Things To Know About Sailing in the Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is famous for its clear blue waters and the culturally and historically rich countries that border it. As a popular sailing grounds, millions of travelers cross its waters each year. If you’re interested in touring the Med by boat or yacht, here are six things to know about sailing in the Mediterranean Sea. Learning about the area prior ensures your journey will go smoothly.
The Climate
Most destinations in the Med have a climate like North America, with July and August being the hottest months.
May through October is a great time to visit. However, if you go early or late in the season, you might experience the occasional cold night.
That said, there are numerous locations in the Med, and not all of them share the same climate. For example, Croatia is considerably farther north than Greece. Because its northern location places it farther away from the Equator, it experiences slightly cooler temperatures than most places in the Med. Meanwhile, the summer lasts the longest in Sicily, Greece, and Turkey, which are the most southern destinations.
Make sure to check the climate of the locations you plan to visit prior to packing to ensure you have proper attire to wear. The last thing you want is to land in a freezing town with nothing but sun hats and shorts in your suitcase.
Sailing Conditions
Every area has its own unique attractions, but in general, the Med is full of lots of protected anchorages with charming historical cities along the water. You can find medieval fortress in cities like Dubrovnik, Croatia, or Bonifacio on Corsica France.
These cities were built for a reason; they’re near protected areas and harbors that boats have used for centuries. Most would define “ideal sailing conditions” as the ability to reach protected anchorages or harbors in a relatively short amount time. Because it features those attractions, the Med is full of amazing places to sail.
Popular Sailing Locations
The Mediterranean Sea is bordered by 21 countries and dotted by a handful of islands. If you’re not sure which locations to prioritize on your trip, here are the top five most popular destinations in the Med we think you should check out.
Greece
To the North of the Med is Greece, a richly historical country and a breathtaking one, to boot, with clear water and warm, pebbly beaches. Visit Mykonos, a hotspot for beachside parties and clubbing, clamber up Mount Olympus for a chance to stand level with the gods, or relax near the sea with a drink in hand.
Croatia
Croatia, also called “The Land of 1,000 Islands,” is a small country in the Med with lots to see and do. As its nickname heavily implies, there are many, many islands to visit here, most notably the party island Hvar and the nature-filled isle Mljet. This is one of the best locations in the Med to go island hopping!
Italy
Italy, or “the Boot”, is known for its historical marvels, beautiful scenery, lively culture, and of course, the wine and food! You can sail from Sardinia and spend a few days in Corsica, sampling French and Italian delicacies along the way. Afterward, why not head down to Sicily to explore the Aeolian Islands and check out some fiery volcanic action?
France
This posh country is most famous for the Eiffel Tower and wine, but there’s more to France than just that. Why not visit the French Riviera (also known as Côte d’Azur), a famous holiday destination full of glamorous beaches to relax on and coastal villages and towns perfect for shopping. Other must-visit chartering stops in France include Cannes, Marseille, Nice, San Tropez, Monaco, and Corsica.
Spain
Spain is renowned for its personality. Each street is full of character, the food is bold with flavor, and there are hundreds of vibrant festivals that take place each year. For great beaches, check out Spain’s four Balearic Islands. Mallorca and Ibizia are the two most well-known islands. But due to the distance between them, we recommend choosing one or the other. Mallorca is known for its nature, with beaches, coves, and mountains galore. Ibizia has the perfect blend of dance clubs and quiet, tranquil villages.
From France’s decadent food to Spain’s party attitude to Greece’s historical attractions, every traveler will find something to enjoy in the Med. Our advice? Don’t limit yourself to just one country. Soak in as many as you’d like and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Peak Seasons for Sailing
While you can technically sail the Med whenever you please, the best time to schedule your trip is between May and October, when the weather is mild and the prime locations are busy and lively, but not to the point of overcrowding. We advise against traveling in winter, when the weather is cold, harsh, and many locals close shop, preventing you from getting the full Mediterranean experience.
About Value-Added Tax (VAT)
When traveling in Europe, one thing you need to worry about is VAT, or value-added tax. This is a consumption tax that’s applied to most goods and services in the EU—including boat and yacht charters!
But VAT rates vary from location to location and can even vary based on what you’re purchasing. But to give you a general idea, here are the VAT rates for a few popular Med sailing locations:
Greece and Croatia: 12-13%
Italy, France, and Spain: 20-22%
Keep these rates in mind when evaluating your spending budget so you don’t get thrown off guard at the register.
You Don’t Have to Have Your Own Boat
Don’t have a boat? No problem—you don’t need your own to go sailing in the Med. Instead, you can reserve a charter boat or yacht, complete with a trained, professional crew that will handle the sailing for you. At Seize the Day Charters, we can help you find the ideal Greece boat charter for your trip around the Med. Whether you’re looking to book a small boat for the family or a massive party yacht, we have it all! Contact us today to speak with one of our friendly, passionate brokers and discuss your vacation plans.
