Yachting Holidays

This year, rather than opting for the usual holiday, why not try a yachting holiday? There’s no better way to spend your time than sailing along a beautiful coastline, enjoying the sea breeze and excitement from a yacht.

Where is best?

There are so many destinations to choose from when deciding where to go on your sailing holiday. We’ve chosen three hot spots to help you make your decision.

Croatia

With many unspoilt and remote islands to discover, a Croatian sailing holiday is the ideal destination for those with a sense of adventure.

Cruise upon the crystal clear waters and stop to visit the historical villages and small marinas which are becoming increasingly popular with sailing holidaymakers. With countless town quays, you’ll never be far from a restaurant or shop for supplies.

Overnight, you can either moor up in a marina with all its conveniences or opt for setting anchor in a secluded creek. Or why not anchor in a quiet bay, perfect for a peaceful swim?

You’ll receive the warmest welcome, typical of Croat hospitality. And warm sunshine too! Croatia has 2600 hours of sunshine per year. Early summer brings good winds, making May and June the best months to go. July and August offer calmer periods, suitable for those preferring a more peaceful sailing holiday.

This amazing country has loads on offer and is great for both those new to sailing and veterans of the sport.

Where to visit – Dalmation Coast, Korcula, Dubrovnic.

Greece

Clear turquoise seas and colourful views ranging from vineyards and orchards to rocky terrains and pebble beaches. Greece offers the most spectacular scenery.

Visit the beautiful quaint villages and sheltered harbours the Greek islands have to offer. Greece also offers sailing holiday makers many places of historical and cultural interest as well as stunning architecture.

Quiet sandy beaches in picturesque coves make for the perfect anchor. In the evenings you can tie up on the quay at one of the many holiday resorts and take in the nightlife.

The weather is invariably good throughout the summer months and the light afternoon breeze makes Greece an ideal sailing location. From April until October there is very little rainfall but the islands still manage to maintain their lush greenness.

The southern island is ideal for the less experienced sailor due to the sheltered waters and shorter routes. The North offers less crowded waters but longer passages for more adventurous sailing.

Where to visit – Cephalonia, Corfu, Ithaka, Paxos, Kythira.

Italy

A gorgeous coastline of breathtaking mountains, still lakes and idyllic islands coupled with vibrant cities, make Italy the perfect destination for holiday cruising.

Italy is a country which has preserved its history for thousands of years. Naples is ideal for art lovers wishing to visit museums and monuments, while Tuscany offers rustic charm and raw beauty. If glamour and style is what you crave then Capri is the place to visit, and the history and diversity of the Amalfi Coast is second to none. A yachting holiday may just be the best way to discover everything that Italy has to offer!

Moor your yacht at one of the many local harbours and take in the superb restaurants serving the finest food. There are always plenty of shops nearby for sailing supplies, making it an ideal base for families. Bays and moorings can get crowded in busy periods.

Italy is one of the most popular sailing destinations with all seasons offering great weather conditions. More than 5000 miles of coastline border the country and most of it stays sunny for the majority of the year. July and August are the hottest months with the lightest winds.

Both experienced sailors and beginners will find a yachting holiday in Italy an experience to treasure forever.

Where to visit – Capri, Almalfi Coast, the Pontine Islands, Procida.

What Now?

If you are an experienced sailor you can charter your own yacht. Remember an up to date competency certificate is usually required. Or why not arrange for a skipper to do all the hard work for you? Either way, a yachting holiday is a fantastic adventure and a wonderful alternative to the standard summer holiday. Make sure you plan your trip with care, do lots of research before you travel and always ensure you are covered by your insurance policy!

Top Islands to Visit When in Greece

Although considered to be the land of architectural treasures, Greece is equally known for its breathtaking scenic beauty. With so many places to visit, it is quite possible to get confused while trying to figure out the perfect trip plan. Apart from its museums, tavernas and archeological sites, the Greek islands are some of the most spectacular places to be. Listed below are some of these top islands to visit when in Greece.

Crete: One of the largest of the Greek islands, Crete is famous for its rugged mountains, historical importance and innumerable beautiful beaches. The island is dotted with several modern hotels to cater to its visitors. The island is distinct it its own way and is often considered a world of its own.

Santorini (Cyclades): Considered to be the diamond of the Greek (and even the world’s) islands, Santorini is definitely one of the must-visit islands. The island is surrounded by the blue waters of the Agean on one side, and boasts he beautiful scenic beauty of the Ia and Fira streets. The scenery of the Fira nightlife on this island is one of the factors contributing to its huge popularity.

Rhodes (Dodecanese): All your expectations of a perfect vacation can end here in the island of Rhodes. Right from ancient and medieval archeological remains, to the most happening nightlife – this island has it all. Add to it some great cuisine and sunny beaches, and you know where you have to go in Greece. Located near the coast of Turkey, the island has the influence of the Turkish and Crusador, reflected in its buildings and architecture.

Corfu (Ionian Islands): This island has an appeal that combines multiple factors to attract its visitors. A touch of Italy, a taste of the cosmopolitan, the rural interiors, the green landscape and a perfect coastline add to the distinct flavor of this island.

Sifnos (Cyclades): The famous but small village Platos Gialos, displaying Greek signs all around, is one of the major attractions of this island. The island has a lush green landscape with small town settlements. It also has a beautiful medieval castle by the seaside. Although small, it is difficult to cover the entire stretch by foot. The island is mostly frequented by Greek tourists, rather than others, except for those who want to spend some quality time close to nature, instead of tapping their feet in the discos.

Hydra (Saronic Gulf Islands): With grand stone structures, the Hydra island faces towards a picturesque harbor. This island is one of the most favorite amongst older people, as it was discovered even before two of the other popular islands, Santorini and Mykonos. With a perfect atmosphere of vacation and small roadside restaurants, Hydra is definitely the place to be.

Mykonos: The Island of Mykonos looks like a Cuban painting. With bronze structures bordering the golden sea-coast, the island offers a hip and happening bourgeois presence. It has established its tourist popularity gradually over a period of time, with thousands of tourists witnessing its beauty and grandeur every year.

So, if you are planning a trip to Greece, remember to indulge in a glimpse of these extra-ordinary islands, and add some unforgettable moments to your traveling experience.