Top 10 Sailing Destinations in Europe

[tolga yng]

Europe is surrounded by sea on almost all sides, with a diverse coastline and of course fascinating culture and natural beauty. If you're thinking of a holiday on the continent that includes sailing, these ten destinations, are undoubtedly the highlights:

1. Ionian islands, Greece – It is the most common charting place for travelers around the Mediterranean, a beautiful place to begin your sailing journey with, starting from Lefkada and winding through its seven large islands, passing through the smaller ones in the middle.
2. Azores, Portugal – It is a cluster of various islands owned by Portugal out in the Atlantic Ocean. These islands are common for their lush green vegetation and landscapes. These can be perfectly travelled by boat.
3. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia – A travel destination that offers beautiful beaches and a traditional way of life, it has around more than 1,700 islands, best explored by boat. You will also get to see the traditional fishing villages and attractive hidden coves.
4. Baltic Islands, Germany – The Brakish Inland Sea offers some really unique locations.
5. Sporades Islands, Greece – These are a lesser known yet also beautiful Greek sailing route. It has 11 islands but Volos would be a good start. It's famous as the "emerald of the Aegean," has rich vegetation and a very traditional way of life. For more details about yacht charter destinations from Greece please check t...
6. The French Riveria  – The Côte d'Azur is not only tremendously popular but also offers a great sailing island for visitors, hence making it one of the most beautiful sailing destinations in Europe.
7. Turkish Coast & Dodecanese Islands In Greece –  Bodrum, it is situated along the listening Turkish coast and makes your way much easier to Turkish Dodecanese islands. This part of Europe is known for its rocky coastline and sunken villages.
8. Balearic Islands, Spain – These three islands off northeast Spain makes a wonderful European sailing destinations. If you're looking for livelier ports, go for Palma de Mallorca and Ibiza; Minorca and Formentera are more laid back and away from the crowds. 
9. Corsica, France – With over 200 beaches, Corsica is one of the best kept secrets of Western Mediterranean. It is fairly isolated place, and offers you a less crowded waters for sailing.
10. Fjords of Norway – Perhaps Europe's most spectacular maritime scenery. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed fjords were formed by glaciers and are a dramatic sight indeed.

There's more where that came from, including are many more islands and places to sail around in the Mediterranean, such as Istanbul. Whichever you choose, there's nothing like sailing for an unforgettable holiday experience!