It’s been said that the cure for anything is “salt water—sweat or tears or the sea.” Our vote is for the sea. There’s always serenity and inherent beauty to be found out on the open blue water. And that’s why a sailing holiday is one of the best ways to see the world. By combining sea time with land exploration, travellers enjoy relaxation on the water and still get take in the sights when you drop anchor. So this year, why not take a surf and turf holiday that satisfies everyone in your group? If you’re planning your first sailing holiday and want to sail somewhere in Europe, it’s hard to pick from all the incredible places to go.
Therefore we’ve assembled several different itineraries from which to choose. Newbie crews can opt for a fully captained boat to set the course, while experienced sailors can bareboat and steer at their own pace. Either way, you’re bound to have the time of your life.
Croatia: Split to Dubrovnik
Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast—often referred to as “the next Riviera”—is undeniably gorgeous. The sea is an arresting turquoise and the views are unparalleled. With 1,200 tiny islands sprinkled throughout the coastline, there’s so much to explore. Most of the islands are uninhabited national parkland, but about 50 have been settled into charming fishing villages.
While planning your sailing yacht charter, Be sure to include stops in both Split and Dubrovnik, medieval cities with ancient walls, marble roads, and Baroque architecture. Ditto for Hvar. With its ancient streets and famous visitors including Beyonce, George Clooney and Prince Harry, it is also known for its fragrant lavender fields and herbs like heather and rosemary.
Another great stop is Vis, a foodie’s delight that was not accessible to foreign visitors for 40 years. Also, don’t miss Bisevo, an inlet best known for the amazingly Instagrammable Blue Grotto.
Bonus points for including lesser-known island groups in your itinerary, such as Kornati and Mljet. Kornati consists of 147 mostly uninhabited islands and reefs, providing a wonderfully unspoiled view of nature. Mljet is almost three-quarters forest, the rest fields and vineyards. A single hotel dots the landscape known for remote beaches and excellent food.
Amalfi Coast: Naples to Capri
The ruggedly beautiful scenery, colourful towns appearing out of cliffs, and endless activities all make Italy’s Amalfi Coast one wonderful journey. Start your trip here in Naples, one of the oldest cities in the world. Art, architecture, ancient ruins and of course, awesome food awaits. Legend has it that pizza was invented here!
Once you set sail, head for the volcanic island of Ischia. There, check out the breathtaking views from Castello Aragonese. Then make your way to Forio, the main village here known for its thermal hot springs. Take a mud bath and then rinse off in the naturally warm waters. Ahhhh!
Next visit the island of Capri, best known as a stylish shopping destination. The Piazzetta (public square) is a charming place for a cappuccino or glass of wine. And of course, you have to get a Caprese Salad here, made from vine ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, topped with a drizzle of olive oil.
Positano is positively a must. With peach and terracotta buildings rising up the hillside, this chic town has an abundance of wonderful seafood restaurants and fashion boutiques. Wear comfortable shoes—the streets are steep!
Of course, you can’t sail the Amalfi Coast without actually stopping in Amalfi. Take in the charming piazza, located at the foot of Saint Andrew’s Cathedral. Then go to the coastal towns of Maiori and Minori for fresh pasta. Yum!
Another great place to drop anchor is in Sorrento. The biggest attraction here is the Cathedral of Sorrento (the Duomo.) The rather simple exterior gives way to an incredibly intricate, dramatic interior. Old Sorrento has a variety of historical buildings and sites to take in as well.
Greece: Corfu to Zakynthos
The Ionian Islands in Greece are known as the “nursery slopes” of sailing because of the calm, clear waters here. Olive groves, mysterious caves, untouched beaches, and underwater lakes abound. The area is great for windsurfing, diving shipwrecks, and snorkelling. And of course—the food!
Greek mythology holds that Odysseus was enchanted with the island of Corfu. The ancient forts built by the Venetians and Byzantine churches in Old Town are a big draw here.
At Paxos, wild dolphins may lead you ashore if you’re lucky. Beaches, caves, and hand-painted fishing boats await on the island full of olive groves. Go for a walk to see the ruins of more than 60 churches dating back to the 6th century.
Lefkas is another great stop on this itinerary. Almost completely felled by an earthquake in the 1940s, the since rebuilt Lefkas Town is a visual delight of colourful wood and metal structures. Get your fix of civilization before heading out of town to see the beaches, waterfalls, ruins, and water caves the island has to offer.
Ithaca, Odysseus’s hometown, is a place to bask in traditional island life. Kioni is well worth a visit to see its traditional whitewashed houses and windmills.
Finally, stop off at Zakynthos, the most visited island in the Ionian. Divers will enjoy the sea caves and shipwrecks here, while land adventurers can take a scenic horseback ride. Be sure to put the Blue Caves and Shipwreck Beach on your list of must-sees here.
Live the Yacht Life
Of course, there are many other beautiful journeys to take in Europe and once you’ve taken your first sailing holiday, the likelihood is, you’ll be hooked. The Aeolian Islands off Sicily. The Cote d’Azur. Corsica. Malta. Sardinia. The Turquoise Coast (aka the Turkish Riviera). The possibilities are endless, and you’ll definitely want to return year after year to adventure back out to sea.
People often mistakenly think a sailing holiday is an unattainable luxury, but these days boat charter prices are often comparable to land-only vacations. Boat charters can be made even more affordable when you share costs with another couple or family. A week on a yacht is definitely doable—so do it!
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