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The Mediterranean Sea is the largest inland sea and has some of the most popular yachting destinations globally. Are you planning a yachting trip in the Mediterranean? There are so many great destinations it can be hard to choose one! In this article, we will discuss the best places for a yacht charter in the Mediterranean.

The yachting season in the Mediterranean starts in late April and lasts until early October. In winter, the waves and the winds are much harsher, so sailing is more difficult.

There are many types of different yachts you can choose. Since many companies and owners offer charter yachts, you can find a yacht affordably in the Mediterranean.

Eased charter rules in the Balearic Islands, Spain

These islands have been a popular location for a long time and might be becoming even more popular. Since January 2018, new regulations came into force in the Balearic islands. They simplified the chartering process, especially for non-EU yachts: they don’t require special licenses anymore. You can sail all year round here, but January is the coldest month. October has the most rain.

The four main Balearic islands are Mallorca, Menorca, Formentera and Ibiza. They all have something special. Mallorca is the largest island and boasts of many attractions. Ibiza is known for its nightlife and parties and has the largest nightclub in the world. But it also has beautiful nature sights and many nature reserves. Menorca is perfect for sailing beginners since its bay of Fornells and port of Mahon have a constant breeze and are protected from high seas. Finally, visit Formentera, the smallest and quietest island of the four. It has both calm, idyllic beaches and many water sports activities.

Classic yacht charter: Cote d’Azur, French riviera

French Riviera, the Mediterranean coastline in the southeast of France, is a great place for a yacht charter. Such famous cities as Nice, Cannes, Toulon, Saint Tropez, and Monaco are here, with many famous yachting clubs. There is lots of great food and big parties here.

Another lovely French location to charter a yacht is Corsica Island. Mountain enthusiasts especially love it because it has some of the most beautiful mountain views.

Sardinia, Italy

Close to Corsica, just south of it, is another Mediterranean island: Sardinia. There are many small islets around the coastline that are lovely to visit. Costa Smeralda is a good starting point for your yacht trip since it’s only 20 km away from the Olbia airport. It also has one of the most popular beaches, the Emerald Beach. One of the most beautiful Sardinia’s highlights is La Maddalena Islands, a national marine park.

Undiscovered gems: Croatia

Yachting in Croatia might not scream luxury so much as yachting in the French Riviera does. But it’s more affordable, calmer, and likely just as worthwhile. It’s a bit similar too, not being located too far! Or even better: Croatia has over 1000 islands and islets, although only about 60 islands are populated. The most popular islands are Hvar, Brac, and Korcula. A great city to start your sailing trip is Split.

Some of the most popular places to visit are Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Šešula bay. Zagreb is the capital and most populated city, a cultural hub. Dubrovnik has a beautiful old town by the sea, surrounded by stone walls. Šešula bay will offer some calmness after an intensive trip and also protect your ship from the winds.

The largest Mediterranean archipelago: Greece

The Greek archipelago is the largest in the Mediterranean. It has from 1,200 to 6,000 islands: no one has counted them all yet! Of course, similarly to Croatia, only a small part of them have inhabitants, about 200. Like Croatia, Greece also has considerably low prices.

One of the most popular sailing locations in Greece is the Ionian islands. It is a group of islands in the west of Greece. They are great for beginning sailors, as well as the Saronic Gulf. On the other hand, the Cyclades in Southern Greece is better for professionals, as the winds are stronger there, especially in summer. Although those winds decrease the hot temperature, some companies do not even allow charter a yacht then.

Other great places for a yacht charter in the Mediterranean

Amalfi coast, Italy. This picturesque coast boats of more than one famous tourist attraction close-by. Visit Naples, Pompeii, Vesuvio, and more.

From the Amalfi coast, you can get to the Aeolian Islands and Sicily. These Italian jewels are also just as great for yachting. You can find both quaintness and bustle in this region. You can see Mount Etna, an active Stromboli volcano, historic squares and galleries in the capital Palmero, quiet villages, and busy ports.

There is also Malta. It is not as popular for a yacht charter, so it’s quainter. It has 21 islands, but only two, Gozo and Comino, are populated. Relax at secluded beaches, try watersports or explore historic towns.

Finally, consider the Turquoise Coast or the Turkish Riviera. We recommend a gullet, a traditional Turkish yacht, to sail here. Some beautiful places are Butterfly Valley with a butterfly farm, Oludeniz beach, and Kekova Sunken City, seen below the water.

We hope that this article about the best places in the Mediterranean to charter a yacht was helpful. But perhaps you own a boat or a yacht yourself? Would you like to earn money with it? Learn about the basics of boat rentals and how to make more money with them.

What makes it expensive to rent a yacht?

Rental prices for yachts can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per day. It depends on many factors.

First, of course, is the yacht itself, especially its size. Do you want to charter a yacht for four or 24 people? Most can only have up to 12 people aboard because of regulations of Safety of Life at Sea. Of course, some are much bigger and can have much more passengers, but the price goes up considerably. Design and age also affect the price. The better the design, the higher the cost, of course. Learn more about different types of yachts.

The destination is also important. Places with well-developed yachting businesses tend to have lower prices. However, if you are looking to rent at or reach some exotic location, the price will likely go up.

The time during which you rent the yacht matters too. In the Caribbean, the yachting season approximately lasts from late November to May. The official start of the season is in early December when the Antigua Charter Yacht Show takes place. However, in New York, the high season is from late April to late October. Basically, the season dates depend on the optimal weather and temperature for yachting. Of course, rental prices are much higher during the yachting season.

Now, let’s compare the prices a little. The average cost of a rental yacht in California is about $1,100 per day. In the Bahamas, the most popular yachting location in the Caribbean, the daily price during high season starts from $2,000. But the average is more like $4,000. It’s pretty similar in New York. In Saint Tropez, sailboats and catamarans can cost less than $500 per day.

Tips for cheaper yacht charters

Do you only need the boat and are planning to sail yourself or find your own crew? This way is known as a bareboat charter. Of course, it’s cheaper but can more troublesome. Also, in many cases, it is only possible renting a yacht together with the captain. Check out the video about bareboat chartering if you are interested:

If you want to get a good deal, start looking early, like 7 to 12 months before your planned yachting trip. The closer it is to your vacation, the more expensive it becomes. Also, if you want to save, opt for older yachts, which are maybe four years old. They are new enough to be reliable but still a little bit cheaper.

Finally, it’s best if you find and close the deal yourself, without any agents. Agencies can rip off up to 35% of the rent price. It is also better to communicate directly with the owner in case any trouble arises.

And if you really want to save, you can rent just a cabin instead of the whole yacht. It’s like a group tour but on a yacht! Sure, there is way less privacy and freedom. But if you like socializing and want a cheaper experience, it might be a good choice for you.

Is it worth it?

Yes, if you want to try a boating lifestyle and spend a few relaxing days this way. If you wish to taste luxury without long‑term obligations, also yes. Finally, if you are looking to host an unforgettable party, definitely rent a yacht! It might also be cheaper than week-long cruise tickets for a large family. If you are really trying to save money, well, think about it. Renting yachts is more expensive than renting cars, to be sure. But it’s affordable, depending on your budget and your needs.

It is also much, much cheaper than buying one. While having one might be something more to boast of, it will cost you so much more. Yachts are expensive to buy, depreciate like cars, and require lots of sustenance. You are also not likely to use it for more than 30 days a year which means that the yacht will sit idle 11 months out of 12. When you rent a yacht, you can save lots of money, not care about maintenance, or the purchase sitting idly. And you will be able to relax on a yacht, getting this extraordinary experience.

To sum up, if you have some money and are looking for a unique experience for yourself, your family or your friends, a yacht charter might be perfect. Consider all the factors, such as location, season, yacht size, crew, and decide on what you need. Try to close the deal without agents and a long time in advance to save money.

Top Places for a Yacht Charter in the Mediterranean for Your Yachting Vacation