The best sailing routs
Where to sail, best places to stay – inspiration from the experts at Yacht-Challenge!
Sailing areas for beginners - short passages, many good marinas and anchorages
Yachting in Croatia - a paradise for beginners: many well-equipped marinas, numerous safe bays for anchoring, and charming historic towns. The water is exceptionally clean. Disadvantage - very high marina fees. Yacht season: May–October.
Yachting in Greece (Ionian Islands) - many sheltered picturesque bays, affordable prices, beautiful nature, and very clean water. Yachting season: April–November.
Yachting in the Bay of Naples - short passages, a sufficient number of marinas, stunning towns and islands, excellent food and wines, and thermal springs. Disadvantages - very high marina prices, and many marinas have limited facilities. Yacht season: April–November.
Yachting in Turkey - short passages, numerous marinas, beautiful bays with good anchorages, and crystal-clear water. A perfect destination for family holidays. Yacht season: year-round.
Yachting in Montenegro - many well-equipped marinas, numerous sheltered bays for anchoring, and beautiful historic towns. The water is very clean. Yacht season: March–November.
CROATIA – NORTH (Istria) – island route
Pula / Veruda – 40 miles
Lošinj – 30 miles
Rab – 22 miles
Krk – 25 miles
Opatija – 25 miles
Cres – 40 miles
Brijuni – 10 miles
Pula / Veruda
Magnificent medieval towns such as Rab, Krk, and Cres feature ancient city walls, towers, and cathedrals with bell towers dating back to the 12th century.
Opatija is a famous resort - a lush green destination with elegant villas and a beautiful seaside promenade.
Brijuni is one of the most beautiful national parks in Croatia, known for its wildlife safari park.
CROATIA – CENTRAL DALMATIA – island route
Trogir – 25 miles
Vis Island – 30 miles
Vrboska (Hvar Island) – 15 miles
Stari Grad (Hvar Island) – 15 miles
Milna (Brač Island) – 15 miles
Trogir
Historic museum towns founded by the ancient Greeks in the 3rd century BC. Remains of powerful medieval fortifications (13th–15th centuries), gates, fortresses, cathedrals, tall bell towers, Romanesque architecture, Dominican monasteries, city loggias, clock towers, and palaces can be found throughout the region. Nearby Split is home to the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. The area is also known for its winemaking centers.
CROATIA - SOUTH DALMATIA
Dubrovnik – 20 miles
Mljet – 29 miles
Korčula – 27 miles
Veli Lago – 31 miles
Mljetska Jezera – 30 miles
Stone – 34 miles
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik and Korčula are monumental cities - true “pearls of the Adriatic” - featuring massive city walls with towers (14th–15th centuries), fortresses, palaces with delicately carved Gothic windows, clock towers, cathedrals, and historic churches.
Mljetska Jezera consists of two sea lakes in the western part of Mljet Island - the Big Lake and the Small Lake - connected by a narrow channel. These lakes form part of Mljet National Park.
GREECE - IONIAN ISLANDS
Corfu – 60 miles
Preveza – 10 miles
Lefkada – 30 miles
Ithaca – 25 miles
Fiskardo (Kefalonia Island) – 50 miles
Gaios (Paxi Island) – 33 miles
Corfu
The Ionian Islands are rich in stunning landscapes and historical monuments. The old town of Corfu (Kerkyra) is one of the most beautiful cities in Greece, where Italian, French, and British architectural influences blend harmoniously. The region features Byzantine fortresses, churches, bell towers, palaces, and ancient temples. The islands are lush and green, and the coastline is intricately indented like lace.
ITALY – BAY OF NAPLES
Salerno – 25 miles
Capri – 20 miles
Forio (Ischia) – 10 miles
Procida – 20 miles
Sorrento – 20 miles
Amalfi – 20 miles
Salerno
Capri is one of the most famous islands in the world, known for its dramatic cliffs, caves, sea grottoes, and breathtaking panoramas.
Ischia is a fabulous island with pine and citrus groves and abundant thermal springs. The famous thermal park “Poseidon Gardens” is a delightful place where you can bathe in warm mineral waters surrounded by magnificent scenery. Sorrento is a true gem perched on cliffs overlooking the sea. Amalfi is a beautiful historic town featuring the famous 9th-century cathedral and a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
TURKEY
Fethiye – 15 miles
Gemilier Island – 3 miles
Ölüdeniz – 3 miles
Butterfly Valley – 15 miles
Ağa Limanı – 6 miles
Cleopatra Bay – 15 miles
Fethiye
Crystal-clear water, beautiful bays, excellent swimming and snorkeling, scenic trekking routes, and ancient ruins.
MONTENEGRO
Kotor – 15 miles
Rose – 17 miles
Budva – 12 miles
Bigovo – 10 miles
Herzeg Novi – 10 miles
Perast – 5 miles
Kotor
Kotor, Budva, and Perast are historic towns featuring medieval churches, cathedrals, Venetian palaces, and elegant stone architecture.
Herceg Novi’s Old Town (Stari Grad) was fortified by Duke Stjepan Vukčić in the 15th century. Notable landmarks include the Spanjola Fortress (1538) and Forte Mare Fortress (1687). The Savina Monastery complex includes three beautiful Orthodox churches and offers splendid views over the bay.
SAILING AREAS FOR ADVANCED SAILORS - crossings of open sea areas and potentially strong wind and sea conditions
ITALY - most routes include passages across open sea areas. Marinas are not available everywhere and often have limited facilities. Marina fees are generally high. Weather conditions can be severe, and you may need to remain in one place for up to two days.
GREECE - most destinations lack marinas and formal moorings. Routes from Athens are strongly discouraged from July to September due to the persistent and very strong Meltemi winds. Prices are generally low.
ITALY - SICILY - EOLIAN ISLANDS
Portorosa – 25 miles
Vulcano – 3 miles
Lipari – 12 miles
Panarea – 10 miles
Salina – 30 miles
Milazzo – 16 miles
Portorosa
Vulcano Island was believed to be the home of Aeolus, the god of the winds, and the forge of Vulcan, the god of fire. The island is an active volcano that you can climb, even walking around the crater among sulfur crystals and fumaroles.
You can explore citadels and fortresses in Lipari and Milazzo, visit a medieval fishing village on Salina, and enjoy excellent restaurants on Panarea - the island favored by celebrities.
SARDINIA – CORSICA
Cannigione – 10 miles
La Maddalena – 16 miles
Bonifacio (Corsica) – 10 miles
Santa Teresa Gallura – 8 miles
Porto Pollo – 5 miles
Palau – 10 miles
Cannigione
Snow-white sandy beaches with incredibly clear, crystal-clear waters, the scent of lush Mediterranean vegetation, and a coastline sculpted by time and wind create a uniquely beautiful landscape.
Bonifacio is one of the most striking towns in Corsica, famous for its dramatic white limestone cliffs and the Old Town seemingly suspended above the sea.
GREECE – DODECANESE ISLANDS
Rhodes – 20 miles
Panormitis – 35 miles
Nisyros – 20 miles
Kos – 30 miles
Tilos – 30 miles
Symi – 22 miles
Rhodes
Rhodes is a medieval city surrounded by massive fortress walls. Many streets have preserved their medieval character. The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller stands as a true gateway to past centuries.
Panormitis is home to the miraculous icon of Archangel Michael. This revered sanctuary is considered a spiritual beacon, believed to offer protection, healing, and guidance to seafarers and pilgrims.
SAILING AREAS FOR EXPERIENCED SAILORS - many shoals, difficult port entrances, and potentially strong weather conditions
NETHERLANDS - routes include passages through locks and drawbridges. There are many full-service marinas, and marina fees are relatively low.
ESTONIA - numerous shoals and challenging marina entrances, crossings of open sea areas, and potentially strong wind and sea conditions. There are many well-equipped marinas, and prices are low.
SEYCHELLES, THAILAND - many shoals, coral reefs, and tidal effects. Marinas are limited; most stops are anchorages.
NETHERLANDS
Lemmer – 20 miles
Hindeloopen – 26 miles
Hoorn – 12 miles
Monnickendam – 8 miles
Muiden – 10 miles
Volendam – 15 miles
Enkhuizen – 18 miles
Lemmer
Historic towns with numerous buildings dating from the 15th–17th centuries. Facades feature a wide variety of traditional gabled styles - stepped, bell-shaped, and neck gables. The region is home to many museums.
Old houses and windmills, labyrinths of fishing cottages, workshops producing traditional wooden shoes (clogs), and opportunities to taste local cheeses and herring.
ESTONIA
Pärnu – Kihnu – Ruhnu – Saaremaa – Abruka – Muhu – Pärnu
Pärnu, founded in the 13th century and once part of the Hanseatic League, is a charming historic city with many parks and a long sandy beach.
Kihnu is an island of fishermen and seafarers. Its traditional culture - costumes, language, music, and crafts - is included on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Ruhnu is one of Estonia’s most sparsely populated islands. It is home to the oldest wooden church in the Baltic States, an old Swedish cemetery with runic symbols, and a lighthouse designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Kuressaare, the capital of Saaremaa Island, is a cozy medieval town featuring a perfectly preserved bishop’s castle and a 17th-century town hall.
SEYCHELLES
Praslin – St. Pierre – Curieuse – Cousin – La Digue – Coco – Grande Soeur – Mahé
Marine national parks, giant tortoises, beautiful beaches with rounded granite rocks, tall palms, and stunning landscapes. Excellent fishing and many superb snorkeling spots.
La Digue is a tiny emerald island with one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. Its signature feature is the striking granite boulders. Great fishing opportunities.
Praslin is home to the legendary Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
THAILAND
Phuket – Phang Nga Bay – Ko Poda & Chicken Island – Krabi – Phi Phi – Phuket
Unforgettable impressions come from picturesque reserves and national parks, small islands, and ancient temples.
Phang Nga Bay is an amazingly beautiful area with countless sheer limestone cliffs and caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
Phi Phi Leh is part of a national park known for its white sandy beaches, coconut groves, and lagoons hidden among dramatic cliffs.
SAILING AREAS FOR VERY EXPERIENCED SAILORS - numerous hazards at sea, high tides and strong currents, heavy traffic, open-sea crossings, and potentially severe storms, high waves, and strong winds
BRITTANY - extremely high tides and powerful currents, strong winds, large waves, numerous shoals, and very challenging marina entrances. There are many well-equipped marinas, and prices are relatively low. Routes depend entirely on the tide schedule.
SWEDEN - numerous rocks and skerries, with potentially strong wind and sea conditions. There are many well-equipped marinas, and prices are low.
SWEDEN
Gothenburg Archipelago & Norway
Beautiful small Swedish islands dotted with equally charming coastal towns, stone canyons, and enchanting landscapes.
One of Sweden’s most active sea rescue stations, founded in 1920, is located here. It regularly conducts free sea survival training exercises for the public, including helicopter and liferaft operations.
The old Norwegian town of Gamlebyen, founded in the 12th century as a fortress, features narrow streets, colorful houses, and is considered one of the best-preserved fortified towns in Scandinavia.
BRITTANY
La Trinité-sur-Mer – Vannes – Belle-Île – Groix – Port-Louis – Arzon – La Roche-Bernard – Quiberon – La Trinité-sur-Mer
Brittany is a true mecca for yachtsmen. Many giant ocean-racing trimarans - participants of the famous Route du Rhum regatta - are based here.
Historic towns feature buildings from the 14th–16th centuries, fortified city walls with gates, and examples of military architecture spanning from the Gallo-Roman era to 15th-century towers. Classic French parks, half-timbered houses, castles, and cathedrals add to the region’s charm.
Enjoy fine wines and cider, the freshest oysters, and mussels prepared with a variety of delicious sauces and seasonings.
