Which Is The Best Mediterranean Island For You? Find Out Here!
Whether you’re a boating aficionado or new to the art of sailing, there’s no doubt about it – Mediterranean island holidays are among the best in the world.
The only downside of sailing the Mediterranean is choosing your destination from our 17 amazing base locations! From relaxing beaches and mouth-watering cuisine to historic marvels and action-packed hiking, anything is possible in the Mediterranean.
Ready to experience the region at its best? With a Mediterranean yacht charter, you can easily visit the world’s most sought-after destinations in Greece, Italy, Croatia, Spain, and France – all from the comfort of your liveaboard yacht.
If you’re unsure which Mediterranean island holidays you should visit, keep reading to discover the right destination for you.
Which Is The Best Mediterranean Island For You? Find Out Below!
Sicily: a Foodie’s Paradise
Sicilian cuisine is globally renowned for its world-famous ingredients and dishes. Citrus, artichokes, veal, and rustic Italian bread are at the top of the export list, but they’re only the beginning. You’ll remember Sicily’s Gambero red prawns, Modica chocolate, pesto, arancini, and Pasta alla Norma for a lifetime!
Of course, Sicily’s culinary delights are heightened with a Mediterranean sailing vacation – there’s no better way to enjoy the island’s seafood. The Ports of Acitrezza, Castellammare del Golfo Mazara del Vallo, Marzamemi, Pozzallo, and Sciacca are a must for any cruising foodie.
The northwest coast also boasts the immaculate Egadi Islands of Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo, the perfect spots for hot summer days and tantalizing eats. After your Sicily yacht charter, a visit to Mount Etna on the eastern coast is also recommended, especially for archaeology buffs.
Split & Pula, Croatia: for the Wine Enthusiasts
If you’re all about wine tasting, you can’t miss Croatia. And if you’re sailing Mediterranean seas, you can’t miss Split and the Istrian peninsula.
Depart from Trogir to sail to Split, Croatia’s second-largest city and a vibrant cosmopolitan hub with an abundance of high-end culinary options. It’s also located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, giving visitors easy access to some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful shores.
Be sure to save time for a day trip – or an entire stop – in Hvar. This magnificent island attracts global travelers with its white-washed towns, cobblestone streets, clear blue shores, and home-style restaurants with incredible wine.
Or, start your sailing charter a bit to the north to experience the famed wineries of Istria. Our Pula base on the Istrian peninsula is perfectly located to access some of the best vineyards.
If the wine weren’t enough, everything in this coastal paradise is the definition of picture-perfect. With sweeping natural views this stunning, each glass of wine tastes even better than the last!
Greek Islands: Where History Fans Thrive
If you have a passion for history, there’s one country you can’t miss: Greece. With Athens, Corfu, and more than 200 idyllic islands, Greece has an endless supply of ancient historic sites to visit.
Although Athens isn’t on the coast, it’s easy to visit before or after your Mediterranean yacht charter. This ancient capital is home to the Acropolis and the Parthenon, arguably the most famous sites in Western history. Both are nearly 2,500 years old!
If you have time, the Temple of Hephaestus, Mount Lycabettus, the Panathenaic Stadium, and the Ancient Agora of Athens are also essential Athens stops.
As for the islands, history buffs will also love Corfu, where the first university and theater in Greece were founded. Santorini and Mykonos also attract history lovers, so don’t forget to add them to your yacht hire Mediterranean itinerary!
Sardinia: for Beach Lovers
Of the many Mediterranean island vacations to choose from, Sardinia might just have the most impressive beaches. As the second-largest island in the Mediterranean (after Sicily), this Italian paradise has sprawling, sparkling shores you could spend a lifetime exploring.
What makes this destination so special? Each of the white sand, crystal clear blue water beaches offers something different. Aruttas and Spiaggia di Piscinas are great for solitude, while Chia is more family-friendly. Spiaggia Rena Bianca offers unmatched swimming, while Cala Goloritzè is perfect for beachfront hiking and climbing. The list is endless!
For a more urban experience, sail over to Cagliari, the island’s capital city. It’s the perfect place to alternate between museums, restaurants, and unforgettable beach days.
Mallorca: a Cultural Wonderland
The Spanish island of Mallorca is one of the crown jewels of the Mediterranean. If you want diverse cultural experiences on your Mediterranean yacht charter, this dreamy destination is for you.
For history and architecture, check out the Catedral de Mallorca and Alcudia Old Town. For something more adventurous, explore the Cuevas del Drach or Serra de Tramuntana. For beachy splendor, you can’t miss Playa de Alcudia or Playa de Muro Beach.
As for cuisine, Mallorca is a vibrant hub for an array of palates. Some of the best beachfront restaurants include Sa Foradada Restaurant, Cassai Beach House, and Mhares Sea Club.
Throughout your trip, keep an eye out for celebs. This star-studded island hosts A-listers year-round!
Mljet & Krka National Park: Natural Beauty at Its Best
Although Mediterranean island vacations are usually focused on the beach, nature lovers can also explore national parks by yacht. We especially recommend this strategy for Krka National Park and Mljet National Park, two of Croatia’s most stunning natural wonders.
Easily reached when sailing from Šibenik, Mljet National Park stretches across the entire northwest region of Mljet Island, a natural wonderland in the Adriatic Sea. Green, lush, and surrounded by gentle beaches, this vibrant park is home to world-famous salt-water lakes.
Krka National Park is an inland nature reserve known for rivers, lakes, and jaw-dropping waterfalls. The cascading waters and lush forests are straight out of a fantasy film! Exploring them by boat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Côte d’Azur, French Riviera: for Luxury Shoppers
It’s hard to imagine better shopping than Côte d’Azur, French Riviera. If shopaholics are on board your yacht hire Mediterranean, this coastal destination is a must.
From Cannes to Vence to Menton, the Cote D’Azur’s many coastal towns offer every luxury good you can imagine. And high-end clothing is only the tip of the iceberg! Ceramics, perfume, candles, antiques, produce, and more make the French Riviera a shopping paradise.
Corsica: Jaw-Dropping Hiking
The French island of Corsica blends historic charm, mesmerizing scenery, and idyllic beaches. But there’s one reason in particular to visit this stunning spot: hiking.
If you’re an experienced long-distance hiker, Corsica’s famous trail is the French Grande Randonnée No. 20, better known as the GR20. But this one will take some preparation – it’s considered Europe’s toughest hiking trail and takes roughly two weeks.
Are you more of an amateur hiker? No problem. Corsico has trails of every level!
Take Aiguilles de Bavella, for example. This high pass soars over 1600m, enabling travelers to hike, climb, or canyon their way through the postcard-worthy landscape. Or, make your way to Lake Melo, a 6km hike through otherworldly rock formations. For a moderately challenging loop, Trou de la Bombe from Col de Bavella is also sure to please.
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Now that you know which of these Mediterranean island holidays is right for you, it’s time to start planning! No matter your level of yachting experience, Dream Yacht Charter makes sailing your choice of Mediterranean islands easy.
We can’t wait to coordinate your Mediterranean yacht charter – get in touch today to book your best vacation yet.