This summer, sail to some of the best destinations of the world and experience the best of Europe.

Is it just me or is the idea of sailing around Europe on your own boat the ultimate bucket list item? Think about it—a salty cool breeze blowing through your hair while you cruise across crystal clear, incredibly blue water. The sun hits your skin and warms you up, even on the inside. Right at that moment, you feel it’s just you and your boat while the worries of the world are left behind. Life is good.

If you are getting goosebumps just like me by thinking about it, you have come to the right place. Europe is the ultimate destination for any kind of summer vacation, but it also has some of the best sailing destinations in the world. That means it can be your new heaven if you are a fan of sailing cool,
blue coastlines.

Let’s come back to reality now. Before you get too excited about sailing the open waters of the sea, you need to first plan out how you want to go about it. The initial step will be to map out a route by researching different marinas and coastlines to create your own exclusive route. If you are not comfortable with planning out a sailing vacation from scratch all by yourself, the next best thing would be to join a boating group to make the most out of your vacation. You will meet other sail enthusiasts like yourself and be able to pick their brains for ideas. But, if you are serious about this sailing business, you will want to consider buying your own boat rather than renting one.

You might think renting a boat makes more sense as it’s more affordable, you don’t have to commit to one boat, and there’s no hassle of maintenance.

But owning a boat outweighs all the advantages of renting one. You can easily make your boat a passive source of income by renting it out when you are not using it. When you buy a new boat, you will probably be
offered maintenance for at least the first few years for free or at a fraction of the usual cost by the dealer. If not, negotiate or find a dealer who offers the best package.

Buying a boat doesn’t really have to be ‘buying the boat’; you can also take a lease on it for about 10 years or less. But the biggest advantage of owning a boat is that you can cruise anywhere, anytime, wherever you want and there’s no price on freedom. As any Brit knows, this freedom is irrefutably the most important fact because the sun is frustratingly shy on our land. And there’s no greater feeling than taking advantage of the sun. If you are confused about where to buy your first boat, don’t worry; there are lots of
boats for sale in the UK, and it’s easy to get your hands on whichever type you want—motor boats, sailing boats, fishing boats, you name it.

Now that you are familiar with what needs to be done to plan out your sailing vacation, let’s look at some of the most popular and beautiful sailing destinations in Europe.

Sailing in Portugal

Incredibly gorgeous towns and sites can be found throughout Portugal, making it an ideal sailing destination. The nation is situated along the Atlantic Ocean in Europe’s most western region, in the most western portion of the continent. Because of the breathtaking natural scenery and charming cities, it is an excellent location for a memorable vacation or getaway. Furthermore, sailing lovers will find a wide range of opportunities in Portugal. Travel by boat around the beautiful coast of the Atlantic Ocean, discovering the most exciting locations to visit in Portugal along the way.

You don’t have to go far to explore, taste, and experience Portugal’s finest sailing spots. Begin your journey in Lisbon, where you may discover the city’s art, food, and hills. From Lisbon, you’ll travel to Porto to experience the area’s renowned wines. From there, you’ll have your pick of places to sail along the coast, including Sintra, Cascais, and the Algarve region, before returning to Lisbon.

French Riviera

It would be a sin to begin this list without mentioning the French Riviera. Never out of style, the French Riviera roars of old Hollywood and old glamour—an aura and a vibe that’s unmatched anywhere else in the world. Warm, sunny, and radiant, the French Riviera is lined with charming, colourful picturesque coastal towns. Don’t be fooled by the charm, though; it comes at a cost. The French Riviera smells of old money and is aptly called the millionaire’s playground. Needless to say, the sailing experience will be expensive, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Depending on your budget and itinerary, you can taste the movie star
lifestyle or under-the-radar boating experience. No matter what you crave, the French Riviera is there to serve you. Every town in the French Riviera has something fascinating to offer. Art, history, culture—take your pick. As expected, the views are nothing short of spectacular. Pristine, sandy beaches adorned with breathtaking hilltop towns that look like they are right off a postcard. If you are feeling adventurous,
take a short trip to Isles d’Hyeres, or if you are in the mood to relax, go for Isles de Lerins. But the star of the south of France has to be Cote d’Azur—a magnificent coastal line to sail from Saint Tropez to Monaco. This is why most people come to the South of France. Home to almost half of the yachts in the world, Cote d’Azur has a lot to offer. From museums adorning Picasso and Matisse to the provincial cuisine of Cannes, this is a must-visit place in the world, let alone just Europe.

Italian Riviera

Another once-in-a-lifetime sailing adventure awaits you in the Italian Riviera. Gorgeous landscape, culture, art, and delicious Italian cuisine make it one of the best places to sail in the world. Go to any coastal town along the Italian Riviera and you will find narrow, medieval streets lined with brightly coloured houses that will take you back hundreds of years and give you a taste of real Italia. One such town or village called Cinque Terre has been listed by UNESCO for its beauty. It’s a popular tourist region for just that reason. Another unique place on the Italian Riviera is the crescent-shaped coast of Liguria. If you are confused about which route to sail, a crowd favourites is from the famous San Remo to Portofino. You will be met by unparalleled views, dazzling bays, calm beaches, and old ports. If you know about Italy, you know that the best experiences are hidden in the smallest of villages, the best cuisine comes from the old family restaurants where recipes had been handed down for generations, and the best souvenirs come from the memories and the laughter you share with the locals. Don’t forget to put down your anchor once in a while and explore the real Italy in these quaint villages.

Turkish Riviera

If you have already visited the French and the Italian Riviera and you are craving for a sailing experience that can’t be described as the usual, then you most definitely need to visit the Turkish Riviera. The past meets the modern in the Turkish Riviera. It has some of the most captivating and unique coastlines in Europe. Turkey is a land immersed in rich culture and history, and you can’t help but stumble upon it in the form of ancient ruins, pebble coves, and conventional fishing villages surrounded by azure waters. Turkey is also famous for its hospitality and the warm nature of the locals. The sun-soaked shores are also filled with water sports if you are feeling adventurous. And when you are tired, you can visit a local restaurant where they serve delicious Turkish cuisine. Turkey won’t disappoint you. The coastlines of Turkey are its best-kept secret. Turkey is mostly known for its historical cities and landscapes, and folks from around the world flock here to get a taste of the past. But you can experience a different enthralling Turkey from your sailboat. The magic of
Turkey is in its blue waters, the local people, and the reliable wind that will take you anywhere your heart desires.

Croatia

Croatia’s coasts are slowly becoming popular among seasoned sailors, and one of its coasts has even been dubbed as “the next Riviera”—for good reason. Croatia has some of the most spectacular coasts of Europe and the world. A small and strangely shaped country that captures the best of Europe, including small enchanting islands, rugged mountains, and beautiful, historic cities. And there is no better way to explore this country’s magnificent islands than by yacht or a luxury boat. To give you a rough idea of how much you can explore, Croatia has almost a thousand islands scattered along its coastline. There’s a lot to do on the
islands, and every island has its own character. The most famous of them is Dalmatian Island, which boasts sparkling bays, far-flung fishing villages, and a translucent sea. It is truly a Mediterranean experience in its full glory. Not just the islands, the cities have a lot to offer as well. The cities are gloriously preserved with ancient monuments and relics that are sprawled all over. And to top it off, the cities are surrounded by luscious green national parks. If you sail on the waters of Croatia, you must visit the famous coast-side
town Dubrovnik. It’s an ancient city that stands tall with the walls and sleek marble streets of a past long gone. Some other cities you can visit are Mljet, Korcula, the port town of Trogir, tiny Bisevo, and Vis Island.
You will find the smoothest water in every month of the year except in September and October. It’s a good idea not to venture on those shores around that time unless you are a seasoned sailor.

Conclusion

Europe has an amazing array of sailing destinations, from hidden gems to popular tourist spots, and you could spend an entire lifetime discovering it all. And there’s no better way to do it than by the sea in your own boat or yacht. When the wind summons and the sea beckons, who are we to say no?