Yachting Hotspots

The Mediterranean is a hugely popular summer destination, with the season peaking from mid-June to late September. While there are a number of famous yachting hubs here, there are also a number of emerging destinations, growing in popularity among the glamorous yacht set.

As the summer season approaches, demand for the most enticing luxury charter yachts grows. Here, we explore some of the sizzling summer hotspots ahead of the new season.

The French Riviera

Regarded the world over as an ‘adult playground’ brimming with glitz and glamour, the French Riviera is yet again looking likely to be one of the ‘go-to’ destinations this coming summer. Running from Marseille in the west to Monaco in the east, the French Riviera has something for everyone, and to many, remains the ultimate luxury charter destination.

The location of the renowned international film festival, Cannes sees a host of superyachts flock to its stunning harbor, all keen to enjoy the enticing restaurants, bars and designer shopping found here. Equally famous is St. Tropez, a stunning town curving around the Bay of Angels and oozing character and charm. Nice is where old meets new – an eclectic mix of historic architecture and modern decadence.

Home to the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Monaco’s popularity is also as strong as ever, offering urban luxury and a home for the rich and famous.

Whether your itinerary takes in all of these intoxicating hotspots or you’re simply looking to berth in one of the world-class ports, the French Riviera has it all. Once again, this summer is looking to be extremely busy, so book early to avoid disappointment.

The Greek Islands

Greece is now a firmly established, popular charter destination. With over 6,000 islands, there is much to choose from, and the archipelago of the Cyclades is a particularly enticing destination for the yacht-set.

White-washed villages looking out over turquoise waters give locations such as Mykonos and Santorini unrivalled appeal. Captivating sunsets add a romantic ambience to many of the Greek Islands, and secluded coves and gorgeous beaches offer plenty of opportunity to explore.

Enjoy water sports on refreshing seas, before heading to one of the regions charming restaurants to enjoy delicious local cuisine and warm hospitality.

The high season runs from April through September and as with all Mediterranean destinations, early booking is essential due to popularity.

Ibiza

The hedonistic isle of Ibiza is known around the world for its contribution to dance music, and the staggering array of nightclubs. However, there really is so much more to Ibiza, and it’s not hard to see why it’s set to be a popular summer hotspot once again for the discerning yacht-set.

Away from the party hubs of San Antonio and Playa d’en Bossa, the Old Town offers winding streets brimming with charm, as well as a mix of independent retailers and designer labels. From here, head along the 200-kilometer-long coastline to uncover rocky inlets, enchanting coves and a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The vast majority of the island is surprisingly laid back, and the Mediterranean landscape plays host to isolated farmhouses, villas and Bohemian markets.

The many beaches here fringe a water-sport playground, and the newly improved harbour is a well-equipped place to stay, complete with its own stylish nightclubs and bars. An evening show at Lio is a must while staying at the Ibiza Marina.

During July and August, the island is at its peak, and it’s during this time you’ll also enjoy the hottest temperatures. Late spring and early autumn are great times to visit Ibiza too, away from the hustle and bustle, yet still with plenty of opportunity to enjoy pleasant weather and Balearic hospitality.

Croatia

With some 2000-kilometers of rocky shoreline and over 1000 islands, Croatia has become a favorite among the yacht-set, and once again expects to welcome the crowds to its well-appointed harbours this summer.

The Adriatic Sea has a magical feel, and the many small pebble coves fringed with pinewoods offer a spectacular backdrop to a summer vacation on the water. Explore the architecture of cities including Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Zadar or Split during your stay, and enjoy an eclectic mix of culture, history and style.

Island-hopping charter vacations are once again expected to be hugely popular, and there are many stunning gems awaiting exploration, including Korcula, Brac, and Hvar.

The Great Barrier Reef

What better way to explore one of the natural wonders of the world, than on board a luxury charter yacht. A regular feature on one’s ‘bucket list’, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A relative newcomer to the luxury charter scene, the Great Barrier Reef stretches some 2600-kilometers, running parallel to Australia’s north east coastline. Made up of 3,000 individual reef systems, sun-drenched islands and coral cays, you’ll enjoy a spectacular up-close view of some of the world’s most colorful marine life.

Yachts in this region generally come complete with an array of snorkelling and scuba-diving equipment to allow you to enjoy an exciting perspective on the water, and head ‘down under’ in more ways than one!

The region’s ‘season’ runs May through September, and it looks set to provide an enticing alternative to the popular Mediterranean hotspots.