Mediterranean Yacht Charter

Cannes to Saint-Tropez · June to September

The most concentrated charter market in the world. A week from Antibes covers Saint-Tropez, the Îles de Lérins, Monaco and Portofino without a long passage. Berth availability is the binding constraint in July and August, and during the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival prices roughly double. Best for guests who want restaurants and nightlife within tender range every evening.

Naples to Positano · May to October

The most scenic short-range itinerary in the Mediterranean: Capri's Faraglioni, the Blue Grotto at first light, Positano, Amalfi and the Li Galli islands, with Ischia for thermal springs. Anchorages are deep and exposed, so a stabilised yacht matters here more than elsewhere. Shoulder season in late May and September is markedly calmer.

Palma to Formentera · June to September

Palma is the Mediterranean's best refit and provisioning hub, which means the newest charter fleet in Europe starts here. Ibiza and Formentera deliver the beach-club circuit; Mallorca's north coast and Menorca's calas offer the opposite. Formentera's seagrass protection zones now require licensed moorings — a good broker handles this in advance.

Split to Dubrovnik · June to September

More than a thousand islands and the shortest hops in the Mediterranean, so days are spent swimming rather than steaming. Hvar, Vis, Korčula and the Kornati archipelago are the core route, with Dubrovnik's old harbour as an anchor. Cheaper than Italy or France for comparable yachts, and the water clarity is the best in the Adriatic.

Athens to Mykonos and Santorini · May to October

The classic Greek route out of Athens: Kea, Paros, Antiparos, Mykonos, Santorini and back via Serifos. The meltemi wind blows hard from mid-July through August, which sailing yachts welcome and motor yachts plan around. Greek charter regulation requires a Greek-flagged or EU-cleared yacht for domestic itineraries.

Corfu and Skiathos · May to October

The sheltered alternative to the Cyclades — greener, calmer and better for families or first charters. Corfu, Paxos, Lefkada and Ithaca in the Ionian; Skopelos and Alonissos in the Sporades, where the National Marine Park protects monk seals. Short passages, reliable afternoon breeze, almost no swell.

Bodrum to Göcek · May to October

The best value at the top of the market, and the home of the gulet — traditional wooden yachts now built to full luxury specification. The route from Bodrum through Gökova Bay to Göcek and Fethiye is almost entirely protected water, with Lycian ruins accessible directly from anchorages. Crew-to-guest ratios here are the most generous in the Mediterranean.

Porto Cervo to Bonifacio · June to September

The Costa Smeralda and the Maddalena archipelago offer the clearest water in the western Mediterranean, with Bonifacio's cliff harbour a short crossing away. Porto Cervo in August is the single most expensive berth in Europe. Go in June or September and the same anchorages are close to empty.