The summer season may be over, but September is the perfect time to embark on a Mediterranean yacht charter. The weather is still pleasantly warm and the crowds gradually dispersing from the busiest hotspots. There is now more breathing space and a calmer atmosphere more conducive to a leisurely cruise calling at some of the world's loveliest and most unforgettable destinations.
One of the perennial highlights of a private yacht charter in Italy, Porto Cervo has an undeniable charm and an air of exclusive glamour that extends beyond the summer season.
Temperatures are still pleasingly summery in September, and the crowds that frequent this Mediterranean hub in July and August have lessened, making for a quieter atmosphere.
The legendary Hotel Cala di Volpe provides the perfect introduction to Porto Cervo at any time of year. With your yacht anchored offshore, take a tender in to the private dock and enjoy cocktails on the terrace before dinner at the hotel's highly regarded Cala restaurant.
Executive chef Maurizio Locatelli has created an inventive menu based on the culinary traditions of Sardinia, including his delicious signature dish of fregula pasta with a seafood sauce. The sea views and simple yet elegant setting make it the ideal romantic dining venue.
Beaches near Porto Cervo are quieter in September, too. Take a leisurely cruise through the stunning La Maddalena islands, and enjoy the deserted sandy beaches and crystal clear water.
Turkey benefits from warmer weather into September and Fethiye, on the country's Turquoise Coast, is one of the country's most popular ports of call for visiting charter yachts.
While you're here, be sure to visit Hillside Beach Club and spend the day relaxing on one of the resort's four private and secluded beaches, perhaps taking a dip in the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean.
Hillside Beach Club has a choice of restaurants if you want to come ashore for lunch or dinner. Pasha on the Bay offers a quiet and romantic atmosphere for dining under the stars, while for a more informal experience, head to the Beach Bar, famous for its Sunset Parties.
Not too far away is the popular seaside resort of Oludeniz, where you'll find the magnificent Blue Lagoon, a protected nature reserve surrounded by pine-clad mountains.
It's a magnet for summertime visitors but in September there will be more space to enjoy the natural beauty of this place. Go for a swim, explore the lagoon by canoe, or take it all in from above - Oludeniz is one of the best destinations in the world for paragliding.
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Hillside Beach Club
Hotel
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Blue Lagoon (Ölüdeniz)
Beach
There are few islands in the Mediterranean as dramatic and as instantly recognisable as Santorini. With its huddle of stark white houses and blue-domed churches surrounding its magnificent circular caldera, it's the picture-postcard image of the ideal Greek island.
The weather is still warm and sunny in September making it a great time to visit if you want to avoid the summetime crowds and experience the more laid-back side of Santorini.
Take a walk back in time through the ruins of Akrotiri, a remarkably well-preserved Bronze Age settlement buried under a blanket of volcanic ash some three and a half thousand years ago, and discover some of the treasures unearthed here at the Museum of Prehistoric Thira.
Head to Bellonias Villas on the east coast of Santorini and unwind completely in the cool and calm surroundings of this stylish beach club. Stretch out on a beach lounger with a chilled cocktail, take a dip in the pool and indulge in a soothing massage at the property's spa.
For breathtaking views over Santorini's famous bay, pay a visit to Santo Wines in Pyrgos, and sample some of the many different wines produced on the island. The best time to come is in the evening, when guests gather on the terraces and raise a glass of Santorini's finest wine as the sun sets over the Aegean.
If you're looking for somewhere to dine with equally impressive sea views, Flyaway Creative in Imerovigli is the perfect choice. The dining area is set around the rooftop pool, providing an unforgettable vista while you enjoy artistically presented courses of Mediterranean fushion cuisine.
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Akrotiri
Museum
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Bellonias Villas
Beach Club
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Santo Wines
Attraction
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Fly Away Creative Restaurant
Restaurant
The French Riviera is the ultimate yacht charter destination and no visit to this chic stretch of the Mediterranean coast would be complete without experiencing the timeless charms of St Tropez.
With fine sunny weather and fewer crowds than at the height of the summer season, September is a great time to visit St Tropez.
Anchor your yacht offshore and take a tender in to spend some time at one of the exclusive beach clubs along Pampelone Beach, such as the historic Club 55. Sip champagne on the sand and stay for a light lunch with friends as you take in the expansive views across the sea.
Closer to the port in St Tropez, Hotel Cheval Blanc is always a popular stopover on a luxury South of France yacht charter.
The hotel's perfectly appointed private beach offers a tranquil spot to relax ashore, while you might also enjoy a dip in the infinity pool or some of the indulgent and rejuvenating treatments available at the spa.
While you're here, don't miss the opportunity of dining at La Vague d'Or. The hotel's three Michelin Star-rated restaurant presents an exceptional menu of classic Mediterranean and Provençal cuisine created by the celebrated chef Arnaud Donckele.
Round off your evening in St Tropez with the five of seven-course tasting menus before returning to your tender at the hotel's private jetty.
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Club 55
Beach Club
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Hotel Cheval Blanc
Hotel
The Balearic island of Ibiza enjoys a well-established reputation as one of the party hotspots of the Mediterranean, and while September may not be as lively as the summer high season, it's still a good time to visit.
Days are still warm, nights are pleasingly cool and there are inviting beach clubs and stylish restaurants still welcoming guests until the end of the month, and beyond.
You can experience the sunny summer vibe at Nikki Beach, one of Ibiza's most popular beach clubs, and a convenient option thanks to its dedicated yacht tender service.
Soak up the early Autumn sun on a lounger, with the club's signature Nikki Beach Mojito to hand and for lunch, try Nikki's famous sushi platter or a light salad.
There are parties and events every day and into the evenings, with music provided by the resident DJs, live performers and an upbeat atmosphere that will get you dancing the night away.
For a truly unforgettable experience, reserve your place for dinner at Sublimotion. This pioneering dining concept aims to stimulate all five senses with an immersive theatrical atmosphere. Be sure to book ahead for this unique culinary adventure as only twelve guests are served each night.
Ibiza's 200km of coastline is dotted with numerous secluded coves and beaches that are easily reached by those cruising these waters on a yacht charter. One hidden gem you might like to explore is Cala Xarraca, on Ibiza's northern coast.
Set in a half-moon bay backed by pine trees, this sandy beach is a tranquil spot where you can bring in your tender and enjoy a picnic and take a dip in the clear turquoise sea.
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Nikki Beach, Ibiza
Beach Club
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Sublimotion
Restaurant
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Cala Xarraca
Beach
September is one of the best times of year to visit Italy's Amalfi Coast. The weather is still mild, with long, sunny days and cooler evenings and the most popular attractions and venues, including the best beach clubs and restaurants, remain open.
The Amalfi Coast's south-facing beaches are just as inviting as during the summer and the sea is still warm enough to take a dip, while there are fewer holidaymakers to share it with at this time.
Capri is at the top of the itinerary for many visitors on a private yacht charter in Italy, an idyllic island that is the embodiment of La Dolce Vita. Spend time ashore at the exclusive Fontelina beach club and experience the discreet seclusion and laid-back glamour that has been a hit with jet-setting celebrities since the 1950s.
Dine beneath a canopy of lemon trees at Da Paolino, one of Capri's finest restaurants, and enjoy a wander around the lovely gardens of Villa San Michele, free of the summertime crowds.
On the mainland, Positano's TreVille Beach Club is another unmissable port of call on your Amalfi Coast yacht charter. The unfussy, casual ambience immediately puts guests at their ease and the location is perfect for simply relaxing in a beachfront cabana.
The gardens at Villa Rufolo in Ravello are still bursting with colour, while September is also a good time of year to explore the fascinating ancient site of Pompeii.
End your evening on the Amalfi Coast with dinner at Zass in Positano, sampling the finest Campanian cuisine accompanied with glorious views over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
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La Fontelina
Beach Club
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Da Paolino
Restaurant
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Villa San Michele
Museum
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TreVille Beach Club
Beach Club
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Villa Rufolo
Museum
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Pompeii
Museum
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Zass
Restaurant
