The Mediterranean Sea is replete with interesting and unusual places. Interparus has prepared a list of destinations that are worth visiting at least once in your life on a yacht.
Why do yachtsmen value the Mediterranean Sea so much? It attracts not only with the cultural diversity of the regions, but also with its unique nature. The difference between countries and destinations can be overwhelming for novice sailors and yachtswomen.
We have already made similar materials about travel in Italy, Montenegro, Croatia (summer and autumn options) and Greece. In this article we will introduce you to new places, the geography of which covers both the east of the region and the west - right up to the stormy Atlantic.
Turquoise Coast, Türkiye
Eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea - Turquoise Coast of Turkey. This stretch of sea is located between the famous resorts of Fethiye and Kemer. The name speaks for itself: the coast is decorated with picturesque beaches with turquoise water. In addition, here you can find pine forests, cozy bays, ancient ruins and steep cliffs.
These beauties are ideally explored from board a yacht, thanks to the well-developed local yacht and port infrastructure, where each marina offers not only convenient berths, but also restaurants and shops with a varied selection.
The turquoise coast also offers excellent opportunities for hiking, which will be especially interesting for those who, in addition to yachting, enjoy spending time on land. Places worth visiting include Oludeniz, Kalkan, Patara Beach and Butterfly Valley.
To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the region, experts advise renting a yacht for a whole month to not only enjoy the local culture and attractions, but also actively sail. The most recommended places to visit are the old town of Kaleici, the ancient cities of Myra, Xanthos and Phaselis.
Overall, the Turquoise Coast offers a rich selection of exciting sites, coves and yachting facilities, making the area an excellent option for a summer holiday.
Kalymnos, Greece
Are you looking for the perfect place to combine hiking and sailing? Then Kalymnos is exactly what you need. The island is located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea and is part of the Dodecanese archipelago.
The closest geographical landmarks are the Bodrum peninsula in the east and the island of Kos in the south. One of the interesting features of Kalymnos is its almost regular rectangular shape. Thanks to many secluded bays, the island is perfect for both day sailing and overnight stays.
Kalymnos has a mountainous terrain, and its highest point, the peak of Prophet Elijah, reaches 760 meters. The port infrastructure is well developed, especially in the capital of the island, Pothia, where you can find everything you need for comfortable yachting and recreation.
The local economy is largely based on the production of sea sponges. There are currently three museums dedicated to this craft on the island, and visiting at least one of them will be an interesting experience. In addition, due to the mountainous landscapes, Kalymnos has become one of the world's rock climbing centers: the island receives up to 8 thousand climbers annually, which can rival the number of yachtsmen.
You can get to Kalymnos from neighboring Kos, where yacht charter is available, which allows you to save money. The journey from Kos will take about a day, and on Kalymnos itself you can spend from a week to a week and a half, enjoying local activities and yachting.
Isola Asinara, Italy
Isola Asinara is a unique island in sunny Italy, which is considered one of the most picturesque corners of Europe. It must be remembered that most of the island is a national park, which limits the possibility of mooring directly offshore. However, mooring buoys can be booked online, making arranging your visit easier.
Asinara has been known since the times of the ancient Romans, who called it the Aenean or Hercules Island. The eastern part of the island is decorated with quiet coves and sandy beaches, where you can find cliffs of beautiful pink granite, especially in the bays of Cala Scombro and Sant'Andrea. The western coast is characterized by steep cliffs, among which the promontory of Punta dello Scorno with its lighthouse stands out.
The island's flora is also impressively diverse: 678 plant species grow on its territory, among which the Vallombrosa oak grove stands out, in sharp contrast to the typical Mediterranean shrubs.
So, although you cannot walk freely on the island or swim on the beaches, it is still possible to book a tour of the park and moor at the permitted distance from the shore. Isola Asinara deserves to be seen at least once in your life, even if you have to do it from afar.
Gallipoli, Italy
Gallipoli is another wonderful place in Italy, which, although not famous for its ancient ruins or unique nature, undoubtedly deserves attention as one of the best resorts in the country. The rich and eventful history of Gallipoli has left an indelible mark on the architecture and culture of the city.
Gallipoli's geographic location, climate, access to the sea and fertile lands made it a desirable target for many conquerors. Over its history, the city was ruled by the Byzantines, Normans, Angevins, Venetians and even the Spaniards, until it became part of modern Italy.
The historic center of Gallipoli is located on an island connected by bridges to the mainland. The Old Town is home to the magnificent Cathedral of St. Agatha and the famous Greek Fountain, the age of which is still controversial among scientists - whether it was created three thousand years ago or just five hundred years ago.
Gallipoli also attracts foodies. Local restaurants offer traditional cuisine, including scapece - small fish fried in bread crumbs. Wine lovers will appreciate the local Apulian rosé wine, recognized as one of the best in Italy.
In addition, both motorboats and sailing yachts can be rented in Gallipoli, thanks to the well-developed yachting infrastructure.
Cala Marcella, Spain
The bay of Cala Marcella on the island of Menorca is famous for its picturesque cliffs, dense forests and azure waters, creating a truly magical atmosphere. However, it is worth considering that at the height of the season it can be too crowded, both on the beaches and on the water, so it is best to visit this place in early autumn, when the water is still warm and tourists are already leaving for home.
For those who prefer overland walks, Cala Marcella is accessible on foot from the neighboring Galdana Bay - the journey takes only half an hour along a convenient path. Along the way, you will be able to enjoy the typical landscapes of Menorca and the Balearic Islands: calm azure seas, cliffs crowned with pine trees and bushes, and sandy beaches.
Sometimes in Cala Marcella you can see schools of fish that have climbed into the shallow waters. This place is just one of the many beautiful bays in the Balearic Islands that are worth visiting. If you're looking for a more secluded spot, check out Cala Saona Bay on Formentera. Although Menorca benefits from a well-developed yachting infrastructure, Formentera attracts those who prefer quieter yachting destinations.
New video on the Interparus channel 🎥
We continue to modify the Tanna 47 - this time we’ll talk about awnings and how to minimize the use of air conditioning on a yacht. Enjoy watching!
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30.07.2024
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