Top 5 destinations for European yachting

Top 5 destinations for European yachting

Locations, specifics, reviews, budget optimization and useful tips

Croatia: under German influence

Croatia has long been at the top among European yachtsmen. And this is understandable: the purest Adriatic Sea, picturesque coastal towns, developed infrastructure and relative proximity make the region extremely popular for sailing holidays. Not too long ago Croatia was one of the most favorite countries among Ukrainians for passing on the BBS (BareBoat Skipper) license, because, to all its advantages in the “pre-visa times”, it was also added that until 2013 it was not a member of the EU, and it was easy to visit it.

Croatia has long been one of the most popular destinations among European, and especially German, yachtsmen

Croatian yachting concentrates around Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar (Dalmatia region) and the Istrian peninsula. The country owns more than a thousand islands - inhabited and deserted, rocks and reefs - so you can find places for every taste, even coming to Croatia from year to year. There are many charter companies, the fleet is large and good, and yachting is comfortable. A separate plus of the region is that the routes are well described. This makes it easier to plan your sailing trips, especially for aspiring sailors.

Split, Croatia

However, Croatian honey has its own percentage of tar. And let's start with the weather. Croatia in this regard can be quite unpredictable. The region is famous for the local wind "Bora", which unexpectedly falls from the mountains and in a matter of hours is able to spoil the weather for several days. Bora usually blows for three days. Charter companies recommend that you refrain from going out in winds above 6 on the Beaufort scale. Although without their recommendations, the pleasure is rather dubious. Especially for the skipper, who is responsible for the crew and the boat.

In such a situation, the team is often likened to an idle army: discipline falls, moral decay grows, everyone exhausts the skipper with questions "when are we going to sell?" Sailing decisions are usually made ahead of time, often half a year in advance, when charter companies offer the most attractive rates. Therefore, gathering a company for a romantic cruise on the Adriatic, and instead go on excursions or sit in a bar at the marina, waiting out the pine forest - such a risk always exists.

The second "scourge" of yachting in Croatia is rather high prices. The Germans fell in love with selling there for a long time. And according to their requests - and, as a result, wallets - the local yachting policy is being built. Therefore, prices are rapidly climbing up, somewhere even breaking through the border of common sense.

High season in Croatia is from June to August. And the prices for marinas and buoys during this period are also high. Yes, the infrastructure is excellent and in almost every marina you will be welcomed, helped to moor and send a harbor master if necessary - but you will have to pay in full for this. In September, prices are lower, but from the second half of the month the weather begins to deteriorate, and the sea cools down.

Some of the most comfortable - but also expensive - are the marinas of the chain ACI Marinas (Adriatic Croatia International Club)... To park a 45-foot boat during the season, you can pay 300 euros / night - which is very significant for many. A simpler marina can cost about 120-150 euros, and a buoy - 60-70 euros. Electricity and water will have to be paid separately, according to the meter.

However, during high season the parking lots are often full. And to be sure to park, you need to book a place in advance or come at three or four hours. In addition, on peak days (Friday evening and Saturday afternoon), when yachtsmen are driving boats for delivery or just going out to sea, there can be quite dense and uncomfortable traffic in the marinas.

One way to optimize your budget in Croatia is to prefer spending the night not in marinas, but at anchorage in countless local bays.

Life hacks and tips

After all that has been said, someone may wonder whether the presence of Croatia in the top 5 list is justified. Justified: the region is devilishly attractive, beautiful, praised by Milorad Pavic and certainly deserves attention. Therefore, it is worth going there, especially if you approach your spending carefully.

Anchorage in the bay, instead of a marina or buoy, will help reduce costs. If the weather is calm and there is no risk that the boat will be ripped off, anchorage can be a great alternative to the marina for at least half the night. If necessary, you can drop into the marina to replenish the water tanks, immediately notifying the manager about this - then you will have to pay only for the water. When booking a boat, be sure to pay attention to the availability of solar panels. This will make you even more autonomous.

There will also be a mobile application to help yachtsmen Porthop - intuitive and easy to use, tailored specifically for the search and booking of places in Croatian marinas. The app uses geolocation data to provide a list of nearby marinas with anchorage prices for a yacht of a given size.

Picturesque Croatia remains one of the most beloved destinations among European yachtsmen of all categories

Summary

The visa-free regime has simplified travel for Ukrainians by making it possible to choose from other coastal Schengen countries. Nevertheless, this part of the Adriatic remains a great place for romantic and comfortable yachting, seasoned with beautiful towns, delicious cuisine and high service. With this rating, Croatia closes the top five of our selected countries.

The Ionian Islands of Greece: the land of sailors

It is hardly possible to talk about Greek yachting "in general" in one article - it requires a hotel book. Therefore, we will drop anchor near the islands of the Ionian archipelago, next to the legendary Ithaca, the birthplace of King Odysseus.

Paxos, Antipaxos, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaca and the legendary "Greek Italy", Corfu - a whole necklace of islands, with cozy bays, picturesque towns and a calm sea. The combination of these factors makes the Ionian region more and more popular among Ukrainian yachtsmen, especially those who go to sea for the first time. Charter fleets are in marinas Lefkada (Lefkada), Preveza (Epirus) and Gouvia (Corfu), where, in fact, the journey begins.

The season starts at the end of April and lasts until October... Especially Greece is loved by many for the "long" May holidays.

Such breathtaking panoramas are quite typical of the Ionian Archipelago.

Ksenia Gavrilova, skipper at Sail & Travel:

“The Ionian Islands are ideal for uncomplicated sailing. Here the sea is calm, the weather is predictable, and the coast is always in sight. The team goes to solid ground every day. That is, you can acquire yachting practice and do it without any super-effort. Quite the contrary: to the accompaniment of sirtaki, enjoying delicious cuisine and generous portions. "

However, this does not mean that experienced yachtsmen will be bored here. Quite the opposite: in the region there is where to go and what to see. And if there are still underwater hunters in your company, then there will always be fish on board - it has been verified by personal experience.

Due to the fact that the Greeks belong to the "peoples of the sea", they are very loyal to sailors. The thousand-year tradition of sailing is a kind of brotherhood. Therefore, for everyone who sticks to the ground, there is a place at the wall, a glass of wine and a piece of cheese with olives.

However, there is no developed yachting infrastructure like in Croatia, Spain or Turkey. Yes, you can moor at the city wall for 5-15 euros (if there is someone to hand them to) or anchor in the bay (free of charge). But don't count on showers, toilets, and your mooring lines ashore.

Ithaca, like the whole of Greece, this land of myths, home of gods and heroes

You can always negotiate for water - often there are even a couple of announcements on the shore with the names and phone numbers of water carriers. But if you need some kind of extra service or repair, difficulties may arise with this. Many find this to be a disadvantage of Greek yachting.

Another disadvantage of Greece is sometimes called the "brokenness" of boats. But here, probably, you always need to take into account the booking time and requests: the charter fleet in the region is large, so naturally, those who book late may come across a rather “tired” yacht. Especially if you are a beginner and are coming to the charter for the first time. Therefore, when taking the boat, remember that the proverb “greeted the Greek - count all the fingers on your hand” did not appear out of the blue. There is also one more point to consider. We have no flights to Lefkada. Therefore, it will be necessary to fly to Athens, and from there get to Lefkada, for example, by bus (about 4 hours). You can also search for flights to Corfu or Preveza airports. And those who decide to get there by their own car need to take into account the toll Greek roads.

It is no wonder that the beauty and tranquility of the Ionian Islands attracts both beginners and seasoned yachtsmen.

Life hacks and tips

Contact charter companies with good reviews, no matter how obvious it sounds. Especially if you are visiting the region for the first time. Bad fame spreads quickly, and if the charter company is sinning by “putting” newcomers on a deposit, they will quickly start writing about it on the forums. However, the insurance of the deposit also does not hurt. And carefully read the boat handover log, paying attention to when the last inspection by the diver took place. If you do not have the opportunity to inspect the bottom, keel and propeller, and the last record of such an inspection for some reason does not suit you, write about this in the contract and ask the charter representative to certify the text with his signature. It is usually possible to agree that within 24 hours, when the boat leaves the marina for clean water, the skipper will inspect everything himself, and in case of complications he will be sent to the charter.

Make friends with local restaurant owners and become - as much as possible - a favorite customer. Then they will hold you a place against the wall, fill you with water, and maybe even organize a shower.

Be sure to teach someone from the crew to work with the anchor, because you will usually stand on it. And the participation of a part of the team in the mooring will be necessary. And the relocated chain in a small bay, where there are already 3-4 boats - this happens, alas, more often than we would like.

And master the "Greek mooring" (aka "Mediterranean"): at anchor and two long mooring lines given from the stern, which the mooring team will need to attach to any safe place on the shore (tree, pole, bracket, etc. .).

Corfu, Greece

Summary

The many historical sites, the friendliness of the locals, the quiet coves and fun restaurants, the long season and the good sea - all these factors make the Ionian Islands a great yachting destination. Especially for those who are just starting their acquaintance with the sail. The region is considered one of the most economical in the Mediterranean - despite the fact that you don't have to save much.

However, the underdevelopment of the infrastructure and the associated difficulties for someone may become a minus, somewhat spoiling the overall standings. Therefore, we will award the region a confident four.

You can moor the yacht at the wall, next to the restaurant, and immediately go there for dinner

Canary Islands: May, eternal May

Speaking about European yachting, it is impossible to ignore the Canary Islands, Spain's possession in the Atlantic Ocean. First of all, because you can walk there all year round. The Canary Islands are a kind of paradise, the land of "eternal May", where the temperature of even air and water, even in winter, rarely drops below 20 degrees.

In Spain, the king himself sells, which, of course, leaves its positive imprint on the entire sphere. The yachting infrastructure is developed, the locals are hospitable, the islands are picturesque, and the prices are very reasonable.

Canary Islands - islands of volcanic origin; many volcanoes are still "warm" today. Teide in Tenerife - the highest point in Spain

In November, charter companies move their fleets from the Mediterranean to the Canary Islands, where boats will operate during the winter on the continent. When choosing a boat, special attention should be paid to its technical condition, since the Europe - Canary section does not pass without leaving a trace. Check everything: hull condition, rigging, sails, hull leaks, latrines, engine, stoppers and blocks, winch operation, navigation, safety, etc. Marina prices are affordable. Boat parking will cost 40-50 euros.

The beauty of the archipelago is impressive. Not having time to enjoy the beauty of Tenerife, you are already discovering La Gomera. La Gomera is followed by La Palma. On La Palma, you are almost ready to admit that you have not seen anything more beautiful - but then it is the turn of El Hierro. And that's not all the islands ...

La Gomera

Gran Canaria

But everyone who plans to walk in the region should always consider a few points. First, this is the Atlantic. There is a different wind here, a different wave and for beginners such conditions can be difficult for both the skipper and the crew.

Secondly, the Canary Islands have wind acceleration zones. it Tenerife-Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria-Fuerteventura, La Gomera-Tenerife... In them, the wind can sharply increase two to three times in comparison with the forecasted values. In addition to the inter-island ones, there are also local acceleration zones, determined by the mountainous relief of the islands.

Gran Canaria

But everyone who plans to walk in the region should always consider a few points. First, this is the Atlantic. There is a different wind here, a different wave and for beginners such conditions can be difficult for both the skipper and the crew.

Secondly, the Canary Islands have wind acceleration zones. it Tenerife-Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria-Fuerteventura, La Gomera-Tenerife... In them, the wind can sharply increase two to three times in comparison with the forecasted values. In addition to the inter-island ones, there are also local acceleration zones, determined by the mountainous relief of the islands.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Life hacks and tips

Special clothing such as waterproof windstopper jackets and bib overalls are highly desirable.

Go on reefed sails. The wind can get stronger in a matter of minutes, without giving time to smile. Especially if the team is not ready for this. Therefore, the preparation of the team will also not be superfluous. Ideally, newcomers are interspersed with more experienced companions on board. But, in any case, everyone should be clearly familiar with the safety rules, and their role on board.

If there is any suspicion of motion sickness, take the pills before leaving. Because after that, when weakness manifests itself, it will be too late. And you will have to suffer before coming to the marina.

Insure deposits. One and a half to two hundred euros is still less than the payment for a sail unexpectedly torn by a gust. Standing outside the marina or on the mooring, remember about the ebb and flow, giving drops of up to 2-3 meters.

In the Santa Cruz Marina in Tenerife, it is worth booking in advance for New Years and Carnival days, otherwise you may find yourself “homeless”.

Consider weather conditions, wind and wave forecast, tides and currents when planning your crossing to the Canary Islands. It is advisable to have a backup plan for the passage and parking in adverse weather conditions.

Lanzarote. It should always be remembered that the Canaries are famous not only for their pacifying landscapes, but also for their harsh "Atlantic" character.

Summary

Despite the certain difficulty of yachting in the region and the distance from our latitudes (and it takes seven hours to fly to Tenerife), the archipelago is definitely worth the highest reviews. Saturated sailing, volcanic islands, active volcanoes, relic nature, mild climate, more than reasonable prices, nice people and an abundance of seafood - everyone will find here

Fuerteventura

The Canary Islands are often called paradise on earth. And, quite possibly, the way it is

Turkey: high class yachting at an affordable price

We are used to thinking of Turkey as a country for a beach holiday in five-star all-inclusions. Such frames often prevent us from seeing other sides of it. Among which there is also yachting: luxury, calm and at the same time worth adequate money.

In recent years, yachting in Turkey has been on the rise. In the list of priority areas, it pushed many other locations. Cheaper than Croatia; closer than Spain; more comfortable than Greece - this is today's "portrait" of Turkish sailing.

Yachting in Turkey is becoming more and more popular every year

Skipper Anatoly:

"Turkish yachting today, it is probably the most developed in terms of infrastructure in the Mediterranean. The quality of the marinas and the fleet is impressive, the service is beyond praise, the region is beautiful and convenient for sailing. "

Turkish yachting is concentrated in the province Muglaaround cities Bodrum, Fethiye, Gocek and Marmaris... Unlike Antalya, here you are not caught by the hand shouting "brother, buy a fur coat, Karasho!" - this is quite a European Mediterranean, civilized and stylish, with a rich ancient and medieval heritage. In Fethiye Bay, you can safely spend a week just moving between the picturesque bays, never getting bored. Several people will always come to the pier to take your mooring lines; restaurants with their own berths will often allow you to spend the night for free if you have dinner with them; showers and toilets are clean and marbled so they can even host formal summits.

According to Anatoly, Turkey is the best European region for the first independent skipperswho just got their BBS license. The level of assistance and the general friendly atmosphere, together with the calm sea, will not only allow you to have a good rest, but also calmly, without nerves, practice mooring and working with sails. Throw in an extensive fleet with good boats, and you will understand why the flow of yachtsmen here is increasing every year.

Fethiye Bay has many bays where you can dock

The climate here is comparable to the Greek one. The season starts in April-May and lasts until November. Depending on the size of the boat, parking in the marinas will cost an average of 40-60 euros.

They say that the Germans who often come here have had a hand in the development of the Turkish yachting industry. Hence such a high class of infrastructure. And if so, we can conclude that in pricing policy Turkey will repeat the path of Croatia, becoming more expensive every year. Actually, this is already happening.

Life hacks and tips

The main advice here is, perhaps, one: to go faster, while the local prices have not yet caught up with the level of service. Every year there will be less and less “cheap and good Turkey”. Yachting in the region will objectively continue to rise in price.

The Mediterranean-style mooring skill is also useful for mooring in wild bays. Only, unlike Greece, in Turkey the mooring lines will not be attached to anything at all, but to special bollards on the rocks.

The Turks keep an eye on nature, so the contents of tanks cannot be dumped overboard. You will be given a blue-cart, where it will be recorded that the contents of the tank were sucked out at a special station. If there is no such record, you will surely have questions.

Natural beauty, a large fleet, affordable and comfortable marinas, piers equipped for parking - what else does a yachtsman need?

Summary

Turkey's rise in popularity, which began a few years ago, is tending to its peak. Which, of course, will mean its rise in price. Therefore, now it is definitely worth seizing the moment and rushing to Turkish Rivierato enjoy luxury yachting on a budget. Second place for a convincing combination of the highest quality and reasonable price.

Parking on the pier of the restaurant is often free if you come to them for dinner

Balearians: it's hard to be humble when you're the best

The first place in our rating, we subjectively, although, we hope, and deservedly, assigned the Balearic Islands. Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza; Palma and Café del Mar - is there a person who will be left indifferent by these names?

The famous Palma de Mallorca - the capital of the Balearic archipelago

In Mediterranean Spain it is even more noticeable that yachting here is respected and encouraged at the highest state level. The region has many comfortable marinas, many boats and can fit into almost any budget. Which, of course, does not negate the fact that in the high season - from about mid-June to August - somewhere in Ibiza or Mallorca for parking, you can pay off 300-400 and 600 euros per day, depending on the size of the boat / catamaran. It is possible to minimize costs: the islands have many pleasant anchorage bays, which makes regular overnight stays in the marina unnecessary. And a free half-hour visit to replenish water or fuel supplies can be arranged at any time.

Another way to avoid overspending is to plan your vacation during the off-season. In the second half of September, prices decline, while good weather lasts almost until the end of October. Ksenia Gavrilova, skipper of Sail & Travel, says that for 45 Bavaria in the velvet season in Mallorca, they paid only 40-45 euros and 60-65 euros in Ibiza. Also, prices are significantly lower in May, when the high season has not yet started there, and we just have a "long weekend" (although the sea can be somewhat cool). Boats can be rented both on the "continent" and on the islands. The first option implies that you take a boat, for example, in Denia, Alicante or Barcelona, walk along the coast or to the islands, and then return back to the continent. In the second case, you immediately fly to Ibiza or Mallorca and start your journey from there.

Ibiza. You can take a boat "on the continent", in Denia, Alicante or Barcelona, and go to the Balearic Islands from there

Each island has its own peculiarity. "Capital" Mallorca with its impressive architecture. Party Ibiza which also has many cozy places and bays. Menorca, Mallorca's "little sister", which even benefits from natural beauty, and is filled with an atmosphere of relaxation. Cabrera, former base of Mediterranean pirates, with its national nature reserve, whose crystal clear water is protected by law. Formentera - a small dot on the map, whose Playa de Ses Ilhetes beach is included by Tripadvisor in the list of the best European beaches ...

It is unlikely that it will be possible to bypass the archipelago in seven days, and there is no point in such a race. It is better to plan one or two islands in a week, or seeing all the beauties in two.

Life hacks and tips

When booking and accepting a boat, pay attention to the fact that it is equipped with solar panels, which will significantly increase your autonomy. They can often not be there for the simple reason that the Spaniards themselves are accustomed to the abundance of marinas. And, as a result, they do not feel the need for special autonomy.

The government of the Balearic Islands has created a domain  http://portsib.com, with contacts and access to the sites of all equipped parking lots. You can save money on parking by giving preference not to private, but to public marinas. The application will also help. https://www.navily.comworking well across Spain.

The beauty and comfort of Balearic are worth coming here again and again

When planning a route, check off the marinas in advance, find out the prices for your size and draft of the boat, and approximate dates - so you will get an idea of what to expect.

Learn a few Spanish words, especially greetings and thanks. The Spaniards love their culture, and seeing your respect for their language, they will be imbued with additional sympathy for you, trying to make your stay with them only pleasant impressions. And do not use the word "emergency" to go to the marina, if, in fact, you are all right.

A permit is required to enter the protected Cabrera by boat. This is not difficult, but they should be taken care of in advance. And you can only stand there on a buoy.

Menorca. The high prices for berthing in the marinas during the high season are offset by the cozy Balearic bays where you can anchor

Summary

The Balearic Islands are leisurely. The sea, nature, architecture and cuisine here seem to be created in order to come here again and again.

For interesting and rich yachting, infrastructure created by nature and a man of beauty, love for yachtsmen, cuisine, wine, prices and hospitality of local residents, the Balearic Islands receive the first place in our rating.

Dmitry BUSHUEV

Interparus Yachting will help you organize an unforgettable sailing trip anywhere in the world! Call now +33644142168 WhatsApp, Alexander

08.04.2019