Caribbean vs Med - where to go for a flotilla sailing holiday?
If you have your heart set on booking flotilla sailing holidays this year, you may be struggling to decide where to go: the Mediterranean or the Caribbean. When both destinations have so much to offer including plenty of sunny beaches, it can be hard to choose.
Read on for our guide to both locations and you may find it a little easier to make up your mind.
Mediterranean
The Mediterranean is one of the most beautiful places in Europe, which may be why it is such a firm favourite among holidaymakers the world over. Encompassing countries in the south of the continent like Italy, Spain and Greece along with north Africa, this is a sun-soaked part of the world, with warm, inviting waters that make it perfect for a yacht charter holiday.
Indeed, you can spend you days navigating your way around the coastline stopping off at different fascinating ports. You can expect to do everything from go sightseeing in historical cities to tuck into some of the renowned local food, along with trying your hand at water sports, drinking with fellow sailors at lively bars and - of course - soaking up the sun.
There are so many stunning destinations from which to set sail in this part of the world, but perhaps the most popular are Greece, Croatia and Turkey. All of these options offer something to suit sailors of every ability, boast plenty of exciting cultural attractions and are known for their mild climates.
Indeed, in Greece alone you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to where to embark on your flotilla sailing trip from. Vounaki is one option that may be particularly good for beginners, as it offers line-of-sight navigation and gentle breezes. Kalamos has similar advantages to recommend it and allows you to really see rural Greece at its best.
For more of a challenge, select Paxos as your base, as the passages you can take through the Ionian Sea here will be more of a test for your abilities. An added bonus is the interesting stops you can make that allow you to visit ancient forts or simply drop anchor and spend a few hours on a secluded beach.
Best of all, by selecting flotilla sailing in Greece, you will have the benefit of meeting plenty more likeminded holidaymakers who you will be able to share the experience with.
Should you wish to visit Turkey, you could set sail from Dorian. On a trip like this, you can expect to soak up plenty of the well-known Turkish hospitality as you visit the various fishing villages you pass. You should make sure you have a snorkel with you at all times too, as the waters here are particularly clear, making it a great place to explore the underwater life.
To see more of the Lycian Coast you can enjoy flotilla sailing from Gocek, which is another good location for beginners due to its line-of-sight navigation. Or, if you want to visit the Dalmatian Coast, select Croatia for your break. Depending on the package you choose, you will be able to see such fascinating sights as the UNESCO World Heritage city of Dubrovnik or the pretty islands of Brac and Hvar.
Caribbean
All of this might have sold you on visiting the Mediterranean, but don't discount a yacht charter in the Caribbean quite yet.
If you dream of holidays bursting with sun, sea and tropical island paradises, there are few better places to come in the world.
You can spend your days exploring St Vincent and the Grenadines or the British Virgin Islands - and you are sure to find that your chosen destination is even more beautiful than you imagined.
Some of the islands here are deserted, providing a home to exotic flora and fauna that will take your breathe away. Meanwhile, others have thriving villages and towns on them, making these the perfect stops at which to come ashore and soak up some of the local culture - as well as sample some Caribbean food.
Fans of water sports will certainly be kept busy as the Caribbean is renowned for its striking coral reefs that are teeming with marine life for you to explore. Simply moor up somewhere and take a dive to look at what lies beneath the waves by spending an afternoon snorkelling.
You can also indulge in the adventure of island-hopping, before relaxing in the evening when the sky lights up with more stars than you may have ever seen before.
As you can see, choosing between the Caribbean and Mediterranean as the base for your flotilla sailing adventure can be tough. One thing's for sure though; whichever you end up picking, you will have the time of your life.
Remember, you can always visit the other next year!
