Idyllic sailing getaways: Mediterranean vs Caribbean
If you're eager to escape your nine-to-five working day and sail off into the sunset, you're bound to have considered heading off to the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. Famous for their sun-drenched beaches and great weather, these destinations certainly hold the promise of a paradise-like getaway - but how do you decide between them?
From glorious sunshine, sublime stretches of sand and amazing water sports opportunities, these two regions have plenty in common. However, yacht charters in each do offer different attractions, from the kind of places you can visit to the type of sailing you can enjoy.
Sailing holidays in the Mediterranean, for example, provide you with a huge choice of locations to discover. Indeed, locations in Turkey, Greece, Croatia and Italy are among your options. The sheer variety on offer means that there is a break in this region to suit nearly every sailor.
Among the amazing places you can explore are the Dalmatian Islands in Croatia. Boasting varied terrain, these are incredibly picturesque and a delight to explore. Largely uninhabited, they provide a real sense of adventure with their wild, rugged landscapes.
You can also visit Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This delightful walled city is treasured for its rich past, which can be glimpsed at in the city walls themselves, as well as by strolling through the pretty old town, with its cobbled streets and historical churches. Boasting plenty of chic places to dine and lovely boutiques too, Dubrovnik is certainly an attractive place to visit.
Alternatively, you could decide to sail to Greece. The islands here are famous for providing excellent cruising grounds, as well as diverse attractions. For example, there is a variety of tranquil destinations where you can soak up traditional Greek living and eat in peaceful waterside restaurants, while there are also trendy spots brimming with fantastic nightlife.
Bustling, exciting cities and ancient ruins are among some of the other treasures you can expect to discover when sailing in Greece.
What's more, the sailing opportunities are almost as diverse as the destinations themselves. Whether you want relaxed trips in the form of short passages in protected waters, or more of a challenge with longer routes through open waters, you will find them here.
Sailing holidays in the Caribbean offer an equally attractive combination of sun and beautiful destinations. Here you can discover gorgeous white sand beaches and amazing weather in abundance, while each island provides its own unique attractions too.
For example, here you can visit spots famous for their vibrant nightlife and lively resorts, or head to islands far off the beaten tourist track. So, the Caribbean has something to offer for all kinds of holidaymakers.
If you're interested in a particularly lively getaway, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are the ideal Caribbean destination. Situated close together, these isles sit in protected waters, which means that they offer simple sailing. Meanwhile, their waterfront bars, gorgeous beaches and vibrant nightclubs are the perfect spots to let your hair down during your getaway.
What's more, the BVI has plenty of excellent swimming, snorkelling and diving opportunities, which hold a huge appeal for water sports fans.
Those particularly interested in seeing some incredible marine life might prefer to head to Belize, which is home to the world's second-largest barrier reef system. Replete with unspoilt beauty, this destination offers astounding diving opportunities and beautiful white sand beaches, as well as the chance to see fascinating Mayan ruins.
So, if you're eager to set sail in sunny climes, why not consider the diverse offerings of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean?
