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The perks of a yacht charter are immense. You can go anywhere you want and anytime you fancy, and have some privacy too. And of course you can explore places inaccessible to most people, sometimes not even with the local ferry. So we have compiled for you a short list of three Mediterranean paradises that you can only reach by boat.
Galešnjak, Croatia
This small, shrubby island is not very different from the rest of the many islets of the Dalmatian archipelago. And yet, there are few places in Croatia that are more attractive to sailing lovers – or lovers in general.
What makes Galešnjak unique is its shape, one of those rare pieces of art that only nature can create. Galešnjak is one of the few islands on this planet that have the shape of a heart. People therefore also call it the island of love, or lovers’ island. The island’s peculiar shape was first spotted by Charles-François Beautemps-Beaupré, Napoleon’s cartographer. But it became famous in 2009 when a picture from Google Earth went viral. Since then, this island in the Pašman Canal has been the go-to destination for holidaymakers celebrating their love. It’s also popular for wedding parties and honeymoon trips.
The island is owned by a local family, but can be visited in the summer with a yacht charter. There is a pier on the north, as well as olive and fig trees and even a few rabbits. To visit, opt for a yacht charter in Biograd na Muru, Sibenik or Split.
Spiaggia Rosa (Budelli), Italy
How many beaches in the Med are pretty in pink? Not many, and perhaps none of them more characteristically pink than Spiaggia Rosa. It’s the landmark of the island of Budelli, in the Maddalena archipelago, just off the coast of Sardinia.
The beach owes its name to Miniacina Miniacea, a shell only found in the Archipelago of Maddalena that gives local sand an exotic, coral-like pink colour. To preserve the island’s fragile beauty, locals do not advertise it much. For a long time, the beach was not accessible to visitors. Even today, nobody is allowed to swim near the beach, but you can glimpse its mystique from your boat.
If you are a fan of Italian cinema, Spiaggia Rosa should have a special place in your heart. Michelangelo Antonioni, one of the greatest directors of the 20th century, picked Budelli as a background for Il Deserto Rosso (The Red Desert). In an unforgettable scene, the protagonist tours the pink beach to reminisce of the past and escape the present. Who can blame her?
Myrsini (Chalkidiki), Greece
The peninsula of Chalkidiki (or Halkidiki) in Northern Greece is an up-and-coming destination for holidaymakers looking for an alternative to the Greek islands. Its main attractions are the three thin slices of land that wash into the Aegean Sea, called ‘legs’ by the locals. The first leg on the west of the peninsula is more vibrant, full of clubs and bars. It’s ideal for a fun night out. On the other hand, the second one is more family-friendly. As for the third one, Mount Athos, it is sacred for Orthodox Christians, so accessible only to men who have permission to visit its monasteries.
On the eastern side of the middle ‘leg’ lies the bay of Vourvourou, perfect for anchorage if you opt for a yacht charter in Chalkidiki. The bay’s picturesque villages and outstanding natural beauty will take your breath away.
The biggest one is Diaporos, facing the village of Vourvourou. On its eastern side is located Myrsini, a dreamy island accessible only by boat. The combination of blue waters, white sand and underwater rock formations make Myrsini a hidden gem for sailing and diving enthusiasts. It’s not a coincidence that the locals call the beach ‘Hawaii’ for its exotic vibes. To visit Myrsini, rent a boat in Neos Marmaras, Vourvourou, Chalkidiki, or Thessaloniki, Greece’s second biggest – and most beautiful – city. Many holidaymakers, who opt for a yacht charter in Athens to visit Skiathos and Skopelos, end their trip here.
If you opt to hire a boat in Chalkidiki to explore the area, it’s also worth sailing from Myrsini to the island of Ammouliani. It’s not very crowded in the summer, and there are a few taverns and bars in its small villages. Don’t miss Alykes, an isolated beach with a lovely view of the monasteries of Mount Athos.
