Europe’s Best Yachting Destinations
Last Updated on November 10, 2023
Cruise ships are popular leisure travel machines. But there is a saying that “a good cruise is one that doesn’t come.” Perhaps, this saying was coined considering the health and environmental impact of cruise ships.
Recently, theguardian.com reported that European port cities are mulling the possibility of restricting or banning the operations of cruise ships in the region. According to a non-governmental organization, Transport & Environment (T&E), the 218 cruise ships operating in Europe in 2022, emitted more sulfur oxides than cars.
To address health, safety and security issues, boat owners, cruise companies and relevant stakeholders need to liaise with the manufacturers in the water travel industry such as teakisle.com, to carve the way forward.
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Can One Sail to Europe?
Yes, one can sail from most places in the world to Europe instead of flying. In fact, just this summer, we went sailing in a yacht around the Ionian Islands in Greece. Yachts are built in such a way that they can withstand even severe weather conditions. Travelers can sail through tropical storms and even hurricanes. However, you are advised not to try such adventures – venturing into the water during storms or when the sea is rough.
It’s also possible to charter a private yacht if one can afford it. It’s a nice trip even for the long distance between the USA and Europe, and the route provides a lot of rolling waves. Private yachts come with a full crew on board, but some travelers prefer to learn how to sail themselves.
Travelers who would like to sail from the US to Europe should know that there are many yacht companies that offer scheduled transatlantic passenger services, serving Europe and the USA. It usually involves sailing once a month between two destinations, which can take up to seven nights.
Europe’s Top 10 Yachting Destinations
A yachting trip across Europe can be the ultimate luxury experience. It’s the perfect opportunity to leave the stress of daily life and sail out into the sun. Think of taking in all the vastness of the oceans, the cool fresh breeze and the dark blue turquoise waters with their abundant marine life, not to mention the scenery. It’s an opportunity to indulge in nature’s beauty and healing magic.
Now, the question is, where could anyone possibly enjoy all this? Given that there are so many yachting destinations in every part of the world, from the Great Lakes route traversing the Americas and the Midwest to the Caribbean to the exotic waters of Oceania (Australia and New Zealand), travelers can be spoiled for choice.
However, for travelers seeking to set sail across Europe and discover the hidden treasures of this ancient continent, there are several options to choose from. Here is a comprehensive list of the top 10 yachting destinations across Europe.
1. Monaco
Located on the French Riviera and sandwiched between France and the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco measures just a paltry 200 hectares of territorial land mass. But the tiny size hasn’t stopped this exotic city-state from becoming the world’s most luxurious travel destination and hub for yachters.
Monaco has long earned its name as the ultimate playground for the rich and famous, a hanging spot for celebrities and the who’s who of the world. And it’s easy to understand why. Monaco is largely dominated by multi-million yachts that dot its exotic harbors, complete with luxury hotel towers and high-end nightclubs. Monaco’s cultural heritage dates back to medieval times, with the 13th-century Princess Palace and the 150-year-old Hotel de Paris as perfect examples.
But, beyond the glitz and glam, this yachting destination in Europe is naturally beautiful, with a nice climate and sparkling Mediterranean waters. There’s the Jardin Exotique, a 300-step magical garden with its collection of stunning botanics, and the Larvotto Beach, where travelers can sun themselves under the bright blue sky surrounded by breathtaking scenery and calming waters.
2. The French Riviera
Along the Southern Coast of France is the Cote d’Azur, another glamorous yachting destination on the French Riviera. This is the place to explore beautiful sandy beaches like Nice Beach and Antibes Beach. It’s the place to enjoy those nature walks along the stunning coastline and gaze at the glistening blue seas.
The French Riviera is made up of picturesque towns and villages, each offering an aura of chic and opulence. There, you can indulge in the excesses of the Cannes: its haute couture fashion houses, luxury cars, and the celebrity-packed annual film festival.
One of the highlights of Cote d’Azur is the medieval village of Èze, perched on craggy cliffs overlooking the sea. It’s also in this historical town that travelers can take a stroll around narrow cobblestoned streets that weave their way up the mountain and learn the secrets of the French perfume industry.
3. The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
The Dalmatian Coast, the western coastline of Croatia, is another great place for yachting tourists. The Dalmatian is a natural yachting destination with impressive harbors and picturesque marine parks. Most of the must-see places are accessible by boat or yacht, which makes it even more convenient for yachters and water traveling enthusiasts.
There’s a lot to see within a short time sailing in Croatia, across the sky-blue waters and along the infinite coastline. There are distant, colorful villages characterized by breathtaking landscapes, stunning sandy beaches, and blue, clear waters perfect for swimming.
A warm, sailing-friendly climate characterized by crisp-blue waters of the Adriatic Sea makes the Dalmatian Coast a must-visit yachting destination in Europe. It provides the perfect opportunity to visit some shooting locations for Game of Thrones, the island of Hvar, and the ancient Roman city of Split.
4. Santorini, Greece
Mention Santorini, and what comes to most people’s minds is the crystal clear blue waters surrounding the dazzling white island of the ancient Hellenic empire. It’s a lover’s paradise, with brightly colored flowers dotting the hills where the city stands. No honeymoon is complete without a trip to Santorini, and it offers everything travelers can look for in a yachting destination.
Fancy a stroll in the cool, soothing breeze along charming streets? Check. Enjoy a sumptuous Mediterranean lunch in a clifftop restaurant overlooking the beautiful sea. Check. Want a perfect spot to take those alluring photos with the stunning view of the Aegean Sea and sunset in the background? Check. Santorini offers everything for everyone, but a honeymoon or romantic getaway is what brings out its full potential.
From Santorini, travelers can stop by the nearby Mykonos island in the heart of the Cyclades and indulge in the excesses of the Greeks: cosmopolitan lifestyle, good food, elegant bars, high-end shopping, vivid nightlife, breathtaking nature, picturesque landscapes, amazing waters, and magical sunsets.
5. The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Located in southern Italy, the sun-kissed waterfront is one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe. Its cobbled streets, high-end designer boutiques, and trattorias passed down from generations give it an aura of class, glamor, and tradition. The ancient Roman city remains a timeless witness to the glorious medieval maritime and rich heritage sites.
You can visit the Amalfi Paper Museum or the World Heritage Site cathedral, the Duomo di Sant’Andrea. They’ll also be fascinated by a trip to the 13th-century Moorish-style cloister, the Chiostro del Paradiso. The family-run Taverna Degli Apostoli and the artistic Eolo restaurant offer the perfect seafood dining experience overlooking the Amalfi town.
6. Montenegro
Montenegro may be a tiny country situated in the Balkan Peninsula, but it has some of the best tourist attractions that place it perfectly on the world map. Its strategic location near the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas, meandering coastlines, and bright, warm climate make it a great choice for sailing adventure.
We’re talking about the two iconic sites: the Roman-era fortified city of Kotor that promises to take every visitor back to the olden times, and the Tivat around the bay. The Tivat is especially famous for its glamorous yacht marina, where the world of yachters and sailors meet. The two cities, though distinct, offer beautiful scenery, magical mountains, sprawling metropolises, good food, and vibrant nature.
The country is the most peaceful place to live in the world, having a favorable economy and offering investment opportunities. Most travelers have reportedly been so fascinated that they considered migrating permanently to Montenegro.
7. The Norwegian Fjords
What comes to most travelers’ minds when they hear of the word fjords is a trip to Scandinavia, particularly Norway. It’s the one place famous for its rich ancient history and dramatic shift in nature. For the uninitiated, fjords are long, deep, narrow water bodies stretching from the sea and far inland. They’re formed by falling glaciers and form a U-shaped valley with walls of steep rocks on each side.
A trip to the Norwegian Fjords is a trip deep into nature’s intricate and magical mysteries. The country’s magical fjords are in their thousands: the Sognefjord, the Romsdalsfjord, the Aurlandsfjord, and the Lysefjord. The two most iconic of the 1000+ fjords listed by UNESCO as world heritage sites: the Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.
To complete the experience, be sure to time your trip to see the Northern Lights and stop by the cosmopolitan city of Oslo and Trondheim.
8. The Azores, Portugal
A land of magical waterfalls and volcano-carved lakes: the Azores of Portugal. It’s a land blessed with dramatic landscapes, lush green pastures, rich vineyards, and spectacular whales.
To get there, you can actually sail through the North Atlantic Ocean from the west of mainland Portugal to discover this hidden gem deep at sea. Once there, you can go kayaking in the Sete Cidades crater lakes, swim in the clear blue waters, go dolphin and whale watching in the sanctuaries, or summit Mount Pico. You can even enjoy exotic spa treatments in natural thermal pools or eco-resort spas across every island.
9. The Balearic Islands, Spain
The Iberian Peninsula is another rich yachting destination with equally captivating sights and sounds. A trip to Spain’s Balearic Islands can be just as memorable. It’s a favorite with UK travelers, and the mixture of relaxation, adventure, and hedonism makes Balearics a must-visit for revelers and carefree travelers. The Balearics is made up of Ibiza, famous for its never-ending decadent parties.
Then there are the Formentera and neighboring Mallorca, which are quiet fishing villages perfect for travelers seeking solitude. Majorca offers the best among these choices. History buffs would love the UNESCO Heritage Site, Serra de Tramontana, a mountain range and one of the Balearic’s national landmarks. Menorca is smaller than Mallorca, but its tranquility, peace, and authenticity are priceless. It’s also known for its shallow turquoise beaches, marinas, and green coves, perfect for family travelers.
10. Malta
The southern Mediterranean island is yet another interesting yachting destination in Europe that not many people sail to. It may not be big – at just 121 square miles – but its historical and natural beauty is worth checking out.
Valletta, Malta’s capital, was named the 2018 European Capital of Culture for a good reason. The fortified city is beautiful, with its stunning Baroque architecture, and it’s also one of the best places to enjoy different unique cuisines. Valletta’s rich history can be found at the Grand Masters Palace, while the city’s gem is undoubtedly the St John’s Co-Cathedral. The Upper Barrakka Gardens offers a panoramic view of the Grand Harbor, while Fort St Elmo National War Museum is the timeless monument depicting Malta’s wartime history.
Beyond Valletta, be sure to check out the Għadira Natural Reserve, where you can go hiking along this 30-minute, 500-meter arch that connects one side of the island to the other. Senglea Harbor is the best place to watch the sunset and take those Instagram-worthy photos. Senglea Harbor is characterized by cobbled buildings and a natural orange glow, great for memorializing your yacht trip to this Mediterranean island.
Tips for Planning a Yacht Trip Across Europe
A yacht trip can be a great opportunity to immortalize your memorable adventures, but it can also go awry if not carefully planned. To ensure sailing adventures are nothing short of beautiful memories, travelers should have a few handy hacks to plan the holiday right. Here are some practical tips for a yacht trip across Europe.
Get the itinerary right
Before sailing to their next destination, travelers should have a working outline of which places to visit once they get to their destination. Europe has some of the best places to see and explore, and travelers might get carried away and linger in one place for too long, altering their schedules.
Route planning plus a working itinerary is a great way to keep track of schedules and expenses. The list of 10 yacht destinations in Europe presented here, can serve as a guide for travelers on where to head next after successfully landing in one destination.
Charter a yacht from a reliable service provider
Travelers should ensure they work with nothing but the best yacht service providers. Whether renting or buying, the ideal company should have a good reputation for excellent customer support, vessel amenities, compliance with government regulations, and the highest safety standards.
Their vessels should be equipped with the recommended safety equipment and communication devices and be easily reachable in emergencies. The best way to know if a company is reliable is to check customer reviews from multiple authority sites.
Pack according to the weather
Different destinations have varying natural elements. For example, the climate in the French Riviera is warm and favorable most of the year. On the other hand, the Scandinavian regions can be cold and icy. It’s important to pack well for each climate.
We recommend a mixture of warm and light clothing. Travelers can choose between different dress codes as the condition dictates.
Fair weather is preferable
The cold sea breeze can be soothing and healthy, but when the temperatures drop, it can be uncomfortable. It doesn’t get any better if the weather is harsh and the seas are tumultuous.
Travelers should research their routes and take note of the changing tides throughout their voyage before going to sail. It’s best to travel from late spring to summer through fall. The warmer, brighter, and calmer the weather, the better.
However, given Europe’s unpredictable weather, it’s best to prepare in advance. Travelers should ensure that their yacht has all the necessary safety equipment in case of emergency. For example, it should have life jackets and fire extinguishers.
Prepare adequately
It’s not uncommon for water travelers to go down with a cold or allergy while on a voyage. Travelers with known allergies or those with the potential to get seasick should consult their doctor before setting sail in a different country with a different climate. It’s advisable to pack personal medication along with other essentials.
Final Thoughts on Yachting in Europe
In today’s stressful life, a long vacation is a good opportunity to take a break and see the world. Taking a tour of Europe in a yacht is one sure way to enjoy the money you work so hard to earn and reward yourself for all the toil.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the world in its vastness, indulge in what nature has to offer and interact with people from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds. It’s a time to experience different lifestyles, enjoy different cuisines, and appreciate life in all its diversity.
And it all starts with knowing where to go and what to do once there. Anyone can refer to this guide to plan their next yacht holiday destination across Europe.
