Sailing the Mediterranean

The Best Destinations and Routes for an Unforgettable Voyage

The Mediterranean Sea, with its turquoise waters, idyllic islands, sun-drenched coastlines, and storied civilizations, has beckoned sailors and adventurers for centuries. From the whitewashed villages of the Greek Isles to the glamorous harbours of the French Riviera, the Mediterranean offers a dazzling diversity of sailing experiences. Whether you're a seasoned skipper or a first-time cruiser, this region is a sailor’s paradise, offering calm seas, favourable winds, and a patchwork of cultures to explore. Here's your guide to the best sailing destinations and routes in the Mediterranean.

Why Sail the Mediterranean?

Sailing the Mediterranean isn't just about island-hopping or sipping wine on the deck, it's about immersing yourself in history, cuisine, and nature in the most intimate way. You wake up each morning to a new landscape, perhaps a sleepy fishing village or a hidden cove untouched by mass tourism. The Mediterranean climate, hot, dry summers and mild winters, makes for ideal sailing conditions from May through October.

1. The Greek Islands: Aegean & Ionian Delights

Best for: Culture, nightlife, scenic anchorages.

Greece offers one of the richest sailing grounds in the world. With over 6,000 islands and islets (only 227 inhabited), you'll never run out of places to explore. The Greek islands are split into several groups, each with its own character.

Aegean Sea – Cyclades Islands Route: Start in Athens and sail southeast through the Cyclades. This group includes Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, and Ios. Mykonos buzzes with nightlife, while Naxos and Paros offer traditional villages and excellent kitesurfing. Santorini, with its dramatic caldera views, is a stunning stop, though often crowded in peak summer.

Challenges: The Meltemi winds can be strong in July and August, requiring experience or a good skipper.

Ionian Islands Route: For a more relaxed experience, sail the Ionian Sea from Corfu to Zakynthos. Gentle winds, green landscapes, and protected anchorages make it ideal for beginners and families. Don’t miss Paxos and Antipaxos, two tiny islands with crystal-clear waters and olive groves.

Charter Tips: Greece is one of the most affordable places to charter a yacht in the Med. You can rent a bareboat (if licensed), hire a skipper, or opt for a crewed catamaran for luxury.

2. Croatia: Dalmatian Coast & Island Hopping

Best for: Medieval towns, crystal-clear coves, accessible sailing.

Croatia’s Adriatic coast is a sailor’s dream: over a thousand islands, charming UNESCO-listed towns, and calm waters sheltered by long chains of islands. The main sailing season is from May to September, with July and August being the busiest.

Split to Dubrovnik Route: Start in Split, a vibrant city with a Roman palace at its core. From there, sail to Hvar (a chic island with vineyards and parties), Vis (once a military base, now an unspoiled paradise), and Korčula (said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo). End in Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” with its majestic old town.

Highlights:

Blue Cave on Biševo Island

Snorkelling in secluded bays around Pakleni Islands

Wine tasting on Korčula or Hvar

Why it’s special: Short distances between islands make Croatia perfect for relaxed sailing, even for novices.

3. Italy: Amalfi Coast, Sicily & Sardinia

Best for: Gourmet cuisine, dramatic coastlines, historical exploration.

Italy blends sailing with high culture and world-class cuisine. While it's not the cheapest sailing destination, it's certainly one of the most rewarding.

Amalfi Coast & Capri: Start from Salerno or Naples and sail along the Amalfi Coast, home to pastel-coloured cliffside villages like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Anchor in hidden coves by day and dine in Michelin-starred restaurants by night.

Capri and Ischia: Capri dazzles with its Blue Grotto and glamorous marina. Ischia, less touristy, offers thermal spas and lush vineyards.

Sicily & Aeolian Islands: Further south, sail from Milazzo to explore the volcanic Aeolian Islands. Stromboli’s constant eruptions can be viewed from sea at night, an unforgettable sight. Lipari and Salina are great for hiking and seafood.

Sardinia & Maddalena Archipelago: Sail from Olbia or Porto Cervo to explore the rugged beauty of northern Sardinia and the pristine, granite islands of Maddalena. The area is part of a protected national park, with calm lagoons and turquoise waters perfect for swimming.

4. Turkey: The Turquoise Coast

Best for: Secluded anchorages, warm hospitality, traditional gullet cruises.

Turkey’s southwestern coast, known as the Turquoise Coast, offers an enchanting mix of ancient ruins, pine-covered hills, and crystalline bays. This region is also one of the best for traditional gullet cruises, wooden sailing yachts with full crews.

Fethiye to Bodrum Route: Sailors can embark from Fethiye, Göcek, or Marmaris and explore countless inlets, such as Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, and the sunken city of Kekova. Many itineraries include stops at Lycian tombs, Roman amphitheatres, and hidden beaches.

Why it’s great:

Affordable luxury on crewed gullet charters

Excellent food onboard, often prepared fresh daily

Fewer crowds than the Western Mediterranean

Note: While less known to some Western travellers, Turkey’s sailing infrastructure is modern and welcoming.

5. The French Riviera & Corsica

Best for: Glamour, fine dining, world-class marinas.

The Côte d’Azur is synonymous with elegance, superyachts, and celebrity haunts. While it’s not the most budget-friendly sailing ground, it offers refined experiences and stunning coastal scenery.

Antibes to Saint-Tropez Route: Begin in Antibes or Cannes, then sail past the Lérins Islands, where monks still inhabit ancient abbeys. Anchor off Saint-Tropez for a taste of Riviera nightlife and continue to Porquerolles, a serene island with sandy beaches and no cars.

Corsica Sailing Loop: Further south lies Corsica, a mountainous French island with wild landscapes and rugged coastline. From Bonifacio to Calvi, Corsica is ideal for adventurous sailors who want hiking, diving, and authentic local culture.

6. Spain: Balearic Islands

Best for: Hidden coves, vibrant beach clubs, balanced sailing.

The Balearic Islands, Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, offer a balanced sailing destination, with both tranquil nature and lively nightlife.

Mallorca Loop: Sail around Mallorca to discover its secluded calas (bays), like Cala Figuera or Cala Mondragó. Palma, the island’s capital, has a beautiful old town and modern marina facilities.

Ibiza and Formentera Route: Ibiza is known for its clubs, but its northern coast remains peaceful and rugged. Formentera, just a short sail away, offers some of the best beaches in the Med, like Ses Illetes, where the sand is almost Caribbean-white.

Why Sail Here:

Modern marinas and boat rental options

Reliable summer weather

Excellent local cuisine, from tapas to seafood paella

Tips for Planning

Your Mediterranean Sailing Trip

1. Choose the right charter type:

Bareboat: For experienced sailors with a valid license.

Skippered charter: For those without sailing experience or who prefer a guided trip.

Crewed charter or gullet: Ideal for luxury and all-inclusive experiences.

2. Best time to sail:

May to October is sailing season. July and August are the hottest and most crowded.

June and September offer great weather and fewer tourists.

3. Book early:

Popular routes like the Greek Cyclades or Amalfi Coast fill up months in advance.

Booking in winter or early spring can secure better prices and availability.

4. Pack wisely:

Soft luggage (easy to stow)

Lightweight clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, sea shoes, and a dry bag for shore excursions

5. Respect local customs and regulations:

Don’t anchor in protected marine areas

Support local communities by dining in small tavernas or shopping at local markets

Final Thoughts

The Mediterranean offers one of the most rewarding sailing experiences in the world. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of Odysseus through the Greek isles, sipping rosé on the deck off Saint-Tropez, or anchoring beneath a volcano in Sicily, the sense of freedom and wonder is unmatched. The region’s blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and accessible adventure makes it the perfect playground for sailors of all levels.

So unfurl the sails, catch the mistral, and set your course, your Mediterranean odyssey awaits.