East Mediterranean
Probably the most appealing sailing destination of the world, the Eastern Mediterranean has always attracted tourists searching for an adventurous vacation.
It is the world’s most indented sailing area. The whole region offers a variety of attractions and opportunities for each visitor, from special and exciting aspects of sailing to a great many attractions of Croatia, Greece and Turkey, their charm, hospitality, splendor, archeological and cultural diversity.
Explore the distinctive culture, history and cuisine of this splendid area which abounds in coastal highlights and unaffected charm.
Apart form the spectacular beauty of its many beaches and bays, the whole Eastern Mediterranean has many attractive places, rich cultural heritage, magnificent architectural structures and archeological sites.
It’s a world of mystery and ancient civilization; from the mosques and minarets of the beautiful towns in Turkey, their bazaars, baths and colourful streets, to the vibrant life and modern atmosphere combined with historical sites on the Greek Islands surrounded by deep blue sea, and finally the coast of the Croatian Adriatic with striking islands and vivacious coastal resorts.
When in Greece, you must not miss the islands of Santorini, Rhodes, Mykonos, Crete and Corfu; famous and fashionable holiday resorts among tourists from all over the world. Turkey will provide you with spectacular old towns and their ruins all along the coast. Among major tourist attractions, we must mention Istanbul, Bodrum, Kusadasi, Fethiye, Marmaris and Antalya. Croatia boasts amazing places, picturesque coastal towns like Split, Pula, Dubrovnik, Zadar and Trogir. These are only a part of the Eastern Mediterranean great offer, including a variety of islands, wonderful resorts and hidden bays, beaches with modern facilities, diverse cuisine, cultural events and festivals. The best way to explore the beauty of the Eastern Mediterranean is from aboard a yacht. This is the perfect area for sailing and cruising due to its great indented coast, ideal for island hopping. Yachtsmen can enjoy a variety of watersport activities and a great hospitality. The Eastern Mediterranean is a must see destination. A great interest in this area resulted in the development of modern facilities to the highest standards.
The tourist season in the Eastern Mediterranean runs from April to October. July and August are the most crowded months, featuring higher prices as well. The shoulder season in this area may be considered as the best for those who want to escape the crowd and yet to enjoy the beautiful weather and lower prices of course. The ancient sites, old towns and beaches are not too crowded, and the temperatures are pleasant, therefore convenient for sailing, sightseeing and spending lazy days on the beach.
Croatia
Due to its interesting geographical position, Croatia encompasses influences of four different cultural regions; north-central European, the southern Mediterranean, the west European and the east European region. The country offers rich historical and cultural heritage, excellent climate, interesting coastline, numerous coastal resorts, nature reserves and national parks, beautiful islands and old medieval towns.
Croatia is a great example of growing trend in tourism. This fascinating country has it all; mild Mediterranean climate, sites of historical and cultural importance, natural environment and great hospitality that have attracted tourists for years from all over the world to this pearl of the Adriatic. As one of the world’s most beautiful destinations, Croatia provides a variety of attractions and a great many options for all visitors.
Yachting has become extremely popular in Croatia due to its exceptional coastline with numerous islands and islets, picturesque towns and trendy resorts all along the coast. There are plenty of options open to everyone; from small sailing and motor boats for short trips between the islands to luxury mega yachts for long cruise along the coast.
Chartering a yacht is undoubtedly the most interesting way to spend your vacation in Croatia. Variety of stopping off points, abundance of anchorages and marinas, stretches of beaches, limpid sea and rich underwater world make Croatia one of the most spectacular cruising grounds in the world, ideal for superb sailing vacations.
Whatever destination you choose, be sure you will get the best vacation experience. Let us tell a few words about some of the most popular places on the coast.
- Split is the most remarkable town in Dalmatia and very important harbour. Its interesting historical background, archeological sites and various events make it an important cultural attraction, a must see place for all ages.
- You must not miss Dubrovnik, one of the most appealing places on the whole Mediterranean. Tourists are attracted by its exceptional beauty and charm.
- Pula is a small seaside resort full of great images, located within a short sailing distance from the Brijuni Islands. Its great tourist potential has been widely recognized.
- Zadar is another picturesque historical town and important cultural center with impressive monuments and remarkable history.
These are the most prominent tourist centers on the Adriatic coast. However, the coastline boasts numerous developed tourist centers with modern facilities and small picturesque places; Rovinj, Opatija, Šibenik, Trogir, Makarska and much more.
Croatia benefits from excellent climate, a typical Mediterranean climate. The tourist season runs from late April to October. May is a wonderful month to visit Croatia. It is warm enough to swim or sail along the coast. All coastal resorts are crowded from June till August, a period of great entertainment and different cultural events. September is also a delightful month for relaxed and tranquil vacation, when you can still enjoy various watersport activities.
Montenegro
Montenegro is a small country on the south of the Adriatic, a small place offering a plethora of attractions; beautiful environment, history, tradition, culture, crystal waters, amazing sandy beaches of various colours.
One can notice two major features of the area; mountainous hinterland sloping down towards rugged coastline.
Charming picturesque towns offer an abundance of interesting sites and facilities, restaurants with local specialities, bars, hotels, excellent panoramic views of the sea and more. Ulcinj is the southernmost tourist resort of Montenegro.
This beautiful town and its surroundings feature nice restaurants, galleries, hotels, many interesting sites of the old town. A long stretch of sandy beaches and fresh water springs dot this wonderful area.
Bar is a modern town and the main port of the country. In spite of its relatively modern architecture and everyday expansion, Bar has preserved its historical and cultural heritage. Budva Riviera is the center of tourism in Montenegro. Attractive resorts along the Riviera merge perfectly with beautiful surroundings, lush green vegetation and clear blue sea. Budva is the most desirable tourist destination and major attraction of the Riviera, a town of many activities, festivals and celebrations. Sveti Stefan, once a fishing village, is now an exclusive town-hotel connected to the mainland by a limestone reef, offering luxurious accommodation in unique environment.
Further south is the picturesque town of Petrovac, a small family resort providing all necessary facilities. Of other attractive resorts along the coast we must also mention Tivat, located in a perfect natural environment, ideal for water sports activities; then Kotor, a town rich in culture, history and tradition, situated in the beautiful Boka bay; finally Herceg Novi, a town of different architectural styles, historical structures, lush vegetation, tradition, festivals, boasts the most beautiful view of the entrance to the bay of Kotor.
A narrow stretch of coastline, overlooked by imposing mountains, abounds in beautiful bays and seaside resorts. Remarkable sandy and pebble beaches of various colours stretch along the coastline from Herceg Novi down to Ulcinj. Visitors can enjoy unforgettable sunsets and remarkable views of the sea set against an impressive backdrop of the high mountains.
Montenegro enjoys the Mediterranean climate, hot dry summers and mild winters in the coastal area. Summer is the perfect period for vacations in Montenegro. Summer temperatures reach up to 29°C, with the average sea temperature of 24°C. Due to coastal mountain ranges which accumulate the winter rough weather, winter days are mostly warm and sunny.
Greece
Greece is a real paradise for yachtsmen with its enchanted archipelagos, gulfs and abundance of sightseeing opportunities and attractions.
This wonderful cruising ground will fulfill the most demanding expectations. Warm waters of the seas, more than 2000 islands of unique beauty and charm, beautiful secluded bays and beaches, small ports and marinas have always attracted tourists to this land of history and tradition.
Greece has a lot to offer to every visitor; spectacular landscapes, famous archeological sites, villages, numerous architectural masterpieces, cultural events, festivals and many other attractions. Warm hospitality and great atmosphere await everyone who decides to explore the beauties of Greece.
Experience the charm of the Greece coastline aboard a yacht and cruise towards the hundreds of spectacular and picturesque islands. Beautiful archipelago is the perfect setting for island hopping due to the short distances between the islands and excellent playground for various watersport activities; sailing is the most popular sport today, scuba diving provides an excitement of exploring the underwater world, snorkeling, water skiing is pretty popular for it does not require special trainings, windsurfing, an exciting sport for everyone.
Diversity is what makes the coast of Greece so special and attractive. Tourists can enjoy various attractions; small bays and coves, sandy beaches, caves surrounded by steep rocks, dark sand, pebbly shores. Most beaches have well developed infrastructure with all the facilities for visitors, including yacht berths, hotels, restaurants, bars, shops. However, one can still find a hidden cove for a truly relaxed and quiet vacation.
Greek islands are a real phenomenon in Europe. They offer diverse landscapes, unique archeological sites, centuries old traditions, all combined with excellent weather conditions and safe waters that make the islands extremely popular in the world.
Most islands are located in the Aegean Sea and can be divided into seven groups:
- the Northeastern Aegean Islands (Agios Efstratios, Lesvos, Limnos, Samos, etc.)
- the Sporades (Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros)
- Evia
- the Argo-Saronic Islands (Aegina, Poros, Spetses, Hydra, etc.)
- the Cyclades (Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Sifnos, Syros, Irakleia, Koufonisia, etc.)
- the Dodecanese (Kos, Lipsi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi, etc.)
- Crete
Of the small group of islands in the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos, Corfu, Lefkada, Paxi, Meganissi are the most popular.Yachting is very popular activity in Greece which offers the possibility to sail among the most beautiful islands, find a shelter, anchor in a hidden bay and enjoy the quietness of a secluded beach. The whole area is perfect for both short and long cruises, for pleasant traveling in crystal waters.
Years of marine tradition strengthened the idea of Greece as one of the most appealing tourist destinations in the world
Turkey
Turkey has a fascinating history, modern culture and friendly people. Crystal waters of the Mediterranean, the Aegean, the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara provide an attractive sailing ground with modern facilities that will meet the requirements of the most demanding visitors. Natural environment, archeological sites, sea, sun and history are the ideal formula for yachting enthusiasts and exciting vacations in Turkey.
Visitors will be attracted by both modern and ancient colorful world; mosques, bazaars, castles, villages, hidden coves, beautiful beaches and modern facilities all along the coast. Visit some of the most popular destinations in Turkey with booming yachting industry. Experience the fusion of different cultures and two different worlds, the old civilization and modern ambience.
Among the most popular resorts we must mention the most sophisticated resort Marmaris, modern tourist center of Bodrum, busy marina of Fethiye, the most popular and attractive town of Antalya, great historical city of Istanbul, widely recognized as the city of culture and beauty where two continents meet.
Different regions of Turkey provide a good many options and possibilities for visitors. Diverse personality and cuisine, various landscapes and rich history have always been a great attraction for many. Its Mediterranean coast boasts wonderful scenery, splendid beaches and coves for a truly serene vacation. The Aegean coast is a real spectacle with beautiful gulfs and peninsulas. The Black Sea region is covered with green forests and valleys, while its narrow coastline is lined with villages and beaches. Marmara is the region of hills, vineyards, fields of sunflowers and the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture.
Surrounded by four seas and their clear waters, Turkey holds a reputation as an important and very attractive tourist destination in the world. Yachtsmen can enjoy the unspoiled coastline, swimming in the deep waters, exploring the wonders under the sea surface and many other interesting activities.
Gulet is among the major highlights in Turkey, being the Turkey’s indigenous vessel. These vessels are well equipped with all the comforts for relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for all passengers during their cruise along the coast of Turkey.
The Aegean and the Mediterranean coasts are perhaps the most popular sailing destinations. These areas feature the most established marinas at Izmir, Cesme, Bodrum, Kusadasi, Marmaris, Gocek, Fethiye, Finike, Antalya and other interesting places. All the marinas provide high standard services and facilities for yachtsmen.
The high season is concentrated mainly in July and August. Late spring and early fall are perhaps the best times to travel to Turkey, for their moderate temperatures and good weather conditions. Besides, the crowds are not so intense. The Mediterranean and the Aegean coasts enjoy long, hot summers and mild winters, so these parts are of a great interest among tourists.