Many people yearn for heat and hedonism after a long, bitter winter, and the Western Mediterranean provides both to those who visit its shores. Visitors return year after year for the thrills on offer, leaving lifelong memories and treasures. There are several better methods to explore this wonderful cultural ‘neighbourhood’ than others: Read on to learn why the Western Mediterranean should be your next summer vacation destination – and why a luxury yacht charter is the best way to fit it all in.
The climate
The Mediterranean climate is often hot and dry during the summer, with a refreshing sea breeze keeping things cool in the shade. From May through late September, the weather is ideal for enjoying the outdoors, whether water activities on the Balearic Islands, exploring Sicilian vineyards, or simply strolling around Pompeii, Salerno, or Ravello, all along the Amalfi Coast.
The scenery
The towering Mount Vesuvius and the enormous town of Naples, a jumble of cultural landmarks and treasures developed during a golden age of art, can be seen nowhere else on the planet. The untamed grandeur of the Tuscan countryside will take your breath away, and cliffside Ravello has inspired many creative types over the millennia. Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, and the Aeolian Islands are all waiting for people who wish to escape the summer crowds and appreciate nature the way it was designed to be appreciated.
The seashores
Many people want sun, sea, and sand as the traditional summer vacation with family and friends. When it comes to Western Mediterranean beaches, the options are endless: Near the Balearic Islands, Formentera and the southern half of Mallorca are well known for their incredible beaches, while the Calanques National Park and Pampelonne Beach (in Saint-Tropez) are two more top choices among tourists along the French Riviera.
Many yacht charterers prefer Corsica because many of the beaches are off the usual path – or any track – guaranteeing that you have golden sands to yourself.
The atmosphere
Avoid the gridlock and cruise down the coast, stopping at each cultural attraction. Take refreshments from the bar and relax in the Jacuzzi as your Captain takes you to the next port, or rest weary feet in the air-conditioned lounge while you plan your next amazing trip.
Whatever part of the Mediterranean coast you arrive on, there is bound to be some historical or cultural significance. Barcelona is a popular starting point for luxury boat charters to the Balearic Islands. The city is home to an amazing collection of art nouveau architecture by Gaudi and his contemporaries and the Picasso Museum in the Gothic Quarter.
The entire French Riviera contains galleries, museums, historic forts, and monasteries to better understand the past. The famous Pompeii ruins and UNESCO World Heritage Sites encompassing Sicily allow you to walk through remarkable marvels of ancient Roman engineering. Along the Italian Riviera, visit the colourful Cinque Terre villages and combine shopping with religious sites and gorgeous houses along the Amalfi Coast.
The activities and occurrences
From mid/late May, the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix signal the start of the summer yachting season, and the social calendar is jam-packed with galas, concerts, festivals, and so much more for you to explore. In August, fireworks celebrations are held around the Cannes seafront, while the Cannes Yachting Festival and Royal Regatta are held in September.
For the holidays, the Mediterranean offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including water sports, hiking, and bicycling, with itineraries ranging in complexity to suit a variety of ages. Outdoor sports like horseback riding, white water rafting, and more are available to friends’ parties looking to catch up, or for a slower pace, wine tasting at coastal wineries and days of rest on board your luxury yacht or a spa.
The pleasures
France and Italy have an exceptional reputation in the fashion world, and your trip to the Western Mediterranean is the ideal time to refresh your wardrobe from head to toe. On Capri, Via Camerelle is your one-stop shop for all the big brands and shops and ateliers for some unique finishing touches.
After all of your shopping, unwind and revitalise with some spa treatments, either onboard your luxury boat or at one of the many prominent locations throughout the Mediterranean. It’s time to celebrate your stunning new look under the stars once you’ve refreshed.
The Cote d’Azur boasts a fair number of Michelin-starred restaurants. Six outstanding eateries await your reservation in Monaco alone. Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse at l’Hôtel de Paris received three stars, as did Le Mirazur in Menton, which is direct across the bay.
The liberty
When cruising the Western Mediterranean, nothing beats the freedom of a luxury yacht rental. While your team takes care of all the meals, the setup of water toys, beach equipment, and other details, you can have a genuinely stress-free vacation with more time for the important things.
All of the onboard amenities are yours alone.
Even in the most luxurious resorts and boutique hotels, staff and services must be shared with strangers. On a luxury yacht, this is not the case! The vessels range in size from small open yachts for two to six people to gigantic mega yachts with various water toys, helipads, and swimming pools.
The motor yacht LUCKY LADY is a good representation of what’s available in the middle: She was built in 2002 by famous shipyard Oceanco and refurbished in 2022. She looks and operates as if she was launched yesterday. A sundeck pool, helipad, and sunbathing areas are available onboard. Visitors can acquire a jet ski licence during their stay thanks to the ship’s position as an Approved RYA Water Sports Centre.
This 62.2m/204ft superyacht can accommodate 10 guests with 5 en-suite cabins: 1 Owner’s suite on its dedicated deck with a private office, lounge, and more, and 4 double cabins on the lower deck. LUCKY LADY can accommodate up to 50 guests while docked for those special occasions.
In Summer 2022, discover why the Western Mediterranean and a luxury yacht charter make for such a memorable vacation for you and your loved ones.