Kastro Beach, Skiathos, Greece
Skiathos, a small island in the northwestern Aegean Sea, boasts numerous secluded sandy beaches and private coves. Once relatively remote, its appeal surged following the 2008 filming of "Mamma Mia," making it one of the premier movie locations to visit by luxury yacht.
The charming town of Skiathos encircles its main port, which is small and not designed for accommodating superyachts; you'll also need to navigate the ferry traffic here. The ideal approach is to anchor in one of the coves and explore the beaches by tender, or have your captain drop you off near Skiathos town and hire a car or moped to explore the coastline. Be sure to visit the ruins of Kastro, overlooking the cliffs at Kastro beach. Since the island is all about the beaches, consider having your chef prepare a picnic complete with plenty of water, sunscreen, and, of course, Champagne.
Ramla Bay, Gozo, Malta
Gozo's pristine Ramla Bay is the largest sandy bay on the small island. This expansive beach features golden-reddish sand and has remained remarkably unspoiled, making it one of the finest colored sand beaches in this part of the world. In 1881, a statue of the Virgin Mary was erected in the center of the bay to commemorate a shipwreck, and it still stands there today. The sea is shallow and typically calm, ideal for families with children, though be mindful of some rocks along the shoreline.
Visiting by luxury yacht requires anchoring offshore and using a tender to reach the beach. Given Gozo's small size, it is often included as part of a private cruise or luxury yacht charter in Malta. Alternatively, you could spend a fortnight cruising from Malta to Italy, with Gozo as a scenic stop along the way.
Cala Mitjaneta, Menorca, Spain
Cala Mitjaneta is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Balearics, a clear blue cove framed by high cliffs that create a stunning backdrop. Located on the eastern side of Menorca, this beach is less than 25 meters long and its sheltered position ensures calm waters with rare waves. Accessible only by boat or on foot, Cala Mitjaneta is near the popular holiday resort of Cala d’Or and can become crowded during peak summer months. With no restaurants on the beach, it's advisable to have your crew prepare a picnic if you plan to spend the day enjoying its natural beauty.
Visiting by luxury yacht: Including Cala Mitjaneta in a longer itinerary exploring the Balearic Islands would be ideal. Make sure to also schedule time to discover some of Menorca's remote coves and visit its capital, Mahon.
Paleokastritsa Beach, Corfu, Greece
The small village of Paleokastritsa is situated on the northwest coast of Corfu, approximately 25 kilometers from the main port of Corfu. The coastline around Paleokastritsa is dotted with around 15 sandy beaches, most of which are accessible only by boat.
You can moor your yacht in one of Corfu's larger marinas and then take a taxi or hire a car to reach Paleokastritsa. The small Alipa Port near the village can also accommodate various types of boats. However, the best way to experience the area is to anchor offshore and use a tender to explore the beaches, caves, and the 12th-century monastery, Theotokos. Along the way, make sure to stop for a swim in the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by steep cliffs draped in olive and pine trees.
More about Mediterranean
Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
Navagio Beach, often referred to as Shipwreck Beach, is likely one of the first destinations that comes to mind when discussing the best beaches in the Mediterranean. This iconic stretch of sand in northern Zakynthos is home to the skeletal remains of an old ship and can only be reached by boat. To avoid the crowds brought by local tours, it’s best to visit early in the day. Remember to apply ample sunblock, as there is little to no shade on the beach.
Visiting by luxury yacht: Navagio Beach is a must-see if you’re on a private yacht or enjoying a luxury yacht charter in Greece and the Greek Islands. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide to spending a week in the Ionian Islands.
Punta Molentis, Sardinia, Italy
Punta Molentis, considered one of the most romantic beaches in the world, offers an idyllic escape from the busy northern Sardinian crowds. Its white sand beaches and shallow turquoise waters rival some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. The beach stretches approximately 350 meters and is framed by steep cliffs covered in lush vegetation. Be sure to stroll along the beach paths, lined with fragrant plants.
Visiting by luxury yacht: Located at the opposite end of the island from the bustling Porto Cervo, Punta Molentis remains easily accessible. For inspiration, don’t miss our guide to spending a week exploring Sardinia by superyacht.
Golden Beach, Karpaz, Cyprus
At the tip of the relatively undiscovered Northern Cyprus lies the renowned 2.5 km long Golden Beach. Ideal for swimming and snorkeling, this beach is often quieter than many of the other top beaches in the Mediterranean. For a touch of culture, the historic Apostolos Andreas Monastery, a significant pilgrimage center for the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, is located nearby.
Visiting by luxury yacht: Golden Beach is a must-see whether you’re on a private yacht or enjoying a luxury yacht charter in Cyprus. The island offers excellent superyacht facilities, with Karpaz Gate Marina in the north accommodating yachts up to 55 meters and Limassol Marina in the south accommodating yachts up to 115 meters, along with a vibrant array of shops and restaurants.
Photos by Bartłomiej Rozwałka on Unsplash, Lucas Degenhardt on Unsplash, Photo by Nguyen Minh on Unsplash , filterlate on Unsplash , Aydin Hassan on Unsplash , Raimond Klavins on Unsplash