Where to Find Natural Beauty on a Mediterranean Yacht Charter

The Mediterranean, including Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Croatia, and Turkey, is without doubt the most interesting and desired yacht charter areas on Earth. People love to spend their summer vacations in the Mediterranean because it mixes the arts and humanities like culture, cuisine, history, architecture and style with an often overlooked spectacular natural beauty. Because the Med is renowned for its various famous cultures (French, Italian, Spanish and Greek, to name a few) the fact that the area also boasts some of the most beautiful water ways in the world is sometimes taken for granted. The famous cultural Mediterranean hotspots are well known, from Monte Carlo to St Tropez and from Capri to Sporades. This article briefly highlights just a few of the most naturally beautiful yacht charter locations in the Mediterranean Sea, and indeed the world.

France - Iles d’Hyeres

Reminiscent of the South Sea Islands the Iles d’ Hyres are favored by European filmmakers seeking tropical, South Pacific-style scenery. South of St Tropez, and off the main coast of France, lie the little archipelago of Iles d’Hyeres, where wooded hills tumble down to wide, sandy bays. Your natural Mediterranean yacht charter odyssey would not be complete without a taste of this natural beauty. The easy island life, sandy beaches and tall trees offer a welcome contrast to France’s mainland of mountain, rock and hotel. For just a moment, you can forget the lights and the glamour and open tired eyes, upon a whole new soft natural world.

Italy – Sicily

Sicily is becoming an increasingly sought after Mediterranean yacht charter destination for those who wish to sample something a bit different; something a bit more adventurous. Sicily is a very interesting part of the Mediterranean with her breathtaking vistas, the semi-tropical landscape of lemon groves and pine forests, miles of sparkling sea shore and brilliant blue sky all framed by towering mountains peaks. Sicily boasts impressive monuments of the past set against backgrounds of astonishing natural beauty. On one side of the island stretches the dramatic, jagged coastline of the azure blue Ionian Sea, and on the other side snow capped Mt. Etna stands proud. On a voyage here you will discover that Sicily has a remarkably varied landscape. Sicily has a wildly beautiful coastline made up of tiny coves and clear waters, fine sandy beaches, sheer cliffs and rocky promontories mixed with a mountainous interior, hills and plateaus. Sicily also features some famous smaller islands of volcanic origin such as Stromboli, off the northern coast, which has an active volcano, and makes for an interesting trip.

Spain – The Balearics

The Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Minorca and Ibiza are well known for their onshore nightlife and energy. But experienced Balearics yacht charter, they can take on a different feel: a more natural and relaxed perspective. From golden beaches, bays, rocky peaks and lively harbours, Mallorca, Ibiza and the Balearic Islands have great cruising areas on offer for a delightful yacht charter holiday. The landscapes of the islands are extreme, and unmistakably Spanish. Along the towering coastlines, you'll find endless coves and beaches, perfect for anchoring your yacht. Take a leisurely stroll on the secluded beaches of Formentera and Cabrera.

Sardinia

Sardinia has a wild landscape which is characterized by long mountain chains, caves, massifs, tablelands and by rivers. The striking Sardinian coastline is full of beaches, mortises and cliffs which are lapped by the blue water of Sardinian sea. A yacht charter in Sardinia, Italy, is quite an experience. Sardinia is a universe unto itself where the local language is incomprehensible to other Italians. An island with one of Europe's most stunning coastlines; it's waters are healthy with fish; it's golden sands disappear into oceans of blue; it's rugged mountains are covered with flocks of sheep producing cheese so pungent, your palate will never forget.

Croatia – The Dalmatian Islands

No less than a thousand islands make up the Croatian Dalmatians. Diversity, calm winds and turquoise waters all makes for an unforgettable Croatia yacht charter vacation in the Croatian waterways. Compared to some other parts of the Mediterranean, the sea here is remarkably clean and is still alive with sea life and full of fish. Boasting so many stunning islands, bays, beaches, and coastline the Croatian Islands can virtually guarantee you, a little bit of privacy and some relatively untouched locations.

Greece – Cyclades

In the Greek Cyclades dramatic white stone walls nestle into the arid hillsides, backed by startling blue seas. These islands are amazingly picturesque from down on a yacht on the water. Santorini, for instance is seductive with an extraordinary cliff bound landscape, spectacular heights and breathtaking sunsets. Paros and Naxos also bear mention as perhaps the most beautiful islands in the archipelago. Paros has some of the finest beaches and is famous for it's stunning white marble.

Turkey

With more coastline than any other Mediterranean country, you're guaranteed to find a pretty anchorage for your charter yacht in Turkey. Somewhat surprisingly the Turkish coastline tends to have a few more trees (pine) than many other parts of the Mediterranean, and even has the odd waterfall! Along the coasts of the Aegean you can cruise on lovely sparkling turquoise waters into sheltered bays which were at one time the domain of the Carians, Lycians, Greeks, Romans and Byzantines. In midsummer, charter guests can expect to enjoy still seas, glorious sunsets and long warm evenings. With a sometimes rugged coastline which punctuated with hundreds of lovely deep coves to explore, Turkey has an undeniable natural charm and intrigue.

There are literally dozens of other naturally beautiful Mediterranean yacht charter locations. In fact, it is likely that a charter consultant will be able to match you to a destination with exactly the mix of beauty, adventure and culture that you are looking for. Please contact a consultant here and let them know exactly what interests you and your charter party, so that you can experience that perfect match.