After several slow years for the sailing community, it's fair to say that 2022 is back with a bang. The majority of yachts for the summer period are now fully booked as people cannot get back to the sea quickly enough! Airlines are struggling to keep up with the demand of holiday-goers desperate to get away. The lure of crystal clear, white beaches is calling and waiting to be rediscovered. Below we bring to you the top five yacht charter destinations for summer 2022.
1. Croatia
With a stunning coast line and more than 1000 islands to explore by yacht, it's no surprise that Croatia has been a hot destination by sailing lovers - and is rapidly growing in popularity. Vibrant traditional towns, such as Split and Dubrovnik which are loaded with ancient culture, making for an exceptional crewed yacht charter.
Secluded anchorages, beaches, snorkel spots, bars and restaurants - everything is available in both short and long sails. Croatia has something for everyone making Croatia our top sailing destination for summer 2022.
2. Greece
Greece is a sailors paradise where you can simply get lost for many years! Hosting over 3,000 islands, long summers and a wide variety of iconic sights, Greece makes for an almost idyllic yacht charter vacation.
Our favourite highlights include the Ionian Islands in the west and the Cyclades in the heart of the region. The crystal clear water is arguably some of the most alluring on this planet!
As the evening draws, Greece comes to life. Small towns, local dining and cobbled streets are waiting to be discovered. The culture of mooring your yacht in the evening stern-to along the town walls to then go out for a spectacular local dinner is always an unforgettable experience.
3. Côte d'Azur (South of France)
The Cote d'Azur, also known as the French Riviera, take our third spot this year. Spanning from Marseille to Menton, this coastal paradise is home to some of the most glamorous towns in the world including: Nice, Saint-Tropez and the independent micro-state of Monaco.
The region exudes wealth and boasts a variety of luxury restaurants, nightlife and pristine beaches. Exploring this coastline by yacht is exhilarating. The marinas and towns are lively and feature a display of superyachts and fast cars. The weekends are especially busy with high-profile events, luxury shopping and exclusive entertainment.
With that said, there's also plenty of room for going off the beaten track to explore some of the coastlines hidden treasures. The smaller towns in this region are filled with colour and character. From local market towns such as Sanary-sur-Mer, to the picturesque beach towns of Grimaud and Beaulieu-sur-Mer or roaming the grounds of St. Baume National Park, there is so much to enjoy in the Cote D'Azur making this an ideal yachting destination.
4. The Balearic Islands.
As one of the most popular yachting destinations in Europe, the Balearic islands (Ibiza, Menorca, Mallorca) have plenty to offer. Trying to compare the three main islands is almost impossible as they all bring such a unique and different experience from one another.
Ibiza, famously known as a party island, has everything from the old historic town, to an incredibly calm and picturesque north side and maybe the best place on earth… FORMENTERA.
Mallorca is known as one of the main yachting hubs of the Mediterranean out of Palma, its an exciting island full of endless incredible bays to hop around and the north coast is full of breathtaking cliffs with perfect anchorages below.
Menorca is more tranquil than its neighbouring islands however one not to be overlooked, its anchorages are more quiet even when Mallorca and Ibiza get busy in the summer. Menorca is also home to the incredible town of Port Mahon known for its impeccable 18th century British naval base oozing with history and its Spanish laid back culture!
5. Sardinia
Off the west coast of Italy, Sardinia is an ideal yachting location for those seeking an adventure. It holds some of Europe’s best white sandy beaches and offers the advantage of Italys incredible food (seafood especially) and local wine.
The diverse cities scattered around Sardinias spectacular coastline will take your breath away ensuring you will not be short of destinations to explore packed with local activities.
From the Balearics to the Greek coasts, the Mediterranean has so much to offer in the Summer season and its only travelling by sea that you can truly unlock the region and explore its real beauty.
With the Summer sailing season fully underway, we will soon be turning our attention to the Winter season where the Caribbean remains king. Whilst there are yachts still currently available for the Winter period, looking at the volume of Mediterranean charters this year, 2022 is due to be a return to pre-pandemic market conditions characterised by high-demand and low supply.
Therefore, If you are looking to charter a yacht for the Caribbean this year, we would recommend booking early to ensure you get the best selection. With the widest choice of yachts available, you can browse our collection online. Or if you would prefer to talk to one of our team directly then get in touch via our Contact Page and we'd be happy to help you book your next dream adventure.