It’s no wonder the Mediterranean is one of the most popular travel destinations year after year. Whether you’re looking to set sail as soon as possible and visit the breathtaking destinations across the Med this year, or if you’re organizing the voyage for 2022, rest assured that there is no shortage of magnificent places you need to visit in the heart of Europe. 

The Mediterranean is a vast place, though, and it would take a lot of time to sail everywhere and see every beautiful island and coastal town on the map. That’s why you might want to split your trip up year by year, and choose to visit one or two of the destinations we’re going to talk about today in one go. After all, you can expect to be spending days if not weeks exploring the coast of Spain and its islands, or the archipelagos of Croatia and its historic seaside cities.

So, let’s dive right in and take a look at the top destinations in the Med you simply need to visit on your next yacht charter. 

Explore the south of France

The French Riviera has always been in the spotlight as one of the most luxurious and exciting places to be on the Mediterranean, and now is your turn to see why it’s so popular among the world’s elite as well as all types of travelers. This is the perfect destination if you want to experience the crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, fine dining and entertainment, and a luxurious atmosphere through and through. 

What’s so great about the French Riviera is that it’s yacht-friendly all the way, so you will be able to drop anchor in almost every seaside town to explore and enjoy your time on dry land. The perfect itinerary will take you from Perpignan near the Spanish border to Béziers and Agde, all the way to Montpellier, Marseille, Cannes, and of course, Nice near the Italian border.

A trip around Italy

What is a trip to the Mediterranean without a trip to Italy? The Italian peninsula is every foodie traveler’s dream destination, but it’s much more than that. This is one of the birthplaces of civilization, and you can expect to see some pretty amazing historic sites on your trip. A sailing escapade around Italy will take you to ancient coastal towns teeming with life, where you will be able to disembark and dive deep into the intimate local culture. You’ll encounter plenty of friendly people and using basic Italian words and phrases with The Intrepid Guide would greatly spice up your encounter with the locals.

Where you start your voyage is not that important, but a good idea would be to set sail from Genoa and work your way down towards the Italian heel. On your way, you should drop anchor at Pisa and visit Florence, then make your way to the eternal city of Rome, after which you can head towards Sicily. Venturing into the Adriatic Sea on the other side, make sure to visit Bari, San Marino and Ravenna, and finally Venice. 

Croatia, the pearl of the Adriatic

Speaking of the Adriatic, don’t even think about visiting the Mediterranean without chartering a yacht in Croatia, one of the hottest destinations in the region in recent years. Croatia is, in many ways, the pearl of the Adriatic because of its historic seaside towns, national parks, and breathtaking islands that you can only visit via boat. 

What’s more, Croatia is a place where you can find some of the top yachts for charter in the Mediterranean with professional crews that know the local waters and can take you to all the best spots, away from the crowds. When you’re there, make sure to include Pula, Rijeka, and Dubrovnik in your itinerary, and don’t forget to visit the islands of Krk, Cres, and Losinj.

Croatia, often hailed as the jewel of the Adriatic, is a haven for sailing enthusiasts. The unique allure of Croatia’s sailing experience lies in its blend of historical allure and natural splendor, from ancient seaside towns to awe-inspiring national parks and islands accessible only by boat. Sailing here offers a sense of discovery and exclusivity, taking you through a landscape that seamlessly merges past and present. Charters like the Lagoon 46 Croatia elevate this experience, providing a perfect blend of luxury and adventure. Moreover, unlike the usual trips on foot or road, sailing can give you a great experience in the heart of the Adriatic.

Adventuring the Greek isles

Greece encompasses a vast land and sea region that would take you years to explore fully, simply because there are so many destinations you can stop by with a private yacht. With thousands of islands in its waters, you need to choose your destinations carefully in order to get the most of your trip and still do it in a realistic timeframe.

You can sail to Athens and explore the oldest city in the world, and then you can continue towards the most popular destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Zakynthos, and Rhodes. 

Sailing across the Spanish coast

Last but not least, we can’t talk about a Mediterranean yachting trip without considering Spain and its magnificent coastal cities like Barcelona and Valencia, or the party central that is the popular island of Ibiza. Spain is teeming with tourists from around the world all year round, so be prepared to fight the crowds when you disembark in Barcelona, for example.

However, that doesn’t make Spain any less appealing, as you can always set sail again and cruise near the coast to the next town, soaking in the sights as you go. You can also visit Ibiza for some amazing nightlife and entertainment opportunities. 

Over to you

The Mediterranean is one of the most breathtaking destinations you can visit, and you’re bound to be coming back for years to come. Consider one or more of these destinations for your first yachting trip in the Med, and go have yourself the adventure of a lifetime.