Autumn yachting: where to relax away from the hustle and bustle?

Autumn and yachting – a great combination!

Most yachtsmen storm the southern Mediterranean resorts at the peak of the season. And it is no wonder, because many of us have vacations during the warm season. However, experienced sea wolves know that yachting in the fall can bring no less pleasure than in the summer.

Indeed, by October in many places in the Mediterranean you can no longer splash around in warm water, but autumn yachting opens up opportunities of a different kind. The main advantage of yachting in the fall is the significantly smaller number of tourists in the marinas. By the middle of autumn, the influx of travelers has significantly decreased, which allows:

• easier to book a place in the marina;
• avoid crowds when entering ports and parking areas;
• stroll calmly through usually very busy tourist areas;
• Spend less money - this applies to both marinas and provisions in local stores.

Prices will probably be higher than non-tourist destinations in any case, but significantly lower than during peak season. 

Naturally, autumn yachting has its downsides, but they become more significant towards the end of autumn. For example, weather conditions will gradually worsen, and some local shops may only be open during the season. However, in October, these disadvantages do not yet have such a strong impact on the cruise. 

Regarding destinations and routes: the most popular ones are almost always active. For example, in Corsica and the main islands of the Balearic archipelago, the "action" does not stop even after the end of the summer season. This is because September and October are extremely favorable months for active sailing and travel. But where should you go on an autumn cruise?

France

The birthplace and stronghold of modern yachting, France, can offer many interesting places to travel at any time of year. Here are measured trips along the canals on board a houseboat, and the harsh Bescay. In addition, in France there are many places where you can spend a week or two in solitude on a pleasant cruise.

Belle Ile Island

Belle-Ile Island is located in the very north of Bescaia. Once this small piece of land in the sea bore the name of Napoleon I's beloved - Josephine. The island is the largest off the coast of Brittany. Its area is about 84 km2. Among the picturesque cliffs and sandy beaches there are several small ports with places for yachts and anchorages.

The island has everything you need to replenish your food supply. You can also rent a car, motorcycle or scooter on Belle-Île and go explore the local attractions. Among the local points of interest, it is worth highlighting the large lighthouse, the cliffs of the Apothicairerie cave and Port-Cotona.

Prices become lower in autumn, but remain at a conditional average level. The biggest price reductions are for yacht mooring and equipment rental, which cannot be said about provisions.

Gulf of Morbihan

Just north of the island of Belle-Île is the famous Gulf of Morbihan. The area of the gulf is 115 km2 and its peculiarity is that the gulf is almost completely surrounded by land.

There are about 250 small islands in Morbihan. Interesting fact: these islands are essentially hilltops. The bay was formed as a result of the rising level of the Atlantic Ocean and the subsequent flooding of the Morbihan lowland.

The number of historically important places adjacent to the bay is difficult to fit into the framework of a whole article, let alone a brief overview of the places. Getting to them will not be difficult - especially considering the well-developed yachting infrastructure with many marinas. The flow of tourists in the fall is lower and prices here, unlike Belle-Ile, fall significantly. Prices for parking and equipment are moderate.

Porquerolles Island

Smoothly moving to the Mediterranean – and the first stop will be the island of Porquerolles. This small island on the southern tip of France is quite small. Its area is only 12.5 km2. The island is located between Marseille and Nice, i.e. on a fairly busy sea area. 

Porquerolles is famous for its local cuisine, clean beaches and crystal clear water. However, it is not only for idleness – the island has a large nature reserve and many interesting architectural sites. The entire island can be relatively quickly cycled by bike, which can be rented right there.

The yacht infrastructure is well developed, there are places for mooring and parking in marinas. Prices are average, but noticeable. Even outside the peak season, the cost of dinner in a restaurant per person fluctuates between 25 and 40 euros.

Italy

Hot temper, delicious wines and pasta – this is not all that Italy has to offer. Italy can rightfully be considered the cradle of modern civilization, which has given the world countless achievements: from the basics of jurisprudence to great philosophers. What can you see in Italy when the yachting season is coming to an end?

Elba Island

What selection would be complete without the legendary island of Elba? That's right, there is no such selection! Elba or Ilva, or Etalia is one of the islands of the Tuscan archipelago. Being the largest island of its archipelago, Elba is also the third largest island in all of Italy.

On the island you can find not only museums named after Napoleon Bonaparte, but also thermal springs, an archaeology museum, Medici fortress walls, beaches and even a castle with a fortress! You definitely can’t explore everything in one go – Elba is rich in stories and is eager for you to listen to each of them.

Due to its legendary status, Elba is almost never deserted. However, the flow of tourists really drops off with the onset of autumn. Marinas, bays and anchorages are at your complete disposal. Prices are quite high, but the number of activities and attractions more than make up for this.

Cinque Terre

In our humble guide "Where to go sailing... in Italy?" we talked about this interesting place. Let's refresh our memory! Cinque Terre is a general name for a group of five small villages and a national park. The villages themselves are very small, located either on the rocks or at the very edge of the water. Road traffic is prohibited in all the villages except Monterosso, but even here it is very limited.

In Cinque Terre there are beaches for every taste – equipped and wild. Here you can also find castles and conquer local peaks. All the attractions of the park are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The local architecture deserves special attention.

Larger settlements have full-fledged marinas, while smaller ones will have to make do with anchorage. For some, the ban on cars will be a disadvantage. Prices are average, and gradually decrease by mid-autumn.

Amalfi Coast

The southern coast of the Sorrento Peninsula is a popular destination for tourists and yachtsmen. The city of Amalfi is located on the coast, which is famous for its cathedral built in 937. A little further, outside the city, you can find another interesting place - the village of Positano. This village is located on the slope of a mountain and has an interesting structure: the terraces seem to descend into the sea itself. 

The Amalfi Coast is full of interesting places. In addition to wild beaches and fascinating flora, you can find a whole scattering of small villages, each with its own unique flavor.

Among the advantages, I would like to highlight the presence of a large number of points of interest and opportunities for exploring them. On the other hand, the number of mooring places in local marinas is limited. At the same time, the infrastructure itself is quite developed. Prices are above average.

Croatia

If the Adriatic Sea had a crown, Croatia would be one of its brightest diamonds. The country is known for its endless islands, azure waters and ancient cities. Cozy bays, medieval towns and secluded beaches make Croatia an ideal yachting destination. Even in October, you can enjoy the mild climate and tranquility of the sea, going on leisurely cruises around the islands or exploring the coast with its charming villages.

Island of Vis

The island of Vis is located in the Adriatic, in the south of Croatia. Vis is one of the most remote islands from the mainland. Vis was isolated for a long time – for 50 years there was a military base of the Yugoslav army. It is due to its isolation that the island has preserved its stunning nature almost in its original form. 

Vis has many beaches, bays and caves. The town of the same name has a rich history and a large number of historical monuments, including the Franciscan monastery of the 16th century. There is another town on the island - Komiža. People call it the town of fishermen. Here you will find fish dishes for every taste, color and budget. Do not forget to visit the Blue Cave grotto, which is located very close to Komiža, on the small island of Biševo.

The many bays and anchorages make for a great base for visiting the island, and prices remain affordable even during peak season.

Zaklopatica Bay

A small wooded bay simply has to appear on our list of the best places for quiet autumn sailing. Zaklopatica Bay is located on the northern side of the Dalmatian island of Lastovo. The island is home to a town of the same name.

There are only 15 houses in the bay – and three restaurants. The bay is entirely tied to tourism, so there are all the conditions for yachts and yacht moorings. In the warmer seasons, you can go diving here, but we are more interested in the local views. Lastovo Island is declared a nature park. Due to its remoteness, it enjoys less attention from tourists and travelers than other islands in the Adriatic Sea.

The bay has everything you need for yachting. Here you can relax, replenish supplies and walk around the local area. Prices are average.

Greece

As important as Rome is to modern civilization, Greece is to Rome. Home to ancient myths, heroes and gods, Greece remains one of the most interesting places for yachting. The local waters are clearly under the control of Poseidon – otherwise, the strong meltemi winds and high waves cannot be explained. 

Thassos Island

Turquoise waters, cozy little villages, olive oil and honey – all this can be found on the shores of Thassos. Thassos Island is a real pearl of the Aegean Sea. It is located in its northernmost part. And although the island is quite popular among tourists, the approaching cold weather forces travelers to return home.

One of the main attractions of the island are the mountains and forests. On the mountain slopes you can see farmers tending olive groves and apiaries. A little closer to the water there are large vineyards, and small fishing boats loom on the horizon. Thassos is a place where you can throw off the burdens and sorrows of the mortal world and be alone with yourself.

Prices are democratic. The infrastructure is developed due to active summer tourism, but by October the flow of tourists decreases to a minimum. There are plenty of bays and yacht moorings.

Türkiye

Situated at the crossroads of two civilizations – the West and the East – Turkey has managed not only to preserve its ancient traditions, but also to enhance them. The shores of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas are adorned with ancient ruins, hidden bays and small villages where time seems to have stopped. Yachting in Turkey offers a mild climate, magnificent landscapes and warm waters, making the country a great place to relax in October.

Kekova

In the province of Antalya there is a very interesting island with an equally interesting name – Kekova. This small island is well known to many yachtsmen. There are no people living on Kekova, and visiting it is prohibited, so you can only explore the island from your yacht. However, we assure you that such an experience is worth it. 

The whole point is that on the shore of the island there are the remains of the sunken city of Dolihiste, which went under water as a result of an earthquake. In real life, the landscape looks phantasmagoric: the remains of buildings have become part of the surrounding nature, traces of human activity gradually dissolve in the abyss of time. The remains of buildings can be easily seen from a distance of just over 10 meters.

But if you look overboard, into the transparent turquoise depths of the sea, you will see the remains of the baths, ruins of houses, amphoras scattered along the bottom, remains of paved houses and other traces of the Sunken City.

Please note: although the diving ban has been partially lifted, it is recommended not to tempt fate and the law.

Datca

The Datca Peninsula is one of the most popular yachting and tourism destinations in Turkey. Travelers sometimes call Datca the “almond Provence” of Turkey. The peninsula got its name because the almond trees bloom here in February and March, turning the fields and slopes of the local peaks into a white and pink blanket swaying in the wind.

The peninsula is located close to the Greek islands, and therefore the influence of Greece is felt here especially strongly. Here you can find many quiet bays that will shelter yachtsmen and protect them from bad weather. The yacht infrastructure is well-established, and there are few tourists in the autumn.

New video on the Interparus channel🎥

It's been a long time since we had good old reviews on our channel. This time Sasha Goron will tell you about one of the most interesting versions of the Aura 51 catamaran – Double Maestro. Enjoy watching!

28.09.2024