Thinking about a sailing holiday this year? With data collected over the last five years, leading boat holiday platform Zizoo has released its predicted sailing trends for 2019.
Whether you’re an experienced sailor looking to navigate a more adventurous route, or a complete beginner embracing your sea legs for the first time, here are the top five destinations to consider:
1. Croatia
With over 1,000 islands all accessible at a very affordable rate, it’s perhaps no surprise that Croatia continues to be a prime sailing destination. Holidaymakers can hop between the walled city of Dubrovnik, historical Split and its other picturesque old towns, soaking up the French Riviera style ambiance as they dine on some of the best food and wine in Europe.
2. Mykonos
Ancient history, bright azure waters and tiny hidden bays: Mykonos will remain another popular choice this year. With its chic cafes, hip beach bars and fashionista boutiques, there is nowhere quite like this Greek island. Famous for its fabulous nightlife as much as its white washed towns, those exploring by sea have the best of both worlds: enjoying Mykonos’ high-end bars and restaurants by dusk, then escaping the crowds for the privacy and calm of their private yacht.
3. Ibiza
You’d be wrong to dismiss the famed Balearic island as a mere party destination. Sea voyagers can discover the more tranquil side to the Spanish island ― quiet villages, peaceful beaches and dazzling emerald pine-clad hills. The boho-cool holiday island boasts as much history and heritage as it does sun kissed revellers. Ibiza by boat is glamorous yet serene, and a top sailing trend for this year.
4. Sardinia
With its balmy Mediterranean climate, pristine turquoise waters and rugged coves, Sardinia is a magnet for celebrities, outdoor adventurers and sailors alike. Hike along its striking limestone cliffs, explore its Bronze age ruins, feast on the freshest fish in the land and then retreat to your boat for a glass of chilled Vermentino… it’s no wonder this Italian island ranks as a top sailing destination for 2019.
5. British Virgin Islands
Already one of the most popular harbours for seafaring holidaymakers, the Virgin Islands’ popularity is set to endure throughout 2019. Set in the Caribbean region with calm currents and sheltered bays, the British archipelago offers a laid-back, barefoot luxury vibe, with countless secluded coves, wonderful snorkelling spots and fabulous beaches seemingly untouched by humankind.
Named after French explorer and marine conservationist Jacques Costeau, Zizoo offers over 21,000 boats, from affordable cruisers to the ultimate luxury yachts, spread across 500 destinations worldwide. Run by sailing experts and catering to both to licensed sailors looking to book a boat only, and to those with no sailing experience seeking a captain and crew, Zizoo offers a price-match guarantee on verified and insured boats.
Costeau once said, ‘The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever’. Perhaps he was right. Even with the above paradise islands to mull over, maybe choosing the destination is the hardest part to a sailing holiday?
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Zizoo.
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.
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9 Comments
Plenty of “blue-sky thinking” here and especially in some stunning and very tempting images. It all makes you want to book that flight, pack your bag and head off straight-away.
Sailing around Greece is definitely a must. As a Greek, I always recommend June and September as the best months for sailing. One should keep in mind the “Meltemi”, a northern wind that usually appears in August and makes sailing a bit more challenging.
If you sailed in the British Virgin Islands you could actually sail to the American Virgin Islands. Stretching language and geography a long way you could return and tell your friends that you have sailed from one continent to another.
Unfortunately it is nowhere near as impressive as it sounds. At one point I got very interested in the Swimtrek holidays and was tempted by such a swim. As it is only about two miles from British to American perhaps it’s not an epic sail to brag about.
It wasn’t called The Golden Age of Sail for nothing as some people are getting back into slow travel we are beginning to appreciate how good it is to take your time and to see where you are going. With sailing, reacting to the currents, tides and winds you are in touch with the world around you. It’s one of the best ways of sensing where you are travelling to.
I don’t know if this list is in order or whether it is just coincidence that Croatia tops it but it would probably be my number one sailing destination.
I would second that. The Croatian coastline is simply stunning and with over a thousand islands how many different coastlines are you getting?!?
I see a common denominator for all these places: blue seas and islands. I can see why they’d be perfect for sailing. The weather is always nice in these places as well.
These destinations are delightful! Clear waters and beautiful sceneries are what I would expect from a top sailing destination. I’ll find the nearest hotels in here as soon as possible! Hoping that it shows when is the best time to visit these destinations not just the places because the weather can really affect a sailing tour. Strong winds and dark skies aren’t good when you’re sailing.
It’s good to see Ibiza get a mention. There really is so much more to the island than its reputation for partying. I hadn’t come across Zizoo before, I’ll have to check them out as 500 destinations for sailing is pretty impressive and it’s always reassuring when you use a company that offers a price match guarantee.
Whether you’re an experienced sailor looking to navigate a more adventurous route, or a complete beginner embracing your sea legs for the first time, here are the top five destinations to consider:
1. Croatia
With over 1,000 islands all accessible at a very affordable rate, it’s perhaps no surprise that Croatia continues to be a prime sailing destination. Holidaymakers can hop between the walled city of Dubrovnik, historical Split and its other picturesque old towns, soaking up the French Riviera style ambiance as they dine on some of the best food and wine in Europe.
Whether you’re an experienced sailor looking to navigate a more adventurous route, or a complete beginner embracing your sea legs for the first time, here are the top five destinations to consider:
1. Croatia
With over 1,000 islands all accessible at a very affordable rate, it’s perhaps no surprise that Croatia continues to be a prime sailing destination. Holidaymakers can hop between the walled city of Dubrovnik, historical Split and its other picturesque old towns, soaking up the French Riviera style ambiance as they dine on some of the best food and wine in Europe.
2. Mykonos
Ancient history, bright azure waters and tiny hidden bays: Mykonos will remain another popular choice this year. With its chic cafes, hip beach bars and fashionista boutiques, there is nowhere quite like this Greek island. Famous for its fabulous nightlife as much as its white washed towns, those exploring by sea have the best of both worlds: enjoying Mykonos’ high-end bars and restaurants by dusk, then escaping the crowds for the privacy and calm of their private yacht.
3. Ibiza
You’d be wrong to dismiss the famed Balearic island as a mere party destination. Sea voyagers can discover the more tranquil side to the Spanish island ― quiet villages, peaceful beaches and dazzling emerald pine-clad hills. The boho-cool holiday island boasts as much history and heritage as it does sun kissed revellers. Ibiza by boat is glamorous yet serene, and a top sailing trend for this year.
4. Sardinia
With its balmy Mediterranean climate, pristine turquoise waters and rugged coves, Sardinia is a magnet for celebrities, outdoor adventurers and sailors alike. Hike along its striking limestone cliffs, explore its Bronze age ruins, feast on the freshest fish in the land and then retreat to your boat for a glass of chilled Vermentino… it’s no wonder this Italian island ranks as a top sailing destination for 2019.
5. British Virgin Islands
Already one of the most popular harbours for seafaring holidaymakers, the Virgin Islands’ popularity is set to endure throughout 2019. Set in the Caribbean region with calm currents and sheltered bays, the British archipelago offers a laid-back, barefoot luxury vibe, with countless secluded coves, wonderful snorkelling spots and fabulous beaches seemingly untouched by humankind.
Named after French explorer and marine conservationist Jacques Costeau, Zizoo offers over 21,000 boats, from affordable cruisers to the ultimate luxury yachts, spread across 500 destinations worldwide. Run by sailing experts and catering to both to licensed sailors looking to book a boat only, and to those with no sailing experience seeking a captain and crew, Zizoo offers a price-match guarantee on verified and insured boats.
Costeau once said, ‘The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever’. Perhaps he was right. Even with the above paradise islands to mull over, maybe choosing the destination is the hardest part to a sailing holiday?
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Zizoo.
Plenty of “blue-sky thinking” here and especially in some stunning and very tempting images. It all makes you want to book that flight, pack your bag and head off straight-away.
Sailing around Greece is definitely a must. As a Greek, I always recommend June and September as the best months for sailing. One should keep in mind the “Meltemi”, a northern wind that usually appears in August and makes sailing a bit more challenging.
If you sailed in the British Virgin Islands you could actually sail to the American Virgin Islands. Stretching language and geography a long way you could return and tell your friends that you have sailed from one continent to another.
Unfortunately it is nowhere near as impressive as it sounds. At one point I got very interested in the Swimtrek holidays and was tempted by such a swim. As it is only about two miles from British to American perhaps it’s not an epic sail to brag about.
It wasn’t called The Golden Age of Sail for nothing as some people are getting back into slow travel we are beginning to appreciate how good it is to take your time and to see where you are going. With sailing, reacting to the currents, tides and winds you are in touch with the world around you. It’s one of the best ways of sensing where you are travelling to.
I don’t know if this list is in order or whether it is just coincidence that Croatia tops it but it would probably be my number one sailing destination.
I would second that. The Croatian coastline is simply stunning and with over a thousand islands how many different coastlines are you getting?!?
I see a common denominator for all these places: blue seas and islands. I can see why they’d be perfect for sailing. The weather is always nice in these places as well.
These destinations are delightful! Clear waters and beautiful sceneries are what I would expect from a top sailing destination. I’ll find the nearest hotels in here as soon as possible! Hoping that it shows when is the best time to visit these destinations not just the places because the weather can really affect a sailing tour. Strong winds and dark skies aren’t good when you’re sailing.
It’s good to see Ibiza get a mention. There really is so much more to the island than its reputation for partying. I hadn’t come across Zizoo before, I’ll have to check them out as 500 destinations for sailing is pretty impressive and it’s always reassuring when you use a company that offers a price match guarantee.