sweet fragrance on Taha’a - known as ‘vanilla island’, Taha’a is home to numerous vanilla plantations, producing vanilla which is sold all over the world. Take a trip to Vanilla Valley to learn all the secrets of growing vanilla and be sure to buy some to take home with you.
5. Snorkelling and diving – the crystal clear waters of Tahiti provide the ultimate location for snorkelling and diving. The blue lagoons and coral gardens here have been likened to swimming in an aquarium.

For your honeymoon or romantic sailing holiday in Tahiti, you can choose between bareboat and skippered sailing holiday options depending on your preferences and experience level.

For those with sailing experience and/or qualifications a bareboat sailing holiday in Tahiti gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Enjoy the solitude of having the entire yacht to yourselves and choosing the perfect itinerary for you and your loved one.

If you want to experience the joy of a sailing holiday but have little or no sailing experience then you can add a skipper to any bareboat holiday in Tahiti. The skipper will take care of all the day-to-day sailing, as well as having extensive knowledge of the local area which will be invaluable when it comes to making suggestions for places to visit, things to do, the best restaurants to eat at etc. The skipper will need his own cabin on your yacht so do take this into consideration when choose your ideal yacht for your sailing holiday in Tahiti.

For your honeymoon or romantic sailing holiday in Tahiti, you can choose between bareboat and skippered sailing holiday options depending on your preferences and experience level.

For those with sailing experience and/or qualifications a bareboat sailing holiday in Tahiti gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Enjoy the solitude of having the entire yacht to yourselves and choosing the perfect itinerary for you and your loved one.

If you are wanting to experience the joy of a sailing holiday but have little or no sailing experience then you can add a skipper to any bareboat holiday in Tahiti. The skipper will take care of all the day-to-day sailing, as well as having extensive knowledge of the local area which will be invaluable when it comes to making suggestions for places to visit, things to do, the best restaurants to eat at etc. The skipper will need his own cabin on your yacht so do take this into consideration when choosing your ideal yacht for your sailing holiday in Tahiti.

The best time to visit Belize is from November/December to May.

Whilst you will find warm temperatures averaging 30°C year-round in Belize, the months of June to October are generally best avoided due to the Atlantic hurricane season.

Steady trade winds at 20-25 knots during the peak winter months make for great sailing.

1. Snorkelling and diving – being home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, snorkelling and diving is an absolute must when visiting Belize. The reef stretches along the coast of Belize for more than 180 miles and is a thriving ecosystem where you can find hundreds of different species of fish, coral and molluscs as well as plentiful sea turtles and manatees.
2. Visit the Great Blue Hole – take an excursion to the wonderous Blue Hole, a large underwater sinkhole with interconnected caverns adorned with remarkable formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, dripstone sheets, and columns. The Great Blue Hole is a world-class diving location that draws scuba divers and nature lovers from all over the globe and at over 300 metres across and 125 metres deep, it is the largest natural formation of its kind.
3. Explore the countless idyllic cayes - There are many deserted cayes throughout the sailing area which provide complete tranquillity for your romantic sailing holiday. Picture stunning palm fringed beaches, afternoons spent swimming off your yacht discovering an awe-inspiring underwater world and relaxing on the beach watching pelicans, red footed boobies, osprey and cormorants.
4. Dine on delicious lobster and conch – a country well-known for its delicious seafood, be sure to enjoy some freshly grilled lobster and conch fritters whilst on your Belize yacht charter.
5. Visit ancient Mayan ruins – spend some time ashore to discover some of Belize’s fascinating Mayan ruins. The largest Mayan site in Belize is Caracol which was home to approximately 15,000 people and incredibly this site is actually even larger than Belize City.

For your honeymoon or romantic sailing holiday in Belize, we offer bareboat and skippered sailing holiday options depending on your preferences and experience level.

For those with sailing experience and/or qualifications a bareboat sailing holiday in Belize gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Enjoy the solitude of having the entire yacht to yourselves and choosing the perfect itinerary for you and your loved one.

If you are wanting to experience the joy of a sailing holiday but have little or no sailing experience then you can add a skipper to any bareboat holiday in Belize. The skipper will take care of all the day-to-day sailing, as well as having extensive knowledge of the local area which will be invaluable when it comes to making suggestions for places to visit, things to do, the best restaurants to eat at etc. The skipper will need his own cabin on your yacht so do take this into consideration when choose your ideal yacht for your sailing holiday in Belize.

Although useful to have one, an official sailing license, certificate or qualification is not required for a Belize yacht charter, however, our partners will need to see a complete sailing resume. A Temporary Certificate of Competency is required for Belize yacht charters, which is a certificate issued by the Belize port authorities prior to your charter as long as your sailing experience is sufficient.

The sailing resume for a Belize Yacht Charter must demonstrate experience as a skipper of a similar type and size (within five feet) of the yacht as the one you are looking to charter. The experience should also be recent and the company will look for experience within the last five years. Your sailing resume will be presented to the port authorities in Belize who will then issue the required Temporary Certificate of Competency required for your charter.

For those with no previous sailing experience or qualifications, skippered sailing holidays in Belize are available.

Sardinia enjoys typical Mediterranean weather, which makes the conditions ideal for a sailing holiday from May through to October.

Winds from the north-north-west average Force 4. Stronger mistral winds can blow in August, lasting 1-2 days. Summer temperatures average 26-30ºC.

Sardinia is a popular summer holiday destination, with foreigners as well as mainland Italians enjoying a summer break. July and August are peak months for holidaymakers so if seclusion is what you are after then you might consider travelling to Sardinia in the shoulder seasons of May/June or September/October.

1. Visit the Maddalena National Park – the first national park in Sardinia, you cannot miss a visit to the Maddalena islands when enjoying a sailing holiday in Sardinia. This group of over 60 islands feature unique flora and fauna and is home to almost 1000 plant species. In the clear waters, you can spot bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles. Top spots in the Maddalena National Park are the pink beach on Budelli, Caprera, Razzoli, Santa Maria, Santo Stefano and Spargi.
2. Experience two countries in one with a trip to Corsica - Combine the flavours of Italy and France on a sailing holiday in Sardinia. Bonifacio on the French island of Corsica is within easy reach and the dramatic entrance through the narrow opening in the cliff, the “Bocche di Bonifacio”, is not to be missed. On your way to Bonifacio (or on your return to Sardinia), be sure to visit the beautiful Lavezzi islands, a nature reserve which is sometimes referred to as the ‘Seychelles of the Mediterranean’ due to the large rocks found there.
3. Snorkelling – the crystal clear emerald waters of Sardinia are the perfect location to explore the underwater world. Grab your snorkels and jump in to discover the huge diversity of sea life that calls these waters their home.
4. Wine and dine – when in Italy….eat! Savour the delicious flavours and huge selection of local dishes of Sardinia. Italy is arguably home to some of the best food in the world and since the dishes here are very regional, you will experience a whole host of foods in Sardinia that you would not find elsewhere in Italy. Some of the top foods to try when on your Sardinia yacht charter are:
   • Cheese – do not leave Sardinia without trying the delicious Pecorino cheese! There are an incredible amount of different types of Pecorino produced in Sardinia, giving you an enticing selection to choose from.
   • Bread – Sardinia has many varieties of delicious traditional breads, including the unique Pani Carasau, a thin and crispy bread which you will often served in local restaurants
   • Culurgionis – a unique Sardinian filled pasta, traditionally made with a filling of potato, mint, garlic and cheese.
   • Frègula – a small round pasta that resembles large cous cous. This pasta is often featured in seafood dishes such as the delicious Frègula con Arselle (clam soup).
5. Sleep under the stars in Sardinia’s hidden coves – the emerald coast of Sardinia is home to an abundance of beautiful, secluded bays and coves which provide the perfect backdrop to a romantic evening dining and sleeping under the stars.

For your honeymoon or romantic sailing holiday in Sardinia we offer bareboat and skippered sailing holiday options.

Qualified sailors can take to the turquoise waters of Sardinia on a bareboat charter and head off on your perfect romantic sailing holiday. Pick from a great selection of yachts to find exactly what you are looking for and plan your itinerary as you wish.

If sailing in Sardinia sounds like your dream vacation but you have no sailing qualifications then not to worry! A skippered charter in Sardinia is the ideal option for you. You can still plan your perfect itinerary and your skipper will be on hand to make any suggestions you might need, whilst most importantly, taking care of all the sailing for you so that you can relax and enjoy your week on the water.

To charter a bareboat in Sardinia you will need an RYA Day Skipper or ICC qualification.

For those with no sailing qualifications, skippered sailing holidays in the Cyclades are available.

The best times to sail in the Cyclades are May/June and September/October when you are less likely to be affected by the prevailing meltemi wind from the north which blows strongest in July and August at Force 5-6 and may reach Force 7-8. The Meltemi can blow for 1 day or it can blow for 1 week continuously. In the Spring and Autumn the wind strength is less, around Force 3-4. Summer temperatures reach 25-27ºC.

There are many sailing itinerary options available in the Cyclades so you can plan your itinerary to best suit your sailing experience and the weather forecast. Keeping your itinerary flexible is advisable so you can make amendments depending on the weather conditions if needed.

1. Witness a Santorini sunset – the sunsets on Santorini are infamous and for very good reason. When sailing in the Cyclades you are bound to be blessed with many beautiful sunsets but when visiting Santorini, take the opportunity to walk to the top of the hillsides behind Oia for stunning views of the sunset.
2. Enjoy the many beautiful beaches – Greece is full of incredible beaches, including here in the Cyclades. Ios, Naxos and Paros all have wonderful sandy beaches to while away the day relaxing with your loved one.
3. Visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri – a popular attraction in the Cyclades and with visitors to Santorini, the ruins of this Bronze Age settlement make a fascinating excursion.
4. Experience the lively nightlife of Ios – a popular spot for nightlife lovers, Ios serves up a whole host of nightclubs and bars in which to enjoy the music and dancing.
5. Dine on freshly caught seafood in a local Taverna – Greek Taverna serve up some of the most delicious food in the Mediterranean and there are few places better to sample the locally caught seafood. After a day of sailing, swimming and snorkelling, top the evening off with a delicious meal and a refreshing sundowner.

For your honeymoon or romantic sailing holiday in the Cyclades, we offer bareboat and skippered sailing holiday options depending on your preferences.

For those with a sailing qualification, a bareboat sailing holiday in the Cyclades gives you the privacy of your own yacht and the opportunity to chart your course as you wish. Explore these quintessentially Greek islands at your own pace and choose the perfect itinerary for you and your loved one.

If you want to experience the joy of a sailing holiday but have little or no sailing experience, then you can add a skipper to any bareboat holiday in the Cyclades. The skipper will take care of all the day-to-day sailing, as well as having extensive knowledge of the local area which will be invaluable when it comes to making suggestions for places to visit, things to do, the best restaurants to eat at etc. This is a more challenging sailing area so having an experienced skipper is key to making the most of your sailing holiday.

For bareboat charters in Greece, you will need an ICC qualification. The port authorities in Greece are now insisting on one of the following practical certificates:

• RYA ICC (International Certificate of Competence)
• RYA Coastal, RYA Yachtmaster
• ASA IPC (International Proficiency Certificate)
• IYT (International Yacht Training) Passport

For those with no sailing qualifications, skippered sailing holidays in the Cyclades are available.

The best time for a sailing holiday in Croatia is from April to October. July and August are the busiest months of the year and also the warmest with temperatures averaging 26-32 degrees. At this time of year, the main Croatian hotspots are a hive of activity with tourists visiting via land and sea. Steady afternoon breezes make for great sailing.

For those who appreciate milder temperatures April, May, September and October see cooler mornings and evenings and a chance of rain but still have very comfortable daytime temperatures. The shoulder seasons can be the ideal time for exploring in more moderate temperatures and if visiting at the end of the season you will still have very pleasant sea temperatures.

1. Explore charming UNESCO World Heritage sites

   Croatia is a country with a very rich history and diverse culture. There are many UNESCO World Heritage sites, with one of the most well-known of these being Dubrovnik Old Town. A top European city break destination, you cannot miss a visit to the walled Old Town whilst on a sailing holiday from Dubrovnik. Just a short distance from the marina you will find yourself immersed in the cobbled streets and marble paved squares of this beautiful city. A treasure trove of historical sights, Baroque churches, monasteries and palaces feature in abundance here. Apart from being a fascinating city full to the brim with history, Dubrovnik is also a vibrant place to be, bustling with locals as well as tourists, who all enjoy the atmosphere of the city’s many bars, cafes, markets, restaurants and nightclubs.

   If you are planning a two or three week romantic sailing holiday or if you are wanting to spend some time on land before or after your charter, you may have the chance to experience more the country’s UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Trogir Old Town or St Nicholas Fortress and St Jacob’s cathedral in Sibenik.

2. Visit Natural Wonders

   • Lastovo Islands Nature Park – lying fairly centrally between Split and Dubrovnik you will find the Lastovo Islands Nature Park, one of the richest and best-preserved treasure troves of biodiversity in the Mediterranean. Dive underwater to explore the vast array of sea life and enjoy a night gently rocking on anchor under a star-filled sky in this protected haven.
   • Mljet – a beautiful island and National Park located a short distance from Dubrovnik. Swim in the two saltwater lakes, visit the Benedictine Monastery at St Mary’s Islet, hike to the top of the hills for incredible views or enjoy some pure relaxation on one of the island’s sandy beaches.

   On a longer charter from Dubrovnik, you have the possibility of sailing further north and experiencing even more natural wonders:

   • Kornati National Park – 89 beautiful islands, islets and reefs located off the coast of central Croatia. A paradise sailing location which offers fantastic snorkelling and beautiful uninhabited islands. You will need tickets to sail in the National Park and these can be purchased here.
   • Krka National Park and Waterfalls – Sail up the river from Skradin and visit the Krka National Park and waterfalls with fantastic hikes and viewpoints. Tickets can be purchased here

3. Experience Croatia’s atmospheric nightlife

   Croatia is well known for its fantastic nightlife and hosts many live music events throughout the summer months. Some of the top places to visit if lively nightlife is what you are looking for on your romantic sailing holiday are:

   • Dubrovnik – the starting place of your yacht charter in Croatia and a great option for nightlife! Dubrovnik is not only a beautiful city full of history but also boasts an enviable nightlife and party scene. Include a visit to the Skybar for a sophisticated evening with delicious cocktails.
   • Brac – combines beautiful beaches and bustling nightlife on Brac. Visit the legendary 585 Club or many of the island's beach bars for a fantastic night out.
   • Hvar – In Hvar, you will find too many nightlife spots to mention! Head to Hvar town for a great party scene.
   • Split – the tourist centre of Split is home to many great bars and nightclubs whilst also being the location of Ultra Music Festival in July.

For your honeymoon or romantic sailing holiday in Dubrovnik, we offer bareboat, skippered and flotilla sailing holiday options to best suit your needs.

Qualified sailors can opt for a bareboat sailing holiday in Dubrovnik, setting sail from Dubrovnik ACI Marina. Build your ideal itinerary discovering the islands of the southern Adriatic or why not choose a one-way charter to Split to cover even more of this spectacular sailing ground.

A skippered sailing holiday in Dubrovnik is the perfect choice for those couples who are new to sailing or simply want to take a back seat and enjoy the ride. A skipper will take care of all the sailing for you so that you can relax and enjoy your romantic sailing holiday to its full potential.

If the idea of a sociable romantic holiday appeals to you then you might like to take a look at the Dubrovnik flotilla which runs every week from May to October. A range of yachts are available including smaller two cabin yachts which are perfect for couples to enjoy their week’s sail. The experienced lead crew guide you through the week with details of your destination each day, possible lunch and swim stop en route as well as keeping you up to date with weather conditions. Enjoy the privacy of your own yacht whilst having the advantage of support from a lead crew and new friends to share the experience with!

For bareboat charters and flotilla holidays in Croatia, you will need RYA Day Skipper or ICC qualification as well as VHF licence in order to skipper the yacht yourself.

For those with no sailing qualifications, skippered sailing holidays in Croatia are available.

The best time to take a sailing holiday in Greece is between April and October, with peak season being June, July, and August.

Winds can be slightly stronger in the peak summer months of July and August which is great for avid sailors. The Ionian is a popular sailing destination which is bustling with activity in the summer months.

The shoulder seasons of May/June and September/October see fewer crowds and milder temperatures, an ideal choice for those who struggle with the intense summer heat.

1. Swim with the pigs on Atokos Island – you might feel like you have been transported to the Bahamas when you reach Atokos and see pigs swimming in the clear blue waters but as it turns out, the Ionian is also home to beach-dwelling pigs! Take a swim with these friendly animals and enjoy the beautiful beach.
2. Visit the ‘Jewel of the Ionian’, Fiskardo – the historic harbour village on the northern tip of Kefalonia is full of life, sporting a beautiful waterfront with great restaurants and original Venetian architecture.
3. Discover the magic of Meganisi – with over 30km of scenic coastline, the island of Meganisi boasts beautiful beaches, picturesque harbours and a lush, green interior. This is an island that has retained its traditional character, with both Vathy and Spartochori being favourite spots during yacht charters in the Ionian.
4. Experience the mythical charm of Ithaca - known as the home island of Ulysses from Homer's Odyssey, Ithaca is a wonderful place to enjoy secluded beaches and wonderful hikes to the hilltops for stunning views. Plan a visit to the Cave of the Nymphs where legend has it that Odysseus hid the gifts he received from King Alkinoos of the Phaeacians or head up to Piso Aetos and the ancient acropolis of the city of Alalkomenes.
5. Enjoy a waterfront meal in Kioni – one of the prettiest harbours in the Ionian and a perfect place to relax with an aperitif and watch the coming and going in the harbour before enjoying a delicious meal in one of the waterfront tavernas.

For your honeymoon or romantic sailing holiday in the Ionian Islands, we offer bareboat, skippered or even flotilla sailing holiday options depending on your preferences.

For qualified sailors, a bareboat sailing holiday in the Ionian is a fantastic way to explore this relaxed sailing ground at your own pace. Spend your days meandering from bay to bay or soaking up the atmosphere at the bustling seaside towns, plotting your own course to perfectly tailor your sailing holiday to your own needs.

A skippered sailing holiday in the Ionian is the ideal choice for those couples who are new to sailing. A skipper will take care of all of the sailing for you so that you can sit back and relax, enjoying your romantic sailing holiday to its full potential. Your skipper can plan the stops and destinations that you are keen to explore whilst also making their own recommendations for some of the best places to visit in the Ionian.

For sociable couples who are looking to mingle with fellow sailors, a flotilla holiday may be your perfect romantic sailing holiday! The Ionian flotilla is a relaxed and scenic flotilla that follows two distinctive 1-week routes throughout the summer season. No need to worry about itinerary planning or checking weather conditions, the experienced lead crew has that all under control! Enjoy the privacy of your own yacht whilst having the advantage of support from a lead crew and new friends to share the experience with! Watch our video ‘A Day on the Ionian Flotilla’ to get a taste of what to expect from a flotilla sailing holiday in the Ionian.

For bareboat charters and flotilla holidays in Greece, you will need an ICC qualification. The port authorities in Greece are now insisting on one of the following practical certificates:

• RYA ICC (International Certificate of Competence)
• RYA Coastal, RYA Yachtmaster
• ASA IPC (International Proficiency Certificate)
• IYT (International Yacht Training) Passport

For those with no sailing qualifications, skippered sailing holidays in the Ionian Islands are available.