Close
Part of the glitz and glamour of yachting in the Mediterranean lies where the superyachts gather — where the champagne sprays and the parties are wild, and the days are long and lazy. Suppose you’re into the celebrity lifestyle and Michelin stars. In that case, there’s an abundance of spectacular superyacht destinations for you in the summertime, like the French Riviera and the Amalfi Coast, the Spanish Balearics and the gorgeous Croatian islands around Hvar.
But what if you’re more in the mood to escape than a party? Where should you go if you fancy being the only superyacht in a quiet anchorage rather than one of many? Sure, there are many remote destinations further off the beaten track outside Europe, but you crave the landscapes, the endless summer light, and the culture of the Mediterranean. And the food. Oh, the food!
Well, good news. Here are three incredible locations where you’ll be on the quiet fringes on a Mediterranean yacht charter, just as you like.
Most superyachts are drawn to the famous southern Dalmatian Islands, with their showstopping destinations like Hvar, Korcula and Dubrovnik. Yet if you set your course a little further, the world disappears. Relatively few superyachts head northwards into the quiet Kornati Islands, of which George Bernard Shaw once wrote, ‘On the last day of the Creation God desired to crown his work, and thus created the Kornati Islands out of tears, stars and breath’.
This archipelago has a haunting, arid beauty, with its mighty cliffs and near-silent landscapes of olive groves and eerie karst formations. 147 islands and islets are clustered together in this chain, and almost all are uninhabited, meaning there’s always another secluded place to drop anchor, swim, fish, and play in the crystal-clear sea.
Hike up hills to see the island chain spread out before you and explore the rocky coast by kayak or on an underwater scooter, and the limestone coast is riddled with caves and arches and underwater drop-offs. Because the islands are part of a protected national park, the water is rich in life, with plenty of turtles and fish to see, and you can dive into pristine Posidonia meadows, keeping a lookout for dolphins and tiny seahorses.
By day, listen to the lap of water and the sounds of the seabirds. At night, feast on fresh-caught seafood under the Adriatic sky, enjoying the peace of this splendid place.
Leave the superyacht fleet in your wake as you head to this far-flung island in the Northern Sporades. This island is one of 24 in the archipelago and is far enough from the mainland that you’ll find some pretty coves, gorgeous beaches and forested hiking trails to yourselves, even in the height of summer. Come in the shoulder months of May, September and early October, and you’ll practically have the place to yourselves. Many beaches can only be reached by boat, giving many of them a personal feel — the perfect spot for a luxury beach picnic!
The Alonnisos Marine Park is the biggest in all of Europe and is home to the vanishingly rare Mediterranean monk seal, giant pods of dolphins, and Cuvier’s beaked whales. Divers will enjoy the shipwrecks, reefs, and Gorgonian Garden, while beach lovers choose between majestic rocky backdrops and white sandy coves backed by pine trees. Spend easy days hiking through forests and olive groves and evenings at waterfront tavernas, tucking into the island’s tremendously good seafood.
Alonnosis lies within easy reach of the spectacular islands of Skopelos, a sleepy gem that’s become famous as the filming location of Mamma Mia and Skiathos, with its young party vibe. Whether you want to join the party or keep to yourself, a charter in the Northern Sporades is just what the doctor ordered.
Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is far from a secret: Cleopatra and Mark Antony used to holiday here. It’s been known as a stunning destination for a while. But this spectacular stretch of coastline is less frequented by superyachts, meaning you’ll still find empty coves and secret spots. If you’re looking for a true escape, we recommend chartering in the shoulder months of May, September and October to enjoy the heavenly quiet and escape the searing heat of the summer months.
As you float along the Turquoise Coast, you’ll be enchanted by the steeply forested hills dropping down to those mythically turquoise seas and exploring the ruins of ancient cities in valleys of pomegranate and fig trees. And when you’re in the mood for rejoining civilisation, towns like upmarket Bodrum and Feyithe promise glamorous bars, Michelin-starred restaurants, and colourful bazaars.
You’ll come home after your Turkey yacht charter feeling refreshed and enriched by this extraordinary place.
Are you looking for other remote cruising ideas in Europe? While admittedly not in the Mediterranean, the fjords of Norway are a dream location for remote cruising, as is the Swedish Archipelago, with 30,000 islands to explore under the midnight sun. Our charter team is ready with options for a relaxing European summer charter destination far from the crowds.
