There are hundreds of locations in Europe that provide a beautiful and unique sailing experience, but I have managed to narrow it down to the Top Sailing Destinations in Europe. Each choice has its own cultural flavors, breathtaking sights, and adventurous activities that make them all well worth the trip. It was difficult to pick just 6, so, in no particular order, let’s begin!
Croatia
Croatia is a destination overflowing with history and buildings that are centuries old. If you love to explore ancient sites with a spectacular backdrop of bright blue water and clean, sandy beaches, Croatia is for you!
There are parts of Croatia that are teeming with activity from the locals and tourists, while other sections are almost eerily isolated and quiet.
Hundreds of islands make up the whole of Croatia, so you can spend a lifetime hopping from one to the other and never see the same thing twice. The ancient city of Dubrovnik and the awe-inspiring grottoes named for different colors are highly recommended.
South of France
The waters in the South of France are well-known playgrounds for the rich and famous. Even the water makes you feel indulgent and pampered among the other sailors enjoying the warmth and sunshine.
This is certainly not the destination for sailors looking for simple and quiet. On land, there are scores of restaurants, boutiques, museums, and spas that cater to each client as if they are royalty.
The South of France is also one of the best places in the world to lie back on the beach and people-watch for an afternoon. Everywhere you look, there is something or someone beautiful!
Greece
Brilliant blue waters match the brilliant blue paint used on buildings on the coast of Greece. The signature look of these coastal towns gives you a sense of history and community that perfectly embodies the people of Greece.
The Cyclades, the Ionian Islands, the Saronic Islands, and the Sporades are among the most popular tourist routes, but a few places that not worth exploring.
Many of the best beaches can only be reached via boat, so you have the advantage over the landlocked tourists. Snorkeling, diving, and visiting the many coves in Greece are favorites among sailors because you never need to leave the amazingly clear Greek waters.
Italy
Color and incredible views make Italy one of those destinations that require you to take hundreds of pictures to remember every second of your time there.
If the sights and historical aspects weren’t enough, the locals are just as colorful and warm as the surrounding landscape. Stop at any locally owned restaurant in Italy, and you will experience the freshest and best-tasting seafood and pasta you will ever stumble across.
Shopping is another pleasure that should be undertaken whenever the mood strikes. Don’t forget to pull yourself away from the shops to enjoy the grottos and beaches!
Turkey
Turkey is home to some of the most ancient ruins on this list, and you can almost feel the soul of the country just by viewing its coast from the clear, dazzling waters.
The old cities have a magnetic pull for tourists, but there is a sense of respect and dignity to the historical areas that is unforgettable.
The coast is comprised of numerous fishing villages that are home to friendly locals who are more than pleased to point visitors in the right direction or give suggestions for the best coffee or meals.
Spain
Spain is a very popular tourist destination for sailors and non-sailors alike, but I would be remiss in not including such a beautiful location, even if it can be a little busy.
Up and down the coast, islands and coastal cities welcome tourists to eat, dance, shop, and enjoy the type of weather that cannot be found almost anywhere else, and you will eat better than you have in ages.
Spain is well known for its hospitality and nightlife, so check out one of the nightclubs to experience the essence of Spain in full swing. I would also recommend a stroll at dusk along the beach. The sunset is spellbinding!
In Conclusion
It may be difficult to narrow down your choices and make a final decision about where you want to sail, but be assured, that if you choose any of my top destinations, you will not be disappointed.
Every location listed has gorgeous waters, incredible food, and weather that will make you dread a cold, rainy day back home.
These destinations make you forget your troubles and leave you yearning for a repeat visit as soon as you arrive back home. The best vacations should always be looked back upon with a combination of nostalgia and regret that you ever had to leave!
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What is your favorite sailing destination? Please, feel free to share it in the comments below.
Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
What a beautiful site you have. Very inspirational as well as informative. The visuals are breathtaking If I were not thinking about visiting or sailing around Europe on a yacht before today, I have definitely made plans to add this to my bucket list. There are so many wonderful destinations in the world and this is certainly a great way to enjoy them. Thank you for stimulating my imagination.
Hi Mr Glass,
I am glad you like my website ,thank you for the compliment.
Everything in life start by the imagination:)
Have a wonderful day!
Great post! I have dreamed about visiting Greece and the south of France; as well as Italy. While I do find the history of these amazing European countries fantastic; I would also like to enjoy the beaches and people watch. After all, what’s a vacation without a little relaxation? I seriously want to visit Greece and Italy as soon as possible though.
Thanks for sharing,
Diana
Hi Diana,
You can combine pleasure and history while visiting these countries, this is what it’s all about 🙂
Hmm, Greece and Italy are wonderful, the food is very tasty especially in Italy!
Thank you for passing by and wish you to visit these countries soon.
Have an awesome day
Going sailing in Europe is one of my big life dreams, so I was very happy to find this post! I’m glad you included such a diverse range of locations.
I would imagine these locations would also differ in level of popularity – is that correct? Do you feel that a place such as Croatia or Turkey would be less busy for sailors than the South of France or Spain?
Hi Samantha,
I agree with you, Europe is beautiful .
To answer your question, it will depends on the period of the year, but usually all of these countries are very busy especially in July and August .
Thank you for passing by and wish you to sail soon in Europe:)
Have a nice day!
Those look like these are really awesome places to go on holiday. I bet it’s hot there though. Neer mind going sailing, I would be wanting to actually jump into the sea to cool off.
I imagine sailing is a very different experience in a hot place like this rather than somewhere like the UK where it would probably be wet and windy a lot of the time. Going on a sailing holiday somewhere like this, I wonder if it is the luxury of the rich. What do you think?
I bet you get nice food in these places too. Especially Italy and Spain. Be careful not to eat too much just before going sailing, though, or you may bring it up over the side of the boat!
Hi Marcus,
Well it depends, some sailors enjoy sailing even if the sea is agitated , it’s an exciting challenge for them, but I wouldn’t suggest this for beginners:)
To answer your question,sailing is for everyone , it’s a just a question of choosing the kind of holiday you wish to have. There are awesome boats to sail for a week and cheap. Some places offers reductions and good deals.
Thank you for the comment and wish you a nice day!
Hey Daniella,
Loving these destinations! I’ve visited all of them except Croatia. I’ve heard so much about it, guess its time for me to travel there one fine day. 6 places are too few, you should definitely add more to your list, I’m running out of places to go 😀
Hi Riaz,
Croatia is a must to see! Don’t miss out this beautiful country .
There are always new things to do or places to visit, it’s never the same!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a great day:)
I got excited just reading your post. I cannot say enough how much I love to travel and looking at all these gorgeous places (some which I have already been to) I could close my eyes and be there already!
South of France, Italty and Croatia are my top favourites that I would like to go to as I’ve never been but it is just too hard to decide! Which is your number one favourite overall?
Hi Holly,
I am so glad to see you again:) Yes, I understand, all these beautiful places, it’s hard to choose. To be honest, my favorite destination is Italy. The food is fantastic and the landscapes are incredible. But that’s my personal opinion:)
Thank you for the comment and wish you a lovely day!
Hi there,
This is a fantastic blog. Every time I come to your blog I am just amazed! The places you have here are breath-taking. It is times like these that I wished I had the money to just travel the world.
My favorite location will have to be between Croatia and Greece.
Hi there,
I am glad you like the article: it’s hard to choose between Greece and Croatia, these two beautiful countries are so different and both have wonderful sailing ground!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!
I love to travel, so absolutely loved your website and this post! More items on my bucket list 🙂 I would have never guess that Turkey held so many ancient ruins. I’ve always had Italy and Greece on my bucket list. Now I have Croatia and Turkey. I think I would have so much fun exploring! Sailing in any of these destinations would be amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Matt’s,
I am glad you like my website and the article:)
There are many beautiful monuments and ancient ruins to explore in Croatia, Turkey, Greece, and in Italy. I would have put all of them on my bucket list, and as you said, sailing in any of these destinations would be such a fun!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!
I never realized Europe was such a beautiful place, your photographs are just awesome. it would be difficult to choose one spot to visit in Europe, but wherever you go it is surely going to be a fun and beautiful trip.
Europe is not a place I ever thought I would wish to explore before, your article has changed my mind you have done a wonderful job with this article.
Hi there,
Europe is beautiful, there are so many to explore there, I would suggest to anyone who has never been to Europe, to travel. Once you are there you always want more!
I am glad that this article has inspired you, Great!
Thank you very much for the comment and wish you to visit Europe very soon!
Have a wonderful day!