Book your dream yacht rental for an unforgettable West Med experience.
The West Mediterranean as a luxury yacht charter destination - where do you start on a description? Glamorous and chic ports of the French Côte d-Azure, the beautiful sea-front villages of the Italian Riviera, extraordinary historical sites, the food, exciting scenery such as active volcanoes, fabulous sailing and a mix of styles from ultra chic to rustic. An intriguing area of history, trade and cultures.
The South of France
The French Riviera, with ports whose names conjure glamour: St. Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, Nice and Antibes. You’ll never forget the heady herbes de Provence growing everywhere and touching the food as well.
The Italian Riviera
One of Italy’s favorite cruising grounds is the beautiful Bay of Naples, famed in songs from “Santa Lucia” to “Return to Sorrento” and the “Isle of Capri.” Under looming Mount Vesuvius, you can sail from Naples to nearby tiny and unspoiled Procida, large Ischia with its healing bathes, and Capri, symbol of living well since before the time of Tiberius. All bathed in the sweet aromas of lemons and other citrus made into limoncello liqueur and world-famed perfumes. If you desire more exotic and simple pleasures, tiny Ventotene is only 20 nm beyond Ischia, and Ponza and Palmarola 20 nm farther.
A must visit is the breathtaking Amalfi Peninsula, both Sorrento on the north coast and Amalfi and Positano facing the sun on the Amalfi Coast.
Corsica and Sardinia
France’s large island of Corsica is an ever-popular destination and lies only 125 nautical miles from Nice. It has both sophisticated ports and rugged coves, providing a mix of experiences for any taste. The same can be said of Italy’s Sardinia, just south of Corsica with its glamorous Emerald Coast – the Costa Smeralda – and islets inhabited only by goats and seabirds.
Sicily and the Aeolian Sea
Sicily offers many pleasures, notably many of the largest and best-preserved Greek ruins in the world, the towering and active volcano Mount Etna, as well as the island’s exotic blend of all the culture that have passed through and lent their touch. Popular with sophisticated travelers are islands off the north coast of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands where the Greeks believed winds originated, the still-erupting Stromboli, chic Panerea, Lipari and unspoiled Salina.
The Balearic islands
The Balearics, a group of islands off the coast of Spain have become a popular charter destination. Guaranteed sunshine in the summer months, beautiful clear waters, ideal sailing conditions, stunning scenery and a rich cultural heritage with Phoenician, Greek, Roman and Moor civilizations reflected in its beautiful architecture.
The principal attraction is probably Ibiza which draws clubbers and party lovers. Famous for nightclubs, bars and restaurants, Ibiza in the high summer is packed with celebrities and people from the international jet set. If you come here, spend the day on your yacht in a quiet bay, but at night party hard until dawn in the best clubs of the island. There is more to the island however with quiet villages, yoga retreats, beautiful beaches and quieter sandy coves with the backdrop of pine-clad hillsides. Ibiza is also home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Benirràs Bay’s “God’s Finger” rock outcrop.
Mallorca (Majorca), the largest island, is known for its beaches, scenic coastline and the Serra de Tramuntana mountains to the north, popular for hiking. Palma, the capital, is a major centre for the yachting industry in the Mediterranean and the base for many superyachts. As a city Palma has beautiful architecture – a Gothic cathedral for example with an altar canopy by architect Antoni Gaudi and the Royal Palace of Almudaina originally an Arabian fort. Palma’s narrow cobbled streets have a vibrant Spanish nightlife. But Mallorca also has a number of big tourist resorts which most charterers will probably want to stay clear of.
Minorca is much more low-key than its neighbours. It’s known for its endless beaches, from long sandy crescents to rocky, turquoise bays. Pine trees fringe the coast. The capital, Mahon, with Georgian mansions and its ancient church is on a bluff overlooking the harbour.
Formentera is quieter but it also offers golden beaches, rugged mountains and lively ports. And to get away from the crowds visit the remote island of Cabrera and the Dragonera nature reserve.
