Mediterranean Escapes

When you think of exotic cruising destinations, the Caribbean, Asia, Australasia and the US may spring to mind. Yet some of the world’s most spectacular cruising grounds are much closer to home. You don’t need to cross oceans to find turquoise water, dramatic coastlines, secluded anchorages and vibrant waterfronts.

Whether you are planning a long weekend, a family holiday or a few weeks of remote working, keeping your yacht in the Mediterranean puts a true escape within easy reach. In little more time than it takes to travel from London to Cornwall, you could be stepping aboard, dropping anchor and exploring idyllic coastlines.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Best for spring and autumn escapes

Avoid the summer crowds with an early spring or late autumn cruise along Italy’s iconic Amalfi Coast. Pastel villas perch on steep cliff sides, bougainvillaea spills over sun-drenched walls, and hidden aquamarine grottos await. Drop anchor for a morning swim, then head ashore for a long lunch and golden-hour aperitifs in a waterside bar.

Côte d’Azur, France

Best for glamour

The Côte d’Azur combines classic Riviera style with surprisingly varied cruising. Slip between Cannes, Antibes and Saint-Tropez for optimum glamour, or venture beyond the glitzy boutiques to discover quiet anchorages, hidden beaches and chic coastal towns. With elegant marinas, renowned restaurants and easy access from Nice, it remains one of the Mediterranean’s most desirable yachting playgrounds.

Sardinia, Italy

Best for secluded anchorages

With aquamarine water and golden sand around every rocky headland, Sardinia can feel more remote than its central Mediterranean location suggests. Drop anchor in idyllic bays and cruise beneath steep forested cliff-tops, before stepping ashore in Porto Cervo for designer shopping, refined restaurants and a taste of Costa Smeralda glamour.

Balearic Islands, Spain

Best for long weekends

With frequent flights from all major UK airports, the sun-drenched Balearic Islands are perfect for a quick cruising escape. Base your yacht in Ibiza for lively beach clubs and star-studded nightlife, Mallorca for sophisticated marinas and scenic cruising grounds, Menorca for peaceful anchorages and unspoilt coves, or Formentera for white-sand beaches and slow-paced Mediterranean vibes.

Ionian Islands, Greece

Best for island hopping

For a change of scenery every day, few cruising grounds rival the Ionian Islands. Corfu, Paxi, Kefalonia and Ithaca offer gentle conditions, warm sunshine and easy passages between harbour towns and sheltered bays. Watch local life unfold stern-to on the quay, swim in clear water beneath olive-cloaked hillsides, or step ashore for relaxed evenings in friendly waterfront tavernas.

Corsica, France

Best for dramatic scenery

Corsica may be harder to get to, but its raw beauty, wild landscapes and untouched beaches make the journey worthwhile. Bonifacio’s medieval old town rises dramatically above limestone cliffs, and the island’s mountainous interior feels far removed from busier French Riviera destinations.

Croatia

Best for culture

Historic towns, calm cruising conditions and more than a thousand islands make Croatia ideal for every kind of summer adventure. Cruising the Dalmatian Coast feels like stepping into a living museum: Dubrovnik’s medieval walls rise from the Adriatic, Hvar brings chic nightlife and elegant restaurants, and the Kornati archipelago offers stark, uninhabited islands for complete seclusion.