Crystal-clear sea, vibrant colors, a summer vibe and a wow-factor landscape. When it comes to the countless beauties of the Mediterranean Sea you’re spoilt for choice. Whether it’s a star-player like Capri with its Faraglioni rocks, or the least known of the Aegean islands, throwing down the anchor is nothing short of pure emotion.
1. Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
Beautiful beyond words, Navagio beach, also known as smuggler’s cove, is a small beach surrounded by enormous cliffs on all sides with an old shipwreck in the middle. It is exactly the image that comes to mind when imagining a pirate crew’s home. The water is a crystalline blue that shimmers in the most beautiful of ways. Aside from its idyllic beaches, Zante also has a reputation for being one of the most popular party islands in Europe. Check out this laganas nightlife guide to discover the many famous bars, clubs, events and restaurants that you can visit on your trip to the island.
2. Cala Luna, Italy
This isolated beach is located in the Golf of Orosei in Sardinia, Italy, is shaped like a crescent and is teeming with marine life. If you are boating or sailing here, bring diving or snorkeling equipment with you as it is most certainly worth a plunge or two!
3. Faros Bay, Polyaigos, Greece
The fifth-century BC shipwreck that you can see on the sea bottom is just one of the many treasures housed in this beautiful and lonely Cycladic Island. Despite being very close to Milos and Kimolos, it is now uninhabited. Its uncontaminated habitat, where monk seals reproduce and it isn’t uncommon to spot a Caretta turtle, is part of the European Union’s Natura 2000 protection program.
4. Saleccia, France
Situated in Corsica, Saleccia is a completely isolated beach with no man-built structures insight. With its pearl-white sand and its transparent waters, it is reputed to be one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
5. Alimnia, Rhodes, Greece
Off the west coast of Rhodes and very close to Halki the desert islet of Alimnia, with its deep bay, is a magnificent natural harbor. It was an Italian military base and there are still some abandoned houses featuring wall paintings representing warships and submarines. Surrounded by high mountains, the bay is wild and one of the most beautiful in the Dodecanese and in the Mediterranean Sea.
6. Marina Piccola, Capri, Italy
Capri’s Faraglioni rocks have been seen, photographed, described, and even sung about. But they bring new emotions every time. The best place to enjoy the view is Marina Piccola, which is more intimate and less chaotic than its bigger sister. At sunset the more daring visitors can climb along the narrow hairpin turns of the famous Via Krupp up to The Gardens of Augustus. It offers an unparalleled view of the Faraglioni and the Marina.
7. Agia Anna, Amorgos, Greece
Coming in from the sea the white silhouette of the Horoviotissa monastery, nestled in on account of the steepness of the paper-thin, lime-painted rocky wall. The safest moorings can be found at the opposite end of this barren and windy island – one of the most fascinating in the Aegean Sea – but a stop in front of Agia Anna beach is a must, and the monks are very hospitable.
8. Anse de Roccapina, Corse
A small gem tucked in the fauna on the southwest coast in the Sartène area, it’s fringed with a half-moon of sand as fine as talcum powder and a crystal-clear sea. Framing it, are the unmissable Genovan tower and the Rocher du Lion, a high cliff on top of which you can see the outline of a lion’s head shaped by the wind. If you are sailing in the Mediterranean Sea… don’t miss it!
9. Minorca, Spain
Though it may be the lesser known of the Balearic Islands, Minorca is scattered with more spectacular beaches than Ibiza and Mallorca combined, including Cala Mitjaneta, Cala Pregonda, Cala Macarella and Macarelleta… The rolling landscape is mixed with secluded coves and beaches along with a climate ideal for sailing, making it a true sailing paradise.
10. Amalfi Coast, Italy
Combining the best of both worlds, Italy boasts a beautiful countryside with Tuscan cypress trees as well as a stunning coastline known as the Amalfi coast. As you sail along the coast, you can see these great mountains lining the coast itself and harboring small towns all along its length. Stopping at any of them is a good idea to enjoy the delicious, genuine Italian cuisine, wine and hospitality.
11. Alonnisos, Greece
In the western part of the Aegean Sea, near Skiatos and Skopelos lays Alonnisos, an island less known, that holds a special charm. Just the simple image of the island filled with pines and olive trees can offer you relaxation. The atmosphere is typical for Greek islands unaltered by the flow of tourists, so you can have an authentic experience. The southern part of the island is full of beaches and crystalline bays. Kokkinokastro is one of the most beautiful ones, being surrounded by an impressive wall of red stone.
12. Egadi Islands, Italy
The Egadi Islands consist of a group of three small, rocky islands, Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo, lying some 6-10 miles off the harbour of Trapani at the extreme NW corner of Sicily. They were the site of a major naval battle in 241 BC which effectively ended Carthaginian resistance during the First Punic War.
13. Kotor Bay, Montenegro
Montenegro’s popularity is booming, especially in the south-western part of the country, where the beautiful UNESCO protected Boka Bay, which is exciting to explore by boat, is situated. The most dramatic and exquisite sunken canyon in Europe not only boasts surreal views and pretty tiny villages but is home to the most developed infrastructure in the whole state. Among the best facilities, are several luxurious waterfront hotels and marinas with appealing berth prices for yacht owners (take a look to Porto Montenegro), especially in comparison with classic destinations of the past, such as Monaco or Porto Cervo
14. Cala de Formentor, Mallorca, Spain
Sailing along the North Mallorcan coast with a sea breeze is a thrilling experience. Beautiful mountains, cliffs, lots of green and this crystal blue water combine to make the visual experience breathtaking. After sailing (from West to East) by the Cabo Formentor, the Northernmost point of Mallorca, sail 5 Nautical Miles SW and you’ll find a really enjoyable anchorage.
15. Port Cros, France
Port Cros is the smallest of the three islands which make up the “îles d’Or” in the golf of Hyères. 4 km long and 3 km wide the island extends to 690 hectares. The Island of Port-Cros is a natural marine reserve. Although there is a small port with two B&Bs, some restaurants, bars and a small grocery store, the rest of the island is an uninhabited park. There are walking paths which lead to various desolate beaches where you can snorkel amongst the kind of fish that are rarely ever given the opportunity to grow so large.