Yachting Season in the Mediterranean: Where to and When?
In linguistic terms, ‘Mediterranean’ means nothing other than ‘centre of the world’. This should not be surprising, because, for the Romans who coined the term, the Mediterranean was the centre of the then-known world. Basically, the Mediterranean region is the origin of culture and civilisation in the Western hemisphere.
Where exactly is the Mediterranean?
The Mediterranean Sea lies between the continents of Europe, Africa and Asia. There are some secondary seas and bays, such as the Ionian Sea, the Adriatic Sra and the Levantine Sea in the eastern part of the area. In Europe, the Mediterranean Sea touches the countries of Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Albania, Greece, Turkey and many more.
The best-known islands, island groups and peninsulas in the Mediterranean are the Balearic Islands (e.g. Mallorca), Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Crete, Rhodes, islands in Croatia and Cyprus. All these islands are most easily explorable by boat. So, why not charter your own yacht and experience the real Mediterranean flair?
Where can you yacht in the Mediterranean?
Croatia offers the wonders of Kornati, Brijuni and Krka National Parks, strolling along the city of Dubrovnik and the impressive architecture in Pula and Split. You shouldn’t miss the chance to cruise Croatia’s coast by yacht and explore some amazing islands, such as Hvar, Vis and Korčula. There are many activities to do in France, such as immersing yourself in the typical glamour on the Cote d’Azur or seeking contact with wildlife amid the nature reserves and enchanting bays of Corsica.
Greece has lots of island groups of the Ionian Sea, Cyclades, Dodecanese and Saronic Gulf to offer. There you can sample delicious Greek food, trace ancient civilisations, visit UNESCO sites and relax on some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful beaches. In Italy, you can explore the rich archaeological sites of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. Here you are free to travel to Sicily or the Emerald Coast of Sardinia and past the La Maddalena archipelago.
In Spain, you should take in the beauty of the Balearics in Mallorca, the gateway to Ibiza and Menorca. You can visit the Costa Brava to explore beautiful nature reserves, world-class restaurants and museums. There are other amazing countries to explore, such as Montenegro and Turkey. All you need to do is to choose and rent yachts, pack your bags and start exploring!
Which period is the best to charter a yacht?
The best time to travel to the Mediterranean is from spring to autumn. You can expect a warm, dry climate in the region with a long sailing season. The summer months between June and August have the hottest days and warmest sea temperatures, so it’s an ideal time for your Mediterranean yacht charter.
If you want to avoid high prices and crowds, travel during the Mediterranean’s shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. You’ll avoid the crowds, the cost of ports and moorings can be lower, and you can still enjoy amazing weather conditions.
Sailing conditions in the Mediterranean vary depending on where you are sailing. Some regions have wind systems that require more sailing experience and it may be a good idea to hire a skipper. Greece’s Ionian Islands are popular for their calm winds. Wind systems vary and include bura (bora) and jugo in Croatia, meltemi in the Greek Cyclades, tramuntana in Spain, and mistral on the Cote d’Azur, Sardinia and Croatia.
There is no better way to see the world of islands than from the water, and the Mediterranean offers turquoise water, warm sunshine and culturally rich islands. There are hundreds and charters bases along the coastlines and you will be spoilt for choice while trying to choose the location of your charter. No matter which location you choose, you are certain to enjoy the experience!
