Explore the Blue Grotto in the Mediterranean and wander the idyllic streets of St Tropez to understand why summer yachting in Europe is a don’t miss getaway.
If you want a unique motor or sailing yacht destination this summer, the H2O Luxury Yachts team is here with a few exciting ideas for your next luxury getaway.
The Caribbean may be a traditional vacation hotspot for its turquoise water and perfect weather, but the Mediterranean gives yachting a whole new meaning. Rich history, beautiful languages, decadent food, and lavish coastlines make the coast of Europe a modern yachting mecca.
Chart your course with a bareboat yacht or opt for an all-inclusive crewed luxury yacht. Either way, yachting in Europe makes for a trip of a lifetime.
If you choose one of our crewed luxury yachts, sailing monohulls, catamarans or super yachts, we’ll help you plan every little detail, down to your menu, activities and even your travel. Use our yacht search function to explore thousands of yachts of all sizes and levels of features. Can’t find what you want? Contact our team for an inside look at yachts not listed online.
Escape to Europe for a Vacation Cloaked in Luxury
Yachting season in the Med begins in April and runs through the end of October, although you’ll see luxe yachts dotting the breathtaking coastline year-round. The average temperature is 75-to-97 degrees Fahrenheit during peak season. (Talk about paradise!)
Want to brush shoulders with fellow yachters? Head to Palma, Barcelona, Greece, and Turkey in May to visit some of the world’s most prestigious yacht shows. Keep an eye out for the H2O Luxury Yachts team — we visit every show to see as many luxury vessels as possible.
Irresistible Yachting Hot Spots are Everywhere in the Med
Summer just doesn’t get any better than island hopping in the beautiful and accessible Mediterranean. Sip champagne from your yacht deck and take in the views of the Tyrrhenian Sea on a cruise from Southern Italy to Corsica.
Or live like a local in the streets of Greece and sip Ouzo from a quaint seaside cafe. Extend your trip to the glitzy yacht locales along the Italian peninsula. The Romans coined the Mediterranean as the center of the world, and one visit to this dreamy destination will make you understand why.
Sip Rosé Off the Coast of South France
The superyachts of the world patrol the coast of Southern France, and for good reason. This is the see and be seen spot to mingle with the rich and famous.
The notorious “Silly Season” in summer is when luxury charter yachts nestle into glamorous ports from Marseille to Bastia in Corsica, and St Tropez, Antibes and Cap de Ferrat.
Enjoy Local Fresh Seafood
Come for the breathtaking scenery and stay for the to-die-for restaurants and boutiques lining the coast. One of our favorite traditional French meals is bouillabaisse, which is totally worth a trip to France!
Local fishermen created this delicacy that eventually made its way into white tablecloth restaurants around the world. Of course, nothing is better than the real thing found in French seaside villages.
If you’ve never had a classic French bouillabaisse, you might be wondering why the hype. Bouillabaisse is a seafood stew made with clams, mussels, lobster, and a subtle touch of farm-fresh fennel.
Pair your perfect French meal with mouthwatering wines from the region. Rosé is an obvious choice and the ideal companion to a perfectly prepared bouillabaisse. Indulge in a glass (or bottle) of Champagne or a white blend from the Loire. Imagine sipping your French wine as you take in the sunset off of Corsica (see below). It really just doesn’t get better than that.
French Riviera Events
Don’t miss the F1 Grand Prix in Monaco from May 23 through May 26 this year. Perch along your upper yacht deck for a front-row seat as extravagant cars snake along the picturesque roadway.
Is mingling with Hollywood Royalty more your thing? Plan your yacht charter around the Cannes Film Festival for run-ins with the stars and a glimpse behind the scenes.
The French Riviera (known as the Cote D’Azur by in-the-know travelers) ranges from Marseille to Monaco. Escape the bustling hotspots and nightlife for the secluded coves and private beaches off the coast of France. Head to Ile de Porquerolles or any of the surrounding areas for pine tree-lined coastlines that resemble the Caribbean.
Jet Setter Magazine aptly awarded eight spots in the South of France as some of the best getaways in the world. Study the list, pick your favorites and let your yacht captain do the work. There’s just nothing better than sunbathing aboard your private yacht while you bounce around the South of France.
Nita K II is a fan favorite for extended cruises along France’s southern coastlines. This 172’ Motor yacht has five staterooms, fresh interior, and exterior updates and seemingly unlimited amenities. Take advantage of the yacht’s availability this June, which includes a wonderful crew of 12.
Yes, 172’. That’s a lot of yacht! The perfect way to experience yachting in Europe!
Our Favorite Reasons to Sail the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast and its unique, colorful towns make this destination one of the most prestigious yachting getaways in the world. Enjoy postcard views of the brightly colored buildings in Amalfi, Positano and Praiano. Between the coves and anchorages, you’ll find dramatic cliffside vineyards and local restaurants bustling with travelers.
The Amalfi Coast bursts with yachters and locals alike during peak holiday seasons between May and September. Chartering a yacht allows you to escape to your quiet quarters when the shorelines become too busy.
The Amalfi Coast is so much more than spectacular views and sandy beaches. Indulge in some of the world’s best seafood cuisine, like Shrimp, Octopus, Sea Urchins, Blue Fish, and Mollusks. A local favorite is “scialatielli ai Frutti di mare”, which is fresh seafood tossed with homemade pasta. You are in Italy, after all!
The Christina Too power catamaran is the perfect vessel to explore the illustrious Italian coastline. Bask in the sun on your private yacht’s sleek chaise lounge as you hop between different locales in Amalfi.
No European Getaway is Complete Without Time in Greece
Greece is the yachting destination of the twenty-first century and we don’t see that changing anytime soon. Join other luxury yachters during peak season when the Greek islands hover right around 85 percent capacity.
Greece is hands-down the getaway yachting dreams are made of. From the friendly locals to the inexpensive (and unbelievably delicious) seafood, the picture-perfect white buildings with blue roofs, yachting in Greece really does feel like a dream.
Fill your days with visits to the ancient cities and archaeological sites of the Greek Isles if history and exploration are your passions. Not your thing? Kick back and relax with a cocktail while you soak in the coastline from the privacy of your yacht.
Mykonos is famous for so much more than its blue roofs and white buildings. This notorious island is also a great stopover on your yachting vacation for late night dancing and entertainment. Everything happens later in Greece, so be prepared for a night that can quickly turn into morning.
Popular stops for your yacht charter in Greece include Hydra, Corfu, Santorini, Crete and Rhodes. Everyone has seen pictures of blue-roofed hillside cottages in Greece but you have to see it for yourself at least once.
Reserve Your Summer Yachting Getaway With us Today
The best part of our job is helping you discover some of the premier yachting destinations in the world. Summer yachting locales around Europe happens to be at the top of our list for amazing getaways.
From ritzy resort towns in the South of France to the idyllic fishing villages of the Greek Isles, we can’t wait to pair you with the perfect yacht charter for your dream getaway. Take a look at our yachting destinations and reach out to our team for a quote.
Call your luxury charter yacht brokers. Our service is completely complimentary for you and your family.