Cruising The Continent – Best European Sailing Holidays

Long balmy summers filled with fantastic food, azure waters, and sublime sunsets are just a few factors that come with spending the summer in Europe. Add in a sailing holiday and you’re pretty much neck and neck with the European playboys that call the Med home.

However, sailing holidays are no longer a pipe dream for the everyday sunseeker with more and more affordable sailing holidays dropping anchor off the shores of Greece, Croatia and Turkey – complete with the royal combo of sun, sea, and sailing!

Cruising the waterways of the Aegean and Dalmatian doesn’t get much more idyllic with temperatures sitting around 26-30 C throughout the summer, meaning a dip in the sea is the perfect way to cool off or freshen up whilst making your way along the coastline. Croatia, Greece and Turkey all have their plus points when it comes to a sailing holiday destination, whether it be in the form of culinary delights, or on shore nightlife, but choosing a destination for your sailing holiday can be tough.

Greece or Turkey?

Both is the answer! When it comes to sailing in Greece or Turkey, you don’t need to choose a side as the geographical closeness of the two countries means both are within easy reach of each other. Turkey offers incredible party resorts such as Bodrum, Marmaris and Datca coupled with the Greek Islands of Kos, Symi and Rhodes. When on a sailing holiday between the two, you can spend every night in a different town and spend days exploring the mysterious history and cultural sites of these ancient countries. Similarly, you can spend your time relaxing on board in between destinations and cooling off with frequent swims.

Sailing Back in Time

For those looking for even more cultural clout to their sailing holiday, you can also sail by Gulet (a traditional Turkish sailing vessel) along Turkey’s West Coast as well as explore the ancient cities and sites of Istanbul, Troy and Pergamum before heading to the healing waters of Pamukkale – a simply awe inspiring natural wonder.

Island Hopping & Nightlife

The Greek Islands long remain an idyllic destination for any summer holiday with the food and nightlife being some of the best in the whole of Europe. Whether you’re sampling souvlaki or kleftiko or trying your best to enjoy ouzo, the Greek culture is one that is warm and welcoming and certainly leaves a lasting imprint.

Croatia – The New Kid On The Block

The Greek Island’s biggest rival to date, Croatia has become an increasingly popular destination when it comes to the European summer and has welcomed visitors on mass since 2012. With a coastline littered with hundreds of small islands there’s so much to explore that a sailing holiday is the perfect way to soak up the Croatian culture. Croatia offers the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik – where you can explore the walls of the Old Town as well as party the night away in a 13th Century fortress. This is nicely juxtaposed with the natural beauty of Mljet where you’ll see rolling hills and idyllic coves. Nightlife packs a punch in Croatia at Hvar’s trendy harbourside where you can expect to pay anywhere between 2-4 euros for a half litre of beer.

Sailing in Croatia, your days are filled with canon balling overboard into the clear Dalmatian waters or exploring the ancient towns on the islands – or simply sunning yourself on the deck and soaking up some rays.

Why Sail?

Sailing holidays to any of these locations is a great way to travel with friends, or make new ones on board. The destinations of Greece, Turkey and Croatia all mean you can combine experiencing some of the world’s most ancient landmarks with the swashbuckling shenanigans of a sailing holiday.

The freedom of travelling by boat makes for a relaxing way to see and visit multiple locations all whilst getting the luxury factor of sunbathing, cocktails and partying on the high seas, so where will you set sail to?

Europe Sailing Holiday Packages to choose from:

Croatia: Sail Dubrovnik to Split – 8 days from £239 (also available in reverse) – View itinerary

Greek Islands: Sail Greece Kos to Kos – 8 days from £299 – View itinerary

Turkey: Best of Turkey by Gulet – 12 days from £467 – View itinerary
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