This article provides a guide to yacht routes for beginner skippers in the Mediterranean Sea, including Turkey, Montenegro, Croatia, Spain, and Greece.
Turkey is a welcoming country and a great starting point for beginner skippers. Yachtsmen love the country for its clear seas, predictable winds, calm atmosphere, and hospitable locals. Many novice skippers consider Turkey an alma mater for its assistance and support.
Turkey is ideal for yachting with children as it is safe, has well-equipped marinas and a large number of wild bays with restaurants that offer delicious homemade food. It is possible to stay overnight with minimum amenities, and the short transitions allow yachtsmen to find a safe haven from bad weather or nightfall.
The best time to sail in Turkey is May and October, and the routes can last from a week to longer. For instance, from Fethiye, Gocek, or Marmaris, it is possible to sail to the charming town of Kas or in the opposite direction to the popular resort of Marmaris and visit the old fortress town of Bozukkale. One can even venture out to Greek islands like Rhodes, Tilos, and Symi.
Montenegro, one of the world’s best yachting destinations, has a coastline of just 300 km, making it possible to tour the whole country in a week. The country is one of the most affordable in Europe, with a loyal visa regime, modern marinas, and various yachts available for charter.
Montenegro has two international airports, Tivat and Podgorica, from where it is convenient to reach most marinas. The fleet available for charter is concentrated in Tivat, Bar, and Budva, and several yachting schools teach sailing. The locals are friendly, and the cuisine is simple and tasty.
From June, the sea warms up well, and September is quite comfortable. The coast has only one route, along the Adriatic Sea, but it boasts many historical and natural attractions like Kotor, Herceg Novi, Budva, Bar, Bigova (bay), and Perast. The Old Town in Kotor, a maze of creative workshops, old churches, and houses, is a UNESCO-listed fortress that visitors should not miss.
Croatia is another excellent yachting destination with 1,145 islands in a small area, making it possible to sail for a month. The terrain provides excellent winds, and there are many places to hide, making it comfortable for both novice and experienced yachtsmen.
Croatia is a popular destination for family vacations and regattas. The country has many charter companies and a large fleet of yachts, including a mono-fleet used for sports competitions. The food is tasty, and the country is neat in a European way.
Split International Airport is the most convenient airport, and the popular marinas are closer. Pula, Rijeka, and Zagreb airports are ideal for sailing in northern Croatia. The main bases for yacht charter are Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Sibenik, Pula, and Krk. Croatia is a leader in Europe in terms of charter fleet, with a wide range of boats, including monohulls and catamarans. It is advisable to book in advance for the best deals.
Croatia’s water area is relatively enclosed, and there are many equipped anchorages, allowing yachtsmen to take shelter and avoid tedious transitions.
In conclusion, sailing in the Mediterranean is a memorable experience for novice skippers. Turkey, Montenegro, Croatia, Spain, and Greece are some of the best destinations for yacht routes, with unique attractions, good infrastructure, and ideal weather.
