Start your European yacht charter adventure with this discussion of yacht options. We went to expert Adrian Fischer to help you choose between motor and sailing yachts so you can explore beautiful destinations like the stunning Amalfi Coast, enchanting Greek Islands, and picturesque Balkans.
There is often a fascination with holidays that involve the sea. Being surrounded by water adds to the wild atmosphere of the landscape.
When deciding to explore some of the most spectacular regions of Europe, choosing a sailing holiday seems obvious. Hiring a boat is an ideal choice, providing much-needed freedom from the relentless pressures of everyday life.
Whether sailing or motoring, taking the helm offers the opportunity to discover the natural coastlines of Italy, Greece, and the Balkans in greater depth and at your own pace.
Choosing between sail or motor for your European yacht charter
The first thing to consider is what type of vessel to choose. Your primary choices are either a sailing or motor yacht.
For some, a sailing yacht adds a touch of romance, especially while visiting historic coastal cities such as Dubrovnik.
It can also be great fun cruising along in a motor yacht.
There is an amazing selection of vessels in both categories. Charter yachts, both sail and motor, are generally between ten and fifteen meters in length. They usually include multiple berths with space for up to a dozen occupants.
The vessels are beautifully compact, helping novice sailors handle them with ease.
Anyone who is nervous about piloting a yacht can usually hire a skipper to take charge.
Europen yacht charters provide affordable accommodation with a yacht rental being a luxurious, comfortable and spacious option. It’s the perfect base to relax and enjoy the wonderful scenery of Europe’s most beautiful coastlines.
European yacht charter destination highlights
While there are seemingly endless possibilities, we choose to focus on three highlight regions: The Amalfi Coast, the Greek Islands, and the Balkans.
Exploring the Amalfi Coast
The western coastline of Italy is full of romance. Ancient legends tell of wonderful grottoes and caves. They are still there today, presenting visitors with rugged, unspoiled scenery.
Sailing near the atmospheric town of Praiano provides easy access to the Emerald Cave. It’s famous for its crystal clear waters of a vivid green hue. The colour is caused by light reflecting through fissures beneath the sea.
When exploring this beautiful region of Italy, drop anchor and visit the quaint town of Amalfi.
Alternatively, enjoy the clifftop walk to Ravello, where beautiful gardens await. It’s just one portion of the Amalfi Coast’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover the enchanting Greek islands
The turquoise waters around Greece have to be seen to be fully appreciated.
Mykonos is just one of the many sandy beaches that can be found in the islands’ picturesque bays and coves. Furthermore, it’s one of the best parts of Europe for those fans of the partying scene, so you can moor your boat and enjoy a good night out on the island.
The pebble beach at Santorini adds even more beauty to the rough-hewn cliffs overlooking the harbour. Akrotiri is a traditional village from Ancient Greece, which you can visit with your boat. There, you can learn about the legendary Minoan civilization that populated the village.
If you are looking for a cultural visit, the Greek islands are still the place you need to go.
Enjoy beautiful scenery in the Balkans
The Balkans, more precisely the Adriatic coastline, is a bit of an unknown for the people not that into travelling. But that doesn’t mean you should not take it into account.
Sailing along the Adriatic coastline of Croatia is a must if you have already done the Amalfi Coast or the Greek Islands.
However, you will be missing a lot if you limit yourself to Croatia.
Montenegro may not have any inhabited islands as Croatia does, but it has a fjord-like formation you can visit. The Bay of Kotor has been described as “the most beautiful encounter between land and sea” by Lord Byron. Moreover, the region is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Final thoughts on European yacht charters
Choosing a sailing holiday on board a rented sailing or motor yacht is perfect for exploring some of Europe’s most beautiful coastlines. With these options, you’ll have a good starting point of places to visit for your trip.
Read next: Alternative Cruise Adventures in Europe
Save on your trip with these resources
These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), VRBO (self-contained), or Hostelworld (budget).
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Motorcycles: we have heard good things about BikesBooking.
- Private guides: we often find the best option is to work with a private guide from Viator.
- Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel.
Where will your European yacht charter take you?
For more on our favourite cruise ports, start here: 21 Picturesque Cruise Ship Ports Around the World or you might like …
Photo Credits:
All photos on this page are either shot by our team and watermarked as such or stock images from Depositphotos.
About the author
Adrian Fischer has been an avid yachty for over 20 years, with extensive experience sailing and motoring in various parts of the world. While he enjoys all forms of yachting, his true passion lies in sailing. We believe that Adrian’s expertise and love for the sea make him a trusted advisor for anyone looking to embark on a yachting adventure.
