Planning your 2024 summer yacht charter

Published 03 April 2024

There are few experiences with as much draw as a summer yacht charter. From Island-hopping around Greece, to dropping anchor on the Côte d’Azur, and discovering hidden anchorages along Italy’s craggy coast, a charter itinerary tailored to your preferences is sure to please guests of all ages.  

Discover the best the world has to offer with a summer yacht charter in 2024 
Discover the best the world has to offer with a summer yacht charter in 2024 

Popular summer charter destinations

While the world is your oyster, luxury summer yacht charters often focus on the Mediterranean. For 2024, popular yacht charter destinations unite the thrill of the Paris Olympics with shipwreck dives in Greece, and landmark architecture with gastronomic highs.  

summer yacht charter

The French Riviera

From Monaco to Saint-Tropez, the French Riviera (Cote d’Azur) has long captured the hearts and souls of the yachting crowd, with its litany of beach clubs, chic coastal towns and Michelin-starred delights hidden around every corner. 

Must-see, must-do in the French Riviera

Amid the French Riviera’s signature sun-kissed lifestyle, shopping, beaching and being seen on red carpets are among the top leisure pursuits. The hardest part is choosing between meeting friends for lunch at the Monaco Yacht Club or jetting off to party the night away at fabled restaurant La Guérite on Cannes’ Île Sainte-Marguerite. 

Lunch in the sun with a spectacular view of the Mediterranean
Lunch in the sun with a spectacular view of the Mediterranean

Watch the Monaco 2024 Grand Prix 

A Monaco yacht charter is not complete without the screech of engines and the smell of burning rubber during the Monte-Carlo Grand Prix. The narrow, winding circuit remains the most coveted, where 78 laps stretched over 3.337km test drivers to their limits and trackside berths are hotly contested. 

The Monaco Grand Prix is undoubtedly the highlight of anyone's visit
The Monaco Grand Prix is undoubtedly the highlight of anyone's visit

Experience 2024 Olympic Games 

France’s capital city has spent four years preparing to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with iconic destinations earmarked for key events. Head to the Eiffel Tower for a dramatic backdrop to the beach volleyball tournaments, pass by the Champ-de-Mars for judo and wrestling, or watch the Olympic sailing events from the comfort of a yacht at the Marseille Marina. 

Enjoy a day out in the sunshine as you watch the women's Olympic beach vollyball tournaments 
Enjoy a day out in the sunshine as you watch the women's Olympic beach vollyball tournaments 
summer yacht charter 

The Ionian Islands

A sailing charter around the Ionian islands brings lazy days spent exploring wild landscapes and deserted sandy coves, pretty harbours and white-washed fishing villages. From Corfu to Kefalonia, the Ionian islands, west of mainland Greece, merge natural beauty with legends of the past. 

Must-see, must-do in the Ionian Islands

Built in 1891, the imposing Achilleion Palace on Corfu was the setting for the casino scene in James Bond's For Your Eyes Only. It’s just a stone’s throw from the Old Fortress, one of the most impressive Venetian fortifications in Europe, while Sivota Bay in Lefkada brings sea swims and tranquillity to a Greek charter. 

Visit the famous Achilleion Palace 
Visit the famous Achilleion Palace 

Discover the Dodecanese islands

The 12-island complex of Dodecanese is the sunniest corner in Greece. On the largest island, Rhodes, the medieval street of the Knights and Palace of the Grand Masters reflect Byzantine and Ottoman influences, while the harbour town of Kos is renowned for its long stretches of sandy beaches. 

Take a moment to pause and soak in the picturesque views of the Dodecanese islands 
Take a moment to pause and soak in the picturesque views of the Dodecanese islands 

Visit the Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos

The crystal-clear waters of Zakynthos harbour a secret. By Navagio Beach, or Shipwreck Beach, in an exposed cove, sometimes referred to as Smugglers Cove, lies the carcass of a shipwreck. Recent landslides in the area have prevented access by land, making it only accessible by boats approaching from the water.  

Spend the day exploring Zakynthos' beached shipwreck secluded from land access
Spend the day exploring Zakynthos' beached shipwreck secluded from land access
summer yacht charter

The Balearic Islands

Whether visiting the sailing hub of Palma or looking for the ultra-chic party buzz of Ibiza, The Balearic Islands host enviably good yacht charter itineraries, peppered with fine wine and dining.  

Must-see, must-do in the Balearics

Far from the crowds, those in the know head to Las Salinas in Ibiza, the dream anchorage for any active charters or watersports enthusiasts. It gives clear views to Es Vedra, which rises from the sea at almost 400m high. Alternatively, Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana wild mountain gifts limestone peaks and cliffs that loom over the brilliant blue sea. 

Go for a early morning hike and see Mallorca from a different perspective 
Go for a early morning hike and see Mallorca from a different perspective 

Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Martel

A rowboat ride across Lake Martel delivers guests into the realm of classical music, performed live by floating musicians as the boat journeys deep into the Caves of Drach. It’s a Mallorcan experience not to be missed. 

Discover the Caves of Drach via rowboat
Discover the Caves of Drach via rowboat

Discover the Cap de Formentor

More active charters may take in the Cap de Formentor, a spit of land on the northernmost tip of Mallorca located in the Pollença municipality. Its highest point, Fumat, is 384m above sea level, with views that make the stepped climb worthwhile. 

The lighthouse is not open to the public, but you can take a stroll around the rocky surroundings and admire the view
The lighthouse is not open to the public, but you can take a stroll around the rocky surroundings and admire the view
summer yacht charter

Sicily and the Aeolian Islands

A Sicilian yacht charter will bring guests to the tip of Italy’s boot. As the largest of all the Mediterranean islands, its volcanic land is blessed with long, dry summers, and some of the best beaches throughout Europe. 

Must-see, must-do in Sicily and the Aeolian Islands?

Located just 20km from Sicily’s capital city, Mondello is one of the best beaches near Palermo. Music buffs can’t leave without going to the opera at the Teatro Massimo, while the Scala dei Turchi (or Turkish stairs) located between Realmonte and Porto Empedocle are a formidable formation of limestone steps that will be chalked into your memory for ever. 

Sunbathe beneath the Scala dei Turchi on the warm golden sand
Sunbathe beneath the Scala dei Turchi on the warm golden sand

Sail past the lighthouse of the Mediterranean

Often nicknamed the ‘lighthouse of the Mediterranean’, Stromboli is an active volcano that spews fiery hot lava into the night’s sky creating an explosive display over the Mediterranean Sea. 

Stromboli stands 962m above sea level and last erupted in April 2009
Stromboli stands 962m above sea level and last erupted in April 2009

Indulge in the olives on offer in Salina

Walking among Salina’s olive groves is an Italian rite of passage. More than 400 different types of plants grow on Sicily, including grapes, olives and capers. For a seasoned tour, make the climb up from Santa Marina, Lingua or Valdichiesa. 

Visit Salina's many olive groves and take in the fresh air and beauty 
Visit Salina's many olive groves and take in the fresh air and beauty 
summer yacht charter

The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s best-loved jewels. A luxury yacht charter here takes in tumble-down cliffside homes whose pastel hues are illuminated by the rising and setting sun. Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, dropping anchor along this dramatic stretch of winding roads and coves is a must. 

Must-see, must-do in the Amalfi Coast

A stop-off at Amalfi town itself will deliver picture-postcard delights, infused by the influence of Romans, Greeks, Saracens and Arabs. Don’t leave without venturing further inland, however, to witness the ancient city of Pompeii. Its desolate history in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius is as awe inspiring as ever. 

Admire the beauty as you approach The Amalfi Coast
Admire the beauty as you approach The Amalfi Coast

Take a Vespa trip

When time is short, take to the winding roads like a local on a Vespa. It’s a thrilling way to cruise through the sun-kissed scenery, and the fastest way to drink in the many sights. 

Take city touring to another level on board a Vespa 
Take city touring to another level on board a Vespa 

Watch the sunset up at Ravello

There’s only one place to truly appreciate the setting sun at Ravello, and that’s the Terrace of Infinity at Villa Cimbrone. Here, panoramic vistas of the purple bruised skies paint a picture never to be forgotten. 

End the day with a stunning purple sky and view of the coast
End the day with a stunning purple sky and view of the coast
summer yacht charter

Corsica and Sardinia

Yacht charters to Corsica and Sardinia deliver two islands with contrasting offerings. Enjoy some of the best snorkelling and diving in the waters off Corsica, while Sardinia’s outlying islets gift hidden coves and striking natural beauty. 

Must-see, must-do in Corsica and Sardinia

At Bonifaccio, each dish is created according to the season, served alongside far-reaching sea views. To experience a rainbow in one day, head to the red rocks, blue waters, powder white sands and green pine trees of Palombaggia beach. 

Swim in the tranquil waters of Palombaggia beach in Porto Vecchio, Corsica
Swim in the tranquil waters of Palombaggia beach in Porto Vecchio, Corsica

Walk the city walls in Alghero 

The medieval city walls in Alghero, also known as the bastioni, start at Torre di Sulis. This 22m-high tower originally closed off the defensive line of towers to the south of the old town. Today it provides elevated views across Sardinia. 

Observe the beauty and architecture of Alghero's medieval city walls
Observe the beauty and architecture of Alghero's medieval city walls

Go rock climbing at Via Ferrata del Cabirol

Corsica’s protected climbing route at Via Ferrata del Cabirol offers stress-free exercise for all abilities. It provides access to peaks and panoramas typically reserved for serious mountaineers. 

Via Ferrata del Cabirol is welcoming to climbers of any ability 
Via Ferrata del Cabirol is welcoming to climbers of any ability 
summer yacht charter

Croatia

From glamorous Hvar to unspoilt Mljet National Park and beautiful Brač, a Croatian yacht charter presents beauty and entertainment on both land and sea. Visit the natural open-air sea pool for breeding lobsters in Vis, sample speciality grapes at local vintners and tender into the famed Blue Grotto cave. 

Must-see, must-do in Croatia

Mljet National Park covers more than 5,300 hectares. It’s home to geological and oceanographical wonders unique to the local area, and borders two saltwater lakes. Anchor here on your yacht charter and tour its natural beauty by tender, kayak, paddleboard or snorkel. 

Mljet's saltwater lakes are surrounded by pine forests criss-crossed by tracks for walking and cycling 
Mljet's saltwater lakes are surrounded by pine forests criss-crossed by tracks for walking and cycling 

Try cliff jumping in Istria

One of the headline acts during a yacht charter in Croatia is jumping off the stony cliffs into the waters below at Hawaii Beach in Pula. Those brave enough to take the plunge will be rewarded with applause and a refreshing sea swim. 

Jump into the crisp blue waters of Hawaii Beach in Pula
Jump into the crisp blue waters of Hawaii Beach in Pula

Visit Motovun, or ‘the town of Truffles’  

The truffle-tastic town of Motovun should be a designated destination on any epicurean’s itinerary. The hilltop town built within the walls of a medieval fortress is surrounded by acres of vineyards and earthy rich terroir where the coveted mushroom grows in abundance.  

The medieval fortress gives beauty and vineyards   
The medieval fortress gives beauty and vineyards   

Get ready to charter this summer! Speak to our expert charter brokers today. 

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.

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