11 Best Coastal Towns in Europe for a Luxury Yacht Vacation

Chartering a yacht in the Med is fantastic. It’s about admiring turquoise bays at sunrise, eating well at Michelin-starred restaurants, spending nights with magical vistas of perched villages and holding hands while observing island sunsets. In other words, it’s an unforgettable experience. Here’s a collection of the best coastal towns in Europe to visit for a luxury yacht vacation. As a sailing aficionado myself, I have meticulously selected destinations where chartering is especially exquisite. Discover Italian national park wonders, Greek exclusive islands, French uber-modern ports and Spanish high-end marinas. Here’s where to sail this year to have it in the most upscale way. 

Monaco

Writing about a luxury yacht vacation and not mentioning Monaco is a crime. The Principality is notoriously good when it comes to all things de luxe. Yachting is a part of the ethos of this tiny city-state, so you can expect a top-notch mooring experience. Monaco may be just 0.8 square miles in size, but it comes with a superb selection of things to do. Port Hercules and Fontvieille are two iconic marinas with excellent service and facilities. Moreover, the view of the Alps and a kaleidoscope of high rises never gets out of fashion. Both marinas are within walking distance from the Rock, a hilltop Old Town famous for the Prince’s Palace, the Oceanographic Museum and the romantic Cathédrale, where Prince Rainier III married Princess Grace. Of course, Monaco‘s Monte-Carlo neighborhood is an obligatory visit with its Beaux-Arts Casino and Opéra. A whopping 8 Michelin restaurants make the Principality the world’s best haute cuisine destination. 

Positano, Italy

Imagine waking up with a marvelous view of the cascading colored houses and high mountains of Positano. That’s what you’re getting when anchoring here. The Amalfi Coast has long beckoned yacht fans with its sublime vistas, delicious local food and short distances between postcard-perfect towns. Coming here on a yacht is the best way to get the most out of the fabled region, without enduring the cramped, narrow roads and crazy ground traffic. Positano also has two excellent beaches – Marina Grande and Fornillo – as well as several more private beach clubs. That’s exactly how you live the dolce vita on Italy’s most enchanting coast. 

Mykonos, Greece

Everything you heard about Mykonos is true – this Cycladic island is heaven on Earth for hedonists and luxury-seekers. The whitewashed streets of Hora are as photogenic as they come. The iconic stretches like Paradise and Paraga come with a varied supply of glitzy beach bars and sunset parties. Elia Beach is still among the top nudist spots in the Mediterranean. But then, Mykonos is much more than that. Yacht travelers are fortunate to explore its hidden, crystal-clear coves, get to the isolated beaches and have the privilege of spending nights with the spectacular Old Town vistas. Add a mouthwatering, organic cuisine featuring Mediterranean flavors. Mykonos is a fantastic island vacation idea. Enjoying it on a yacht is even better. 

Cinque Terre, Italy

Timeless is the beauty of the five villages (or Cinque Terre) on the Ligurian coast. They are at their most stunning from the sea. Chartering a yacht in this national park means marveling at some of the most beautiful examples of combining nature and urban architecture in the world. From personal experience, a multiday itinerary works best for the most rewarding Cinque Terre visit. Spending time in each village gives you a chance to fully embrace the region’s slow pace. Swim in Manarola Marina, explore medieval Castello di Riomaggiore, try Cinque Terre wines in hilltop Corniglia, eat focaccia in the port of Vernazza and sample the most delicious scoop of gelato in Monterosso al Mare. The villages are minutes away from one another, so moving around is easy. They have buoys for mooring (national park fees apply). Marina di Porto Venere is the best port to base yourself.

Saint-Tropez, France

Saint-Tropez is the yacht-first destination of the French Riviera. This scenic town between Cannes and Marseille has a mythical reputation among sailing enthusiasts. The Vieux Port of Saint-Tropez is a VIP-ready marina catering to superyachts with every facility and service you’d expect from a high-end destination. But the real reason to sail there is the area itself – it’s gorgeous. Private bays, verdant Mediterranean coast, miles-long sandy stretches like Pampelonne and Tahiti and pastel-colored streets of the Old Town. Saint-Tropez is the ultimate luxurious escape for yacht charterers. Step onto the shore to find decadent clubs, 9 Michelin-starred restaurants and the irresistible Provençal atmosphere. How not to fall in love with this place? 

Porto Cervo, Italy

Large yachts dominate in striking Porto Cervo. Constructed in the 1960s, this is Italy’s most luxurious port. There’s a modern marina, Europe’s most prestigious property and plenty of things to do. It’s also the gateway to magnificent Costa Smeralda – the white beach heaven of northern Sardinia. Chartering a yacht in Porto Cervo is the best way to reach many calas (or coves) with translucent waters. Another fantastic sailing destination is the La Maddalena Archipelago, where you have hundreds of miles of coastline with untouched Mediterranean nature and the bluest waters on the continent. Also, Porto Cervo excels in high-end things. You’ve got Piazzetta open-air shopping quarter, featuring Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermès, Prada and other boutiques. Then, the 18-hole Pevero Golf Club outside the village is among Italy’s best. 

Marbella, Spain

Marbella is synonymous with high living. It’s the South of Spain everyone dreams of – an unapologetic escape filled with exclusive experiences, stunning water views, great food and stylish nightlife. The most luxurious of all Costa del Sol destinations, Marbella charms with photogenic Old Town streets, rich Andalusian traditions and gorgeous sandy beaches. And there’s hardly a more luxurious marina for big yachts than Puerto Banús, a contemporary harbor combining superb infrastructure with a high-end shopping mall. Salvador Dalí’s 3-ton “Rhinoceros dressed in lace” statue greets yacht guests and sets the mood. Marbella on a yacht means going dolphin watching, sailing to Costa del Sol’s best beaches and simply enjoying privacy with spectacular South of Spain coastal panoramas while being close to one of the world’s top luxury-oriented destinations. 

Ibiza, Spain

There’s an island of pleasure in the Iberian Sea. There, you find a coast filled with magical coves, where the water is transparent and warm. Its towns and villages are brimming with hedonist energy, offering a never-ending supply of glitzy beach bars, chic restaurants and relaxing cafes. But the main reason for many is the legendary party scene, unlike anything on the globe. I am describing Ibiza, of course. This iconic Balearic island has long been the number-one destination for good times-seekers. Names like Ushuaia, Hi, Pacha and DC10 are among the world’s best nightlife venues, where the likes of David Guetta, Carl Cox, Solomun and Martin Garrix play regularly. Chartering a yacht in Ibiza feels amazing – you will enjoy the best swimming spots, party how you want and have total privacy in the process. 

Capri, Italy

One of the most stunning coastal towns in Europe, Capri’s beauty seems unreal. The island emerges from the Tyrrhenian Sea blue and greets you with tall limestone cliffs. It’s so dramatic that you feel like witnessing a natural miracle. At least, that was my impression of sailing to this Campania gem for the first time. The striking island has long drawn the crème de la crème of the world. Come here on a yacht to experience Capri’s hidden calas (coves), admire its infinite beauty from the comfort of your deck and explore the island at your own pace. You will see Blue Grotto, a surreal sea cave with glistening azure waters. Anacapri and Capri town will enchant you with picturesque streets and cozy cafeterias and pasticcerias. Also, don’t miss trying pezzogna all’acqua pazza (cooked red seabream), l’impepata di cozze (steamed mussels) and, of course, pizza Margherita (the dough dish originates in neighboring Naples).

Antibes, France

There’s a reason why a captivating corner of the Cap d’Antibes coast is called the Bay of Billionaires. This French Riviera town has a reputation for being one of the top yacht destinations. Once you sail here, it’s easy to see why. Antibes offers an authentic Provençal atmosphere, delicious gastronomy, crystal-clear waters and a pine tree-filled, charming coastline. How can you resist vacationing in such scenery? When on a yacht, it’s going to be as cinematic as it gets. Anse de l’Argent-Faux (aka Bay of Billionaires) is a gorgeous spot to take a plunge. Then, go to Garoupe and Plage des Ondes for an exceptional beach experience. Stroll through the lively Provençal market in the Old Town, walk next to the ancient fort walls, and indulge in French haute cuisine at one of the 22 Michelin-starred restaurants around Antibes. 

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Every time I sail to Dubrovnik, it feels special. The panorama of a fortified city rising from the Adriatic Sea never ceases to amaze. There’s something magnetic here, something that captivated generations of travelers throughout centuries. It’s no wonder Game of Thrones chose this Dalmatian jewel in the South of Croatia to stand for King’s Landing – centuries may have passed, but Dubrovnik hasn’t changed much. The epic walls double as vantage points and a maze of old streets buzzes with life. The local pebbly beaches come with transparent waters. Chartering a yacht means freedom in Dubrovnik. Hop to nearby Elaphiti islands, watch sunsets with the Old Town views and sail to other Dalmatian hits, such as pristine Mljet National Park and postcard-ready Korčula.