Unusual charter destinations to visit in the Mediterranean

While hiring a yacht in the Mediterranean comes with a long list of tried and tested destinations, venturing off the beaten path can be just as rewarding. Small islands tucked out of sight, diminutive medieval villages with history for the taking, and secluded bays far away from tourists is where the true value of a superyacht charter comes into focus.

Few places muster as much romance as the quintessential Italian Riviera towns. From Porto Venere and La Spezia to Alassio, San Remo and Rapallo, each one makes for a destination stop on a dolce vita yacht charter.

Genoa

The Ligurian coast is scattered with pretty fishing harbours and sheltered anchorages, which makes a charter to Genoa an attractive option. The green-hilled coastline is laced with pastel-hued buildings and golden beaches. The Archipelago of Portovenere, comprising the three islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, is a highlight.

Portofino

Perhaps one of the most coveted yacht destinations throughout the Italian Riviera, and one of the best places to visit in Italy in general, Portofino is an unassuming fishing village made famous for its precariously placed colourful cliffside homes. Cobbled streets, high-end shopping, art galleries and historic sites make Portofino a must-visit itinerary stop.

Baia Cannone

This small cove with a pebble beach offers a tranquil spot away from the busy crowds. Baia Cannone is a beloved swimming spot by the locals, flanked by imposing cliffs and picturesque villas. It’s best reached by boat, where guests can take advantage of the clear waters further from the shore.

Cinque Terre

Portofino is an ideal base to sail along the now world-famous Cinque Terre, though a Genoa-to-Cinque-Terre day trip is also a popular excursion. The five villages — Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore — are serviced by train and road. On a charter, however, sip on a glass of local Ormeasco while cruising past the tourist hot spots, before dropping anchor to snorkel the Cristo degli Abissi (Christ of the Abyss), a submerged bronze statue that sits 17m beneath the waves.

Elba Island

Found in the Tyrrhenian Sea’s Tuscan Archipelago National Park, the island of Elba was made famous when it became Napoleon’s place of exile. The largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago, it is better known today for its wildlife, beauty and adventurous cycling tracks.

Pisa

There is more to Pisa than the famed Leaning Tower, though catching a glimpse of the architectural marvel while there is still recommended. Just a stone’s throw away is the University of Pisa, which houses Europe's oldest academic botanical garden. The Romanesque, striped-marble cathedral that rises next to the Tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli is another highlight.

Florence

The capital of Tuscany, home to Michelangelo’s ‘David’, and the location of the famed Bridge of Sighs, Florence has been capturing tourists’ hearts for centuries. In addition to established art and culinary scenes, the Basilica di Santa Maria del Carmine’s chapel frescoes and the terracotta-tiled Duomo cathedral that dominates the skyline prove irresistible.

Grasse

Nestled in the hills of north Cannes, Grasse is synonymous with the heady notes of its long-established perfume industry. Established perfumeries, including Fragonard, Molinard and Galimard, reside here, which has given rise to 40 hectares of flower farms in the Pays de Grasse, tucked between the sea and mountains making it a biodiversity hot spot.

Vence

Originally a medieval commune, today Saint Paul de Vence is revered for its quieter pace of life, picturesque old town and views across the Mediterranean. Taking petit dejeuner in the ancient village square is as wholesome as it is delicious.

Lérins islands

The four Lérins islands are just a 30-minute hop by tender from the bustle of Canne’s Boulevard de la Croisette, and yet when lounging in the quiet shade of eucalyptus trees it feels far from the madding crowds. The two largest islands in this group are Île Sainte-Marguerite, which hosts an outpost of La Guérite, and Île Saint-Honorat, where the wine produced by the monks at Lérins Abbey doesn’t disappoint.

Cannes

Cannes is arguably the most popular holiday destination in the south of France and a superyacht hub. Though not an unusual destination to head to on charter, it’s at risk of being overlooked for pastures new. Dropping anchor in the Bay of Cannes is a great way to try out all the yacht’s toys. It’s also a perfect jumping off point to cruise around the islands of Sardinia and Corsica.

Antibes

Sandwiched between Cannes and Nice, Antibes is the lesser-known sister. Beloved by the wealthy for its forested Cap d’Antibes peninsula, dotted with grand villas that overlook the superyacht ports, it’s also worth checking out the fresh produce markets and the old town enclosed by 16th-century ramparts with the star-shaped Fort Carré.

Discover the best of the Mediterranean this summer with a Burgess luxury yacht rental.

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