The Mediterranean is calling, and to help you have the best yacht charter vacation this summer, we've rounded up all the insider secrets, stand-out itineraries and hand-picked recommendations across all the most popular charter destinations for 2024.
From the golden beaches of the Balearics to the glamorous shores of Italy, the Mediterranean is home to a treasure trove of popular superyacht spots. If you're looking to book a yacht charter vacation in the Mediterranean for 2024, it can be daunting to know where to begin.
But with the help of brokers and yachting experts, we've put together our ultimate edit of the top destinations to visit by superyacht in the Mediterranean. Packed with tips and first-hand recommendations, our guide will give you the complete low-down to ensure you get the most from your vacation.
The hedonistic hotspot of Ibiza has had a shakeup in the last few years. Sure, you can still go for the epic nightlife and parties, but dedicate a few days of your superyacht vacation to exploring the burgeoning health and wellness scene that’s sweeping the White Isle.
Drop anchor at Playa d’en Bossa, then head to Beachouse for a sunrise yoga session on the sand. Lunch calls for a trip to ROTO in the marina, offering stunning views of the motor yachts in the harbour, and out over the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dalt Vila.
Dedicate a few days of your Ibiza superyacht vacation to exploring the burgeoning health and wellness scene
Spend the afternoon cruising around the rocky island outcrop of Es Vedra to experience its magnetic lure, then round off the day at Blue Marlin for a dose of Balearic beats. And of course, you’d be remiss not to add Beso Beach to your itinerary; this beach bar-restaurant is an Ibizan staple that sits just a stone’s throw from Ses Illetes in Formentera. Expect nothing but good vibes and cool crowds.
Our Favourite Ibiza Itineraries:
Don’t miss: The Mojito Man, who can be summoned to your anchored yacht via a quick Instagram message armed with ingredients to make you a mojito on deck. Clientele includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Leonardo DiCaprio and Wayne Rooney. If it’s good enough for them…
The French Riviera has no shortage of trendy outposts, but St Tropez glitters with particular cosmopolitan brilliance.
After a morning exploring its pink streets, cruise over to Pampelonne in time for lunch. Be sure to book ahead for Club 55, the most iconic venue in the Cote d’Azur, and try and reserve a coveted table in the later lunchtime slot if you’re looking to rub shoulders with Hollywood heavyweights and the A-list elite.
For some post-lunch entertainment, head to Verde Beach. Expect blast-from-the-past beats and dancing on the tables, as the St Tropez in-crowd transform Verde Beach into the most happening party in Pampelonne. Head back to the main port for dinner- L’Opera has got the ‘the dinner and a show’ concept down to an art.
Our Favourite St Tropez Itineraries:
Don’t miss: The Sunday morning market in Place des Lices. As well as fresh Provencal produce ranging from fruits and vegetables to meats and cheeses, you can also find antiques and vintage fashion pieces. Have a cafe creme in the square after the stalls are packed up, and watch the locals enjoy a game of boules.
Synonymous with romance, culture and rustic charm, the Amalfi Coast is one of the darlings of the Mediterranean. This region is worth a visit for those in search of timeless beauty, proper Italian dining and UNESCO-listed heritage.
Evening aperitifs are best enjoyed at Le Sirenuse
Begin on the south side of the coast with a trip inland to Ravello, a medieval village that sits at dizzying heights above the sea- take a walk around the gardens of Villa Rufolo, then enjoy a meal at Palazzo Avino overlooking the mountains and the sea.
Evening aperitifs are best enjoyed at Le Sirenuse, a chic hotel in Positano decked out in colourful majolica tiles with a terrace that offers unbeatable views over the town. Then, be sure to head down to the commune of Nerano to dine at one of two celebrity-approved restaurants; Lo Scoglio da Tommaso and La Conca del Sogno.
Our Favourite Amalfi Itineraries:
Don’t miss: A cruise to Capri. This little island is steeped in beauty and history, with plenty of villas which you can visit and natural attractions such as the Blue Grotto and La Faraglioni.
If you’ve only got one day to spend in Santorini, we recommend a trip to Akrotiri for a look at an ancient Greek settlement, and Santo Wines, for a taste of the region’s finest vino overlooking the famous caldera.
Mykonos is set to be equally popular this summer, with the beach clubs buzzing and the picturesque bays studded with shiny superyachts. Head to Nammos for beachside dining, luxury shopping and partying among celebrities. If you're looking to spend a day on shore, Cavo Tagoo is the place to be: caves carved into the chalky cliffs create a remarkably pretty setting.
Afterward, you should head over to Delos to take in the sights of these wondrous archeological ruins, which date back to 300 BC. Rich in mythological significance, this UNESCO-listed island offers a fascinating insight into the country's history and culture.
Our Favourite Greek Itineraries:
Don't miss: A trip to the island of Milos, just 85 nautical miles outside of Santorini. An up-and-coming hotspot, visitors have gone wild for the island's flourishing food scene, volcanic beach and clear blue sea.
You’d be forgiven for mistaking Sardinia’s sugar sand and pellucid blue sea for a slice of Caribbean paradise. Set adrift from the Italian mainland, this island has it all; come for the luxury retail, stay for the swimming, snorkelling and beachside bliss.
The eastern coast is where you'll find most of the island's famous beaches
Visiting superyachts make a beeline for Hotel Cala di Volpe, a celebrity-approved hotel on the waterfront with private moorings available for the ultimate convenience. Enjoy a relaxed lunch on the terrace or an evening meal alfresco; the service is slick, the staff are friendly, and if you choose to spend a night on shore they’ll be more than happy to accommodate you.
Down the eastern coast of the island is where you'll find most of the island's famed beaches. Consistently voted among the best in Europe, they're all simple and straightforward to access from your yacht, and promise a relaxing day of swimming and soaking up the sunshine. Among the best is Cala Goloritze.
Our Favourite Sardinian Itineraries:
Don’t miss: For a beach party with a difference, Phi Beach is still the destination of choice for the SuperyachtSet. Take a tender straight up to the shore and while away the day drinking, dancing and dining.
Sitting on the eastern tip of Croatia's coast, Dubrovnik is ideal for those looking to take some time out to recharge and enjoy the delights of discovering a new city. Bordered by sparkling Adriatic water, Dubrovnik is known for its Gothic architecture, dramatic terrain and buildings capped by baked clay-red rooves.
The pace of life is slower in the city, so be sure to take some time to walk the stone streets and soak up the charms of Croatia. Trees grow everywhere, infusing the air with the scent of sweet figs and bitter oranges, for which Dubrovnik is renowned.
If you're visiting during summer, you'd be remiss not to check out the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. This celebration of classical musical sees the city come to life with music and art, with plenty of concerts and recitals on the schedule.
Our Favourite Dubrovnik Itineraries:
Don't miss: A trip to Mljet, a small island just a short cruise north of Dubrovnik. Ask your yacht crew to get the water toys out, and spend an afternoon kayaking and paddleboarding in the clear waters.
-
360 Restaurant
Restaurant
-
The Rector's Palace
Landmark
Turkey's Turquoise Riviera has long been popular among private yachts, but recently we've seen an upswing in the demand for yacht charters in the region as well. Fethiye is one of the most popular spots to charter, as it provides access to tiny islands too small to name, sky-blue lagoons and secret coves where you drop anchor and swim straight up to the shore for lunch.
Fethiye is one of the most popular spots to charter in Turkey
Speaking of food, you should pay a visit to Lebessos Winehouse during your trip. Housed in a 400-year old stone cottage in the town of Kayakoy (which has been deserted since 1923) this restaurant is the gourmet dining leader of Fethiye. The venue earns extra points for its taxi service, saving you the hassle of booking a transfer.
The service is friendly and accommodating and the local cuisine is authentic and perfectly-prepared- opt for tender lamb kleftiko, levissi chicken with chilli yogurt or honey-drenched figs. Plus, the restaurant has its own wine cellar where you can sample the local wines of Turkey.
Our Favourite Fethiye Itineraries:
Don't miss: The Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz, where you can relax in the sand or spend some time playing with water toys.
-
Hillside Beach Club
Hotel
-
D Resort Gocek
Hotel
Ready to find your dream yacht? You can view and compare all luxury yachts for charter in the Mediterranean.
To begin planning your next vacation in any one of the destinations mentioned in this article, please get in touch with your preferred yacht charter broker.