A sailing holiday is the only way to get away from the crowds and discover the hidden beauty and charm of these countries. There's such a variety of anchorages from secret coves to wide sheltered bays, from pretty fishing villages to modern marinas.
Click on the cruising areas below for more details of yachting holidays in the Mediterranean.
Greece
Explore a different island every day. Picturesque fishing harbours, idyllic anchorages, ancient monuments – Greece has such wonderful scenery, history and culture. So many islands to discover and so conveniently arranged within easy sailing distance. Choose your cruising area to suit you - there’s plenty for all levels of sailors.
Discover towering cliffs and secret coves, deserted bays and sandy beaches, isolated villages and fishing harbours. Keen sailors will enjoy the reliable winds, but families will appreciate the many sheltered bays and anchorages along the coast which encourage you to stop and swim in clear turquoise water.
Come and discover Croatia’s coastline, where a string of offshore islands provide stunning scenery and safe cruising. Quaint towns and modern marinas provide safe overnight harbours and reliable afternoon winds make sailing a pleasure. Start our charter from marinas all along the coast from Pula in the north to Dubrovnik in the south.
So many different cruising areas to discover! Explore the offshore islands of Sardinia, Elba or Sicily. Everywhere you'll find great sailing, stylish marinas, traditional fishing harbours, sandy beaches and a wide choice of itineraries. Enjoy great food and Italian charm.
From the base in Palma, explore the rugged western shore with its pine-clad cliffs or the secluded bays of the southern shores with white sandy beaches, azure seas and beachside restaurants. With direct flights from most UK airports, Mallorca is an ideal choice for a family sailing holiday.
With a yacht charter in the South of France you can enjoy the chic lifestyle. Enjoy great sailing, glamorous resorts, sandy beaches and gastronomic delights on a sailing holiday in the South of France. Start your yacht charter from Bormes les Mimosas opposite the beautiful Iles d'Hyere or from Antibes, so close to Nice airport.
"My husband, two children (19 and 20years) and I had a fabulous time on our southern Split flotilla. From booking, to getting our boat and right through the whole holiday, Nautilus were fantastic. The boat was spotless, well kitted out and everything in perfect working order. Helen and Harley took us to fantastic places, were very knowledgeable about the area and the people, organised great social events, booked restaurants for us and were there for us to deal with any problems. I would recommend Nautilus to everyone, we have been on a few flotilla holidays and this is by far the best. "
Call our knowledgeable sailing specialists for the latest advice and recommendations on the sailing areas most suited to you.
Let's talk later
Arrange a call back from one of our specialists (Mon-Fri: 0900-1730).
Sailing Qualifications
To skipper a bareboat charter or flotilla yacht, you need to hold a practical sailing certificate equivalent to RYA Day Skipper Practical qualification or RYA International Certificate of Competence (ICC). For charters in Greece, you must now have the ICC certificate. You must also be assisted by at least one competent crew member over the age of 18.
The port authorities in Greece are now insisting on one of the following practical certificates: RYA ICC (International Certificate of Competence), RYA Coastal, RYA Yachtmaster, ASA IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) or the IYT (International Yacht Training) Passport. If you hold an RYA Day Skipper or ASA104 it will no longer be accepted and you need to obtain either an ICC or IPC from the corresponding issuing body (RYA or ASA). If your RYA Coastal/Yachtmaster or ASA105/106 certificate is more than 12 years old and does not have a photo ID, then we would also strongly advise applying for an ICC or IPC. If you are a member of the RYA or ASA, you may qualify for a discount or free certificate, otherwise, you will have to pay. The approximate cost is £50. Please use this link - RYA application for the ICC or ASA application for the IPC.
For charters in Croatia, Malta and the Canaries, at least one member of the crew or the skipper will also need a VHF licence.
RYA qualifications can be obtained by RYA sailing schools in the UK or alternatively choose from one of our overseas centres in Gibraltar, Greece or Turkey.
For Seychelles, the local authorities require an ICC for the skipper of a bareboat or flotilla yacht charter.
For Caribbean and Tropical charters, formal qualifications are not compulsory, however, you should be Day Skipper standard and be assisted by at least one competent crew. A brief sailing resume should be provided to outline your experience.
If you don't hold the relevant qualifications then why not add a skipper?
Sailing Levels
Level 1
Winds force 2-3 (4-11 Knots)combined with generally shorter distances. Good for beginner or intermediate sailors. Line-of-sight navigation but basic knowledge of charts and ability to plot your position required.
Level 2
Winds force 3-5 (7-21 Knots) with approximately 15-20nm per day. Intermediate experience required. Predominately line of sight navigation but an understanding of how to sail in open water.
Level 3
Winds force 4-6 (11-27 Knots) with mileage of approximately 20nm+ per day. Ideal for experienced skippers looking to venture out to new destinations. Day skipper standard but with experienced crew would be recommended.
