The best cruise spots for beginners

Things to Remember

After a rich course of theory and practice, you finally hold your long-awaited skipper certificate in your hands. This is already a huge step towards the dream! We can say that one of the most difficult tests is behind us - the whole oceans and new impressions are ahead. 

Now you are waiting for an equally exciting process of choosing a yacht, selecting a team and going to sea for the first time on your own. Exciting, isn't it? In fact, it sounds more complicated than it seems at first glance. However, you should not forget about the most important thing - your skills.

It is still too early for you to be called a seasoned sea wolf, while you are just taking the first steps in comprehending the art of the sea. And therefore, in order for your first cruise to be enjoyable for both you and the team, you should take seriously the choice of the route and direction in general. 

Calm waters, light breeze and pleasant weather are the most important things to consider when choosing a destination. You should not immediately try to master the ocean crossing, there will still be time for this. You should hone your skills as best you can and find miles in calm conditions. There is no need to hurry, master leisurely mooring, anchoring, laying routes. 

Extremely popular destinations for beginner yachtsmen are in the Mediterranean Sea. Let's take a look at these exciting destinations!

Why the Mediterranean?

Because it is here that you can get the experience of a calm cruise, and test the team's resilience during the treacherous Croatian Bor. After the Mediterranean, you will most likely become a yachtsman who is not afraid of any trials. 

Among the most popular destinations in the Mediterranean are:

1. The Ionian Islands along the western coast of Greece - Corfu, Paxos, Antipaxos, Lefkada, Kefalonia and the legendary Ithaca may be of particular interest.
2. The coast between Pula and Korcula (Croatia) - Kvarner Bay or the vicinity of Sibenik, Split.
3. Bay of Naples in Italy
4. Sailing along the coast of Turkey - the famous Fethiye, Marmaris, Datca Peninsula
5. And where without the Balearic Islands - Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza.

These places are famous (especially in the peak of the summer season) for calm waters, proximity and density of marinas, as well as relatively light winds. No, of course there are Bora, and Mistral, and other famous winds, but for a beginner this is an excellent opportunity to practice weather forecasting and comprehend the basics of sailing meteorology. Let's take a closer look at all these areas!

Yachting in Croatia

Needless to say, Croatia is one of the favorite places among yachtsmen. There is everything even for experienced sea wolves! You can leisurely move along the coast of Croatia and admire the local beauties from the ship, occasionally going ashore in lively marinas. Or you can experience the beauty of virgin nature and anchor somewhere among the countless small islands. 

For lovers of long transitions, there is also something to do here. Croatia is good because there are many interesting places for avid tourists. Between crossings, you can easily walk along the old streets of coastal cities, learn about history and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Italy is the real heart of Europe

The waters of Italy are some of the most interesting and exciting for yachtsmen. Non-trivial passage of the coastline, a large number of islands, sometimes not the most predictable wind - Italy will accept any sailor, the main thing is to show due respect. 

The ancient culture, the idyllic atmosphere of Tuscany and Elba, Sicily and much more awaits yachtsmen. If you want to see and feel the real, bright and catchy Italy, then your path lies in the Gulf of Naples. Also a good choice would be the Sorrento Peninsula and the truly beautiful city of Amalfi. 

If in Croatia history is at every step, then Italy is literally woven from thousands of stories of the present and the past - it was here that modern civilization was forged 2000 years ago. Modern Italian culture is also in no way inferior to antiquity. Everyone will find something of their own here, you just have to open the curtain!

Relaxed cruise along the coast of Greece

The best epithets that you can choose for a vacation on a yacht in Greece are clear sea, steady but moderately strong wind, beautiful landscapes. Many have heard that Greece is a region for experienced yachtsmen. But this is not entirely true - along the Ionian coast you will find many calm waters. 

The main destinations for beginners are routes around Lefkada and Zakynthos, as well as cruises around Corfu and mainland Greece. Here you will definitely not be caught by the malicious wind of Meltemi. The Saronic Gulf, not far from Athens, also goes to the piggy bank of good places for beginners. Here you can find the temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, the ancient amphitheater and the city of Corinth. 

Turkey and its hospitality

If you are an avid tourist and for some reason have not yet visited Turkey, then we have serious questions for you! Turkey is almost literally the center of the world - West and East, North and South meet here. And for good reason with a capital letter, because it's not really about the cardinal points. Here you can also find monuments of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. 

One of the most popular destinations is the route between Bodrum and Antalya. There are many marinas and marinas, and besides them there are many sheltered bays for swimming. Also, if you don't really like miracles on curves (i.e. sharp and strong winds that seem to come from nowhere), then this route is for you. Sharp temperature drops and treacherous currents are also not about Turkey. 

The Turkish Riviera also has warm waters - in summer the water reaches temperatures up to 29 degrees Celsius. Swim as much as you like!

Balearic Islands

Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza are words that warm the soul of many avid yachtsmen. On warm summer days, you will almost always be pleased with good weather, and evil winds will not bother you.

Here you will see the cleanest beaches, and azure waters, and picturesque towns. Local nature and culture is generally a separate conversation! Local attractions may and will be inferior to Italian ones in quantity, but their quality will definitely not disappoint you. 

And by the way, it is the Balearic Islands that are included in the Top 7 (!) Best destinations for a romantic getaway in the world (!). Just keep in mind. 

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05.01.2023