Do you spend your days dreaming of clear blue ocean and a warm breeze? If so, then what better place to sail than through the Mediterranean? With great food, great wine and an even greater climate, the Mediterranean offers a relaxing pace of life which is perfect for those interested in sailing. The clear blue water offers the perfect opportunity to swim and snorkel, but the Mediterranean is full of stunning scenery, history and wildlife. 

Whether you island-hop through Greece, weave your way through the 1000+ islands which dominate the Dalmatian Coast or take a trip around the Amalfi Coast, there are no other regions on Earth which offer the geographical and cultural variety which the Mediterranean has to offer. But, with all of these wonderful destinations on offer, settling on a route to embark on can be difficult. So, with that in mind, here are 5 destinations you must visit on your Mediterranean sailing route. 

Croatia and Montenegro

With around 1,200 islands to discover, it is no surprise that Croatia has become a hotspot for sailors and holidaymakers alike. Despite the growing popularity of destinations including Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik, with so many isles and coves to discover, exploring the Dalmatian coast is a must for any sailor. With just 50 of the islands inhabited, there is plenty of space for adventure and privacy on the 700 other islands. Across the islands, you will find beautiful scenery that is also littered with remnants of its turbulent past. 

Sardinia

Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Western Mediterranean and is a destination much-loved by yachters, with Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo amongst the most popular landing destinations. With around 1,100 miles of unique and rugged Mediterranean coastline all waiting to be explored, Sardinia is the home of many fascinating cultural influences. In the high season, you may find that marina berthing is hard to find and much more expensive than you may think. However, there are plenty of spots where you can drop your anchor. It is well worth a visit to the Maddalena Islands, which are nearby and have crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches. 

Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands consist of seven main Greek islands, as well as many other smaller isles. Spread across over 50 miles, from north to south, along the western coast of Greece, each island has its own charm to entice visitors. The biggest island is Corfu, which is popular with holidaymakers so can get quite busy during the summer months. If you want to visit an island with a little more culture, then head to Zante, which has plenty of secluded coastline and charm. Many sailors tend to spend a week or two venturing around each island, thanks to the wind and weather making it all a little easier. There are several ports of entry on each island, but you may find that you have to wait a little while to clear - the locals, ferries and passenger ships often take first priority, but what better way to catch some sun on deck!

The Algarve

Sailing to the Algarve is one of the best ways for you to enjoy the stunning Portuguese coastline. If you sail close to the coast, then you will have a perfect view of the caves, cliffs and beaches which line the shore. The Algarve is a popular tourist destination, but any holiday in the Algarve can be improved with sailing and there are many harbours where you can dock. The Lagos Marina has been awarded the Euromarina Anchor Award and is located in one of the largest bays in Europe. Many people split their sailing route up by staying in the Algarve for a day or two. There is a lot of respect for sailing here, as it is an ancient nautical tradition which has always been linked to the history of Portugal. In order to have a break, many people find that hiring one of the many luxury Algarve villas or hotels a worthwhile expense so that they can truly explore the towns and villages. 

Amalfi Coast

At just 30-miles long, the stretch of Amalfi coastline offers both concentrated and rich charter grounds, thanks to its dramatic coastline, hillside villages and sparkling blue water. Thankfully, you don’t need to sail far in order to visit some of the beautiful destinations, including Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi, with Pompeii, the Bay of Naples and Capri island just a short cruise away. On the Amalfi coast, you’ll find historic ruins, designer fashion and delicious Italian food and drink so you’re sure to pack a lot into your days here. However, as the Amalfi coast is so beautiful, it is one of Italy’s worst-kept secrets and it can get extremely busy in the high season, but there is also an abundance of marinas where you can dock.