IYC Insights: Is The Mediterranean Still Yachting's Global Charter Hub?
For decades, the Mediterranean region has welcomed an array of superyachts of all sizes. Thanks to the advanced yachting infrastructure, complemented by the region's rich history, culture, and scenic landscapes, the coastline has long been a sought-after destination for luxury yachting.
Mediterranean yacht charter hotspots include the coastlines of the Amalfi Coast and French Riviera, as well as the islands of Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. In the Eastern Mediterranean, popular island-hopping itineraries include those around the Greek islands and the Dalmatian coast of Croatia.
Many of these destinations have long been secured as the prime spot for those looking for a yacht vacation. But, as the global charter market develops and clients' preferences and priorities shift, is the Mediterranean still the most in-demand for yacht charters, or have other locations taken the spotlight?
With the world's largest fleet of charter yachts (165+), IYC experts are uniquely positioned to answer this question through tracking emerging trends and providing informed insights backed by data and experience. Drawing on the data from IYC’s latest Charter Market Report and insights from the company’s charter team, we examine whether charter patterns are shifting in terms of locations and whether there are any new opportunities in the global market.
The Mediterranean's Changing Charter Landscape
The global charter market has experienced steady growth. It continues this, with current predictions projected to grow from an estimated $21 billion in 2025 to $34 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 5%. Chartering in the Mediterranean remains popular, with 96% of all summer charters taking place in the region in 2025. In 2025, over 70% of the global charter fleet positioned itself in the Mediterranean during the peak summer months, a further sign of the region's appeal among clients.
Despite its maturity in the market, the Mediterranean continues to show year-on-year gains.
"We have seen notable growth in high-value charter contracts across the Western Mediterranean," says IYC Charter Consultant Abigail Davies. "But what is really interesting is the shift in intra-regional preferences," she adds.
For years, the Western Mediterranean, led by France, Italy, and Spain, dominated the yacht charter market. However, from 2022 onwards, the balance began to shift. According to IYC's Charter Report (2022), the Eastern Mediterranean overtook the West for the first time, marking the start of a new trend. By 2023, Eastern destinations accounted for 50% of all bookings compared to 46% in the West. This upward trajectory has only strengthened, with the Eastern Mediterranean securing 51% of summer bookings in 2025, firmly establishing its lead in the region.
Based on insights from IYC’s Market Intelligence team, Greece now accounts for 30% of the summer charter market share and 26% of annual bookings.— IYC Yachts
Where In The Mediterranean Are Yachts Heading In 2025?
At the forefront of this shift is Greece, which retained its position as the number one global charter destination, thanks to its countless islands, growing infrastructure for yachts, and increasing demand for more authentic itineraries.
This year, in 2025, the Eastern Mediterranean is gaining the spotlight with Greece leading the charge. Based on insights from IYC’s Market Intelligence team, Greece now accounts for 30% of the summer charter market share and 26% of annual bookings.
"We hear more clients ask for a sense of authenticity and off-the-beaten-path itineraries," Davies notes. While iconic islands Mykonos and Santorini remain booked up, there is an increasing interest in the lesser-known Greek islands, such as Milos and Symi. "There is a growing appetite for charters that feel like more of an adventure, and Greece delivers on that with its diversity of cruising grounds," she adds.
The fleet movements reflect such a shift. The prestigious 345' (105m) BLACK PEARL, recently added to the charter market, now cruises in Croatia, while the newly launched 213'3" (65m) ARTISAN debuted her first charter season in Greek waters.
"Owners are responding quickly to client demands," explains IYC's Global Charter Management Director, Marie Molls. "They are relocating yachts to destinations that offer a high charter potential, and right now Greece is outperforming," she explains.
Beyond Greece, the Eastern Mediterranean as a whole is experiencing this uptick in interest. Croatia has also seen a significant surge, growing its share from 12% to 15% over the past years. With over 1,200 islands and enhanced marina facilities, it is proving popular for Eastern Mediterranean itineraries. Notably, the 243' (74m) ATLAS is currently chartering in Croatia, one of the many large yachts in the fleet now capitalizing on the region's growing attraction. Turkey, meanwhile, maintains a stable 6% share, bolstered by its VAT-friendly charter regime.
Where Are The Emerging Global Hotspots?
While the Mediterranean is at the heart of summer activity, the global charter map is expanding, and clients are becoming more adventurous in their destination choices, particularly during the winter seasons.
Traditionally, the Caribbean and Bahamas have dominated winter charters, consistently accounting for the majority share of 70% - 80% of bookings. These destinations continue to prevail as the leading winter hotspots. At the same time, there is a noticeable rise in interest for alternative locations. During the 2025, winter charter season 25% of bookings took place outside of the Caribbean and Bahamas, reflecting a growing appetite for less-traveled destinations and expanding the horizons of winter cruising.
The Indian Ocean, particularly the Maldives and Seychelles, remains a niche market, but one that is steadily gaining interest among charterers. Southeast Asia, meanwhile, has performed strongly, with charter activity up 79% compared to the previous year, highlighting its growing appeal as a winter destination. The South Pacific, driven by French Polynesia, is also gaining traction, alongside more off-radar destinations such as Timor-Leste, where yachts like the 183' (56m) GALILEO were available for charter.
"The increase in charter activity in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific speaks volumes about how far clients are willing to travel for more experiential yachting vacations," says IYC Charter Consultant, June Montagne. "It's not just these tropical destinations gaining ground; we are also seeing a growing interest in polar regions like Svalbard and Antarctica," she says.
The Red Sea region is also emerging, supported by major infrastructure investments such as NEOM's Sindalah Island and the growth of luxury developments across Saudi Arabia. And, across the pond, in the summer months, alternative destinations like Alaska, New England, and the Pacific Northwest are drawing American clients looking for variety closer to home.
While the Mediterranean in summer and the Caribbean in the winter continue to drive the majority of charter activity, today's charter clients are increasingly looking to explore new and emerging destinations.
Guests want more from a charter; it's not just about the luxury factor anymore. They want to immerse themselves in the culture and enjoy adventurous activities.— Marie Molls, IYC Global Charter Management Director
What's Driving These Shifts?
Many of the changes that occur with the development of the charter market can be attributed to shifting client preferences, demographics, and behavior. Many charter consultants have seen an increase in requests for more bespoke itineraries, from culinary-focused trips, immersive cultural adventures to wellness retreats. A growing number are also prioritizing yachts with more eco-conscious credentials, such as hybrid propulsion.
"There is a real focus on experience-driven charters," Molls explains. “Guests want more from a charter; it's not just about the luxury factor anymore. They want to immerse themselves in the culture and enjoy adventurous activities. Today, sustainability awareness is also shaping their decisions in the yachts they select, the destinations they visit and the experiences they request, ensuring that their charter choices reflect their values,” she adds.
Multigenerational travel and mixed-group bookings are also rising, driving more demand for yachts with versatile and convertible layouts. The recently refitted 263' (80m) BATELLO is catering to this need for larger platforms with adaptable layouts and spaces for multigenerational groups.
Between 2024 and 2025, IYC recorded a 5% increase in bookings for yachts over 164' (50m). While overall yacht bookings are up, the average number of charter weeks per yacht has slightly decreased, suggesting a growing preference for shorter, more high-impact trips.
How Are Booking Behaviors Evolving?
There are also changes happening in planning. While short-notice bookings still occur, particularly among repeat clients, a growing number of clients are securing peak summer yachts up to nine months in advance.
"We also now see more charters being booked in the northern hemisphere shoulder seasons of May, June, September, and October, as these months typically offer quieter cruising, more flexibility, and better value," adds Davies.
The Mediterranean remains the core focus for yacht charter when speaking in terms of volume, fleet presence, and historic appeal, but it's no longer the only choice. As clients seek more variety and unique experiences, the global charter map is expanding, with emerging destinations and new seasonal opportunities.
The Charter Market's Future
From a market perspective, the Mediterranean remains the core of yacht chartering, thanks to the iconic destinations, high-end infrastructure, and a proven charter track record. But the market is evolving, with guest demand increasingly becoming more experience-driven, requesting multigenerational layouts and eco-conscious features. At the same time, seasonal flexibility and emerging destinations are opening up new opportunities.
For the industry, this presents an opportunity to diversify offerings, reposition yachts, and cater to guests seeking authenticity, sustainability, and more experiential and bespoke itineraries. At IYC, our global fleet and data-driven insights enable our experts to anticipate these trends and support guests in delivering highly personalized, experience-driven itineraries.
While the Mediterranean will continue to hold strong, growth will depend on the ability to leverage global reach and to adapt to a more dynamic, experience-focused charter landscape.
Contact IYCs' expert team today to learn more about the yacht charter opportunities in the Mediterranean and beyond.