The Mediterranean’s Top Six Luxury Charter Destinations for This Summer
Here is a selection of our recommended top locations in the Mediterranean for your upcoming luxury superyacht rental this summer. it was hard to choose only six Luxury Charter Destinations, but we did it.
Brilliant as it would be to spend years exploring the many stunning places around the Mediterranean, sampling the local cuisines, varied scenery, and international cultures, our time-limited lifestyle means that probably isn’t an option. So here is a brief overview of some of the most amazing locations you might like to visit.
1. Greece’s Ionian Islands
The serene Ionian region which flows down the west coast of the Greek mainland, is rich in history and natural beauty. It is the perfect setting for a luxury yacht charter, prized by those who like leisurely cruising in more steady breezes. The Ionian Archipelago is made up of 120 islands although only twenty are inhabited. The larger islands guarantee service and entertainment on land, while the smaller ones have little more than a tiny village with small restaurants located by the sea and a single bar where you can stay late into the night sipping Ouzo, Metaxa or Mastika, the local liqueurs.
The most famous and stunning islands stretch from Corfu in the North to Zakinthos in the South, and all have unique landscapes and histories. The water is translucent, the scents intense, the population hospitable and the honey delicious. As the wind from the North West is constant but light, the sea is calm and the climate mild so the daytime is great for sailing, and at night the wind drops, giving an almost surreal calm. Here is a real treat for those who love cruising.
2. The Croatian Adriatic Coast between Split and Dubrovnik
Croatia’s stunning coastline, uninhabited islands, quaint coastal towns, and crystal-clear waters provide a wide range of luxury charter yacht vacation itineraries between Split, Hvar, Korcula, and Dubrovnik. Your magnificent motor yacht or sailing yacht will offer countless possibilities to take in this gorgeous area, whether you like to just unwind or enjoy the exhilaration of water sports, explore historical ruins, or indulge in regional cuisine.
In the Dalmatian islands’ medieval beach settlements, charming cafes, restaurants, and stores offering lace, handicrafts, wine, and other regional delicacies abound. Winding lanes connect these settlements to medieval squares. Every picture-perfect snap you take, will capture a unique memory of your stay on board your charter yacht in its remote private anchorage or a picturesque view of a coastal town rich in history.
3. Italy’s Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is well known for the extraordinary beauty of its scenery. National monuments, natural surroundings, and spectacular views have provided plenty of inspiration for music lovers, poets, and writers. Twisting roads cut through villages, balanced on sheer cliffs, offering glimpses of small towns, isolated bays, and inlets gazing out over a clear blue sea. The nearby hills and cliffs are painted with lush green flora, while the rocky caverns and grottoes reflect the neon-blue sea.
Visit Naples and Pompeii, and familiar towns such as Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello or head offshore to the captivating islands of Capri and its lesser-known neighbour Ischia, which are just a few Kilometres from the coast. The clarity of the water makes Capri an excellent place to snorkel, dive, play with your water toys, or simply swim along the beaches from the privacy of your own superyacht. While Ischia is also known for its mineral-rich thermal springs, art and culture.
4. Sardinia and Corsica
A charter yacht paradise, Corsica is a wild, isolated island, that offers some of the most delightful sailing grounds in the western Mediterranean, strategically located between Tuscany, Sardinia, and the French Riviera. Corsica caters for every taste – whether you wish to soak up the sun on a pine clad beach, dive the clear waters or explore the island on foot. Maybe you prefer to investigate the local culture and history or you are an epicurean determined to discover the local food and wine. Corsica’s past enables the combination of tastes and traditions to create a distinctive culture.
In the middle of emerald-green waves, Sardinia guarantees a flavour of Italy. The idyllic island of Sardinia is located in the Mediterranean Sea, 12 miles south of Corsica. Here, your charter itinerary includes anchorage in protected bays, and beaches with sparkling white sand and pink granite cliffs. This second-largest island in the Mediterranean, almost three times the size of Corsica, is slightly smaller than Sicily and from May through September, it draws both jet-setters and yachting aficionados alike.
A crewed yacht charter offers an unrivalled opportunity to truly enjoy these alluring islands and take advantage of the numerous coves only accessible by yacht. With the advice of your experienced Captain you will be sure to discover places that are well off the tourist trail.
5. The Italian Riviera
Stretching east of Monaco along the coast of Liguria you will encounter breathtaking natural scenery with cliffs overlooking the sea alternating with the small coastal towns. The Italian Riviera’s combination of scenic beauty and elite harbours, attracts yachts each year to this, one of the most popular destinations of the Mediterranean. The beauty of the Ligurian coast which encompasses the jetsetting Portofino and the famously picturesque, cliff-hanging Cinque Terre, has bewitched rulers, writers and celebrities over many years. In the warm Mediterranean climate you will see the union of old and new in the towns of Camogli, Rapallo, Sestri Levante and Portovenere.
For those who are Epicureans, the delicious meals aboard our charter yacht will surely be enjoyable. However, if you wish to experience a pleasant evening out, let the flavors of Ligurian cuisine enchant you. This cuisine includes fresh fish, shellfish, tomatoes, porcini mushrooms, typical local pasta, and the beloved Genovese pesto.
6. Sicily , the Aeolian and Egadi Islands
Last but not least about the Six Luxury Charter Destinations in the Mediterranean Sea…
Sicily, the largest island of the Western Mediterranean, lays bare the evidence of the numerous invaders throughout the ages. Encounter stories of the Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards who took control of this strategically important island in the past. As each invader left their cultural legacies behind, they combined to create Sicily’s unique personality. A Sicilian yacht vacation is the most memorable experience.
The Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian Islands, which include Lipari, Salina, Stromboli, Vulcano, Panarea, Filicudi and Alicudi, rise out of the Tyrrhenian Sea about fifteen miles off the Sicilian coast. Those who approach on a yacht vacation cannot help but be overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape. Over the millennia, volcanic activity has repeatedly modified the size and appearance of the landscape. They have everything you need to make your yacht charter an unforgettable experience, including black beaches created from volcanic soil. The interiors of the islands offer charm alongside impressive volcanos, bizarre rock formations and dense vegetation. Prehistoric villages survive in Lipari, Panarea and Filicudi and the archaeological treasures. Which have been reclaimed from the sea. The Archaeological Museum of Lipari closely guards them.
The Egadi archipelago
The Egadi archipelago, composed of the islands of Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo, the islet of Formica and the rock of Maraone are located west of Sicily. Set in beautiful crystalline waters, and hosting a rich and varied marine flora and fauna, this archipelago is a popular destination for lovers of snorkeling, diving, sailing and yacht charters.
The sea is the prevailing feature, with its cliffs, beaches and coves still intact, but there are also cultural attractions: from the old Florio factory, the largest marine museum in Europe, to the Grotta del Genovese. For those who love the mountains, Marettimo offers trekking trails, while for the adventurous in Favignana it is possible to try a sport fishing charter. There are also numerous excursions, including the ascent by donkey to the top of Mount Santa Caterina. Of course you can decide to relax on board your charter yacht and just enjoy the Egadi archipelago from the deck.
If you would like us to help you put together a Mediterranean itinerary we will be happy to ensure that organising your Yacht Holiday is a straightforward and pleasurable experience. To find out more and arrange your summer Mediterranean luxury yacht charter with West Coast International, just contact us at info@westcoastint.com or visit our destinations page on our website.
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