The New Côte d’Azur? 10 European Yacht Destinations to Watch in 2026

While the Côte d’Azur is still as great as its yachting fame suggests, you’ll find many equally charming places along the Mediterranean. Make 2026 about discovering new, exciting destinations around Europe. From the underrated Slovenian Riviera to the magnificent UNESCO-protected Trogir, the cyan waters of Calabria, the rugged coast of Costa Brava, and the Greek bliss of Kos—here are the new yacht destination hotspots to explore in 2026. I have sailed to each of the places on this list, and it’s a pleasure to share my yachting experience.

Slovenian Riviera

Best for historic cities

While Slovenia shares the Adriatic coast with Italy and Croatia, it’s rarely mentioned as a yachting destination. But if you’re looking for a less-crowded and more low-key alternative to the French Riviera, this is the spot. Portorož, next to the Croatian border, is a smaller version of Monaco. You have a luxurious marina here, surrounded by Belle Époque hotels, elegant casinos, and exclusive restaurants. You can sail to the UNESCO-listed Piran, a town that mesmerizes with its spectacular Venetian Gothic architecture and mighty fortifications. Izola, with its gorgeous Old Town, is another beautiful place to visit on a yacht. The whole Slovenian Riviera is just 28 miles long, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing yachting holiday. As for the beaches, you should check out the beautiful Mesečev Zaliv lagoon, pebbly Strunjan Beach and the long, stony Bele Skale.

Costa degli Dei, Italy

Best for sapphire-blue seas

Italy is home to numerous fantastic coastlines. While the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, and Sicily are among the most popular yachting destinations in the world, put Calabria on your 2026 list for something different, yet equally breathtaking. The Costa degli Dei (or the “Coast of Gods”) offers gorgeous blue waters, spectacular historic towns, and exceptional gastronomy. All of it with the underdog allure—Calabria still retains that “Italy before the mass tourism” appeal. The coast stretches for 34 miles from Pizzo to Nicotera. You will find white-sand beaches and a dramatic perched Old Town in Tropea. Wonderful snorkeling awaits at the secluded Spiaggia Michelino. Spiaggia di Riaci is another picture-perfect beach, surrounded by the white limestone cliffs. Don’t miss a sail to Capo Vaticano, a stunning cape with transparent blue waters.

Trogir, Croatia

Best for a postcard-perfect Old Town and easy island sails

Dubrovnik Riviera is the first thing many think of when it comes to Croatian yachting. It’s indeed gorgeous, but also overcrowded during the season. Trogir, on the other hand, offers a similar scenery without the tourist craze. This UNESCO-listed gem mesmerises you with cobblestone streets, ancient fortifications, and romantic canals. Its most stunning sight is the 13th-century St. Lawrence’s Cathedral with intricate Renaissance carvings. It’s also the ultimate yachting town, with 3 excellent marinas offering around 600 berths. Trogir is a convenient base for exploring the Adriatic wonders of South Dalmatia. Split, home to the grandiose Diocletian’s Palace, is just 6 nautical miles (about an hour) away. Drvenik Mali, Drvenik Veliki, and Šolta are the three closest islands, each with numerous turquoise coves to anchor at. You can also sail to the relaxing resort towns of Primošten and Rogoznica, both with nice beaches.

Kos, Greece

Best for nightlife and secluded bays

Kos is the third-largest of the Dodecanese islands and the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. Its main town is a perfect base for chartering a yacht. You’ve got a 265-berth modern marina and a vibrant main town, filled with ancient world treasures. The sights, such as the ruins of the Ancient Agora, the Hippocrates Plane Tree (a 500-year-old platanus), and the romantic 14th-century Nerantzia Castle in the harbor, are a delight to explore. Kos town is also known for its nightlife—the old quarter hosts many traditional restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. As the island is quite compact (it’s just 26 by 7 miles), getting to the beaches is easy. Discover Therma Beach with its unique natural thermal pool, the spectacular coast of Agios Stefanos beside ancient Christian temples, snorkeling-ready Camel Cove, and the popular sandy Paradise Beach with its shallow waters. Kos is also a top chartering base for sailing to the other Dodecanese islands, such as Pserimos, Kalimnos, and Nisiros.

Costa Brava, Spain

Best for the dramatic, unspoiled coastline

One of Spain’s largest marinas is in the Costa Brava. Marina Empuriabrava, with over 600 moorings, is a gateway to the stunning coast, located between Blanes and the French border. Much like in the French Riviera, you will find numerous turquoise coves, surrounded by wild Mediterranean nature. It’s also home to some of Spain’s most picturesque seaside towns, such as the whitewashed Cadaqués and the fortified Tossa de Mar. Beach-wise, you’re spoilt for choice in Costa Brava, and chartering a yacht will take you to the region’s most magical stretches. Sail to the untouched Cala Culip, marvel at the emerald beauty of Cala Pelosa and reach the spectacular coves of Montgó, Sa Riera, and Aiguablava. Visit the southern resort towns of Lloret de Mar and Blanes to feel the beat of Spanish holiday life. If you’re into diving, the Medes Islands have the country’s best dive sites.    

Menorca, Spain

Best for beach-hopping

If Ibiza may feel too overwhelming, Mallorca too big, Menorca is just right for a hassle-free yacht escape. This Balearic island strikes a perfect balance between accessibility, peacefulness, and stunning nature. Its biggest towns, Mahón and Ciutadella, offer picture-perfect historic centers and superb marinas. But Menorca’s forte lies in the number of turquoise coves you can sail to. There are 134 miles of magnificent Mediterranean coastline to discover. And this island hasn’t lost its soul to mass tourism yet—there’s hardly any development or high-rises. The beach proposition is also very diverse here. You will find the red and gold sands at the gorgeous Cavalleria Beach in the north, aquamarine waters in the stony Cala Macarella, Caribbean-like white sand at the Son Saura Beach, and fantastic cliff snorkeling at Cala en Turqueta. The island is also home to the Parc Natural de s’Albufera des Grau, with over 100 bird species.

Gargano Coast, Italy

Best for breathtaking cliffside scenery

Located in Puglia, at Italy’s “spur,” the Gargano Coast may be one of the last undiscovered natural gems of the Apennines. Yachting here will take you to some of the Adriatic Sea’s most magical places. Vieste, with a large marina, is the region’s best base. Also, it’s home to the striking, whitewashed Old Town and the dramatic Spiaggia di Castello, overlooking the tall limestone sea stack, called Monolite Pizzomunno. Sailing in Gargano is always scenic—you can admire the gorgeous white chalk cliffs and sea caves, where, according to local legends, the sirens once dwelled. The most spectacular bays are Baia Di Mattinatella, Baia dei Mergoli, Vignanotica, and San Felice, each offering beautiful white-cliff scenery. Don’t miss the Nature Trail Mergoli-Vignanotica, with sweeping views of the coast. The restaurants of the perched Old Town of Vieste are perfect for sampling Puglian delights, such as stuffed squid, orecchiette (traditional ear-shaped pasta) with turnip tops, and panzerotti (Apuglian filled calzone). 

Kotor Bay, Montenegro

Best for a luxurious marina and varied day trips

It’s time to take Montenegro seriously. Porto Montenegro in Tivat is one of the Adriatic Sea’s most luxurious marinas, rivaling the best ports of the French Riviera. Coming to Kotor Bay to charter a yacht is a great way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and fascinating history. Also, everything is very close, and you’ve got numerous day trip possibilities. UNESCO-protected Kotor offers a Dubrovnik-like Old Town with Venetian architecture, mighty fortress walls, and breathtaking viewpoints. Herceg Novi is a pretty seaside resort with a picturesque medieval fort and cozy traditional taverns in the historic center. Visit tiny Perast for the magnificent views of Kotor Bay and the picturesque Church of Our Lady of the Rocks located on the island. If you fancy adventurous hiking trails and even higher mountain panoramas, take a cable car to the top of Mount Lovćen. 

Kefalonia, Greece

Best for jaw-dropping beaches and secluded bays

The largest of the Ionian islands, Kefalonia, is yet to become a yacht chartering hotspot. That’s exactly why you should check it out in 2026. The island offers one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular coastlines. Its trademark is the bright turquoise color, making the water seem unreal. The West Coast is for gorgeous cliff-backed bays, such as Myrtos, Petani, Fteri, and Platia Ammos. Emplisi, Foki, and Chorgota are three magnificent beaches, surrounded by pine forests in the north and the northeast. Port of Fiscardo is the most scenic marina on the island, offering a sheltered harbor reminiscent of Portofino. If you’d like to be close to the city action, choose the Argostolion port for mooring. Kefalonia is also famous for Melissani Cave, a unique karst cave with blue waters that resembles cenotes in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. 

Bodrum Coast, Turkey

Best for luxurious chartering

Often nicknamed the “Saint-Tropez of Turkey,” the Bodrum Coast is ready to compete with the famous French Riviera resort town. Its turquoise coastline is filled with five-star resorts, exclusive restaurants, and fashionable beach bars. A jet-setter’s dream destination it is. Bodrum Marina Yacht Club and Yalıkavak Marina are among Turkey’s most sophisticated ports. You can sail to magnificent beaches, such as Aspat, Akyaka, and Akbük Bay. Bodrum also packs ancient history into the sightseeing mix. The town is home to the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, built in 350 B.C., and a grandiose Greek-Roman Antique Theatre.