Sail to Seclusion: 12 Secret Mediterranean Beaches to Explore by Yacht

The thrill of discovering a secret beach is one of the most exciting aspects of chartering a yacht. Many of the magical Mediterranean stretches are only accessible by boat, so you’re getting a chance to go further and enjoy a more intimate beach experience. From the stunning island coves of Greece to the turquoise stretches of Croatia, historic seaside gems in Italy, hidden bays of Ibiza, Caribbean-reminiscent beaches in Formentera, and marvelous blue gems of France—here are the secret yacht charter beaches in the Mediterranean. Enjoy them in full on a luxurious yacht.

Plage Notre-Dame, France

The South of France is the ultimate destination for chartering. Some coves are more beautiful than others. Located on the island of Porquerolles, part of Îles d’Hyères, Plage Notre-Dame is a magnificent corner of the Mediterranean. The water is crystal-clear, the color is cyan, and the surroundings look more like Martinique or Guadeloupe than European France. Coming by yacht means having the gorgeous panorama of this bay all to yourself. The surface is pebbly, and there are no facilities. Notre-Dame beach is on the wilder side of things. Sail to Plage de l’Alycastre and Plage de la Courtade for more idyllic views.

St. Paul’s Bay, Rhodes, Greece

Set on the other side of the breathtaking Lindos Acropolis, St. Paul’s Bay is a lesser-known beach near Rhodes’ most famous whitewashed town. The scenery here is among Greece’s finest. A narrow passage between the rocks leads boats inside the natural pool-like bay. There’s a pretty Agios Pavlos beach with a bar, sunbed rental, and a charming white chapel on the rock. But the real showstopper is the panorama—you’ll enjoy the view of the ancient Acropolis of Lindos perched high on the cliff. The surface is a mix of golden sand and pebbles. For a more low-key turquoise beach, sail further south to find the gorgeous Navarone Bay.

Cominotto Beach, Malta

Bahamas-like scenery awaits you at Cominotto Beach. Part of the famous Blue Lagoon on Malta’s Comino island, this beach greets you with some of Europe’s bluest waters. It’s less packed than the popular turquoise attraction nearby – Blue Lagoon can be very crowded during the day when tour boats arrive. Chartering a yacht feels amazing here – plunge into the azure waters from the deck or lounge on a tiny pebbly stretch ashore. Stay for the sunset to watch the stunning light show. Don’t miss a chance to sail around Cominotto (Malta’s smallest uninhabited island) and admire the fantastic Cominotto Reef, with its rocky coastline and sea caves in the island’s south.

Zaraće, Hvar, Croatia

See different shades of blue at Zaraće, Hvar Island’s most enchanting duo of beaches. Conveniently located close to the main town, these are two sheltered bays with impossibly turquoise waters. Small Zaraće is wilder, with a pine forest right above the water and a cliff for jumping. For more space and a barren limestone landscape, go to Big Zaraće. It’s also where you’ll find a traditional restaurant that serves Dalmatian dishes, such as lignje na buzaru (grilled squid), sea bass, and ćevapi (pieces of grilled minced meat). Come with snorkeling gear since there are many rocks to explore.

Tsigrado Beach, Milos, Greece

The southern coast of volcanic Milos is breathtaking – the white cliffs meet the deep blue sea. Tsigrado is the area’s most spectacular beach. Chartering a yacht there means skipping the hard part of reaching this piece of Cycladic paradise, as the only entrance from land is via a vertical ladder and ropes. Arriving by boat allows you to get the most out of this place. Sunbathe on the sandy strips among the chalk cliffs, swim to the water caves, and embark on a snorkeling adventure. Consider anchoring here to witness the starry sky and moon path, with the cliffs as a backdrop. For something completely undiscovered, sail to Kalamos Beach nearby. Yachting in Greece is a delight.

Platja de sa Boadella, Spain

Spain’s Costa Brava offers some of the most beautiful coves in Europe. The typical scene here is an untamed coast with verdant Mediterranean nature, many secret bays and golden sands on the shore. Sa Boadella is among the finest beaches to visit near Lloret de Mar, and a captivating yacht stop. With the rich Gardens of Saint Clotilde above, this Costa Brava stunner has soft yellow sand and a paradise-like appearance. It’s best enjoyed in combination with two idyllic coves nearby: Santa Cristina and Treumal. Coming here on a yacht gives you a superb choice of unforgettable places to bathe. There are no facilities at Sa Boadella. You’ll find a popular naturist section at the southern end of the beach. Santa Cristina has several restaurants that serve tapas and fresh seafood, accompanied by turquoise views.

Cala Coticcio, Sardinia, Italy

There’s no need to sail all the way to the South Pacific when there’s Cala Coticcio. This fine-sand gem of Sardinia is part of the stunning Archipelago di La Maddalena. Anchor your yacht in this postcard-perfect bay and head to the white-sand beach with transparent waters. Sailing is also the best way to experience this hidden gem without hassle—the beach is far from the main road, and reaching it requires a strenuous hike. If you snorkel, Cala Coticcio is a fantastic spot for your underwater goggles, thanks to many rocky outcrops and rich marine life. You can expect smooth sailing since this part of the La Maddalena archipelago enjoys mild winds.

Sestri Levante, Italy

Sestri Levante is an underrated gem off the Ligurian coast in Italy. It’s also a fascinating place to visit on a yacht – you’ve got spectacular beaches, a picturesque Old Town, fewer crowds, and top-notch gastronomy. Baia delle Favole is a gorgeous bay with a mix of gravel and sand. On the other side of the Old Town is another stunner: the spellbinding Baia del Silenzio, with a sandy shore next to the colorful harbor houses. Sestri Levante works perfectly as a beach town base for your yachting holiday. This quaint town is also a good starting point for sailing to other famous Ligurian gems such as Portofino, Rapallo, Cinque Terre National Park, and Porto Venere.

Cala Grottazza, Sicily, Italy

The northwestern coast of Sicily is a superb area to explore on a yacht. Many of its natural treasures are best enjoyed from the boat. Also, it’s largely undeveloped, so you’ll be one-on-one with the stunning nature of the largest island in the Mediterranean. Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro is among Sicily’s most precious attractions. This protected area is known for its abundance of secret coves (or calas) with untouched beaches. While Cala dell’Uzzo is the most famous one, sail to Cala Grottazza for fewer crowds and a wilder vibe. Still undiscovered by mass tourism (a tiring hike down may be the reason), it’s a top sailing destination in Sicily and the island’s most captivating little cove.

Srebrna Beach, Vis, Croatia

The remote Croatian island of Vis is the ultimate playground for yachting enthusiasts. Although relatively tiny, it packs a wide variety of splendid coves with pristine beaches. Everyone knows Stiniva—a sheltered cove with towering cliffs and a narrow turquoise channel— but it’s usually crowded. If you’re looking to uncover some of nature’s secrets, check out Srebrna. It’s a pebble paradise surrounded by fragrant Mediterranean pine forest and cliffs. Minutes away is another blue sea standout, the wonderful Uvala Ruda. If you’re looking to bare it all, head to Bili Bok naturist beach south of Srebrna.

Cala Es Canaret, Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza isn’t only about loud parties, busy beaches, and vibrant historic towns. This hedonistic island is also famous for its secluded scenic coves. While many become bases for small resorts, Es Canaret still stands mostly wild in its topaz glory. Found in Sant Joan de Labritja province on Ibiza’s north coast, it’s an ideal chartering destination for those seeking secluded charm. Don’t miss the sunset view – it’s absolutely stunning. Be aware that there are no facilities or restaurants on the beach. Sail to Cala Xarraca to find more of Ibiza’s blue splendor. There, you’ll find a developed sandy beach, a rocky coastline for snorkeling, and a tourist village with places to eat and drink.

S’Espalmador, Formentera, Spain

The island of Formentera is one of the best places in Europe for long, white sand beaches. While the Ses Illetes stretch has long been the favorite day trip from Ibiza, it’s S’Espalmador that yacht enthusiasts should check out. An uninhabited island off the north tip of Formentera, it enchants you with soft, milk-colored beaches and azure coves. Coming here feels like sailing to the Caribbean. Anchor at Badia de s’Alga and feel the Balearic bliss, sunbathing and swimming in this heavenly corner of the Mediterranean. S’Espalmador is also a protected area with a tiny lagoon in the interior, perfect for relaxed birdwatching. You can combine visiting the beach with another Formentera highlight, the stunning Platja de Llevant.