Chartering a sailing boat is the ideal way to plan a trip along the stunning shores where Europe, Africa, and Asia meet, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. This itinerary is perfect for a week-long getaway. You’ll experience the culture and cuisine of each country and city along the route. Here are the top Mediterranean destinations to discover.
1. Sicily
Thanks to its strategic location at the heart of the Mediterranean, the Italian island of Sicily offers a unique blend of wild nature and ancient ruins from nearly forgotten civilizations. Its vast Greek, Roman, Norman, and Baroque heritage, along with the charming seaside towns dotting the coast, is best explored by boat.
Palermo, the capital, is a must-see with some of the finest monuments from its storied past. The island is home to significant archaeological sites, many of Greek origin, including the grand Greco-Roman theater.
The magnificent Etna volcano towers over the island and can be seen from the shoreline, casting its ash-colored shadow on the university city of Catania. Still active, Etna last erupted in 2012. Since 2002, Catania—the island’s second-largest city—has held UNESCO World Heritage status.
2. Greek Islands
Greece boasts over 2,200 islands and islets, making a boat trip among them truly spectacular. Start from Knossos in Crete, where the ruins of King Minos’ palace recall the city’s legendary origins. Not far away lies another ancient treasure: Phaistos, one of the most important sites of Minoan civilization.
The island’s past comes alive in Rhodes, where an earthquake destroyed the famed Colossus—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World dedicated to Helios. Remnants of the Lindos Acropolis still stand today.
Other famous islands not to miss are Mykonos and Santorini, both offering stunning beaches, scenic coastal villages, and plenty of history to soak up.
3. Dubrovnik
A key part of the Mediterranean, the Adriatic Sea reveals a dramatic change of scenery along the Dalmatian coast, home to one of Europe’s most stunning fortified cities. Entering through Pile Gate, visitors find a web of winding, cobblestone streets climbing ever higher by way of countless steps. From above, breathtaking views await.
The stone walls of Dubrovnik are now a peaceful walkway, though once they served as vital defense lines. Having survived many conflicts—including the devastating Balkan wars—the city of old Ragusa has managed to recover and preserve much of its captivating heritage, drawing crowds of travelers today.
With a stop in Dubrovnik, any organized tour of the Balkans will reveal the Cathedral, Rector’s Palace, Clock Tower, Onofrio’s Fountain, and the Franciscan Monastery, which houses Mala Braca—the oldest pharmacy in Europe, operating since 1317.
