Where are the best places to sail in the Mediterranean?

August 28, 2024 8 min

The Mediterranean offers turquoise waters, ideal sailing temperatures, and a variety of cultures. Whether you’re a first-time sailor or returning for another trip, our guide covers the top destinations from Athens to Sardinia.

Renowned for its countless incredible islands, countries, cities and towns, it can feel overwhelming to decide which part of the Mediterranean you want to explore.

This is where we come in. Whether you’re planning your first yacht charter or your annual sailing vacation, we’ve put together a guide to the best sailing destinations in the Mediterranean, with somewhere for everyone to fall in love with:

Athens, Greece
Procida, Italy
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Corfu, Greece
Sicily, Italy
Agana, Croatia
Sardinia, Italy

All that will be left to do is choose when to sail in the Mediterranean and start packing!

1. Athens, Greece

Best place to sail in the Mediterranean for: Culture

When you think of rich history and vibrant culture in the Mediterranean, you’ll most likely think of Greece, which is why it’s no surprise that the first destination on our list of the best places to sail in the Mediterranean is the cultural wonderland of Athens.

Why is Athens one of the best sailing destinations in the Mediterranean if you want a cultural vacation?

Athens, with over 3,000 years of history, offers numerous historical sites from ancient temples to theaters. It’s an ideal stop for anyone interested in Greek history, art, or simply soaking in the vibrant local culture.
Whether you’re interested in Greek Mythology, art or politics, you can moor up and explore ancient temples, theaters and other intriguing archaeological sites. From the Theatre of Dionysus to the Temple of Hephaestus, where will you discover first?
It isn’t only ancient history and culture you will experience in Athens. With a population of over 4.5 million people, Athens is the largest city in Greece and has a very vibrant culture, home to delicious food, unique traditions and friendly locals.
Athens is very well-connected which means it couldn’t be easier to set sail to nearby islands and immerse yourself in other local cultures too. Our Athens Sailing Itinerary introduces you to the wonders of the Saronic Gulf where you can explore Greek highlights such as Hydra, Methana and Epidaurus Town.

If you love culture, ancient history, art, cuisine or simply enjoy learning something new every day, you’ll fall in love with Athens. Find out more about our Athens yacht charters, choose the best time to visit Greece and build your quote today.

2. Procida, Italy

Best Mediterranean sailing destination for: Food

Procida, part of the Bay of Naples, is a haven for food lovers. Here you can enjoy everything from classic Italian dishes to unique local specialties like lemon granita.If you want to experience an explosion of flavors like never before, the Bay of Naples delivers every time.

Why do we think Procida is one of the best places to sail in the Mediterranean for foodies?

Whether you want to enjoy a romantic dinner for two with a stunning sea view or a quick bite to eat before heading back to your yacht, the Bay of Naples is home to exquisite restaurants, from Da Girone to La Lampara.
Procida is renowned for its local cuisine, particularly its delicious seafood. When you think of Procida, you’ll likely also think of lemons which you find in tasty treats such as lemon granita and insalata di limoni.
For the true foodies among us, you can embark on a thrilling Sail, Wine & Taste of Italy flotilla, departing from our The Moorings Procida base. Hosted by our Italy partner, Sailitalia, this unique charter offers an exclusive opportunity to indulge in world-famous cuisine and local wine along Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

Can you imagine yourself uncovering the treasures of Procida’s incredible cuisine? From rooftop restaurants to local delicacies, we can’t wait for you to see what’s in store for your taste buds when you book a Procida yacht charter. Build a quote and start planning your bespoke Procida sailing itinerary today.

3. Dubrovnik, Croatia

Best sailing destination in the Mediterranean for: Families

Choosing a family-friendly sailing destination? Dubrovnik offers a mix of beaches, historical sites, and family-oriented activities, making it ideal for all ages.

As you start planning your next family yacht charter, you’ll want to find somewhere that caters to people of all ages and provides fun for the whole family, like Dubrovnik in Croatia.

Why is Dubrovnik the best place to sail in the Mediterranean for families?

Whether you’re setting sail with young children, teenagers, grandparents or anyone in between, the unique blend of culture and history ensures there’s something for everyone to explore in Dubrovnik, from Old Town to Rector’s Palace.
There are many sensational beaches in or near Dubrovnik that make a thrilling day out for all the family. Uncover Sveti Jakov, a hidden gem just a stone’s throw from Old Town or snorkel around the enchanting Betina Cave. Find out more about the best beaches in Croatia.
Situated on the Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik is ideal for families with a sense of adventure. When you follow one of our carefully crafted Dubrovnik sailing itineraries, you can spend your days island hopping and discovering the treasures of Lopud, Korčula and Mljet.
If you have teenagers who love pop culture, you’ll earn serious cool points from them as Dubrovnik has been the filming location for many popular films and TV shows, most famously Game of Thrones. For younger children, Dubrovnik is home to aquariums, cable cars, adventure parks and more so, even when they’re not busy swimming in the sea, you’ll never run out of activities.

Offering fun for all the family and opportunities to create magical memories that last a lifetime, it’s no wonder that Dubrovnik is one of the best sailing destinations in the Mediterranean for families. Choose between a Sailing or Power charter, build a quote and book your idyllic Dubrovnik yacht vacation today.

4. Corfu, Greece

Best Mediterranean sailing destination for: Relaxing

Are you ready to sit back, relax and listen to nothing but the sound of the tranquil waves against the side of your yacht? If you’re wondering where to sail in the Mediterranean that offers privacy, peace and the opportunity to unwind against a breath-taking backdrop of stunning scenery, let us introduce you to Corfu.

Why is Corfu one of the best sailing destinations in the Mediterranean for switching off from the world?

The beautiful island of Corfu is renowned for having some of the best beaches in Greece. Whether you prefer sand, pebbles or a mixture of both, there’s somewhere for everyone to unwind. One of our favorite Corfu beaches is the stunning Paleokastritsa Beach, providing everything from sun loungers and beach bars to snorkeling opportunities that will keep your children entertained while you soak up the sun.
Corfu has exquisite sailing conditions which means, if you’re taking the helm on a bareboat charter, then you can look forward to easy, straightforward sailing, and if you’re hiring a skipper then you can sunbathe on the deck as you glide smoothly around the crystal clear waters.
As well as hiring a skipper, you also have the option to book a crewed yacht charter, where your dedicated team of skippers, housekeepers and chefs will ensure your every need is met so you can feel your cares melt away as you sail around the Ionian Sea.

Build and quote and book your Corfu yacht charter today. With The Moorings, you have the freedom to create your own unique itinerary or take inspiration from one of our Corfu charter itineraries, so you can do as much or as little as you want, whether you want to spend your whole week sunbathing on golden sands, or uncovering the treasures Greece has to behold.

5. Sicily, Italy

Best place to sail in the Mediterranean for: Couples

Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, organizing your first vacation as a couple or planning your dream honeymoon yacht charter, Sicily offers an unparalleled experience that will make your heart sing everyday.

Why do we think Sicily is one of the best Mediterranean sailing destinations for couples?

Sicily is renowned for having some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the world. Whether you watch the sunset over the horizon from the deck of your yacht, a rooftop restaurant or the beach, we know you’ll fall in love all over again.
Imagine holding hands as you stroll along one of Sicily’s beautiful beaches, admiring the azure waters and picturesque scenery. Some of the most spectacular beaches in Sicily include Spiaggia dei Conigli and Spiaggia di Marinello. Learn more about the best beaches in Italy.
Sicily is one of the best places to sail in the Mediterranean for couples who love adventure. Discover countless hidden coves and spend hours snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Much like Procida, Sicily is also home to incredible cuisine which is perfect for enjoying romantic meals. From local seafood to arancini and Pasta alla Norma, your taste buds will be dancing all night long.

Are you dreaming of a blissful yacht charter in the Mediterranean that feels like stepping into paradise? Build a quote, book your Sicily yacht charter and start counting down the days until your romantic vacation today. Check out our Sicily sailing itineraries to make the most of your enchanting sailing charter.

6. Agana, Croatia

Best place to sail in the Mediterranean for: First-timers

Are you thinking about unleashing your inner sailor and booking a Mediterranean yacht charter for your next vacation? Whether this is your first time climbing aboard a yacht or you’ve just never visited the majestic Mediterranean before, we think Agana encapsulates the essence of the Mediterranean and is the perfect place for your first sailing charter.

Why is Agana one of the best places to sail in the Mediterranean as a first-time sailor?

With turquoise waters, calm and safe sailing conditions, a low tidal range and sizzling summer temperatures, Agana is a true sailor’s paradise and is perfect if you’re taking the helm for the first time on a bareboat charter.
If you want to explore the very best of Croatia and the Mediterranean on your first yacht charter, Agana is the place to be. We offer four Agana sailing itineraries, each uncovering the wonders of nearby islands and allowing you to experience Croatia in all its glory. Discover the secrets of Vis, Hvar, Šolta, Žirje and so many more islands.
Agana is also right on the doorstep of Split, the second largest city in Croatia. This means you can have the best of both worlds on your first ever yacht charter, embracing the hustle and bustle of vibrant Split before retreating into the tranquility of beautiful Agana.

If this is your first time setting sail around the Mediterranean, consider hiring a skipper for part of your vacation so that they can share their expertise, local knowledge and help you hone your sailing skills. Want to focus on relaxing and taking in the sights of Agana? Book a crewed yacht charter and welcome aboard a skipper, chef and housekeeper who will take care of everything while you sit back and soak up the sun.

Are you ready to turn your sailing dreams into reality with your first yacht charter in Agana? Find out when to sail in Croatia and build your quote today.

7. Sardinia, Italy

Best sailing destination in the Mediterranean for: Exploring

Last on our list of the best places to sail in the Mediterranean is stunning Sardinia, an idyllic charter destination if you want to channel your inner adventurer.

Why is Sardinia the best sailing destination in the Mediterranean for exploring?

As the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia has over 1,000 miles of rugged coastline to discover aboard your yacht. The best part about exploring Sardinia? It offers the best of both worlds as you can also moor up and spend your days hiking around luscious mountainous landscapes.
Gorgeous white sands, sparkling turquoise waters…Sardinia’s beaches are second to none. If you want to unleash your adventurous side, set sail to enchanting Cala Luna which is only accessible by boat, or go snorkeling and come face to face with vibrant marine life at Cala Goloritzé.
Similarly to Agana, Sardinia is also in a fantastic location for a yacht charter as it offers the opportunity to island hop around mesmerizing Italian islands such as Mortorio, Soffi, Caprera and Maddalena.

From nearby islands to secluded beaches, Sardinia is a playground for adventurers. Can’t wait to start discovering the wonders of this sensational island? Build a quote, book your Sardinia yacht charter and create your own Sardinia sailing itinerary today.

Ready to explore the Mediterranean? Select your destination, book your Mediterranean sailing trip, and start planning your journey. For any questions about these top sailing spots, feel free to contact us.