The Top 5 West Mediterranean Yacht Charter Destinations

Discover our hand-picked recommendations for the best yacht charter destinations in the West Mediterranean.

For a stylish getaway, the West Mediterranean is the ultimate yacht charter region. From the velvet beaches of Sardinia to chic boutiques in Cannes, infinite riches are waiting to be explored. With so many options to choose from, the choice can seem endless. Discover our hand-picked recommendations for the best destinations in the West Mediterranean to explore on your summer yacht charter.

1 Sardinia

One of the most magnificent Mediterranean yacht charter locations, Sardinia is a mix of cool beach clubs, exclusive boutiques, fascinating history and natural beauty. With a coastline of hidden coves and golden sands, some of the best diving, snorkelling and watersports opportunities are found in this yachting haven. Towns along the Costa Smeralda deliver a fascinating blend of glamour and beauty, where celebrities stroll in style along Porto Cervo waterfront. Northern Sardinia is where some of the most spellbinding anchorages can be found. Notably, Cala Granara, southeast of Spargi in the Maddalenas, boasts a cove in a blissfully isolated location for superyachts to anchor. Beach connoisseurs will worship Cala di Luna, tucked midst a rocky headland, where the snorkelling is sublime, and culture-lovers can explore the local archaeological remains nearby.

Cuisine in Sardinia is hearty, delicious and created with true Italian flair; local restaurants pride themselves on the abundance of fresh produce from both land and sea – a great inspiration for your yacht’s chef to produce innovative culinary delights on board.

2 Sicily

Boasting a long summer season, a luxury yacht charter in Sicily offers the chance to partake in a superb cultural experience and sample delicious local food. The exceptional sailing grounds around this Italian isle are dotted with breath-taking scenery, where charming villages, black sand beaches and towering volcanoes are best experienced by yacht.

Overlooked by iconic Monte Pellegrino, lively capital city and ancient port Palermo is an ideal start or finish point for a yacht charter in Sicily. To the east, overlooked by imposing Mount Etna, hillside Taormina oozes style, where terraced restaurants offer breath-taking views over beautiful Isola Bella beach. To the north, the seven stunning Aeolian Islands are scattered with diverse attractions. Visit Lipari for fun-filled restaurants, sample hot springs on barren Vulcano, and cruise past active Stromboli to watch a light show of liquid magma from the safety of your superyacht.

3 The French Riviera

One of the world’s most popular yacht charter destinations, the South of France needs no introduction. From the buzzing beach clubs of St Tropez to the sophisticated elegance of Monaco’s casino-culture, chartering a yacht on the French Riviera offers access to the ultimate luxury lifestyle. Admire perched medieval towns, soak up the Mediterranean sun and enjoy culinary pleasures, all from the comfort of your private charter yacht.

Dive off your yacht’s swim platform into crystal clear waters off the secluded Porquerolles, blessed with hideaway coves. Further up the coast, the beautiful protected anchorages at Cap Ferrat and Villefranche-sur-Mer regularly prove a huge draw, while mooring off the Cap d’Antibes for lunch at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is a fashionable choice. Take time for fun with the watersports toys then head ashore in Antibes to stroll the delightful cobbled streets, relish Michelin-starred dining in Cannes or party the night away in dynamic Juan les Pins.

4 The Balearics

Four Spanish islands, each with their own unique character, the Balearics are one of the most popular Mediterranean holiday destinations and a yacht charter is the perfect way to take in all these cruising grounds have to offer.

Home to historic Palma, Mallorca also boasts elevated townships, secret coves and verdant mountaintops. Scenic spots are plentiful for soaking up breath-taking views before sampling a host of excellent restaurants ashore. Whitewashed Menorca is a haven for sea-kayaking and mountain biking. Universally relaxed and welcoming, the island features hidden gems like sandy Cala Macarelleta, as well as mouth-watering seafood in waterfront eateries. Ibiza’s rocky coves and white beaches implore ultimate daytime relaxation, but once the sun goes down get ready to party with the best, as world-class DJ’s spin their sets in Ibiza Town. Little sister Formentera is sprinkled with serene anchorages, perfect for a get-away-from-it-all Balearic yachting experience and sunset drinks on the aft deck.

5 The Amalfi Coast

Just south of historic Naples, the Amalfi Coast offers endless opportunities for a spectacular yacht charter itinerary, adorned with technicolour towns, perched villages and intriguing isles. Sorrento is enduringly popular thanks to a network of chic boutiques and stylish bars, while cliffside Positano exhibits a luxurious resort town with stunning views on land and at anchor. The namesake of the region, graceful Amalfi is steeped in romance and noted for excellent beaches and lemon cultivation. Cruise further afield to embrace rejuvenation at the hot springs on the compact isle of Ischia, while views approaching the dramatic rocks of cosmopolitan Capri are a delight to experience by yacht.

A highlight of any yacht charter in Italy, eat like a local with traditional cuisine using fresh flavours and local ingredients, ripened and sweetened by the sunshine. Birthplace of the pizza, Naples is the perfect place enjoy the classic margherita. Lemons feature heavily along the Amalfi Coast, found in refreshing gelatos and, of course, the deliciously syrupy local limoncello.