Guide to Mediterranean Yachting Destinations

What better way to explore new landscapes, cultures and enjoy adventures than aboard your own yacht! Whether it’s a relaxing Mediterranean yachting ‘get away’ with the family, an adventure off the beaten track or a luxury means of travel between events – your yacht offers great freedom and flexibility to explore.

With so many destinations worldwide to choose from, it can be difficult to decide on a yachting destination that suits your needs. Close to Europe and just across the pond from the US and Caribbean; the Mediterranean offers something for everyone. With vibrant cities, centuries of history, unique cultures and endless untouched coastlines you will be spoilt for choice.

As leaders in global boat transport, Peters & May’s experts give their recommendations, explaining how our teams can offer yacht transportation, taking the hard work out of travel, leaving you to enjoy the fun part!

Check out Peters & May’s choice of Top 5 Mediterranean Yachting Destinations:

Croatia

Often described as a ‘hidden gem’ Croatia offers a great mix of culture and natural beauty. A yachters paradise, this Mediterranean country boasts 1,200 islands, 50 of which are uninhabited and only accessible by sea. If you are looking for something a little different, Croatia could be the destination for you.

For those looking for a little more action, head to Dubrovnik, Split or Havar – all growing tourist destinations with plenty of activities.

Top Tip – Check out new yachts and boating releases at Croatia’s boat show in Split during April.

Croatia Fact File:

Currency: Croatian Kuna

Language: Croatian

Best time to visit: May to October

Seasonal Sailings:

  • Mediterranean Southbound – 2 per month
  • Mediterranean Northbound – 1 per month

 

Closest P&M Port: Split

Balearic Islands

An exquisite archipelago lying off the eastern coast of Spain, this collection of islands are known for their scenic coastlines and golden beaches.

Crowds are drawn to the 3 main islands of Menorca, Mallorca and Ibiza – with plenty a party resort available to explore. For those seeking a quieter get away, the smaller islands offer a year-round relaxed vibe.

For long term non-EU cruisers, the Balearic Islands offer a great option to explore the Med with recent legislation enabling non-EU yachts to reside in the waters for up to 18 months without paying necessary VAT.

Top Tip – Palma de Mallorca, offers a great base for keen racers or spectators interested in following the 52 SUPER SERIES, something Peters & May’s racing yacht transport team know all about as the official logistics partner to the event.

Balearic Islands Fact File:

Currency: Euro

Language: Catalan

Best time to visit: May to Sept

Seasonal Sailings: 

  • Mediterranean Southbound – 2 per month
  • Mediterranean Northbound – 1 per month
  • Transatlantic Westbound – Seasonal monthly
  • Transatlantic Eastbound – Seasonal monthly
  • Middle East – Far East – Westbound Feb to May
  • Middle East – Far East – Westbound Sept to Dec

 

Closest P&M Port: Palma de Mallorca

The Amalfi Coast - Italy

A 30 mile stretch of coastline just off the coast of Southern Italy, the Amalfi Coast is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Geography meets history with dramatic volcanic coastlines and Napoleon culture. Azure waters and Italian Cuisine prove a hit with thousands of visitors year around. 

Protected harbours and all year around pleasant sailing conditions make this destination a popular choice for those looking for a relaxed yachting break.

If looking to add an element of adventure, yachters can moor up in Pompeii and discover the historical ruins of the ash covered town during the powerful eruption of Mount Vesuvius back in AD79.

Top Tip – If visiting in June sail over to Porto Cervo Sardinia for the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta.

Amalfi Coast Fact File:

Currency: Euro

Language: Italian

Best time to visit: May – Sept

Seasonal Sailings: 

  • Mediterranean Southbound – 2 per month
  • Mediterranean Northbound – 1 per month
  • Transatlantic Westbound – Seasonal monthly
  • Transatlantic Eastbound – Seasonal monthly
  • Middle East – Far East – Westbound Feb to May
  • Middle East – Far East – Westbound Sept to Dec

 

Closest P&M Port: Genoa

French Riviera - Cote d’Azur

A luxurious coastline located in the Mediterranean, the French Riviera is home to many a Superyacht. World-renowned within the yachting industry, famous cities such as Cannes, Monaco and St Tropez scatter the coastline.

A hub for yachting, visitors are drawn to the region for its social scene, brilliant architecture and beaches. Renowned for glamorous events, keen yachters visit the area for Monaco and Cannes Summer Boat shows as well as the Monaco Grand Prix & Cannes Film Festival.

For keen racers, Les Voiles de St Tropez at the end of September attracts many a participant sailing both classic and modern boats.

Top Tip – Cruise on down to the Italian Riviera and ship back home from Genoa!

French Riviera Fact File: 

Currency: Euro

Language: French

Best time to visit: May – September

Seasonal Sailings: 

  • Mediterranean Southbound – 2 per month
  • Mediterranean Northbound – 1 per month

 

Closest P&M Port: Nice

Turquoise Coast - Turkey

West meets East in Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Outside the EU, and located between the Aegean and West Mediterranean, the Turquoise Coast offers yachters superb weather, beautiful beaches and a rich culture to explore!

Protected bays such as the infamous Oludeniz lagoon offer calm conditions to while away hours relaxing in the sun. Conversely stops in up and coming resorts such as Bodrum will have you immersed in the unique mix of eastern and western culture.

Top Tip – In close proximity to many of the Norther Aegean and Dodecanese Greek Islands, it’s easy to combine a yachting trip to Turkey with a taste of Greece.

Turquoise Coast Fact File: 

Currency: Turkish Lira

Language: Turkish

Best time to visit: April – Oct

Seasonal Sailings: 

  • Mediterranean Southbound – 2 per month
  • Mediterranean Northbound – 1 per month
  • Middle East – Far East – Feb to May 
  • Middle East – Far East – Sept to Dec

 

Closest P&M Ports: Fethiye, Marmaris, Istanbul

Whether it’s summer sun, a winter yachting getaway, racing logistics or event-based yacht transport you are planning, Peters & May are on hand to advise of the best yacht shipping options and pricing. Contact your local office for up to date sailing schedules or sign up to Peters & May E-news to receive regular updates.

If Peters & May’s seasonal Carrier Sailings are not suitable for transportation of your yacht, our experts can look in to liner options offering great flexibility to clients. Another option for those looking to ship their boat or Superyacht to unique or long distance destinations are Peters & May’s one-off sailings to destinations worldwide. To learn more about the shipping options and other destinations Peters & May ship to, take a look at our Shipping Destinations Guide