Escape the cold winter on a sailing holiday around the Canary Islands
When the mornings and evenings start getting dark, the days become cold and the sky seems a constant wave of drizzle, most of us want to escape to sunnier climes - and with a yacht charter in the Mediterranean, you can do just that.
Famous for its beautiful weather and gorgeous landscapes, it's no wonder the Mediterranean is such a popular destination for winter breaks - and where could be better to travel to than the Canary Islands?
Situated just a short flight from the UK, the Canary Islands hold a particular appeal for those eager to sail away into the sunset on a yacht charter holiday. This picturesque archipelago comprises seven islands - including Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuerteventura - as well as boasting year-round great weather and excellent sailing conditions.
Indeed, here you can expect the temperature to stay above 20 degrees C - even in the winter months - while the winds typically sit between five and 20 knots. The conditions are ideal for competent sailors, so if you want to test your skills on a yacht charter getaway, you could find the Canary Islands are the perfect place in which to do so.
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the archipelago is a real delight to explore - and you can choose to base yourself on the charming island of Lanzarote, from where you can sail around this scenic cluster of islands, taking in all they have to offer in between stints on the water.
As well as sailing, you will find there are plenty of other water sports you can try your hand at, including indulging in relaxing swims in turquoise waters and sneaking a peek at the wonderful marine life with a little bit of snorkelling.
However, you don't need to be an experienced sailor to soak up the destination's relaxed atmosphere and admire its stunning views. In fact, the Canary Islands is also somewhere you can get to grips with sailing, making it perfect for those searching for learn to sail holidays.
Basing yourself in Marina Rubicon in Lanzarote, you can take one of two courses - the RYA Competent Crew Course, or the RYA Day Skipper Practical Course - depending on what exactly you want to achieve.
During these courses, you'll have the chance to relax on Lanzarote, as well as heading out on the water for comprehensive training. Typically, you will spend full days between Monday and Friday learning to tame the waves, with breakfast and lunch being provided onboard. Plus, you will visit a variety of ports and marinas as your course progresses.
However, perhaps you simply want to relax and unwind on your getaway, without having to worry about taking the helm each day - or spending the majority of your time honing your skills. If that's the case, why not consider a skippered yacht charter, which can give you the best of both worlds?
This could be ideal for budding sailors who lack either the necessary experience or confidence to sail themselves - and such breaks come with a variety of great benefits.
Of course, the first is simply that it allows anyone - no matter what their skill level - to enjoy a sailing break in the captivating Canary Islands. However, this is not all. By choosing a skippered yacht, you can enjoy more free time to simply admire the view, take a dip in the inviting waters, snorkel or just relax with a cocktail and watch all the stunning scenery drift by.
So, whether you're a couple seeking a romantic getaway, a family looking for a fun, relaxing break or a group eager to shake off the shackles of your everyday working life, this kind of holiday could be perfect for you.
Furthermore, your skipper will be able to give you all kinds of handy tips and advice when it comes to making the most of your break, such as the best restaurants to eat at and the most appealing places to visit.
With so much to offer, yacht charters in the Mediterranean really do provide amazing holidays for all kinds of travellers, whether you want the freedom of manning your own vessel and travelling wherever the wind takes you, the ease of a skippered yacht charter or the ability to build new skills.
Whichever kind of Canary Islands getaway you choose, you can rest assured of warm weather, reliable winds and stunning views.
