The Top 4 Summer Yachting Destinations in the World

A luxury vacation poses the dilemma of either being in the heart of the action or enjoying the privacy of a remote escape.

A private yacht charter, however, offers the best of both worlds. Not only can you hop between major cities and beach destinations, but there's the option of retreating to the seclusion and tranquility of your private abode in the open seas.

A luxury yachting vacation offers so many possibilities that it can feel overwhelming when deciding how to plan your trip. There are yachting routes and ports all over the world, each one with different seasons, entry requirements, and vessel capacities.

Thankfully, there are well-established routes that make chartering a yacht much easier. Best of all, they're based around some of the world's most iconic destinations and offer opportunities for encountering undiscovered, off-the-beaten-path gems.
Whether it's your first or fortieth yacht charter, here are four of the world's leading summer yachting destinations that we guarantee you will love.

1. A SCENIC YACHT CHARTER IN GREECE: ATHENS

What Makes It Unique

Greece Is a Favorite Yachting Destination for Its Mild and Dry Climate, Luminous Blue Skies, and Excellent Cruising Conditions. Its Capital City, Athens, Offers the Perfect Base for Exploring the Mainland and Also Visiting the Country’s Thousands of Islands.

As one of the world's oldest cities, Athens is bursting with history, character, and culture. A trip to Greece is not complete without spending a few days there, along with visiting nearby remote ancient Greek temples, Byzantine monasteries, quaint fishing villages, and wildlife preserves.

TOP PLACES TO VISIT DURING A YACHT CHARTER IN AGISTRI, GREECE

Less than an hour from Athens, Agistri is an extraordinary natural setting with jaw-dropping beaches and a backdrop of lush pine forests, wild oregano, figs, and lemon trees.

AEGINA

With many archaeological monuments, picturesque villages, and beautiful beaches, Aegina is a favorite among day-trippers from Athens. A trip isn't complete without trying the pistachios, the island’s most famous produce.

MILOS  

The volcanic island of Milos is a lesser-known Greek island with an incredible lunar-like landscape of alabaster stone, pumice rock, and hexagonal basalt columns. Milo is dotted by quaint towns and villages that exude traditional Greek island charm.

THE BEST TIME TO CHARTER A YACHT IN GREECE

A yacht charter in Greece is ideal from April to early November. The seas are generally calm and ideal for yacht cruising in particular in May, June, September, and October.

2. A HISTORIC YACHT CHARTER IN CROATIA: THE DALMATIAN COAST

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE

With 1000s of islands and dramatic limestone cliffs rising from the sea, The Dalmatian Coast in Croatia is an upcoming yachting destination with some of the most spectacular coastlines and landscapes in the Mediterranean.

Stretching between the northern town of Zadar to the Bay of Kotor, the region encompasses major cities such as Split, Sibenik, and Dubrovnik. But perhaps its most impressive offerings are its mythical caves, seafood, pristine beaches, and mysterious islands that each have a distinct character.

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TOP PLACES TO VISIT DURING A YACHT CHARTER IN CROATIA

BAY OF KOTOR, MONTENEGRO

The Bay of Kotor in Montenegro is a winding bay that sits on the border of Croatia. One of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, the bay is home to medieval towns, serpentine roads, sheltered bays, and dramatic cliffs.

DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Adriatic, the Pearl of the Adriatic is by far the most visited city in Croatia. Dubrovnik is one of the last remaining walled towns in the world, the set for the popular series Game of Thrones, and home of the famous Dubrovnik Summer Festival.

BRAC, CROATIA

The laid-back and slow-paced Island of Brac is one of the Mediterranean’s hidden gems. With small fishing villages set against the background of wild rocky mountains overlooking the ocean, it is the ideal spot for enjoying Croatian island life.

THE BEST TIME TO CHARTER A YACHT IN CROATIA

A yacht charter in Croatia is ideal from April to October, with the best time being September-October to avoid the summer crowds.

3. A ROMANTIC YACHT CHARTER IN ITALY: NAPLES

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE

Naples is often overlooked from the standard travel itinerary. But the largest city in Southern Italy and UNESCO world heritage site is an enchanting destination that is perfect for exploring the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and the other nearby islands.

Being the birthplace of pizza is enough reason to visit, but Naples is also a trove of castles, archaeological sites, street art, and museums. It also has some of the best food in Europe, a serious coffee culture, and one of the most beautiful ports in the Mediterranean.

TOP PLACES TO VISIT DURING A YACHT CHARTER IN ITALY

POSITANO

Thanks to its craggy cliffs, pink and yellow facades, and limoncello, Positano is one of the most iconic towns on the Amalfi Coast. The best way to experience the town and see it in all its glory is undoubtedly by yacht and sailing down the cliffside.

RAVELLO

The medieval town of Ravello is unspoiled by tourism and found perched on top of the mountain cliff above Amalfi and Minori. Inspiring many writers and poets, Ravello is home to glamorous villas, historic monuments, stunning gardens, and unmissable views.

CAPRI

Capri, with its celebrity yachts in Marina Grande and world-class shopping, is a place to see and be seen. As its centres and beaches can get busy during summer, the best way to visit the island — and discover its rocky coves and secret grottos — is by yacht charter.

THE BEST TIME TO CHARTER A YACHT IN ITALY

A yacht charter in Italy is ideal from May to September, the season with the best weather, less rain, and warmer temperatures.

4. AN ADVENTUROUS YACHT CHARTER IN SPAIN: THE BALEARIC ISLANDS

WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE

The Balearics is an archipelago of 4 main islands and over 150 smaller, inhabited isles. Famous for its endless beaches, hippie vibes, nightlife, and 3 World Heritage Sites, the group of islands is one of Europe's top destinations for yachting, cycling, walking, and much more.

From hillside hamlets and archaeological wonders to world-leading nightclubs and secluded beaches, the Balearics have something for everyone. Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera are the most popular destinations, offering a unique mix of international culture and Spanish island life.

TOP PLACES TO VISIT DURING A YACHT CHARTER IN SPAIN

FORMENTERA

Just twenty minutes from Ibiza, Formentera is locally known as the last Mediterranean paradise. The island is only reachable by boat and offers over twenty kilometres of beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters — as well as respite from the crowds of neighbouring islands.

IBIZA TOWN

Although the island of Ibiza is relatively small, it has achieved global fame for its nightlife, sandy beaches, and unforgettable sunsets. Visiting by yacht offers a chance to get to know remote islands such as Es Vedrà, a completely uninhabited and protected isle that is associated with numerous local myths and legends.

CALA XARRACA

A wild and secluded rocky bay on the island of Ibiza, Cala Xarraca is a paradise for snorkelling and rejuvenation. Known for its natural mud baths and fish and rice dishes, the bay is one of the most isolated in Ibiza and is a must-visit destination when yachting in The Balearics.

THE BEST TIME TO CHARTER A YACHT IN THE BALEARICS

A yacht charter in Spain and The Balearic Islands is ideal from May to September, with the best time of year being September due to there being fewer tourists, warm seas, and pleasant temperatures.

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Your yacht charter should be about relaxation, time with loved ones, and making memories. Let EliteLyfe take care of everything from pre-trip itineraries to APA to choosing the right yacht, so you can make the most out of every moment of your trip.