Heat and hedonism are what many crave after thawing out from a cold dark winter, and the Western Mediterranean bestows both onto travellers that come to its shores. Visitors return year after year for the adventures on offer and leave with stories and treasures that last a lifetime. Some ways are better than others to experience this incredible cultural ‘neighbourhood’: Read on to discover why you should choose the Western Mediterranean for your next summer holiday – and why a luxury yacht charter is the best way to fit it all in.
The weather
The Mediterranean climate is typically warm and dry over the summer months, and the cooling sea breeze keeps things comfortable in the shade. From May until late September, conditions are perfect for living life outdoors to the fullest, whether it is water sports around the Balearic Islands, visiting vineyards in Sicily or simply taking a stroll through Pompeii, Salerno or Ravello, all along the Amalfi Coast.
The scenery
Nowhere else in the world can you see the towering Mount Vesuvius and beneath it the sprawling metropolis of Naples, a cumulation of cultural sites and treasures created in a golden age of art. Cliffside Ravello has inspired many creative types over the millennia, and the wild beauty of the Tuscan region will take your breath away. And Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and the Aeolian Islands await those who want to leave behind the surge of summer tourists and enjoy nature the way that it was meant to be appreciated.
The beaches
Sun, sea and sand are what many seek as the quintessential summer holiday with family and friends, and when it comes to Western Mediterranean beaches, simply take your choice: Formentera and the southern side of Mallorca are well known for their amazing beaches in the Balearic Islands, while the Calanques National Park and Pampelonne Beach (at Saint-Tropez) are two more premium picks among many along the South of France.
Corsica is a favourite for many yacht charterers because many of the beaches are off the beaten track – or any track for that matter – ensuring that you have golden sands all to yourselves.
The culture
Avoid the traffic and cruise along the coast from one cultural attraction to the next. While your Captain takes you to the next port, take refreshments from the bar and relax in the Jacuzzi, or rest weary feet in your air-conditioned lounge while you plan your next amazing adventure.
Wherever you land along the Mediterranean coast, it is sure to hold some historic or cultural importance. Barcelona is often a launching pad for luxury yacht charters into the Balearic Islands, and the city boasts an incredible selection of art nouveau architecture from Gaudi and his compatriots, as well as the Picasso Museum within the Gothic Quarter.
The whole French Riviera has galleries, museums, old forts and monasteries for a greater insight into times gone by, and the famous ruins at Pompeii and UNESCO World Heritage Sites covering Sicily let you stroll through incredible feats of ancient Roman engineering. See the colourful Cinque Terre villages along the Italian Riviera, and combine shopping with religious sites and scenic villas along the Amalfi Coast.
The events and activities
The Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix signal the start of the summer yachting season from mid/late May, and from then on, the social calendar is packed with galas, concerts, festivals and so much more for you to discover. Palais des Festivals along the Cannes waterfront hosts fireworks festivals in August, and the Cannes Yachting Festival and Royal Regatta take place in September.
The Mediterranean puts on plenty of family-friendly activities for the holidays, and the region is great for water sports, hiking and biking as a family with routes ranging in difficulty to suit a variety of ages. Friends groups looking to catch up have an amazing selection of outdoor sports such as horse riding, white water rafting and more to choose from, or for a slower pace wine tasting at the coastal vineyards and days of rest on board your luxury yacht or at a spa.
The indulgences
France and Italy have an enviable reputation in the fashion world, and your trip to the Western Mediterranean is the perfect opportunity to update your wardrobe from head to toe. Via Camerelle on Capri is your one-stop-shop for all the biggest brands, plus boutiques and ateliers for some unique additions to further personalise your style.
After all the shopping, take time to relax and rejuvenate with some spa treatments, either onboard your luxury yacht or at the prestigious establishments to be found throughout the Mediterranean. Once you’re refreshed, it’s time to party under the stars in your glamorous new look.
When it comes to Michelin starred restaurants, the Cote d’Azur has its fair share. In Monaco alone, there are six exceptional restaurants awaiting your booking. Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse à l’Hôtel de Paris was awarded three stars, as was Le Mirazur, situated in Menton, just a bay away.
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The freedom
There’s nothing quite like the freedom of a luxury yacht charter when cruising in the Western Mediterranean. Sleep in or start the day as you please while your crew takes care of all the meals, setup of water toys and beach equipment, and all the other details for a truly stress-free holiday with more time for the important things.
The on-board amenities, all to yourselves
Even in the top resorts and boutique hotels, you still have to share the staff and services with strangers. Not so on a luxury yacht! Vessels vary in size from speedy open yachts designed for 2-6 people all the way up to massive mega yachts that host an array of water toys, helipads and swimming pools onboard.
Motor yacht LUCKY LADY is an example of what’s available between these two extremes: Built by renowned shipyard Oceanco in 2002, she has been refitted in 2022 and looks and performs as great as if she were launched yesterday. Onboard amenities include a sundeck pool, helipad and several sunbathing spaces, while status as an Approved RYA Water Sports Centre allows guests to earn a jet ski license during their stay.
The accommodation aboard this 62.2m/204ft superyacht sleeps 10 guests across 5 en-suite cabins: 1 Owner’s suite on its own dedicated deck with a private office, lounge and more, and 4 double cabins on the lower deck. For those special celebrations, LUCKY LADY can accommodate up to 50 guests while at the dock.
Find out in Summer 2022 why the Western Mediterranean and a luxury yacht charter combine to make such a successful holiday experience for you and your loved ones.
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 – worldwide.
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