Where the A-List Sets Sail: Top Celebrity Yacht Destinations for Summer

When celebrities enjoy their summer getaways, they tend to go with a balance of exclusivity and luxury, escaping in style, often by sailing on lavish yachts. Privacy is usually paramount, with these vessels offering a sun-soaked sanctuary for exploring cinematic landscapes in seclusion while providing plenty of world-class indulgences. 

If that’s the type of vacation that sounds appealing to you, you might want to consider the A-list yacht destinations that celebrities often choose to sail. 

The Cyclades, Greece

Santorini and Mykonos are two of the top sailing destinations for celebrities in the Cyclades, an island group that regularly welcomes stars like Ariana Grande, Hugh Jackman, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Santorini is famous for its dramatic caldera, whitewashed buildings and blue domes that mimic the Greek flag while being irresistible for filling Instagram feeds of tourists and celebrities alike. When not staying on their yachts, they tend to choose more private spots to stay rather than crowded places like Oia or Fira, including Imerovigli, where both Tom Hanks and Angelina Jolie spent time.

Mykonos is arguably No. 1 when it comes to attracting Hollywood icons from the past and present, such as Grace Kelly, Brigitte Bardot, Kendall Jenner, and Bella Hadid. It’s a celebrity hot spot with trendy beach clubs (where cabanas can run $5000 a day) for relaxing on golden sands. Mykonos Town is renowned for its high-end shopping, five-star dining, and buzzing nightlife. 

The Ionian Islands, Greece

The Ionians include more than 20 islands, primarily small and uninhabited islets, with the major islands including Zakynthos, Corfu, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Kythira, and Paxos. Some of the lushest islands in Greece, they’re known for their fragrant pine forests and many idyllic beaches. All are lapped by electric blue water reminiscent of the Caribbean. 

Celebrities like tennis star Rafael Nadal and former “Top Gear” presenter Jeremy Clarkson (now starring in the docu-series “Clarkson’s Farm”) have been seen on yachts winding through the lush Ionian islands, making stops at Corfu, Kefalonia, and Ithaca. In 2022, Clarkson dropped an “inspirational” tweet to British students that read: “Don’t worry if your A-level results are disappointing. I got a C and 2 Us and I’m currently holidaying on this boat,” referring to his classic superyacht, Shemara.

The Dalmatian Islands, Croatia

Croatia has become an increasingly popular hotspot for celebrities who sail their superyachts to some of the most glamorous spots, like Hvar Island, renowned for drawing all sorts of VIPs with its harbor often filled with luxurious vessels. It’s been referred to as the “Croatian St. Tropez,” world-famous for its fine dining and nightlife, with everyone from royals to Neil Patrick Harris, Tom Cruise, Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé and Jay-Z spotted here. 

Many celebs have spent time on other Dalmatian Islands too. Owen Wilson visited Korcula and even spent time playing soccer with the locals, while basketball legend Magic Johnson enjoyed island-hopping to Vis, Korcula, and Hvar. Other popular destinations for celebrity yachters include the Pakleni islands and Mljet Island. Of course, most also spend time in one of the major cities before departure, particularly Dubrovnik, which has long attracted big-name stars from Elizabeth Taylor to Selma Hayek.

Balearic Islands, Spain

Spain’s Balearic islands are some of the most popular destinations for celebrities to sail on their superyachts, including Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca. The archipelago provides an ideal mix of stunning natural landscapes, outdoor adventures, high-end gastronomy, and vibrant nightlife. There are secluded coves with idyllic beaches and opportunities for everything from watersports like snorkeling to cycling, hiking, and climbing. 

Of the long list of well-known names seen sailing here, Oprah Winfrey and Kris Jenner recently cruised around Mallorca aboard the superyacht Rising Sun. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones frequently sail around Mallorca, and some of the other celebrities who’ve done the same include Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Dua Lipa, and Steven Spielberg. The islands are a premier yachting destination for the rich and famous, with plenty of privacy and a wide range of luxurious offerings.

Amalfi Coast & Capri Island, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is a world-renowned mountainous stretch of coastline in southern Italy, often ranked among the most breathtaking places on the planet, with elegant historic architecture that’s been preserved for centuries and dramatic cliff faces that plunge down to sapphire waters. The cliffside villages that dot the coast, particularly Positano and Ravello, are known for their upscale boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and luxury hotels. Just a 20-minute sail away is the island of Capri, which rises from the Bay of Naples and has been a favorite among yachters, including A-list celebrities. 

Kris Jenner recently joined the Hilfigers aboard their yacht, Flag, which cruised the Amalfi coast and made it stop in Capri. The Beckham family was spotted sailing in the area on their summer vacation in 2022, and supermodel Heidi Klum tied the knot with Tom Kaulitz aboard a yacht here in 2019. Since then, they’ve returned a number of times for romantic yachting getaways. 

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia was recently named the “most perfect” island in the Mediterranean with its idyllic blend of beautiful beaches, rich history, mouthwatering cuisine, cultural attractions, and warm weather. Located between the Italian peninsula and the Balearic Islands, the ultra-exclusive Costa Smeralda is especially popular with celebrities. Many arrive on their yachts to enjoy the stunning secluded beaches lapped by emerald waters, including an over one-mile stretch of unique orange-hued sands. 

The stylish Porto Cervo marina serves as a summer base for paparazzi and international yachters. Among the long list of rich and famous seen here. Just this past summer, Paris Hilton and Carter Reum were vacationing aboard their yacht Nalani, and Leonardo DiCaprio was photographed alongside his girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti on a luxury vessel not long after. The pair were also invited onto Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s yacht in the summer of 2024, with Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry.

The French Riviera, France & Monaco

Who hasn’t been seen cruising the French Riviera? The list is so long as this stretch of coastline has been a famous vacation spot for the stars and countless other VIPs since the 1850s. Renowned for its enchanting landscapes and glamour, this coastal oasis spans some 550 miles of shoreline along the Mediterranean, home to renowned destinations like St. Tropez, Nice, and Cannes. The Cannes Film Festival is what turned the region into the ultimate destination for Hollywood royalty. In the summer, sun-drenched days are spent on idyllic beaches framed by brilliant turquoise waters and shopping designer boutiques like Dior, giving way to party-filled nights. 

Beyoncé and Jay-Z are often photographed aboard the Flying Fox, a 450-foot-long superyacht named the Flying Fox that’s said to be the world’s most expensive charter boat at $4 million per week. Year after year, supermodel Naomi Campbell returns to enjoy the yachting life here, always making a glamorous arrival and frequently spotted dancing in the most famous nightclub in Saint Tropez, the VIP Room. Rihanna was seen on the yacht This Is It during the Cannes Film Festival, which hosted a number of parties and other events for the elite. Leonardo DiCaprio and his former girlfriend Camila Morrone spent time aboard a yacht in St. Tropez, the same spot where George and Amal Clooney enjoyed their glitzy yacht getaway.

Los Cabos & the Sea of Cortez, Baja California Sur, México

While summer is generally considered the off-season in Baja, many celebrities visit Los Cabos and the Sea of Cortez year-round, often sailing on yachts for luxury and privacy. While temperatures are sizzling, they can enjoy the enticing waters for cooling off along with the air-conditioned spaces these vessels provide. They not only cruise the turquoise waters around Los Cabos, but also La Paz and some of the nearby islands in the Sea of Cortez. 

This past summer, Kim Kardashian was seen on a private yacht in Cabo celebrating her daughter North’s birthday, while Justin and Hailey Bieber were photographed boarding a yacht in the bay here recently too. Chris Hemsworth is known for his love of adventure, so it’s not surprising that he sailed to the UNESCO-protected sanctuary of Isla Espiritu Santo near La Paz. It’s a secluded paradise with crystal-clear water, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, including a colony of non-aggressive, playful sea lions, bringing the rare opportunity to swim with the animals in their natural habitat. 

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

The Riviera Nayarit along Mexico’s southern Pacific coast starts just north of Puerto Vallarta and extends roughly 200 miles to the historic town of San Blas. It boasts vibrant culture and serene beauty with breathtaking beaches and lush jungles that are attracting an increasing number of celebrities who enjoy cruising the area on elegant yachts. When they want to stop and explore, they can more easily find private, secluded settings as compared to many other destinations in the country, including traditional hotspots like the Riviera Maya. With world-renowned chefs opening restaurants here, the region is developing a reputation for its gastronomic scene.

Sofia Richie and Scott Disick were photographed on a yacht here, as have billionaires Richard Branson and Bill Gates. The region is also popular with Ashton Kutcher, Justin Bieber, and Demi Lovato.

The Turkish Riviera

The turquoise waters along the Turkish Riviera may be overlooked by many, but many celebrities have sailed on superyachts here, avoiding the busy hotspots like St. Tropez and Capri. The most stunning part of Turkey’s coastline is home to pristine beaches, ancient history, hopping nightlife, and ultra-luxe resorts. Mark Antony was said to have picked this region “as the most beautiful wedding gift” for his beloved Cleopatra. Just a few of the A-listers seen here include Kylie Jenner, Kate Moss, and Mick Jagger. 

Jenner was on the luxurious Lady Britt yacht in Bodrum just this past summer, while Steven Spielberg is often seen near Gocek in his impressive yacht, Seven Seas.

French Polynesia

With breathtaking natural beauty that includes turquoise lagoons surrounded by coral reefs, unspoiled white sands, waterfalls, and volcanic mountains with soaring emerald peaks, it’s no wonder that so many are drawn to French Polynesia, including celebrities. Fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg invited a who’s who of Hollywood to her yacht for a voyage through the island jewels here in the South Pacific, including Anderson Cooper, Bradley Cooper, and Irina Shayk. 

After moving out of the White House, Barack and Michelle Obama sailed on music mogul David Geffen’s luxurious Rising Sun with a number of celebrity friends, including Tom Hanks, Oprah Winfrey, and Bruce Springsteen.  More recently, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was seen in Raiatea on his yacht, The Launchpad.