Top Reasons to Visit the Mediterranean this Summer on a Yacht [Updated 2024]
It’s not hard to want an excuse to enjoy a charter holiday in the beautiful Mediterranean this summer, but if you want some food for thought here are our top reasons for why a charter yacht offers the ultimate holiday experience.
Visit the secluded town of Kotor, Montenegro
Hidden in the Gulf of Kotor, this coastal town is surrounded by brooding mountains and the unusual beauty of the town will capture the romantic within you.
Winding marbled lanes will lead you around churches, bars and coffee shops and the whole town is surrounded by walls built in the 9th century which are lit at night to spectacular effect.
Here are also Top 10 Most Instagrammable Locations In Montenegro.
Try the Corsican lobster at Le Grand Hȏtel de Cala Rossa
Corsica is a beautiful French island with a colourful history that has resulted in a unique culture and atmosphere. Old and new work together with the laid back Mediterranean attitude entwined with modern French style.
Sample gourmet French food in this idyllic setting by visiting Le Grand Hȏtel de Cala Rossa. The elegant décor, stunning views and private jetty are only beaten by the seasonal creations of chef Pascal Cayeux, who creates gourmet twists on traditional fare, with vegetables and herbs from the kitchen garden.
Relax on the beach at Cala Marcella, Menorca
As it is only accessible by boat, you can be sure to find a quiet spot on the white sands of Cala Marcella in Menorca.
Following a steady walking route you can hike across to the neighbouring beach of Macaraletta, with some of the best views in Menorca found at the top of the cliff.
Party with the celebrities in Ibiza
Well known for its party scene, the night clubs in Ibiza have to be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
Cruising in the Spanish Balearics, take a night to change out of your beach clothes and show off some of your best moves in some of the world's top nightclubs. Clubs like Pacha and Amnesia have been known to host the likes of Madonna.
Visit the festival of St Ranieri
On the eve of the feast day of San Ranieri, the city of Pisa comes alive with the beautiful candlelight of the traditional festival.
Over 70,000 candles are lit along the banks of and floated on the Arno River. At night enjoy the impressive display of fireworks released from the old citadel.
See an Active Volcano
If the fireworks of St Ranieri aren’t enough, see a specular natural display when you anchor off Stromboli – a volcanic island off the coast of Amalfi. One of only twelve active volcanoes in Europe, the island is blackened from volcanic activity, and smoke continuously rises from the peak.
For a truly unique experience anchor overnight and spend a couple of days exploring the harsh but beautiful landscapes.
Go Wine Tasting with Monks
Saint Honorat is an island off the coast of Cannes, with one very unusual vineyard! The 8 hectares of vines are cared for entirely by the monks of the Abbey of Lerins, who carry out everything from planting and harvesting, to making and bottling the wine.
Try some of the unique vintages (don’t miss the Saint Cyprien Viognier) with a seasonal Mediterranean meal at their restaurant, and finish the day with a tasting of the fruit liqueurs and a sampling of the peaceful Monastic life.
Get Spooked in Underwater Caves
Dark, damp, partially underwater and possibly haunted…doesn’t sound appealing?! Spooky though it may be, the Grotto de Neptuno on Sardinia is a spectacular sight, filled with underground stalactites and a saltwater lake.
Climb down the steps to experience the two million year old caves, or if you are a diver pop over to the nearby Nereo Cave which is accessible only underwater.
And finally…never jostle for space on the beach!
Anyone who’s visited coastal regions of Italy, or Southern France will be familiar with the packed beaches, early morning battles to secure a deck chair, and sudden intimate proximity to oiled strangers!
With your chartered yacht you can sail to secluded beaches and secret bays, to guarantee privacy and the best sun traps. If you still crave isolation, relax on the deck of your yacht, anchored out in the tranquility of the glittering Mediterranean Sea.
To create your bespoke Mediterranean charter experience today, talk to the IYC charter team. For more information about chartering a yacht in the Mediterranean contact the IYC Charter team. For more information about yachting destinations in the Mediterranean click here.
Photos by Petar Lazarevic on Unsplash, Lía on Unsplash , David Švihovec on Unsplash, Reegan Fraser on Unsplash , Maja Petric on Unsplash
© Sönke Biehl and licensed for reuse under this Licence