The Mediterranean Sea is considered the cradle of civilization as it was one of the first territories inhabited by humans. It was here where writing first emerged, great states were formed, and world religions were born. This sea washes the shores of 22 countries and spans an area that can easily engulf Western Europe. The coastline of the Mediterranean is heavily indented, with many semi-isolated water areas that have their own names, including the Ligurian Sea located south of the Riviera and north of Corsica; the Tyrrhenian Sea, enclosed between peninsular Italy, Sicily, and Sardinia; the Adriatic Sea, which washes the shores of Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Yugoslavia, and Albania; the Ionian Sea between Greece and southern Italy; and the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece.
The Mediterranean is one of the most popular and successful yachting destinations, offering a diverse range of experiences at reasonable prices. The most famous regions for yachting are located along the numerous coasts of the Mediterranean. This sea is home to countries from two continents – Africa and Eurasia, with a diversity of nationalities, languages, and cultures. Its sights from any historical period known to science, mild climate, numerous authentic islands and archipelagos, picturesque landscapes, bays, and coves provide excellent conditions for yacht trips. To help navigate the variety of yachting destinations that the Mediterranean waters offer, we have prepared a short guide to all regions for yachting in the Mediterranean.
Yachting in Spain
Yacht Charter Bases in Spain:
Mainland Costa Brava – Roses (Girona), Palamós, Barcelona, Roda de Bera (Tarragona), Dénia.
Balearic Islands, Majorca Island – Palma, Porto Colom, Alcudia.
Balearic Islands, Ibiza Island – San Antonio Abad.
Balearic Islands, Formentera Island – La Savina.
Balearic Islands, Menorca – Mahon.
Canary Islands, Tenerife Island – Radazul, Santa Cruz, Las Galetes.
Canary Islands, Lanzarote – Arrecife.
Canary Islands, Gran Canaria – Las Palmas.
Features of Yachting in Spain:
Spain offers a medium difficulty level for yachting. The Spanish Costa Brava is easy to navigate but has a smooth coastline and few sheltered bays for anchorage. Almost all stops along the coast are in marinas. The infrastructure is well-developed, modern, and comfortable. On the south coast, closer to Gibraltar, yachting is recommended for experienced sailors due to changeable winds and strong currents.
The yachting season in Spain is subtropical Mediterranean, with mild and short winters and hot summers. In summer, the average air temperature is +25°C and the water temperature is +20-25°C. The most favorable time for yachting in Spain is from May to September. On the south coast, the season extends until the end of October.
The prevailing wind in Spain is the north wind, averaging 20-25 knots in the afternoon. In the south of Spain, the direction is west-east. Closer to Gibraltar, a strong, squally wind is possible.
Yachting in the Balearic Islands
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in the Balearic Islands:
Majorca Island – Palma, Porto Colom, Alcudia
Ibiza Island – San Antonio Abad
Formentera Island – La Savina
Menorca – Mahone
Features of yachting in the Balearic Islands:
The difficulty level is low. Yachting along the coast of Mallorca is suitable for the first independent trips, with simple navigation and small transitions. The infrastructure is well-developed, and there are many comfortable marinas and sheltered bays for anchorages. Moorings for yachts in the bays are also equipped, but it is advisable to book a place in marinas in advance as they are always crowded. There are few marinas on the island of Ibiza and a high density of yachts, mainly in anchorages and buoys. It is not recommended to plan routes between the islands for the first independent trips. Routes between the islands and the Spanish mainland require good sailing experience.
The season offers a subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot and dry summers. In summer, the average air temperature is +25-28 °C, and the water temperature is +22-24 °C. The most favorable time for yachting in the Balearic Islands is from May to September.
Winds – in the western part of the Balearic Islands, a southeasterly wind prevails in summer with gusts up to 2-3 knots. In the eastern part, including Menorca, north and northwest winds of 25-30 knots dominate.
Yachting in France
Yacht bases for yacht charter in France:
Cote d’Azur: Marseille, Port Pin Rolland (Toulon), Bormes-les-Mimosas, Antibes, Golfe-Juan
Corsica: Ajaccio, Propriano, Calvi
Peninsula Brittany: La Trinity Sur Mer
Features of yachting in France:
Yachting along the Cote d’Azur of France is quite suitable for beginner yachtsmen with small crossings, simple navigation, well-developed infrastructure, many comfortable marinas, and sheltered bays for anchorages. In summer, from mid-July to mid-August – the peak season, marinas are crowded, and even at anchorages, there is a high density of yachts. Marinas must be booked in advance.
The season in France is a subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild and damp winters and hot and dry summers. In summer, the average air temperature is +22-24°C, and the water temperature is +20-22°C. The most comfortable time for yachting along the coast of France is from the end of May to September.
Winds: A prevailing westerly wind of 15-18 knots. The wind is stronger in the western part of southern France than in the east. The chance of a mistral (strong, cold, northwesterly wind) occurring in summer is quite rare, usually blowing in winter and spring.
Yachting in Corsica
Yacht bases for yacht charter in Corsica: Ajaccio, Propriano, Calvi.
Features of yachting in Corsica:
Corsica is recommended for experienced yachtsmen as it poses medium difficulty levels. The seabed topography is challenging, with strong currents and gusty winds. There are also areas of shallow water in the Strait of Bonifacio. However, the infrastructure is well-developed, and along the coast of the island, there are protected bays for anchoring. Corsica is typically bypassed counterclockwise to minimize the time spent on the windward side of the island as strong winds often blow from the northwest.
The season offers a subtropical Mediterranean climate with warm and mild winters and hot and dry summers. The average air temperature in summer is +25°C, and the water temperature is +20-22°C. The most comfortable time for yachting in Corsica is from the end of May to September.
Winds: the south and southeast wind prevail on the western coast of the island, while the north and northwest winds dominate the east coast, ranging from 20-25 knots. Because of the mountain ranges, a strong squally wind often arises. In the summer, the Strait of Bonifacio experiences a mistral-westerly wind of 30-40 knots. The pipe between Corsica and Elba is the windiest place.
Yachting in Italy
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in Italy:
Ligurian coast of Italy – Genoa, La Spezia, Viareggio, Livorno
Tuscan coast of Italy and archipelago – San Vincenzo, Salivoli, Punta Ala, Scarlino, Portoferraio
Tyrrhenian coast of Italy – Naples, Rome, Salerno, Sorrento, Tropea
Sardinia Island – Portisco, Olbia, La Maddalena, Cannigione, Carloforte, Cagliari
Sicily Island – Portorosa, Milazzo, Messina, Palermo, Trapani, Marsala, Catania, Siracusa
Adriatic coast of Italy – Caorle
Features of yachting in Italy:
Moderate level of difficulty. Yachting in Italy requires some experience due to the volcanic formations that cause changes in the ground level. Safe anchorages are scarce along the coast, particularly during bad weather. In autumn, surging waters in the bays may increase due to the strengthening of the wind. Although there are enough marinas and equipped berths for yachts, they can be crowded in summer, particularly during peak season from mid-July to mid-August, when even anchorages may have a high density of yachts. Therefore, marinas must be booked in advance.
The season has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild and damp winters and hot and dry summers. During summer, the average air temperature is between +25-27°C, and the water temperature is between +20-23°C. The most favorable time for yachting along the coast of Italy is from May to October.
Winds – the prevailing wind in Italy is the northwest Mistral, which blows 15-20 knots in the afternoon. Long periods of calm are possible in summer. The wind can pick up in autumn, and the Strait of Messina is known for strong gusty winds. The windiest place is the pipe between Corsica and Elba.
Yachting in Sardinia
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in Sardinia:
Sardinia Island – Portisco, Olbia, La Maddalena, Cannigione, Carloforte, Cagliari.
Features of yachting on the island of Sardinia:
The difficulty level is medium. Coastal navigation can be challenging due to rocky coasts with many underwater rocks. Undercurrents must be taken into account in the north and south. The yachting infrastructure is well-developed, with modern comfortable marinas, many closed bays, and small islands for anchorages. In summer, the marinas are overcrowded and it is quite difficult to find a free place, so marinas must be booked in advance. The level of prices for parking can be very high.
The season has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with warm and mild winters and hot and dry summers. The average air temperature in summer is +25-27°C and the water temperature is +20-24°C. The Tyrrhenian Sea in the northern part of the island is quite cool, with a maximum water temperature of +20°C. The most comfortable time for yachting in Sardinia is from June to September.
Winds – Westerly and northwesterly winds of 15-20 knots prevail. Circulating winds are common in the south, while south and southeast winds prevail in the east. In the Strait of Bonifacio, the wind is often 2-3 knots stronger. On the west coast of Sardinia, the winds are stronger than on the east.
Yachting in Sicily
Yacht charter bases in Sicily:
Sicily Island – Portorosa, Milazzo, Messina, Palermo, Trapani, Marsala, Catania, Syracuse
Features of yachting on the island of Sicily:
The level of difficulty is medium. The rocky coast with volcanic formations requires caution when anchoring. The yachting infrastructure is well developed with comfortable marinas and many sheltered bays for anchorages. When sailing through the Strait of Messina, tidal currents and gusty winds must be taken into account. In the north of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands are a good area for beginners due to simple navigation and short distances between islands.
The season has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. In summer, the average air temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius and the water temperature is between 22-24 degrees Celsius. The most comfortable time for yachting in Sicily is from May to October.
Winds – a southwest wind of 20-25 knots prevails in the south and east of Sicily. In the north and west, a northwest wind of 15-20 knots is more common, usually in the afternoon. The Strait of Messina can experience strong gusty winds.
Note: In the original text, the sentence about the temperature in summer appeared twice.
Yachting in the Aeolian Islands
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in the Aeolian Islands:
Located on the north coast of Sicily, you can find yacht bases in Portorosa, Milazzo, and Santa Agata di Miletello.
Features of yachting in the Aeolian Islands:
This area is suitable for beginner sailors, with a low level of difficulty. The navigation is easy, and there are moderate and stable winds, making small crossings a breeze. The yachting infrastructure is well developed with small marinas and equipped piers for mooring yachts on all the islands. During summer, the marinas can get overcrowded, so it’s essential to book a place in advance. The anchorages are mainly on the lee side of the islands and are often equipped with buoys. It’s important to note that there is a change in the ground level due to volcanic formations when anchoring.
The season:
The Aeolian Islands have a subtropical Mediterranean climate, with warm and mild winters and hot and dry summers. The average air temperature in summer is around +28-30, and the water temperature is between +24-26 degrees Celsius. The best time for yachting in the Aeolian Islands is from May to September.
Winds:
The NW Mistral wind predominates in the afternoon, with a speed of 15-20 knots. Long periods of calm are possible in summer, but in the Strait of Messina, there is a possibility of quite strong gusty winds.
Yachting in Greece
Yacht bases for yacht charter in Greece:
Saronic Gulf Islands – Athens, Lavrion, Nafplio, Piraeus
North Aegean Islands – Kavala, Keramoti, Nikiti
Ionian Islands – Lefkada, Preveza, Corfu
Northern Sporades – Skiathos, Volos
Cyclades – Athens, Lavrion, Nafplio, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Piraeus, Syros
Dodecanese Islands – Kos, Rhodes, Patmos
Features of yachting in Greece:
The level of difficulty is medium. Yachting in the Ionian Islands and the islands of the Saronic Gulf is quite suitable for the first independent trips with simple navigation, small passages, and moderate winds. Yachting in the Cyclades and Dodecanese is for more experienced sailors, especially in July and August when the winds are strong and unstable. In Greece, there are few comfortable marinas, and on the islands, they mostly moor to equipped city marinas, using anchor and mooring lines to the pier, as there are almost no moorings anywhere.
The season is a subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild and damp winters and hot, dry summers. The average air temperature in summer is +27-29°C, while the water temperature is +23-25°C. The most comfortable time for yachting in Greece is from May to October.
Winds are dominated by Meltemi, a strong, dry summer wind in the Aegean that blows from mid-May to mid-September. In June, the Meltemi gains strength, and in July and August, it blows all day with a force of 25-30 knots, and in some places, with gusts, it can reach 40-50 knots. The Meltemi usually subsides in the evening, but it can blow for several days without stopping. In the north of the Aegean, the northeast and north direction prevails, in the central part – the north direction, and in the south – the northwest direction of the Meltemi wind.
Yachting in the Ionian Islands
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in the Ionian Islands:
Lefkada, Preveza, Corfu
Features of yachting in the Ionian Islands:
The Ionian Islands, located on the western coast of Greece, offer a low level of difficulty, making them suitable for the first independent trips. Navigation is easy, and weather conditions are mild, with calm seas and predictable weather patterns. Crossings are short. The yachting infrastructure is well-developed, with comfortable marinas and closed bays for anchorages, and equipped berths in the bays. On the islands, yachts usually moor at equipped city marinas, with anchor and mooring lines to the pier, as there are almost no moorings available elsewhere.
The season in the Ionian Islands is characterized by a subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild and damp winters and hot, dry summers. The average air temperature in summer is +25°C, and water temperature ranges from +23-25°C. Thunderstorms with squally winds are likely in spring and autumn. The most comfortable time for yachting in the Ionian Islands is from May to September.
The northwest wind Maistro prevails in the Ionian Islands, characterized by a fresh breeze accompanied by fine weather and light clouds. Wind speed is around 15-18 knots around noon. The winds are stable and predictable, and the Meltemi does not affect the waters of the Ionian Islands. However, gusts of wind can occur in the evening from the lee side of the high islands.
Yachting in the Dodecanese
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in the Dodecanese:
Dodecanese Islands – Kos, Rhodes, Patmos.
Features of yachting in the Dodecanese:
The level of difficulty is medium. Yachting in the Dodecanese is not recommended for the first independent trips, especially in July and August when navigation is complicated by strong Meltemi winds. There are only two comfortable marinas on the islands of Kos and Rhodes, while on the other islands, mooring at equipped city berths is done using anchor + mooring. There are almost no moorings available. During summer, the marinas are crowded, so booking in advance is necessary. In bays with a southerly wind, some do not offer protection from waves and wind, so it is essential to follow the weather forecast and plan emergency parking.
Season – subtropical Mediterranean climate – mild and damp winters and hot, dry summers. The average air temperature in summer is +25°C, while the water temperature is +23-25°C. Thunderstorms with squally winds are likely to occur in spring and autumn. The most comfortable time for yachting in the Dodecanese is from May to September.
Winds – Meltemi dominates, a strong dry summer wind in the Aegean, blowing from mid-May to mid-September. In June, the Meltemi gains strength, and in July and August, it blows all day with a force of 25-30 knots, sometimes with gusts that can reach 40-50 knots. The Meltemi usually subsides in the evening, but it can blow for several days without stopping. The wind direction in the Dodecanese is from north to northwest.
Yachting in the Cyclades
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in the Cyclades:
Cyclades Islands – Athens, Lavrion, Nafplio, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Piraeus, Syros
Features of yachting in the Cyclades:
High level of difficulty. Yachting in the Cyclades is recommended for experienced yachtsmen due to difficult navigation, long passages, and changeable winds. Navigation is especially challenging in July and August due to the sharp and gusty meltemi, which can blow for several days up to 50 knots, creating waves. There are few comfortable marinas in the Cyclades. On the islands, boats mostly anchor to equipped city marinas using anchor and mooring lines to the pier, and there are almost no moorings available. There are many closed bays for anchorages, though.
Season – subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild and damp winters and hot, dry summers. The average air temperature in summer is +27-29 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature is +22-24 degrees Celsius. The most comfortable time for yachting in the Cyclades is from May to July and in September.
Winds – The dominant wind is the Meltemi, which is a strong, dry summer wind in the Aegean, blowing from mid-May to mid-September. In the Cyclades, the Meltemi blows from the north. In June, the wind picks up, and in July and August, it blows all day with a force of 25-30 knots, and in some places, it can reach 40-50 knots with gusts, and near capes and funnels, it can be even stronger. Meltemi usually subsides in the evening, but it can blow for several days without stopping.
Yachting in the Sporades
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in the Sporades Islands:
North Aegean Islands – Kavala, Keramoti, Nikiti
Northern Sporades – Skiathos, Volos
Features of yachting in the Sporades Islands:
The level of difficulty is medium. Navigation is simple, but there are underwater rocks near the coast, small areas, and shoals. In the waters of the Sporades, there are many ports and countless bays for anchorage, and the distances between the islands are small. The entrances to the ports are well-lit. Mostly, they moor to the equipped city marinas using anchor and mooring lines to the pier. There are moorings only on Skiathos. Large islands provide excellent protection against Meltemi. There is very high ferry traffic in the area.
Season:
The Sporades have a subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild and damp winters and hot, dry summers. The average air temperature in summer is between +27 to +29°C and the water temperature is between +23 to +25°C. Sometimes the sky is covered with clouds, and summer thunderstorms are possible. To the south of the islands, due to low pressure, there is sometimes unpleasant excitement. The most comfortable time for yachting in the Sporades is from May to October.
Winds:
The prevailing winds are dominated by Meltemi, a strong, dry summer wind in the Aegean, blowing from mid-May to mid-September. In June, the Meltemi gains strength, and in July and August, it blows all day with a force of 25-30 knots. In the Sporades, the Meltemi is not as strong as in the south, and the northeast and north direction prevail. The danger is a strong south wind, from which not a single port and most anchorages are sheltered.
Yachting in Malta
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in Malta:
Valletta – is located on the northeast coast of the island.
Features of yachting on the island of Malta:
The difficulty level of yachting is medium. During the daytime, navigation is easy with short transitions. However, at night, approaching the islands can be challenging due to poor lighting, and the coastal reefs are difficult to spot. It is recommended to moor during the daytime. The yachting infrastructure is well-established, offering comfortable marinas and many sheltered bays for anchorage. During the summer, if there is wind and storm on one side of the island, it is usually calm and easy to reach the other side due to the short distances.
Season – Malta has a subtropical Mediterranean climate, with mild and damp winters and hot, dry summers. The average air temperature in summer is around +27-29°C, with the water temperature ranging between +23-25°C. The best time for yachting in Malta is from the end of May to September.
Winds – the NW Mistral wind is dominant during the afternoon, with a strength of 15-20 knots. At the end of summer, the dry southern sirocco wind known as “shlokk” blows.
Yachting in Turkey
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in Turkey:
Aegean coast of Turkey – Alacati, Turgutreis, Bodrum, Orhaniye
Mediterranean coast of Turkey – Marmaris, Gocek, Fethiye
Features of yachting in Turkey:
Yachting in Turkey is ideal for a comfortable stay on a yacht, beginner yachtsmen, travelers with children, and holding sailing flotillas and regattas. The yachting infrastructure is excellent, with comfortable marinas, equipped berths for yachts in bays, many sheltered anchorages, small crossings, and easy navigation. The level of difficulty is low.
Season:
The season has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild and damp winters and hot, dry summers. The average air temperature in summer is +27-29 degrees, and the water temperature is +23-25 degrees. The yachting season in Turkey is considered the longest in the Mediterranean, but in summer, it can get very hot, with air temperatures reaching up to +40 degrees. The water temperature in the sea does not fall below 18 degrees, even in winter. The most favorable time for yachting in Turkey is from May to July and from September to November.
Winds:
The dominant wind in Turkey is the Meltemi – a strong, dry summer wind in the Aegean that blows from mid-May to mid-September. In June, the Meltemi gains strength, and in July and August, it blows all day with a force of 25-30 knots, sometimes with gusts up to 40-50 knots in some places. Meltemi usually subsides in the evening, but it can blow for several days without stopping. The average wind is 20-25 knots and usually picks up in the afternoon. The direction on the Turkish coast is from north to northwest.
Yachting in Croatia
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in Croatia:
Istria – Pula, Mali Losinj, Punat, Rijeka
Central Dalmatia – Zadar, Biograd, Primosten, Murter, Sibenik, Trogir, Split
South Dalmatia – Dubrovnik
Features of yachting in Croatia:
Yachting in Croatia is suitable for beginner sailors, family trips, sailing flotillas, and regattas with low difficulty levels. The water area is sheltered from storm winds and waves, and navigation is simple, although there are shallows near the coast that require monitoring of the depth. Moderate winds and short distances make for easy sailing. The yachting infrastructure is well-developed with comfortable marinas, many closed bays for anchorages, equipped berths in the bays, and mooring buoys. During summer, the marinas are often crowded, and booking in advance is recommended.
Season: Subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild and damp winters and hot, dry summers. The average air temperature in summer is +27-29°C, and the water temperature is +23-25°C. There is a chance of rain even in summer in the northern part of the coast. The most favorable time for yachting in Croatia is from June to September.
Winds: In summer, the north-western mistral of 10-15 knots usually prevails. It may increase in the second half of the day and weaken in the evening. There is often calm in summer. The chance of a dangerous Bora Katabatic Wind (cold, dry, rapidly increasing 40-60 knots northeasterly wind) is extremely rare in summer and mostly occurs in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea.
Yachting in Montenegro
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in Montenegro:
Bay of Kotor – Kotor
Adriatic coast – Budva, Bar
Features of yachting in Montenegro:
Yachting in Montenegro is suitable for beginners as it has a low level of difficulty. There are small crossings, easy navigation, and moderate winds. However, on the Adriatic coast, there are no closed bays for protected anchorages, and visitors can only stay in the marina of Bar and Budva, therefore day moorings are recommended. In the Bay of Kotor, which is closed by mountains, there are comfortable marinas, islands, and bays for anchorages. In bad weather, there can be very changeable squally winds in the bay.
Season – Montenegro has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with mild and damp winters and hot, dry summers. The average air temperature in summer is +27-29 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature is +22-24 degrees Celsius. The most favorable time for yachting in Montenegro is from June to September.
Winds – In the summer, the north-western mistral with 10-15 knots of wind prevails. In the second half of the day, the wind may increase, but in the evening, it weakens. There is often calm in summer. The chance of a dangerous Bora Katabatic Wind (a cold, dry, rapidly increasing 40-60 knots northeasterly wind) is extremely rare in summer and most often occurs in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea.
Yachting in Slovenia
Yacht bases for a yacht charter in Slovenia are located on the Adriatic coast in Portorož and Izola.
Features of yachting in Slovenia:
Yachting in Slovenia is suitable for beginner sailors, with easy navigation, moderate winds, and small crossings. There are many comfortable marinas and sheltered anchorages along the coast, making it easy to find a place to dock. Many yachtsmen use Slovenia as a starting point for a yacht trip to Venice.
Season:
The climate is subtropical Mediterranean, with mild and damp winters and hot, dry summers. The average air temperature in summer is around +22-24°C, with the water temperature in the same range. The most favorable time for yachting in Slovenia is from June to September.
Winds:
During summer, the north-western mistral wind at 10-15 knots is prevalent. It may increase in the second half of the day and weaken in the evening. However, there are often calm days in the summer. The chance of experiencing a dangerous Bora Katabatic Wind (cold, dry, rapidly increasing 40-60 knots northeasterly wind) is extremely rare in summer, and it mostly occurs in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea.
