Take time to tour the Mediterranean

Go beyond just charting a yacht.

The Mediterranean is a rich patchwork of countries. Each with its own individual culture, landscape and personality woven perfectly together to create one of the most wonderful locations to explore. In a lifetime, one could not discover everything that these 22 countries have to offer but we say, why not try? We believe that travel is transformative and that sharing the magic of travel with others almost tops the magic of travel itself. Layers upon layers of history, culture and beauty make up the Mediterranean. Discovering it is a voyage worth taking. There are beautiful sailing routes to cover on a yacht charter, wonderful cuisines to be tasted, endless landscapes for your eyes to feast upon and memories to be made. For those fortunate enough to be able to spend longer than a week here, you can immerse yourselves in experiential travel to really discover what the Mediterranean has to offer. 

Below are our three ideas of how to extend your time on a crewed yachting charters in the Mediterranean. 

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1. Extend your yacht charter to combine chartering through multiple countries.

The Mediterranean coastline is around 46,000km long. Why stop at just experiencing one country’s coastline? Many yachts are licenced to sail multiple countries. Use this as a fantastic way to discover numerous countries, all the while staying on your very own luxury yacht. Travelling by private yacht following the coastline and the islands, provides an ever-changing view while being surrounded by wonderful people. You can enjoy the air, the colours, taste the most delicious food and stay in places your crew know well. Make the most of having their insider knowledge to seek out the best places to visit.

 The countries available to charter will depend on the boat and its licences. Below are a selection of hand picks boats and the countries they could charter in as an example.

• S/Y SAN LIMI – spend two to three weeks chartering from Split, Croatia through Montenegro, Albania and finally into Greece and the Ionian Sea.

• GULET DAIMA – spend two or more weeks charting in both Turkey and Greece. Explore the Turkish coastline from Gocek to Bodrum and into the Greek Dodecanese islands.

2. Rediscover yourself during a retreat

For many, travelling the world is a marvellous way of connecting not only with family and friends but also reconnecting with yourself. With the fast pace of modern living, take time to rediscover an old passion or why not try something new? Seek out the perfect retreat for you. The term ‘retreat’ conjures up images of tranquil yoga exercises overlooking the Mediterranean sea as the warm breeze gently brushes against your skin. This is of course very possible and very appealing, however, the Mediterranean has more to offer than just heavenly yoga retreats. Below are a few suggestions of what is on offer in the Mediterranean.

Cook the heart of Italy 

When asked for a country that is renowned for its food, Italy will always be top of the list. If you’re a foodie, why not immerse yourself in the culinary heaven that is Sicily? First, explore the scenic coastline of Sicily with its beautiful sandy beaches and charming fishing villages on your own private yacht charter. This is one of the most beautiful yacht charter destinations. Smell the lemon groves and pine forests. Seek out historical monuments. Enjoy incredible architecture and the great tradition of arts and crafts you find everywhere. There are two main sailing routes here, sailing north to the Aeolian Islands or west from Trapani to the remote islands of Egadi. Named after the god of winds Aeolus, the Aeolian islands consist of seven volcanic islands. Spend your weekly yacht charter exploring the charming fishing villages, relax in geothermal springs, taste the exceptional locally grown foods on offer, enjoy the most incredible views of the still active volcano island, Stromboli.

Less explored are the Egadi Islands. These phantasmagoria rock islands are wild and untamed. Set within Europe’s largest marine reserve, spend a week’s yacht charter observing nature at its finest. If time is no limit, why not spend at least a fortnight exploring both the Aeolian and Egadi before disembarking and travelling inland to your culinary retreat.  Two of our most popular yachts that charter in Sicily are Catamaran KASKAZI FOUR and S/Y SATORI. 

Once you have disembarked, travel to the middle of Sicily, ust down from the Madonie Mountains to enjoy a food experience like no other at the Anna Tasca Lanza cookery school. Created in 1989 by Anna herself, the cookery school is a centre for Sicilian food knowledge and culture.  In the capable hands of Fabrizia Tasca, Lanza’s daughter, embark on a journey of culinary discovery while staying at the 19^th Century farm villa, Case Vecchie, on the family’s vineyard. Case Vecchie is situated in a remote farmland offering stunning panoramas and a sense of calm that only rural Sicily can offer. In between cooking lessons and excursions to local producers, soak up the peacefulness at the pool area or walk the many trails through the vineyard. In the evenings retreat to your own charming, rustic rooms.

Anna Tasca Lanza offers a range of culinary experiences ranging in length, from the middle of April till end of June, and end of August till end of October. We suggest enjoying the Signature Stay; a 4 night stay for guests to really immerse themselves in the Sicilian food landscape. Learn family recipes from panelle to timballo as well as sharpening your cooking skills. These lessons will leave you desiring more! Return home with not only memories of your time in Italy but also with a newfound culinary knowledge to be cherished and grown once you return home. 

Rejuvenate yourself in the Ionion, Greece

Embark in Athens and set sail to charter the Ionian Islands. From the fabulous backdrop of your yacht, you can sail through the turquoise waters towards the gleaming shores, where endless restaurants offer simple seafood to awaken your taste buds and nourish the soul. The climate in this part of Greece differs from that of the Aegean Sea. It is more gentle—strong winds are rare. On a weekly yacht charter explore the islands of Lefkas, Paxos, Zakyntos, Kefalonia and Corfu. Each island has its own personality to admire.  Disembark on the pristine island of Kefalonia, with its extortionary caves of Melissani and Drogarati, and head to the stunning heaven of F Zeen an adults-only wellness retreat. One yacht we couldn’t recommend more highly is catamaran HYDRUS. A superb catamaran that charters in this area. 

Reinstate your inner balance during your stay here. Enjoy daily yoga sessions or for those that prefer private contemplation, seek out the three separate yoga decks. Visit the onsite spa for treatments to release any tension from your travels. Spend calm evenings under the stars enjoying the outdoor cinema or on the secluded private beach. 

With such inspiring views, privacy and the sounds of the sea, F Zeen’s location makes for an unforgettable experience, sure to leave you feel refreshed and revitalised. 

Croatian kite surfing

‘If you have ever dreamed of flying, kiting is something you must do … ‘ said by kite surfing instructor Butter and we could not agree more. Head to the Peljesac peninsular in Croatia to feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins as you take flight over the waves. Kite surfing is a fantastic sport to be enjoyed by the entire family. Give yourself time to either to refresh your skills or take the opportunity to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try something new with the guidance of the inspirational and professional Butter and Ivana.

We know instructors Butter and Ivana personally and could not speak more highly of them. Having been personally instructed by them myself, I know just how patient, fun and skilled they are. They will be working with our clients in Croatia during July and August to offer them a custom made kite surfing course. 

We suggest embarking on an extended yacht charter which includes your very own private kite surfing lessons. Why not embark on a two week charter from Split? Explore the stunning islands of Brac, Vis, Korcula, Miljet before anchoring nearby the Peljesac peninsular to partake in your kite surfing lessons for a few days. For those on board not taken with the idea of kite surfing, use your time to enjoy the water toys on board or simply lie back and relax. After your lessons are completed continue your charter and head to the historical town of Dubrovnik to disembark. This personalised yacht charter enables you to not only to learn a new skill or rekindle a love of water sports, but also allows you to see everything Croatia’s islands have to offer at a slower pace. 

3. Yacht charter and villa

Here at High Point Yachting we have a whole host of successful and popular yachts with which we work closely. We are proud to be working with some of the best crews in the yachting industry. But also to have formed fantastic links with other industry experts, especially in the world of villas. These close relationships enable us to offer you the chance to combine your own private yacht charter with the exclusive use of a stunning private villa. Enjoy a stay in a villa of your choice either before or after your yacht charter. The possibilities are endless. The perfect villa in your chosen location, style and size is out there waiting to be discovered.

Renting your own private villa allows you to spend relaxed quality time with friends and family. Perhaps there are family or friends who did not wish to join on a charter, who would prefer to join the group at a villa. The flexibility that a private villa offers is unmatched. Have additional members join, members leave or even switch the party attendees entirely—the choice is yours. The amenities and service on offer vary to match your needs. Enjoy private beaches and pools to outside cinemas under the stars. Villas of the highest luxury often come with permanent staff such as butlers, pool boys and chefs to allow guests to fully switch off fully and enjoy their surroundings.

Here are two suggestions of villas we love that are fantastic options to either follow a yacht charter or enjoy before embarkation.

Embark on catamaran Mala in Split, sail around the Central and Southern Dalmatian islands. Take in the islands of Brac, Hvar, Vis, Korcula, Mljet and the Elafiti archipelago, before arriving at a seafront villa in Dubrovnik. Stay with the most inspiring panoramic views. A yacht charter in Croatia shows you these islands from the best vantage point. Find quiet reserved beaches, highly recommended restaurants and enjoy excursions planned by experts. Disembark and head to your private clifftop villa with panoramic views over the old town of Dubrovnik. It’s easy to see why legendary director Francis Ford Coppola chose this seafront city hideaway as his summer home away from home. Today, the property has undergone extensive renovations to include 3 en-suite bedrooms with open fireplaces, marble bathrooms and a free-standing tub.

Experience the true beauty of the island of Skiathos in Greece, allowing time to slow down as you unwind at this 6 bedroom contemporary property with its own, private sandy beach. Calming, white and paired back. This villa has been designed to offer those that stay a relaxing retreat away from every day life. Sit back and take in the views of the Aegean Sea from the private pool and enjoy freshly prepared meals with friends and family. Embark on the stunning catamaran Above and Beyond to explore the Cyclades Islands. The Cyclades are a stunning set of 39 islands known around the world for their beauty. They are ideal for yacht hopping. Explore the most famous of the islands, Mykonos, with its stunning white windmills and bustling nightlife. Santorini with its white and blue charming towns. Continue your charter to discover the smaller, more intimate islands of Naxos, Paros, Milos, Sifnos, Polyegos. Perfect for foodies, art lovers, and admirers of beautiful landscapes. This extended charter allows you to fully embrace the Cyclades and all they have to offer.