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Your activity guide to Summer luxury yacht charters in theĀ Eastern Mediterranean

Another year has flown by, and before you know it winter will be a distant memory beneath the scorching summer sun. Make sure that you’re ready to leave behind roasting city pavements and work to your own schedule (or not at all!) on a luxury yacht charter in the exceptional Eastern Mediterranean charter grounds. The pandemic has proven that luxury yacht charters offer the best option for travel, accommodation and safety with the ability to a social distance for all or part of the journey. Luxury charters have long been popular in the region, and as a result, countries have clear guidelines to ensure that the entry process is stringent yet simple. Once you’re on board, your Captain and crew will see to all the details, leaving you plenty of time to get acquainted with the sunbeds and Jacuzzi, the marvellous entertainment systems and the diverse selection of drinks from the bar. There is something for all interests awaiting in the Eastern Mediterranean: Read on to discover some of the hotspots for some of the most popular summer activities. Partying and entertainment Surrender to the spirit of summer and dance the night away! Ayia Napa on Cyprus is considered by many to be the party capital of the Eastern Mediterranean, but there are plenty of other destinations trying to steal its crown. Marmaris is ideally situated on the Turkish Riviera for cruising to nearby ruins and attractions, and Bar Street is known for its lively atmosphere after dark. Once you’re done partying, there are plenty of bays in the area for a quiet night’s rest, and you can begin the day at your own pace with breakfast and the water toys ready and waiting. Amongst Croatia‘s Dalmatian Islands, visitors will find beachside parties hosted by international DJs playing electronica, psytrance, funk, disco and more. Anchor in the bays and have your own private party while your crew serves snacks from the barbeque and drinks from the wet bar. Split, Tisno and Novalja and the three major destinations for music festivals along the Dalmatian Coast. In Greece, Mykonos also has a reputation for attracting world-class DJ talent with parties running through the night until the glow of dawn. A quieter vibe awaits in Santorini, where there are incredible beach bars to lie back on a warm evening and savour the drinks and company. Fine dining Italy is famed for its ice cream and pizza, and you will surely be well-fed in Venice as you go on gondola rides and wander through impressive squares to marvellous restaurants worthy of Michelin stars. Slovenia doesn’t have the reputational clout of its neighbours when it comes to internationally recognisable destinations – and for that reason alone it’s worth exploring. The coast is laden with vineyards and trails for hiking and biking, and the fertile soils and bountiful seas produce sensational cuisine based on traditional dishes as well as current international trends. While the rest of the world is crowding into Italy, Croatia and Greece, you can take your time tasting the full-bodied wines and admiring the views of the Adriatic. Croatia, and the Istrian Peninsula, in particular, have yet more coastal trails for visitors to admire the views and work up an appetite and thirst that can be satisfied in the countryside bistros and vineyards. Slavic cuisine contains many unique and tasty treats to discover during your stay, and your onboard chef might be able to replicate your favourites or even give you the recipe to take home. Active outdoor lifestyle You can’t go wrong on a luxury yacht charter in the Eastern Mediterranean: There are stunning Greek and Roman ruins worth a closer look wherever you head, and whales, dolphins, turtles and rays are some of the possible encounters not far from the shores. The selection of water toys aboard your luxury yacht grants ample opportunity to snorkel or even Scuba dive around the Adriatic’s many wrecks, and guests of all ages will get a burst of adrenaline from the jet skis and towable toys. Hike along the incredible Lycian Way along the Turkish Riviera to see the rock-carved Lycian tombs up close, and additional activities such as horse riding and balloon rides will make your varied itinerary even more memorable once your holiday is through. Culture and shopping For centuries tourists have been flocking to the Mediterranean for summer, so it will come as no surprise that the countries surrounding the Adriatic and Aegean seas have international brands local specialities and charming boutiques for a round or two of retail therapy. The galleries showcase high quality works from talented local artists which could become the perfect souvenir for display in your home. Malta is covered in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the island nation is also renowned for its diving sites just off its coast. Venice is more about remaining on dry land and the entire city and its lagoon have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the best sights are around the Piazza San Marco and the Grand Canal are some of the most spectacular. Ponte di Rialto is best seen by water, while the Doge’s Palace and Basilica di San Marco are both rich in detail. Croatia Diocletian’s Palace in Split is one of the highlights of the Dalmatian Coast, while the iconic architecture around Dubrovnik has become famous as the setting for the Game of Thrones TV series. Place the ancient Greek myths and legends in their surroundings amongst the myriad Greek islands and get in some sunbathing on the gorgeous soft sand beaches along the way. Stroll through ancient Rhodes or the Old Town of Corfu and absorb their stories as you go, and visit Delos, the birthplace of Apollo. In more modern times, the shipwreck at Navaggio Beach has become a top attraction and a great backdrop for some summer holiday selfies, and the blue and white buildings of Santorini are recognised the world over. Lastly, Turkey is home to two of the ancient wonders of the world: The Temple of Ephesus and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in Bodrum. The latter destination is replete with museums both ancient and modern, galleries, forts and many more history-rich destinations. Even away from civilisation, there is more to encounter: The Lycian Way is an excellent opportunity to see the Lycian Tombs, either by walking the track along this section of the stunning Turquoise Coast or from the comfort of your sundeck Jacuzzi. Spa and wellness Your luxury yacht might already come with a spa and wellness centre onboard, plus a trained masseuse, yoga instructor or beauty therapist amongst the crew. If this isn’t the case, you will still be inundated with opportunities to lie back and de-stress with authentic treatments at a Turkish Hammam, a spa nestled amongst the Istrian peninsula, or planned wellness activities in such destinations as the pristine Ionian Islands. The Eastern Mediterranean never ceases to surprise and delight, and now is the time to plan ahead and secure your preferred dates ahead of the rest of the world. Trina Howes is a Director of CharterWorld America. CharterWorld is a luxury private yacht charter company that creates outstanding vacations with excellent yachts at amazing prices ā€“ worldwide. If you would like to be a guest blogger onĀ A Luxury Travel BlogĀ in order to raise your profile, pleaseĀ contact us.

Trina Howes

Trina Howes is a Director of CharterWorld America. CharterWorld America is a luxury private yacht charter company that creates outstanding vacations with excellent yachts at amazing prices – worldwide. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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5 Comments

  1. When youā€™re in charge of where you go and what you do then a yacht charter becomes the ultimate palace slash entertainment centre.

    Whatā€™s not to like?!?

    1. …and there are so many places to see around the world with the right yacht, entertainment & activities to suite everyone’s needs.

  2. Many years ago, some friends had hired a private yacht for 10 days in the Bahamas. Then one couple had to cancel for illness so we took their place at a great discount as they still covered the deposit. Without doubt it was a holiday of a lifetime. A yacht is such a great base for adventure and exploring.

    1. Thanks for sharing, Dan. Yes, a yacht charter is truly an experience to treasure for a lifetime. And nowadays there’s something to suite everyone’s budget and needs.

  3. Weā€™ve had great yacht hires in the Bahamas and Caribbean, would love to do it again. I never know that the Eastern Med had so much to offer.

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