The Best Sailing Destinations in the World
Feeling the wind in your hair and smelling the salt in the air as you take to the sea – that’s freedom. Sailing is one of the great joys of travel. But where are the best places to sail in the world?
Let’s find out together.
1. HVAR, Croatia
Croatia’s Hvar is a great sailing destination. It’s known for its nightlife and historical sites. This island receives over 2,700 hours of sun yearly, more than anywhere else in the Adriatic. Visitors often book island-hopping cruises from Split to Dubrovnik, with Hvar in between, it makes for a perfect spot to stop, shop, and take in some of Croatia’s magnificent sights.
While there also visit the Spanjola Fortress, Palmizana and the rest of the Pakleni Islands. There is never a dull moment to be had in the water or on land.
2. SAINT MARTIN, CARAÍBAS
Saint Martin is about 300 km east of Puerto Rico and is just 87 square km. Sailing out of Saint Martin allows you to explore other nearby Caribbean Islands, such as Antigua and Barbuda, St. Lucia, and the British Virgin Islands.
This area is home to many intact reefs, which are a dream for any snorkeler or diver to explore. St. Martin embodies a stress-free lifestyle full of fun and adventure.
3. Saronic Gulf, GREECE
Greece’s Saronic Gulf is another one of the best sailing locations and is home to some of the greatest sunsets on Earth. These waters can be sailed on a sailing boat or a catamaran. Activities in the Saronic Gulf range from tasting some world-best pistachios to riding around Spetses on horseback. And there is no shortage of eateries to stop at along the way, serving up top-notch Mediterranean cuisine and wine.
4. Amalfi Coast, ITALY
Amalfi Coast is regarded as one of the best sailing destinations in the world. The little town of Amalfi is literally embedded into the rocky cliffs overlooking the cerulean Tyrrhenian Sea. Amalfi was once its own republic and was a massive maritime powerhouse.
Today, it is rich with restaurants, museums, and cathedrals. There are plenty of boats for rent in Amalfi as well as nearby Positano, making it easy to sail around the entire coast and see its magnificent sites. Of course, there are many Italian restaurants, Mediterranean eateries, and cafes to visit in Amalfi.
5. KOH SAMUI, THAILAND
Located in the Gulf of Thailand is Koh Samui, an island that boasts beautiful coconut groves, beaches lined with palm trees, and lush mountainous rainforest. You can visit a small connecting island that is home to Wat Phra Yai Temple. It features a 12-m-tall golden statue of Big Buddha that will catch your eye.
As a boutique island, visitors get treated to a slew of resorts and spas. So, once you are done sailing for the day, you can head to any number of Koh Samui’s spas or resorts for a little rest and relaxation.