The Best Autumn Yacht Charter Destinations, From Dubrovnik To Aruba

Autumn sailing can be incredible. Across the Mediterranean, September is generally the best month to charter a yacht, as the sea remains warm and crowds leave. Starting from October, the golden season kicks in, when you will have harbors and beaches to yourself. Another advantage of fall yachting in the Med is the lack of intense summer heat, which ensures ideal conditions for outdoor exploration. In the Caribbean, Aruba and Grenada are great yachting spots for white-sand beaches and outdoor adventures, outside the hurricane belt. From Dubrovnik to Lanzarote, Monaco, Malta, and Fethiye Bay, here are fantastic yacht charter destinations for your fall getaway in the Med and Caribbean.

Lanzarote, Spain

Best for stable weather and otherworldly landscapes

Autumn in the Canary Islands feels like summer in most European countries. Lanzarote, in particular, is a fantastic sailing destination in the fall. Winds soothe down in October, and the average temperature is 25 degrees Celsius (77°F), with guaranteed sunshine. Most importantly, this volcanic island will repeatedly give you “wow” moments. Marina Rubicón, in Playa Blanca, is a great place to base yourself. You’ll enjoy the golden sands at spectacular bays like Playa de Papagayo, Playa Mujeres and Playa Caleta del Congrio. Timanfaya National Park is the kingdom of the dormant craters, where you can visit a geothermal restaurant and eat steak grilled on lava. Parque Natural de Los Volcanes is another fantastic hiking destination in autumn. Enjoy the panoramic sail to La Graciosa, a small island off Lanzarote’s north tip. There, anchor at Playa Francesa, which is one of Spain’s most enchanting sandy beaches.

Southwestern Mallorca, Spain

Best for idyllic coves and sheltered luxurious marinas

A yacht charter in Mallorca is never a bad idea. The divine coves, historic harbor towns, and rich gastronomy make this island perfect for sailing. For sailing in the fall, choose the southwestern coast. It enjoys greater protection from northerly winds on the one hand and offers many superb beaches and attractions within a short distance on the other. It’s also where the most exclusive marinas – Port Adriano and Portals Nous – are. You’ll explore the magnificent UNESCO-protected town of Palma, with its gargantuan Cathedral and a labyrinthine Old Town. The southwestern coast is filled with turquoise coves, such as Cala Fornells, Cala Comtesa, Cala del Mago and Caló d’en Monjo, all best explored from the yacht. Sandy bays of Peguera and Santa Ponsa are great for families with kids. You’ll also discover charming harbors of Port d’Andratx and Sant Elm. For pristine nature and hiking, sail to the Sa Dragonera Natural Park.

Dubrovnik and the Elaphiti Islands, Croatia

Best for calmer sightseeing and relaxed island-hopping

In summer, Dubrovnik receives thousands of tourists, which can make exploring its stunning historic core unbearable. Chartering a yacht in Southern Dalmatia in the fall allows you to have a more tranquil experience in the Adriatic’s most precious seaside jewel. The region is well-sheltered from strong Bura winds, and you will enjoy pleasant weather. And while most of the Croatian coast starts hibernating in October, Dubrovnik remains lively, with most of the restaurants, wine bars, and cafes open. Choosing Dubrovnik as your charter base allows you to sail to the coves of the Elaphiti Islands, a beautiful archipelago north of the town. The closest island, Koločep, is famous for its blue cave. In Lopud, you’ve got Sunj, one of Croatia’s finest sandy beaches. Šipan offers the gorgeous Šipanska Luka harbor and untouched pine tree forests in the interior, perfect for hiking and cycling.

Kos, Greece

Best for an easygoing Greek holiday

In autumn, not all the idyllic Greek islands are good for sailing. Seas can get rough on the open sections, and winds are unpredictable. Kos, one of the Dodecanese islands, is your safe pick for chartering a yacht in September and October. Autumn here is when the strong Meltemi winds die down, and you can enjoy smooth sailing to the island’s many wonderful beaches. Kos marina is one of the most developed harbors in the Dodecanese, which is geographically protected from the winds. The island’s main town is filled with ancient Greek sites, atmospheric traditional tavernas, and pretty whitewashed lanes. There’s also a nice sandy beach right next to the city center. Kefalos Gulf is where you should sail for the best stretches. Agios Stefanos, Camel Beach, and Paradise Beach are beautiful sandy bays with turquoise water. Anchor at Kamari, a scenic seaside village, for a scenic promenade and great local food at beachside tavernas. You can also island-hop to nearby volcanic Nisiros and laid-back Tilos.

Monaco

Best for experiencing the quieter side of the Riviera

September is a busy month in Monaco. The Principality hosts the Monaco Yacht Show from 23 to 26 September. It’s the month of October that’s worth considering for your next yacht charter. Port Hercules and Fontevielle, the country’s famed marinas, are less busy. Reservations at the luxurious hotels and restaurants are easier to score. It’s the best time to immerse yourself in Monaco’s high-end lifestyle without the high-season craziness. While late autumn weather may be hit-and-miss, the conditions are often excellent for sailing to the stunning French Riviera beaches, like Mala, or cove-hopping in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. If the water is too cold for swimming, you can always hang out at the stylish beach bars of Monaco’s Larvotto, or indulge in the thermal spa at the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo complex.

Grenada

Best for an autumn Caribbean break

The Caribbean in autumn is not the most sailing-friendly destination. From June to November, the region experiences the hurricane season, and things can get pretty unpredictable at sea. But then, there’s Grenada, a spectacular “Spice Island,” located just outside of the hurricane belt. Tropical rainfall occurs in autumn, but it’s mostly nothing to worry about. Moreover, the waters in the fall are usually even calmer than during the winter high season. A yacht charter in October and November is a fantastic way to discover this lush, exciting Caribbean country. The highlights include Dragon Bay, famous for the underwater sculpture park. Grand Anse beach, just outside Port Louis, is a paradisiac white-sand stretch. BBC Beach is another tropical marvel, where you can enjoy warm waters and snorkel. For hiking and wildlife, visit the gorgeous Grand Étang National Park in the island’s interior. Discover the aromatic spice history of Grenada at Belmont Estate, where you can make your own chocolate.

Aruba

Best for easy beach-hopping 

A part of the ABC island group, Aruba is in the Caribbean, where you shouldn’t worry about bad autumn weather. Sitting south of the hurricane belt, this Dutch constituent country is a tiny beach paradise. With a length of less than 19 miles, the island packs an impressive variety of beaches and natural attractions. Turquoise Baby Beach is the top choice for families, and Manchebo and Divi are two gorgeous sugary stretches near Oranjestad. For beach bars and a lively atmosphere, sail to Palm Beach, Aruba’s resort center. The idyllic northern coves, Tres Trapi, Malmok, and Boca Catalina, are heaven for snorkeling lovers. You can also swim with turtles there. Traditionally for the Caribbean islands, Aruba offers a spectacular national park in the hinterland. You will find many hiking trails and caves in Arikok.

Fethiye Bay, Turkey

Best for a classic Mediterranean charter

Fancy a luxury yacht charter in the Med with reliable weather, warm sea, stunning natural landscapes, azure beaches, and ancient sites? Fethiye Bay in Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is that destination. September and October here are ideal for sailing. One of Fethiye’s advantages is that you can enjoy the sheltered waters without crossing into the open sea. Gület, or the traditional Turkish two-mast yacht, is the vessel to choose – local charter companies offer luxurious variations that include water toys and on-board swimming pools with jacuzzis. You will sail to the spellbinding Ölüdeniz beach with a lagoon, enjoy the turquoise coves of Gemiler Island, stop for a dip at the crystal-clear Soguksu Bay, and admire the aquamarine waters of Merdivenli Bay. Then, Fethiye is the land of ancient archaeological marvels – explore the fascinating Amyntas Rock Tombs carved into the mountains, and swim next to the centuries-old ruins at Cleopatra Cove. Visit Göcek, aka Turkey’s yachting capital, for luxurious marinas and a lovely seaside promenade.

Cyprus

Best for beach town action and gorgeous coast

Thanks to its location in the Levantine Sea, one of the easternmost sections of the Mediterranean, Cyprus is a fantastic autumn yachting destination. A stretch of the south coast from Limassol to Ayia Napa is great for sailing short distances, stopping at gorgeous beaches, and mooring at high-end marinas. October offers almost ideal conditions for yachting – the winds are calmest, the sea is still pleasantly warm, the crowds have left, and the weather is rarely below 20 degrees Celsius (68°F). In fact, Cyprus is among the hottest European countries in the fall. Limassol Marina, one of the most exclusive harbors in the Mediterranean, is where you start. From there, sail to the long Lady’s Mile Big Beach for golden sands and nice beach bars. Proceed eastward to admire the White Stones and Governor’s Beach, two iconic beaches among the white cliffs. Anchor at Larnaca Marina and explore its buzzing promenade, filled with bars and restaurants. In Ayia Napa, on the southeastern tip of Cyprus, you’ll find another exclusive marina. Also, this popular beach town is a gateway to mesmerizing Cape Greco, dramatic coastal sea caves, and the Blue Lagoon (snorkeling is a must there). Of course, these spots are best visited on a yacht.