The Best European Yacht Destinations
Experience Yachting in Europe
Cruising continues to grow in popularity and that includes the yachting niche. Those with discriminating tastes looking for a more intimate experience are looking toward yacht and yacht-style cruising and Europe has just the right combination of atmosphere and chic destinations to complement this type of travel. Imagine pulling into a port town lined with cobblestone streets and filled with sun-faded pastel buildings and getting the chance to have one of the best meals of your life—and linger long after day-tripping visitors have left. Or, think about spending the late afternoon swimming in a secluded cove somewhere in the Mediterranean as the sun bathes you in golden light, then heading on board soon after for a glass of local wine by moonlight. Click on the slideshow to find out some of the best European destinations to experience by yacht.
The French Riviera
The most famous and arguably the glitziest of all European yachting destinations, the French Riviera (or Cote d’Azur) is home to dreamy coastal villages, lively port cities and lovely aquamarine water. From sun-soaked Saint-Tropez to the large marina and atmospheric old town of Antibes and the bustling city of Nice, no matter what you do for a living back home, you’ll feel like a celeb’ on this stretch of the Med’.
Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
Hands down Croatia’s most scintillating spot to be spotted, the Dalmatian Coast includes coastal cities with marinas like Zadar and Split and hundreds of gorgeous islands ringed by the clear water of the Adriatic Sea. The handsome island of Hvar—and the nightlife of Hvar Town—grab a huge chunk of the headlines, but islands like Vis, Brac and Korcula have much of the same charm while the nearby Lastovo Archipelago is a paradise for nature lovers.
Montenegro
Located just south of Croatia on the Adriatic, the small country of Montenegro and its magnificent fjord-like landscapes make a dramatic backdrop for any yacht adventure. The busy coastal resort town of Budva is worth a stop in summer and Tivat is developing into a top-tier marina and nightlife hub, but the country’s most ravishing destination is hands down the historic town of Kotor, which sits at the base of dramatic mountains in an eponymous bay.
Ionian Coast, Greece
Located across the Ionian Sea from the “toe” of Italy, the Ionian Coast is filled with ravishing islands & cute coastal towns with great beaches. Paxos, Corfu, Lefkas and castle-topped Parga draw the crowds all summer long for good reason, as they are renowned for sheltered coves, gentle breezes and warm water perfect for swimming.
The Cyclades, Greece
On the opposite side of the country, the Cyclades are the Greek Islands you know from screensavers and social media and you’ll have an unforgettable experience discovering them by yacht. Home to whitewashed towns with blue roofs that tumble down towards handsome harbors, the Cyclades’ most famous names are Santorini, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos, but islands waiting to be discovered lie around every turn.
Malta
Located about as far south as you can go in the Mediterranean, the Maltese archipelago (the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino) rewards those who make the trip with sunny skies, fascinating history and vibrant nightlife. Which island or inlet will be your favorite? There’s only one way to find out.
The Turquoise Coast, Turkey
This particularly pretty stretch of Turkey’s coastline is filled with historic towns, gorgeous sweeps of beach and, yes, turquoise water (the word “turquoise” actually has Turkish roots, so I guess we shouldn’t be surprised). From Bodrum, Gocek and Antalya to all the coves hidden in between, the Turquoise Coast will surprise and delight from the moment you step aboard.
The Spanish Coast
Often overlooked in favor of its neighbors and its own divine islands, the Mediterranean coast of Spain is a delight to tour by yacht. From the Costa Brava section near the border with France all the way down to the Costa del Sol—lying just across the water from Morocco—this stretch of shoreline is filled with gorgeous beaches, wild landscapes and cosmopolitan cities like Barcelona, Valencia and Alicante.
The Balearic Islands, Spain
Speaking of those Spanish islands, could there be a better way to spend a week or two in the summer than by bouncing between Ibiza, Mallorca, Formentera and Menorca on a yacht? One day you’re tucked away inside a hidden inlet savoring the “see to the bottom” sea below & green hills above, the next you’ll be at a beachside club, enjoying beats and the sight of the sun sinking into the sea: that’s the Balearics.
Monaco
The Principality of Monaco is the world’s second-smallest sovereign state but it’s a big-time stop on the European yachting circuit. Dress your best to play some elegant games of chance at the Monte Carlo casino or just sit at a waterside restaurant admiring some of the world’s most impressive seafaring vessels parked in the marina.
Northern Croatia
Croatia’s southern Dalmatian Coast will always be the rockstar, but the northern section of the country’s coastline is also full of great places to see by yacht. Explore the Istrian Peninsula—including the historic city of Pula—and beautiful Kvarner Bay, hopping onto dry land to take trips to see exquisite natural sights like Plitvice Lakes National Park.
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
One of the all-time classics, Italy’s Amalfi Coast exceeds all your expectations. This stretch of shoreline south of Naples is home to names like Capri, Sorrento, and Positano that immediately bring to mind romance. Rest assured, there are still hidden coves and corners where you can sip some local limoncello and look out over the sea without another soul around.
Corsica, France
This massive island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea may be technically part of France, but it’s home to its own unique culture and most importantly for yacht-traveling, hundreds of miles of unspoiled coastline. Both the towns of Bonifacio and Calvi are great places to sample the local cuisine and social scene.
Sardinia, Italy
Located directly south of Corsica, the Italian island of Sardinia offers sparkling clear waters, sandy beaches and stylish towns. The Costa Smeralda is where most of the action happens as this dazzling stretch of shoreline in the northern part of the island is a favorite yacht destination of those in the know, with the town of Porto Cervo serving as the region’s hub.