From Sardinia to Corsica: The Mediterranean’s Top Luxury Yacht Stops

The Mediterranean Sea is big, diverse and beautiful. Spanning over 970,000 square miles and bordering 22 countries across three continents, it’s an enticing collection of cultures, beaches, islands, and natural parks. I grew up sailing the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian waters and visited all the European Med countries—this sea is a part of me. That’s why I am happy to share the best cruising destinations in the Mediterranean. From the aesthetically pleasing Greek island panoramas to the untamed nature of Corsica, the hidden coves of Croatia, the blue lagoons of Malta, and the sunny bliss of the Balearics. Here are the top places to visit on a chartered yacht in the Med:

Amalfi Coast

If you’re looking for breathtaking landscapes, the Amalfi Coast is the place. This area, south of Naples, is a spectacle of rugged mountains, picture-perfect towns and the sapphire Tyrrhenian Sea coming together. Cruising here is easy and incredibly scenic—you will sail from one wonderful seaside gem to another, stopping to discover the beauty along the way. Typically, the yacht journeys start from either Sorrento or Salerno, both of which are located at the fringes of this stunning UNESCO-protected area. You will immediately recognize the cascading silhouette of Positano (one of the world’s most Instagrammed towns and the ultimate honeymoon destination). Have a dip at Fornillo beach, check out the beach bars or proceed to dreamy Marina di Praia. Enter the magical Fiordo di Furore with an arched stone bridge. Wander through the beautiful streets of Amalfi, Atrani, and Cetara. Get immersed in the ceramic traditions of Vietri sul Mare and enjoy one of the Amalfi Coast’s largest sandy beaches. It will be an inspiring cruise.

Cinque Terre

The Amalfi Coast’s main competitor in terms of beauty is also located in Italy. Another UNESCO-listed coastal area, Cinque Terre, is a striking collection of perched seaside villages. Car-free and sheltered by mountains, they are best visited on a yacht cruise. La Spezia is the largest marina in the vicinity and a perfect starting point. You’ll see Porto Venere, a colorful harbor town surrounded by green hills. Then come the gorgeous landscapes of Cinque Terre, where each town has the look of a Ligurian dream. The power of their beauty intensifies when witnessed from the sea. Riomaggiore and Manarola are as photogenic as it gets: the pastel-colored houses, the crystal-clear water in the marina, and pretty wooden window shutters. Corniglia, the only hilltop village, offers fantastic sea panoramas. Vernazza comes with a sandy beach, romantic castle ruins, and cozy restaurants in the harbor. Finally, Monterosso al Mare is Cinque Terre’s ultimate beach town with a spectacular pebbly stretch divided in two by a scenic rock.

Sardinia

Soft white sand on the beaches, impossibly blue waters and endless places to cruise to: welcome to Sardinia, one of the greatest Med destinations for yachts. The Mediterranean’s second-largest island has everything for an unforgettable sailing. Luxury seekers will be delighted at Porto Cervo, Italy’s most sophisticated and high-end marina. The 1,149 miles of the Sardinian coast allow yacht enthusiasts to discover secret coves, dramatic national parks, historic cities, and divine beaches. Speaking of the beaches, the island is home to some of the world’s most magnificent stretches. Such places as Su Giudeu, La Pelosa, Cala Luna, Spiaggia del Poetto, and Cala Goloritzé are a triumph of Mediterranean nature. And then there’s the Maddalena archipelago, a group of islands perfect for relaxed cruising off Sardinia’s north coast in the Strait of Bonifacio. You simply can’t go wrong with yachting in Sardinia.

Sicily

Sicily is an island of stunning landscapes, ancient history and heavenly beaches. The yacht cruise here will be filled with unique experiences and marvelous panoramas. The active Etna volcano sets the epic scene on the East coast of Sicily—you can hike to the crater and try the wine cultivated from the ash-covered soil. Another highlight is Taormina, with its wonderful Isola Bella beach, the perched Old Town, and the dazzling ancient amphitheater. Have tours of Sicily’s intriguing cities. Palermo is famous for its labyrinthine UNESCO-protected Old Town and Arab-Norman architecture, while Catania has one of the world’s most complete Baroque cores. Sail to stunning urban Sicily beaches in Cefalù, San Vito lo Capo, and Mondello. Head to the wild Riserva dello Zingaro for unspoiled coves and natural panoramas. Sicily is also a starting point for cruises to the Aeolian and the Aegadian Islands.

Corsica

There’s a large island in the middle of the Mediterranean with alpine mountains, glacial lakes, Caribbean-reminiscent sandy beaches, dramatic bays, clifftop towns, and city-strongholds. The birthplace of Napoleon, Corsica, is that destination. It enchants you with diverse landscapes and its wild beauty. The best part of cruising here? Often, you feel like you’re the first to discover its natural riches. Corsica is an under-the-radar Med destination without the crowds of Sardinia, Ibiza or Amalfi. The island can be enjoyed on its own (fly into Ajaccio airport and start from there) or as a continuation of Sardinia and the French Riviera cruises. Bonifaccio—with its awe-inspiring setting on limestone cliffs—is the gateway to the south coast. Sail to the stunning sandy bays of Rondinara, Santa Giulia, and Palombaggia. Make a stop to admire the colorful Old Town of Porto-Vecchio. Cruise to the capital, Ajaccio, for Napoleon’s birth home and vibrant center. Admire the dramatic cliffs of Calanques de Piana and Scandola Natural Reserve on the west coast on your way to Calvi, Corsica’s prettiest seaside town.

Dodecanese Islands, Greece

Greece is the top destination for yachting. With thousands of islands, this Mediterranean country offers countless cruising opportunities. Located in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean, the Dodecanese are perfect for relaxed cruising. It’s where you find Rhodes with its UNESCO-protected main town, the stunning Lindos Acropolis, plenty of secluded turquoise bays and nightlife-ready Faliraki. Sail to Symos for a colorful harbor with a charming marina. Nature lovers should anchor at Nisiros, which is home to a dormant volcano (a crater hike is obligatory). Kos is another highlight, offering a pretty Old Town and amazing beaches. This part of Greece is very close to the Turquoise Coast in Turkey, so you’re never too far from the luxury Bodrum marinas and spectacular Fethiye beaches.

Cyclades, Greece

The Cyclades are the Aegean dream everyone pictures when they think about a Greek holiday. It’s also where the most famous islands, such as Santorini and Mykonos, are. Cruising here is about marveling at some of the planet’s most romantic landscapes. Greet the legendary sunsets with the view of the volcanic calderas in Santorini. Experience the glamorous nightlife and whitewashed main town in Mykonos. Bathe at the sublime marble coves of Milos. Relax on the long golden sand beaches of Naxos. The Cyclades are fantastic for a hassle-free cruising—the sea is mostly calm, the distances are short, and the islands are as dreamy as it gets. Don’t limit yourself to well-known destinations, include the more under-the-radar ones, such as Folegandros, Amorgos, Sifnos, and Serifos for a fuller experience.

Ionian Islands, Greece

Some of the most stunning Greek landscapes are found on the Ionian Islands. Also called the Heptanese, this island group is in the north of the country. Begin the cruise in Corfu, the northernmost Greek island, with a magnificent Venetian Old Town and the breathtaking Palaiokastritsa Bay. To the south, the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos offer fantastic turquoise bays with great snorkeling. Anchor at Egremni and Porto Katsiki on Lefkada—two of the most dramatic beaches in Greece, with mesmerizing blue waters. The islands of Ithaka and Kefalonia are great for diverse nature and hiking. Finally, Zakynthos would be the apogee of your Ionian seafaring journey. The island is home to the world-famous Navagio, or shipwreck beach. While you can’t swim there, marveling at this blue cove with the scenic remains of a boat in the middle is a spectacle on its own.

French Riviera

The South of France is always an enchanting yachting trip. There’s simply no place in the world for enjoying cruising like the Côte d’Azur. It’s the capital of jet-setting, offering exceptional yachting infrastructure, glistening Mediterranean waters, irresistible Provençal atmosphere, charming Old Towns, the planet’s top dining, and plenty of stylish beach bars. The Riviera experience includes dining at the exclusive restaurants in Monte-Carlo, exploring the cozy streets of historic Nice, taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Bay of Billionaires in Antibes, enjoying killer views from the hilltop village of Èze, partying with top-bill DJs at the beach clubs of Saint-Tropez, and walking the footsteps of Hollywood celebrities in Cannes. It’s also about island escapes: the Lérins and Hyères archipelagos are the top yachting destinations for a turquoise getaway.

Balearic Islands, Spain

Enjoying life is easier in the Balearics. It’s even better when you’re exploring this part of Spain on a yacht cruise. This way, you’re going to experience the best of this magical part of the Mediterranean. Nightlife is excellent in Ibiza, Europe’s top party island. Close by is Formentera, where you can sail to the white-sand stretches like Ses Illetes, Levant, and Espalmador. The biggest of the bunch, Mallorca, requires more attention, as there are endless coves to visit. Its capital, Palma, is an enticing city, where you find Gaudí architecture, a maze of cobblestone streets, and the gorgeous La Seu—the gargantuan Gothic Cathedral right in the harbor. Proceed to Menorca for a more laid-back atmosphere, even more secluded bays and beautiful historic towns like Ciutadella and Mahón.

South Dalmatia, Croatia

“God created Croatia for Himself,” is a popular Croatian saying. You start to understand the meaning better while sailing through the divine landscapes of South Dalmatia. The best itinerary for the Adriatic is to start in Split and go all the way down to Dubrovnik, stopping at the Dalmatian islands as you sail. The first must-visit is the Zlatni Rat Beach, a pebbly strip on Brač Island with a horn-like appearance. Hvar Town is next, offering vibrant nightlife, a dramatic Venetian fortress on the hill and picturesque streets of the medieval quarter. Sail to the Pakleni Islands opposite the Hvar harbor for sapphire-blue coves. The most remote of the Croatian islands, Vis, is home to the heavenly Stiniva Beach, set among the cliffs. Head to the stunning walled city of Korčula—allegedly the birthplace of Marco Polo—for the scenic promenade and Baroque architecture. But the real crescendo of the South Dalmatia cruise is Dubrovnik, a UNESCO-protected gem with a stunning fortified city core.