Top 10 Mediterranean Bareboat Charter Destinations

With Over 3,300+ Islands and Thousands of Miles of Coastline, Through 23 Countries, on a Mediterranean Bareboat Charter, There is a Perfect Destination for Everyone

Top 10 Mediterranean Bareboat Charter Destinations

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations with over 1/3 of the world’s tourists visiting the Mediterranean and the 23 countries it borders. A Mediterranean bareboat charter, no matter which country you visit the deep blue ocean and Mediterranean climate make the perfect yacht charter destination. With over 3,300 islands a length of 2,500 miles (4,000km) and an area of 965,000 square miles (2.5 million km), the Mediterranean is bordered by countries in southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia.

The countries which have a Mediterranean coastline has a predominate Mediterranean climate, with hot, humid, dry summers and mild rainy winters. The climate in the southeast Mediterranean (North Africa) has a hot desert climate, both ideal for a Mediterranean bareboat charter.

Mediterranean Bareboat Charter Destinations

Sailing on a Mediterranean bareboat charter has a country for everyone from beginner sailing areas to advanced long stretches of open ocean for professional sailors. The water temperature varies from 15c (winter) and 28c (summer), which make it an ideal sea for swimming, snorkeling, and discovering the underwater world, with a variety of marine life as well as the land which surrounds it, which is great for a Mediterranean bareboat charter.

On a Mediterranean bareboat charter licenses and requirements for sailing and being a skipper vary from country to country. With different licenses and experience required for each country.

Top 10 Mediterranean Bareboat Charter Destinations

1. Spain

With the Spanish islands and port cities, Spain has an abundance of wonderful sailing destinations.

The Spanish Coastline. The Spanish Mediterranean coastline is unique with wonderful historic cities as well as a large number of islands. The Spanish coastal areas of the Costa Blanca (200km), Costa del Sol, Costa de Almeria (217km), Costa Brava (60km), Costa Daurada, Costa Tropical, and Costa Calida (250km). These are all long stretches of Spanish Mediterranean coastline which are the perfect places to visit on a Mediterranean bareboat charter. Spain also has a number of islands located in the Mediterranean Sea including the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

Often Overlooked. Spain is often overlooked as a bareboat charter destination but it shouldn’t be. It’s Mediterranean coastline is home to a large number of historic cities and ports (Marbella, Cartagena, Malaga, Alicante, Valencia, and Barcelona) with unique and wonderful places to explore, sites to see, and not forgetting the sangria and paella on a Mediterranean bareboat charter.

Mediterranean Bareboat Charter. On a Mediterranean bareboat charter in Spain the following requirements and qualifications are required.

  • RYA Day Skipper Course and Practical
  • ICC (International Certificate of Competence) International
  • IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) USA
  • NauticEd SLC (International Sailing License and Credentials) International
  • UK – MCA Master, and the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Certificate or above
  • USA – US Sailing “Basic Keelboat”, and ASA “103 Basic Coastal Cruising” or above

The Spainish port authorities accept sailing licenses from the following countries; Canada, UK, Germany, Austria, Poland, Argentina, Chile, Bulgaria, Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Italy, France, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Ireland.

2. Turkey

Turkey has beautiful white beaches filled with traditional villages and harbours.

Mediterranean Bareboat Charter. The Turkish Riviera is a 1,000 mile stretch of coastline, with green mountains, crystal clear waters, historic sites, and superb beaches. From diving in Antalya, the archaeological site of Ephesus, the vibrant city of Fethiye, Ölüdeniz lagoon, and the medieval castle, and underwater museum in Bodrum. There are plenty of must-visit sites to see on a Mediterranean bareboat charter plus great sailing conditions, warm weather, world-class diving, and snorkelling.

Sailing Requirements For a Mediterranean Bareboat Charter. For Mediterranean bareboat charters in Turkey the skipper is required to hold a RYA Day Skipper Qualification, an ICC (International Certificate of Competence), IPC (International Proficiency Certificate), or a NauticEd SLC (International Sailing License and Credentials). If you have any questions or need clarification about Turkey or any of our destinations don’t hesitate to contact us.

3. Greece

Idyllic beaches, whitewashed buildings, and quaint fishing villages.

Greece Bareboat Charter. On a Mediterranean bareboat charter, Greece has an abundance of islands to discover and explore, with an area for every sailing ability. Greece has over 8,000 miles of unique and beautiful coastline, but its real magic is found within its colection of over 2,000 + islands.

Places to Visit in Greece. Some of the must-visit islands on a Mediterranean bareboat charter, in Greece are the following;

  • Zakynthos Island – With the famous Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) and Zakynthos Marine Park.
  • Corfu – With Corfu Town, the Old Fortress, the New Fortress, and Angelokastro Castle to explore.
  • Mykonos – The islands perfect whitewashed architecture, with the Old Port Harbour and Aghia Anna Bay beach.
  • Paros – White sand beaches, ancient monuments, and small Greek villages.
  • Sifnos – Beachfront towns with cobbled streets.
  • Folegandros – An adventure-lovers paradise with plenty of hikes and adventures.
  • Santorini – The most famous island with whitewashed buildings and blue roofs.
  • Kefalonia – Some great places to explore are Melissani Cave and De Bosset Bridge. Temple Cave (Fisxardo), and Blue Canyon Lake (Lassi) are great diving spots.

Bareboat License. For a Mediterranean bareboat charter, in Greece a formal sailing license is required the skipper must posses one of the following;

  • RYA Day Skipper Course
  • ICC (International Certificate of Competence) International
  • IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) USA
  • NauticEd SLC (International Sailing License and Credentials) International
  • USA – US Sailing “Basic Keelboat”, and ASA “103 Basic Coastal Cruising” or above

4. Italy

Beautifully coloured houses, islands, UNESCO heritage sites, and the Mediterranean Sea to explore.

Mediterranean Bareboat Charter. On a Mediterranean bareboat charter in Italy, visitors can discover the Amalfi Coast and its colourful buildings, along with Italy’s beautiful islands of Sardinia, Sicily, and the Tuscany coastline.

The Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast is a 50 kilometre stretch of southern Italy’s Mediterranean coast on a luxury Mediterranean bareboat charter. The area was given UNESCO heritage recognition thanks to its historic landmarks, beautiful houses and it’s place in history. The Amalfi Coast and its heritage status have attracted visitors from all over the world to its colourful houses, with the colours of majolica domes, bougainvillea, carnations pergolas, and whitewashed houses.

Sardinia. Sardinia is a beautiful Italian island and a large island in the Mediterranean. With over 1,100 miles of rugged Mediterranean coastline filled with traditional villages and charming harbours, it is an idyllic Mediterranean bareboat charter destination. Sardinia is the perfect place for sailors of all abilities.

Bareboat License. For a Mediterranean bareboat charter, in Italy a formal sailing license is required the skipper must posses one of the following;

  • RYA Day Skipper Course
  • ICC (International Certificate of Competence) International
  • IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) USA
  • NauticEd SLC (International Sailing License and Credentials) International
  • USA – US Sailing “Basic Keelboat”, and ASA “103 Basic Coastal Cruising” or above

5. French Riviera

One of the most famous stretches of the Mediterranean coastline with world-class cuisine, high-end bars, and boutique shops.

Mediterranean Bareboat Charter. The French Riviera is an area of coastline in the South of France that stretches 560 miles from the Italian border to Saint Tropez. The French Riviera is one of the world’s most luxurious sailing destinations perfect for a luxury Mediterranean yacht charter, filled with history, culture, colourful buildings, turquoise oceans, sandy beaches, and vibrant resort towns.

World Famous Locations. The French Riviera is also a great destination for a Mediterranean bareboat charter, with the unspoiled coastline, good anchorages many of which are considered romantic. The French Riviera is made up of national parks, the towns, and cities, Antibes, Cannes, Monaco, Marseille, St Tropez, and Île de Porquerolles in the Hyères collection of islands. All these locations are the perfect place for a Mediterranean bareboat charter, with beaches, islands, delicious restaurants, and picturesque locations.

Places to Visit. Monaco, Antibes, and Cannes are famous hubs for superyachts, with high-end 5-star marinas and world-class events such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Formula One Race to watch or experience on a Mediterranean bareboat charter.

Bareboat License. For a Mediterranean bareboat charter, in the French Rivieria a formal sailing license is required the skipper must posses one of the following;

  • RYA Day Skipper Course
  • ICC (International Certificate of Competence) International
  • IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) USA
  • NauticEd SLC (International Sailing License and Credentials) International
  • USA – US Sailing “Basic Keelboat”, and ASA “103 Basic Coastal Cruising” or above

6. Croatia

One of Europe's favourite yacht charter destinations for the last 5 years.

Croatia Sailing. Croatia has quickly become a go-to Mediterranean bareboat charter destination, with over 1,000 islands, a large coastline as well as natural wonders, historical sites, clear waters, perfect sunsets, and is filled with ample possibilities. Sailing in Croatia can take you to Mljet Island National Park to hike or bike, a 12th-century Benedictine monastery St Mary in Dubrovnik, Hvar’s stylish medieval architecture or Korcula’s incredible hospitality.

Mediterranean Bareboat Charter. Croatia has something for everyone, with idyllic sailing conditions, warm waters and weather as well as islands and beaches to relax on. The major problem with visiting Croatia is deciding what itinerary you want to take on a Mediterranean bareboat charter.

Bareboat License. For a Mediterranean bareboat charter, in Croatia a formal sailing license is required the skipper must posses one of the following;

  • RYA Day Skipper Course
  • ICC (International Certificate of Competence) International
  • IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) USA
  • NauticEd SLC (International Sailing License and Credentials) International
  • UK – MCA Master, and the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Certificate or above
  • USA – US Sailing “Basic Keelboat”, and ASA “103 Basic Coastal Cruising” or above

VHF Radio License. All skippers are required by law to have a VHF Radio Operator’s License when sailing in Croatia. For more information please contact us today.

7. Mallorca

A great place to stop for calamari and a dip in Porto Katsiki.

The Balearic Islands. One of the best places for a Mediterranean bareboat charter is in the Balearic Islands, with the islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera. Each island has its own unique and wonderful sites to see and experiences to be had.

Mallorca. As the largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca is the perfect spot and is one of the best places to sail in the summer. Mallorca’s landscape is diverse and with over 340 miles of coastline, it features some of the most beautiful beaches and coves in the world.

Ibiza. Ibiza is another one of the best places to go on a Mediterranean bareboat charter as it is an island with many personalities. It is one of the few places in the world where visitors’ can find top-notch nightclubs amidst extraordinary natural beauty, and deep-rooted local tradition, Ibiza should be on everyone’s radar. Appointed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, Ibiza Town Port, Dalt Vila, is a wonderfully preserved centre of Ibizan history and heritage.

Sailing Licenses. On a Mediterranean bareboat charter in Mallorca and the Balearic Islands, all skippers are required by law to hold a formal sailing license in one of the following, a RYA Day Skipper, ICC, IPC, or NauticEd SLC.

8. Montenegro

Montenegro has a UNESCO status and over 300km of coastline.

Montenegro Sailing. On a Mediterranean bareboat charter, Montenegro is a great destination with UNESCO status and 300km of coastline. Located next door to Croatia Montenegro is filled with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Venetian fortresses, pebble beaches, uninhabited islands, white sandy beaches, coves, and beautiful harbours.

Bareboat License. For a Mediterranean bareboat charter, in Montenegro a formal sailing license is required the skipper must posses one of the following;

  • RYA Day Skipper Course
  • ICC (International Certificate of Competence) International
  • IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) USA
  • NauticEd SLC (International Sailing License and Credentials) International
  • UK – MCA Master, and the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Certificate or above
  • USA – US Sailing “Basic Keelboat”, and ASA “103 Basic Coastal Cruising” or above

9. Malta

One of the most picturesque islands on a Mediterranean bareboat charter.

Malta. On a Mediterranean bareboat charter, you can discover an island off the coast of Sicily, in the Mediterranean, 80km (50miles) off the coast of southern Italy and 284km (176miles) off the coast of Tunisia. Malta is filled with history, culture, colourful buildings, turquoise oceans, sandy beaches, and vibrant resort towns. Malta and its surrounding islands of Gozo and Comino have been long forgotten as tourist or sailing destinations, with many sailors and visitors choosing other nearby popular areas instead. With coastal and port cities to explore, high-class hotels and restaurants as well as great beaches to be explored Malta has something for everyone on a Mediterranean bareboat charter.

Great Sailing Destination. Malta is also a great destination for a Mediterranean bareboat charter, with the unspoiled coastline, good anchorages many of which are remote and secluded. Malta is made up of beautiful coastal towns, villages, some of the best beaches in the world, coves, turquoise waters, and historic cities. All these locations are the perfect stop on sailing the Mediterranean getaway, with beaches, islands, delicious restaurants, and picturesque locations.

Bareboat License. For a Mediterranean bareboat charter, in Malta a formal sailing license is required the skipper must posses one of the following;

  • RYA Day Skipper Course
  • ICC (International Certificate of Competence) International
  • IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) USA
  • NauticEd SLC (International Sailing License and Credentials) International
  • UK – MCA Master, and the RYA Day Skipper Shorebased Certificate or above
  • USA – US Sailing “Basic Keelboat”, and ASA “103 Basic Coastal Cruising” or above

VHF Radio License. All skippers are required by law to have a VHF Radio Operator’s License when sailing in Malta. For more information please contact us today.

10. Cyprus

An Island in the Eastern Mediterranean divided into two.

Cyprus Yacht Charter.Cyprus is located in the eastern Mediterranean and is a country divided into two – The Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. It is filled with history and rich in culture with a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the island. From Stone Gae ruins, Byzantine churches, Roman theatres, Greek temples, and Venetian structures.

Sailing in Cyprus. Cyprus is a great place for a Mediterrnean bareboat charter with over 340 days of sunshine a year, with coves, beaches, and beautiful coastline to explore. Cyprus is a mix of cultures with restaurants serving Italian, Turkish, Greek, and Italian cuisine. Cyprus has beautiful ports of Limassol, Larnaka, Paphos, and Pathos.

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