2024 Mediterranean Season Sailing Guide
With the start of the highly coveted Mediterranean sailing season only a month away, we are excited to share some updates for our popular Med charter destinations and good-to-know information about the best time to sail in each destination and the best time to book your charter. Sailing in the Mediterranean is very seasonal, so read the full article to get all of our “Pro Tips” for each destination.
Plenty of new yachts are arriving at our bases this year and we currently offer unbeatable discounts in all of our Mediterranean destinations.
Croatia - Trogir and Dubrovnik
When we think of a sailing vacation in the Mediterranean, one of the first places that comes to mind is Croatia. Just think of the Adriatic Sea with its hidden coves and bays framed with breathtaking cliffs and filled with crystal-clear water. Imagine yourself on a luxury sailing yacht, silently gliding across the water, immersed in beautiful nature. As your skipper throws the anchor overboard, you look down from the railing and realize with awe that you can see to the bottom! It’s time to dive in for a refreshing swim and then soak up the sun on a warm beach.
If you want to make this majestic mental image a reality, we have great news for you. The start of the sailing season in the Mediterranean is less than a month away! Don’t expect the water to be warm quite yet, but you’ll likely enjoy beautiful sunny weather and you won’t have to deal with the crowds of eager tourists typical of the Mediterranean summers. So while the sailing season in Croatia officially begins in mid-March, the best time to sail depends on what you are looking for in a trip.
Pro Tip: The shoulder seasons in spring and fall are great if you don’t want to worry about finding a docking spot and reserving tables at every restaurant. However, if you want to swim and do water sports, or enjoy walking the streets buzzing with nightlife, the summer months are ideal.
Once you’ve decided when to go, you may be wondering about the best time to book. Booking very early may not offer you the best deals while booking late is risky since your desired week and boat may be sold out. We are happy to tell you that right now is an excellent time to book your Mediterranean sailing getaway. Our current promotion of up to 30% off departures in the Mediterranean is simply unbeatable and we still have plenty of availability left, but don’t delay. The deal is only valid when you book through February, and as we anticipated, our current promotion has already increased the demand for our popular Mediterranean destinations.
The good news doesn’t end there; our huge Croatian fleets are growing in 2024. The Navigare Yachting base in Trogir is expecting 12 new yachts this year and our base in Dubrovnik is expecting 4. That makes for a total of 90 luxury yachts in our Croatian fleets (71 and 19 for our bases in Trogir and Dubrovnik respectively)! The new yachts are sailing catamarans from 40-47 ft from renowned brands Fountaine Pajot and Bali Catamarans and sailing monohulls from world-famous Beneteau, Dufour, and Jeanneau at 35-48 ft.
Greece - Athens
With a Mediterranean climate featuring warm and sunny summers and beautiful nature, it’s not a surprise that Greece ranks as one of the top destinations in the world for sailing. Greece boasts a breathtaking coastline dotted with islands featuring cliffs rising out of the ocean, lush green vegetation, coastal villages, and sandy beaches. Imagine walking the streets of picturesque Greek fishing towns, exploring historical sites, and swimming in clear water by a soft sandy beach. Now throw in a luxurious yacht with a professional crew hired to sail your boat and cook up the most delicious local meals you could imagine and you have the recipe for an unforgettable award-winning vacation.
With an incredible 5.0 stars rating on TripAdvisor, our Greek destination was the winner of the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award, so let’s take a closer look at what makes Navigare Yachting in Greece an award-winning charter base. In addition to creating wonderful sailing vacations in a beautiful Mediterranean destination, our Greek base staff and crew are known for top-notch service and always go above and beyond for our charter guests. Immediately upon arriving at the base, you will be greeted with a warm welcome. During your check-in, the staff will provide a prompt and professional briefing, and make sure the boat is in spotless condition in time for your boarding. Our crew members, if you choose to add them to your charter, are all service-minded, great at what they do, and love to double-serve as private guides. Whether they are locals or not, our crew members know Greece very well and can guide you to the most beautiful spots. They will handle the boat for you and serve up delicious local meals tailored to your preferences. It’s simply the epitome of sailing charter vacations.
If you are looking for the absolute highest level of service and luxury, we also offer luxury crewed charters in both our Greek and Croatian destinations. It’s an all-inclusive experience with full crew - and full board service - onboard one of the most luxurious yachts in the fleet.
With a climate similar to Croatia, the sailing season in Greece starts in mid-March and runs through early November. Just like in Croatia, the best time to sail depends on your preferences. Whether you choose the high season during the summer or go for the more relaxing shoulder season, remember that your charter yacht will always provide a peaceful sanctuary whenever you want.
Pro Tip: The crowds of tourists start to build up in the early summer and ports and villages will be the most crowded in July and August. However, that is also when the water has warmed up the most after the chilly winter and everything will be open. You may even enjoy the hustle and bustle in the streets and people-watching from a portside cafe.
Our base at Agios Kosmas Marina in Athens is currently home to 30 luxurious sailing yachts: a mix of catamarans and sailboats from the shipyards Lagoon, Bali, Fountaine Pajot, Beneteau, and Jeanneau. From the smaller nimble sailboat to the huge luxury catamaran, our Greece base has the boat to fit your needs and wishes and our staff works around the clock to keep them all in excellent condition.
We also want to remind you that now is the best time to book. If you wait longer, your desired week/yacht may sell out and you may also miss out on our best discount for the Mediterranean so far. The promotion of up to 30% off is valid for all departures in Greece when you book before February 29.
Spain - Mallorca
Another highly popular Mediterranean destination that makes the list of best destinations for sailing is Mallorca, Spain. The Balearic Islands offer excellent sailing conditions and beautiful scenery around every turn. The summers are long, hot, and sunny, the water is clear and warm and nature is just as breathtaking as our other Mediterranean destinations. Our base is located in Palma de Mallorca which lends a perfect location for sailing the beautiful Balearic Sea.
Navigare’s fleet in Mallorca will welcome two new luxury yachts in 2024. They are both sailing catamarans from the yacht brands Bali Catamarans and Fountaine Pajot. In total, our Mallorca base has 17 well-maintained yachts, both sailing catamarans and sailboats in various sizes and prices. The catamarans range from 39-52 feet and the monohulls range from 44-53 feet, so there is a boat to fit your group size and budget.
Pro Tip: Similar to Greece and Croatia, the peak season for sailing in Spain is June-August. Of course, these months can be uncomfortably crowded, but you’re guaranteed warm water, beautiful weather, and great sailing. Traveling in the shoulder season (April and May and September and October) might be better if you prefer a more relaxed vacation. It’s easier to find docking spots and you will likely enjoy sunny skies and warm temperatures during these months as well.
If you are ready to explore the Balearic Sea, now is the best time to book. Just like in Croatia and Greece, we offer up to 30% off departures in Spain when you book through February.
Since 2001, over 350,000+ charter guests have set sail with Navigare - it’s safe to say that your yachting adventure will be in capable hands. With 12 exotic locations worldwide, the possibilities are endless! Whether you're an experienced sailor or a first-time adventurer, Navigare Yachting opens up a world of exploration, discovery, and sailing that comes with complete peace of mind.