From Croatia to Cyprus: The Best Mediterranean Yacht Destinations for Families with Kids

Set sail and explore a world of Mediterranean wonders together. Family trips on a yacht are unforgettable. It’s about waking up to the turquoise sunrise, embarking on adventures, having fun on slides in water parks, exploring centuries-old medieval towns, and tasting fresh seafood. Destinations like Dalmatia, the Amalfi Coast, Malta, and Cyprus have long been offering superb family leisure. My own childhood was filled with travels around the Mediterranean with my parents. And it was always an exciting journey, accompanied by stunning backgrounds. Here are the top Mediterranean sailing destinations for families.  

Dalmatia, Croatia

Best for island-hopping and historic towns

A family charter to the Dalmatian coast means cruising to some of the most enchanting historic towns in Europe. For kids, it will feel like one big seafaring adventure in the time of pirates and kingdoms. Approaching these towns from the sea brings another level of astonishment to the experience. You will witness the grandeur of Dubrovnik’s mighty fortified walls, Korčula’s photogenic, rounded bastions, and Hvar’s gorgeous harbor, with a hilltop Venetian fort. Dalmatia is also about variety. On a yacht, you are free to move around, choosing between quiet coves of Vis island, striking beaches like Bol’s Zlatnia Rat or lively town promenades in Split or Makarska. Dalmatia would also work perfectly for a first-time family sailing trip—the distances are short and the infrastructure is top-notch.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Best for breathtaking landscapes

If your family appreciates beauty, the Amalfi Coast excels in views. Being about 30 miles, this coastal stretch south of Naples is also an easy chartering destination, where you won’t have to rush anywhere. A perfect family itinerary here includes scenically cruising from one gorgeous town to another, soaking in the timeless allure of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Amalfi is about stopping for gelato breaks in the seaside promenade cafes, enjoying some of the most exclusive hotels in the world, and indulging in pizza and pasta on the cliffside terraces. The coast also offers an exceptional program of activities. If your family is into hiking, the local trails are among the Mediterranean’s most stunning. The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) and the Path of the Lemons (Sentiero dei Limoni) take you to the Amalfi’s “roof,” with the larger-than-life panoramas.

Malta

Best for relaxing coastal cruising and activities

A tiny size is Malta’s main advantage for a family cruise. This Southern European country seems made for exploring on a yacht. There will be gargantuan natural arches (Blue Grotto), spectacular cliffs (Dingli), sapphire-blue lagoons (Comino island), and red-sand beaches (Ramla on Gozo). Much like Croatia, Malta offers thrilling history. Its medieval fortress-cities, like Valetta, Birgu, and Senglea, would be a fascinating visit for kids. Malta is also the ultimate tourist island, where you find many fun family attractions. Popeye Village is a unique theme park on the site of the movie set from the Popeye movie. Splash & Fun Complex and Buġibba Water Park offer waterslides and lazy river rides. The Malta National Aquarium is great for meeting up close with over 175 underwater species. Choose Malta for a family yacht charter if you’re looking for an easy adventure, where all the attractions are close by.

Cycladic Islands, Greece

Best for magnificent beaches and whitewashed villages

A trip to the Cyclades is that ideal Greek island-hopping journey. Having it with your family makes it truly unforgettable. The diversity of beaches in the Cyclades is astonishing. Naxos is the destination for sand, you’ve got gorgeous golden sand beaches like Plaka, Agios Prokopios, and Agios Georgios. Then, in Milos, sail to spellbinding coves like Tsigrado and Sarakiniko, set among the magical white cliffs. The main Cycladic showstopper is undoubtedly Santorini. This small volcanic island is a stunner, and its gigantic caldera cliffs are best seen from the yacht. Your kids can also have fun playing in Santorini’s trademark volcanic black sand. If you prefer a quieter, uncrowded Med vacation, the lesser-known islands Folegandros and Amorgos are at your service. For luxurious dining, Mykonos tops the bill. 

Slovenian Riviera

Best for Adriatic slow travel charms and caves

While Slovenia’s Adriatic Riviera is only 29 miles, it packs an impressive variety of family-friendly activities. Sandwiched between Italy and Croatia, it might be one of the most underrated chartering destinations in the Mediterranean. Disemark in Piran to find a postcard-perfect Old Town with awe-inspiring sunsets, stroll through the atmospheric streets of sleepy Izola, and try Adriatic seafood in Koper. What your family doesn’t want to miss is located a bit inland. Postojna Cave, a striking natural attraction, is a 15-mile-long underground system close to the coast. Your kids will absolutely love a thrilling train ride into the depths of this unique karst cave system. The experience feels like being transported into an adventure video game, such as Temple Run.

Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Best for exclusive coastal leisure

If you prefer a more upscale family vacation, Costa Smeralda is perfect. This divine stretch in the North-East of Sardinia has been the destination of choice for the wealthy and famous since its inception in the ’60s. Porto Cervo Marina is among Europe’s most exclusive ports, where you find a charming town, filled with high-end boutiques and elegant seafood restaurants. But the marina is also an ideal starting point for sailing to Sardinia’s impossibly blue beaches and spectacular coves. The surrounding stretches like Grande Pevero, Cala Granu, Poltu Di Li Cogghj, and La Celvia are fantastic for a family beach outing. Another unmissable sail is the Maddalena Archipelago. It’s among the most enchanting island destinations in Italy, with miles of untouched turquoise coast, just an hour away from Porto Cervo. 

Mallorca, Spain

Best for beach exploration and snorkeling

The Balearic island of Mallorca works ideally for a family charter. The distances are never long, the landscapes are spectacular and there are beaches for every taste. Mallorca is a land of hundreds of stunning calas, or the turquoise coves. A yacht allows you to comfortably reach the most beautiful ones, such as Cala Mondragó in the eponymous national park, Cala Formentor, Caló des Moro, and Cala Fornells. Each cove is also a snorkeling playground. Your kids will love swimming from rock to rock, admiring the colorful local sealife. Mallorca is also home to some of the most enchanting, unspoilt corners of the Mediterranean. Sail to the Cabrera Archipelago and the Dragonera Natural Park for enjoying family hikes in nature. Also, don’t miss the Caves of Drach, a mesmerizing cave complex in Manacor with a large underground lake, phantasmagoric chambers, and subterranean musical concerts.

Rhodes

Best for a convenient family break

The largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is all about easygoing family sailing. Kids will be happy to get teleported to the times of the knights in the stunning Rhodes Old Town. Deep moats, tall walls, mighty gates, cobblestone streets, and the intriguing palaces—books, movies, and video games come alive here. At the same time, you’re always a short sail away from sublime beaches and picture-perfect villages. Go on a day sail to Lindos, a whitewashed hilltop town with a Greek-Roman Acropolis. There’s also a family-friendly beach with soft golden sand. Anchor at Kallithea Springs, a unique Art Deco thermal complex, for a relaxing time in hot baths. Faliraki Water Park (the largest in Greece) near Kallithea offers top-notch amusement on slides, lazy rivers, and artificial waves. A yacht charter will also take you to the magnificent Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes’ top spot for snorkeling. 

Cyprus

Best for diverse coastal experiences

Cyprus is the Mediterranean tourist hit. Cruising is the best way to admire its gorgeous coast, filled with kid-friendly activities. You will sail to the boat-only Blue Lagoon off the Akama National Forest Park. The scenic dips and spectacular panoramas are included. Next up are the beautiful beaches. Coral Bay, Laourou, Lara, and Agios Georgios are among the most popular near the resort town of Paphos. Paphos is also a historical treasure trove, with a well-preserved Greek settlement called Nea Paphos and a medieval Castle in the harbor. There’s a gargantuan Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark for adventurous family fun. Immerse yourself in the ancient legends while on Cyprus. One tells a story of Aphrodite, a goddess of love, who emerged from the foam on the local coast. Sail to the idyllic Aphrodite’s Rock & Beach for admiring this truly divine corner of the Med. The sunset view is particularly amazing.

Monaco

Best for museums and short-distance beach-hopping

Monaco is one of the smallest and safest countries in the world. It’s also the perfect Mediterranean yachting destination for families. All the major attractions here are next to the marina, making it convenient for hassle-free sightseeing with kids. Monaco Oceanographic Museum is the family-friendly superstar, offering an interactive immersion into the marvels of the underwater world. Kids will also have a blast at the Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco, with numerous vintage cars and Formula One bolides. But the real advantage of Monaco yachting is the easy access to the French Riviera’s beach marvels. In under an hour, you can reach such beautiful stretches as Mala Beach, Plage Paloma, Plage de la Fosse, and Plage des Marinières. Monaco is also a perfect base for short day trips to the historic gems like Menton, Èze, and Villefranche-sur-Mer.