The Best Destinations to Charter a Yacht in July

July yachting can be wonderful. In Europe, it is the most popular month to charter a yacht, and beaches might get crowded. But that’s exactly why it’s worth looking outside the oversaturated tourist destinations and sailing to lesser-known Mediterranean gems. The Greek paradise islands of Kythira and Symi are great alternatives to uber-famous Mykonos and Santorini. In Italy, discover the magnificence of the Adriatic Tremiti Islands and the underdog charms of Calabria. Théoule-sur-Mer, a French Riviera’s best-kept secret, hides the wonders of the Esterel Massif. Finally, check out Curaçao, one of the few Caribbean countries outside of the summer “hurricane belt”. Here’s everything you should know about visiting these yachting destinations in July.

Symi, Greece 

Best for spectacular bays and a picturesque harbor

While many choose Rhodes as their Dodecanese base, Symi is a quieter, more low-key choice. This small island is home to one of the most gorgeous harbors in Greece–the Neo-Classical multicolored houses and white churches dot the rocky hills as the Aegean Sea glistens in deep blue. The traditional restaurants, stylish bars, and local bakeries are right by the water, allowing you to dine and wine by the sea. Symi is the ultimate slow-travel destination, where time runs at a more leisurely pace, and you can have that high-quality Greek lazy time. July is when Symi is at its hottest, so cooling down in the turquoise Aegean is a must. The island is home to some fantastic boat-only bays like Saint George Bay, Νανού, and Lapathos, where you can swim and snorkel surrounded by the wild, rugged coastline. Its location in the heart of the Dodecanese allows you to take day trips to Rhodes, Tilos, Nisiros, and Kos. 

Hvar, Croatia

Best for hidden coves and vibrant nightlife

Hvar isn’t an unknown destination in Croatia. But is it actually fully discovered? Cruising along the island’s quieter east coast, you will find many idyllic, small coves to drop your anchor and enjoy the Adriatic nature. Beaches like Mala Pogorila, Rak, Mlaska, and Smokvina are pristine and beautiful. Smaller harbors in Jelsa and Stari Grad allow you to soak up the charming atmosphere of Hvar, living on their cobblestone streets, seaside restaurant terraces, and olive groves on the hills. And you’re never far from the island’s biggest hit, the stunning Hvar Town. Approaching it from the sea is a scene to remember—the Venetian fortress occupies the hill above the red rooftops of the Old Town. The town is among the most luxurious on the Croatian coast, greeting you with a selection of cool beach bars and sophisticated seafood restaurants. Right opposite are the Pakleni, a small archipelago of uninhabited islands with more untouched coves to sail to.

Capraia, Italy

Best for stunning hiking and uncrowded beaches

It might be one of Italy’s most interesting smaller islands, but you may have never heard its name before. Capraia is one of the seven islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, a protected marine national park between Italy and Corsica. As it’s still undiscovered, visiting in July is a great idea to make the most of the Tyrrhenian Sea yachting without navigating the crowds. Porto Vecchio is the island’s small capital city, scenically set on the coastal rocks. Its main attraction is the medieval Fortress of St. George, built to protect the bay against the Saracen pirates. Sailing around the island is a delight in itself—once an active volcano, Capraia offers an astonishing mountainous landscape. The most beautiful coves are Cala del Ceppo and Spiaggia della Mortola. Capraia is also a popular hiking destination, with several high peaks to choose from. Each leads you to the magnificent coastal vistas.

San Domino, Italy

Best for the sea caves and snorkeling sites

White of the limestone cliffs, green of the Mediterranean shrub and blue of the Adriatic Sea—San Domino is a sensory delight. Set off the Apulian coast in Italy’s east, it’s one of Italy’s lesser-known islands, and it’s full of fantastic natural sites. Yachting here is a dream. You can sail to the sublime grotte or the sea caves. The top sites to visit are Grotta delle Viole, Grotta del Sale, Grotta del Bue Marino, and the island’s icon, the Grotta e Scogli dell’Elefante (nicknamed so for its limestone trunk shape). Cala delle Arene is San Domino’s main beach, which is a very pretty sandy bay. Drowning in pine trees is the Cala Spido, overlooking the dramatic silhouette of the fortified Abbey of Santa Maria a Mare on the nearby island of San Nicola. Fully car-free, San Domino is also a perfect place to go cycling and hiking. Sail to Cala dei Turchi on Isola di Capraia for a pristine turquoise cove. Hurry up to visit this Adriatic paradise before it becomes the new Capri.

Tropea, Italy 

Best for white-sand beaches and amazing food

You can’t help but marvel at Tropea’s timeless beauty. The gateway to Costa degli Dei (the Coast of Gods), this town is among the Mediterranean’s seaside jewels. The fine white sand meets the blue Tyrrhenian Sea on its gorgeous beaches. Marble Santuario di Santa Maria dell’Isola stands tall on a rocky hill. The historic quarter, perched on a rock, mesmerizes with centuries-old palaces and piazzas. The great news is that Tropea isn’t yet as popular as the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre, and you can have a more peaceful yachting trip in July. Cruising the Calabrian coast will lead you to the magnificent white-sand beaches like Spiaggia Michelino, Spiaggia di Riaci, and Spiaggia di Grotticelle. You will taste the iconic red onion in Tropea, the mouthwatering tartufo (yummy gelato with melted chocolate inside) in Pizzo and swordfish pasta in Scilla. Dramatic Capo Vaticano will take your breath away with the sea caves and spectacular coves. To make things even more luxurious, you can spend a night at one of Tropea’s elegant spa resorts and enjoy the amazing local sunsets. 

Curaçao

Best for coral reefs and postcard-perfect Caribbean

If you fancy the Caribbean yachting in summer, Curaçao is always a safe bet. This Dutch island is outside the “hurricane belt,” meaning you’re getting stable, sunny, and hot weather from June to August. The Southeastern coast is best for cruising, as it’s where the waters are at their calmest. Spaanse Water is a beautiful lagoon area with luxurious resorts, excellent marina infrastructure, and turquoise waters. Moor at Caracas Bay for magnificent reef snorkeling and sunset views. Sail to Curaçao’s capital, Willemstad, for the photogenic Old Town filled with Dutch architecture. The white-sand Mambo Beach outside of the city is the island’s premier family-friendly bay, offering easy offshore snorkeling and plenty of water sports to try. In the North, visit the spectacular Grote Knip cove and hike the expansive coastal Christoffel National Park. If you’re into diving, head to Double Reef for a superb underwater experience and a chance to meet sea turtles. 

Théoule-sur-Mer, France 

Best for the undiscovered French Riviera

The Côte d’Azur is, without doubt, one of the most striking areas in the world to charter a yacht. But hotspots like Monaco, Saint-Tropez, and Nice will be super packed in July. That’s why Théoule-sur-Mer is perfect for a Riviera summer escape. Lost among the beauty of the gorgeous Esterel Massif, it’s located halfway between Cannes and Saint-Tropez. The windy coastal roads here resemble those of the Amalfi Coast. The area around Théoule-sur-Mer is peppered with calanques, or limestone inlets ideal for marveling at from the yacht. These coves are also absolutely wonderful for snorkeling and cliff jumping. The most impressive are Crique de l’Aiguille and Calanque d’Anthéor. Another beach highlight is the sandy Plage de la Raguette in Mandelieu-La Napoule, Théoule’s elegant resort town neighbor. You will also explore the 1918-restored Château de la Napoule with the astonishing gardens. 

Kythira, Greece

Best for a carefree Greek holiday

Kythira is the island in-between. Geographically, it’s close to the Peloponnese peninsula. But it’s officially a part of the Ionian islands group. However, strolling through its whitewashed towns and villages, you can’t help but feel yourself in the Cyclades. It’s full of rustic charms, marvelous turquoise beaches, and wild landscapes. What it lacks is the summer crowds of the Ionian and Cycladic neighbors, making it a perfect yachting pick for the busy month of July. A typical beach view in Kythira is the pebbly surface and dramatic limestone cliffs. Of course, the water color here mesmerizes you with the shimmering shades of blue. The wild west coast is where you find the most striking stretches, Melidoni, Limnionas, and Kalami. Other beaches to check are Chalkos in the south, a pretty village stretch of Avlemonas and Kaladi (generally regarded as the island’s most beautiful). Kythira’s capital, Chora, is epically set on top of the hill and sports a whitewashed glory. Step on land to explore the mountainous island’s interior and visit traditional tavernas in the sleepy villages. 

Lavezzi Islands, Corsica, France 

Best for pristine coves

While Corsica is a yachting paradise in its own right, sail south of Bonifacio to find a kingdom of sapphire and granite hidden in plain sight. The name is Lavezzi, an archipelago in the Strait of Bonifacio, between Corsica and Sardinia. It’s where you find untouched coves with waters bluer than the blue. Snorkeling is another big reason to come to Lavezzi, as the granite rocks are perfect for underwater exploration. Only one of the islands, Cavallo, is inhabited, with a small marina that accommodates yachts. Luxurious Hôtel & Spa des Pêcheurs is next door to the port. The rest of the archipelago is one big protected marine area. It’s the wild Mediterranean at its finest. Plage de la Cala di u Lioni and Cala di l’Achiarinu are the most popular beaches. But the real beauty of Lavezzi is just cruising from cove to cove, observing the marine birds, and stopping for a scenic swim or a snorkeling session. The visit to the islands is usually combined with an excursion to Bonifacio, Corsica’s most striking historic city on the south coast. 

Göcek, Turkey

Best for panoramic cruises and ancient history

The small town of Göcek on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is also the country’s luxury yachting center. There are six marinas here, an impressive number for such a tiny port. This includes the modern D-Marin and Port Azure, offering berths for superyachts and megayachts. The reason why Göcek is so sailing-friendly is its ideal location for exploring the beaches, islands, and historic sites of the Western Mediterranean. You’ve got a fantastic choice of destinations to visit from here. Head to Fethiye for a vibrant city center and the majestic Amyntas Rock Tombs, a gargantuan carved temple dating back to 350 BC. Long sandy İnlice is the most popular beach outside Göcek, while İztuzu is a stunning fine sand stretch to the west where you can meet sea turtles. Another ancient city, Kaunos, is a breathtaking site in Dalyan, with carved tombs and ruins. You can also sail to Ölüdeniz, arguably Turkey’s most striking beach, mesmerising you with turquoise water and the lagoon.