Top Mediterranean Yacht Charter Destinations for 2015
In 2015, a
yacht charter experience in the Mediterranean offers more than ever before.
More yachts, more world-class marinas, more stunning destinations.
As always, there are the perennial favorites, which are now joined by some
exciting up-and-coming regions.
France
Little needs to be said about the appeal of the glittering Cote d’Azur, with its
famed film festival and Grand Prix, gorgeous anchorages and sophisticated
restaurants. As you cruise from the towering, moneyed cliffs of Monaco down to
the boutiques and beach clubs of glamorous Saint Tropez, make sure to visit the
medieval village of Eze, dine at Eden Roc, and enjoy the astonishing firework
displays that light up the coast throughout the summer. This is perhaps the
premier destination of them all, steeped in history, natural beauty and the
unique culture of luxury yachting.
Italy
Just a few hours’ cruise away is Italy, which offers a
spectacular range of cruising, starting with small, exclusive Portofino and
the colorful fishing villages of the Cinque Terre. Take in glamorous Capri and
gritty Naples, with the ruins of Pompeii sitting in the shadow of forbidding
Vesuvius. Wake in the morning to dive into the deep, cool waters off rugged
Sicily and enjoy cocktails on the sundeck in the Aeolian Islands while watching
molten lava flow down the mountain, glowing red in the night. Enjoy a few nights
in the yachting mecca that is Porto Cervo in Sardinia, crossing back to the
beautiful French island of Corsica, the birthplace of Napoleon.
Greece
No yachting itinerary could ever be complete without mentioning
Greece yacht charters, which has so long been a drawcard with its abundance
of rocky islands, whitewashed villages and perfect clear anchorages. Party in
Mykonos, enjoy a spa in a clifftop hotel in magnificent Santorini, or eat a
rustic meal in a taverna, looking out over the dramatic cliffs falling into a
sparkling blue green sea. With endless culture and almost as many islands to
explore, Greece offers everything a yacht charterer could want.
Spain
The Balearics have long been a popular yacht destination, but 2015 looks set to
be even better. More favorable tax regulation has further opened up Spanish
waters for visiting yachts, meaning that this diverse region, including
fascinating Majorca, idyllic Menorca and party-vibe Ibiza, can expect to draw
more yachts than ever before to take advantage of the natural splendor and long
summer of the Balearics. What makes this region even better placed right now is
the rise of Barcelona as a yachting hub, making this exciting city a fantastic
jumping-off point for your Spanish itinerary.
Turkey
Turkey, too, is on the rise. Long known for its beauty and history, Turkey has
languished somewhat on the
luxury yacht charter scene due to a lack of infrastructure for visiting
yachts. This is rapidly changing, and the yachts are coming, drawn by the
vibrant culture, the spectacular coastline and clear waters. Snorkel over
submerged ancient villages, visit immense ruins of empires long dead, and barter
in the vibrant bazaars full of spices and rugs.
Croatia and Montenegro
Another region enjoying newfound popularity is Montenegro and Croatia. Again,
clever marina development and superyacht-standard services have elevated this
beautiful area to a popular superyacht cruising ground. And no wonder: starting
in Venice, the perfect itinerary stops in the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, and
along to Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar. Taking in UNESCO heritage sights and
dramatic coastlines, this is jaw-dropping cruising, in an area where
civilizations have merged and clashed for millennia.
Whether looking for adventure or glamour, relaxation or glitzy parties, the
Mediterranean summer season offers a yacht charter itinerary to suit everyone.
Lie down on a deckchair with a glass of champagne and let the yacht take you to
the next extraordinary destination, as more of Europe opens up to cruising than
ever before.
Visit
Northrop & Johnson Yachts for Charter for more information.
Internal Article | Northrop & Johnson
Author: Joanne Morgan
~ 18th July 2014 ~