Make the most of the sunshine with an end of summer charter
Although the traditional ‘summer’ season runs from May to early September, the sublime weather of the Eastern Mediterranean means that the sun continues to shine all the way until the end of October and beyond. Enjoy a charter in Greece, Croatia, Montenegro, Turkey and Italy’s east coast with blue skies, warm seas and none of the crowds…. true bliss. Here are some of IYC’s top picks for an end of summer charter.
Greece is blessed with 250 sunshine days a year, making this the perfect destination to visit towards the end of summer. With most of the crowds gone there is still plenty of activity and events, and secluded beaches and the wonderfully traditional Greek hospitality are easy to find. Spend a week or two exploring the thousands of islands, filled with ancient ruins, olive groves and traditional tavernas surrounded by just the sound of cicadas.
Few countries can boast water as crystal clear as Croatia, and the end of summer when the water is at its warmest, is the best time to enjoy it. The entire Dalmatian coast is a nautical playground where isolated coves and picturesque islands abound. Intermingle days spent swimming and sailing with time in Croatia’s beautiful towns and villages. In particular, the popular port towns of Split and Dubrovnik, which are often overcrowded in the summer, are yours to enjoy. Why not spend the morning at a secret cove before cruising in to port, then enjoy a lunch of freshly caught seafood, followed by a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoying those beautiful hours of golden light before sunset.
Italy needs no introduction, it is the home of elegant architecture, fine wine, Roman history and of course culinary delights such as pizza and pasta. One of the highlights of its eastern coast, Venice, is famously overrun with tourists in the Summer, so is far better enjoyed when the masses have left. Wander a few blocks from the Piazza San Marco to find picturesque and authentic tourist-free streets, before returning to your private yacht and continuing your charter to other Italian beauties, such as Trieste.
Montenegro is a small gem, with a lot to offer for a country of this size. The country benefits from the same climate as Croatia and so can be enjoyed for the same long summer season, but has its own rich identity, which you can explore on an unforgettable charter. Sail to the Bay of Kotor, taking in the stunning scenery made up of rocky cliffs, medieval walled towns and monasteries, lush greenery and picturesque windmills, or explore the colourful beaches including the pink sands of Aman Sveti Stefan and impossibly blue waters of the Blue Grotto.
Finally, Turkey is the Eastern Mediterranean’s best kept secret. Rich in history, Turkey rivals Greece with its ancient monuments and archaeological sites, and its long and beautiful southwestern coastline offers a stunning charter experience with beaches and bays aplenty. A perfect combination of old and new, of east and west, days can be spent exploring ruins and haggling in bazaars, relaxing in nature reserves and thermal baths, or snorkelling over the ruins of Cleopatra’s baths.
To plan your own special end of summer charter please contact your IYC broker or the IYC office most convenient to you.