Searching for your next charter destination? It’s time to experience somewhere new! We take you through some of the best places in the East Mediterranean to set sail over the summer months, recommended by Edmiston’s team of charter brokers.
Searching for your next charter destination? It’s time to experience somewhere new! We take you through some of the best places in the East Mediterranean to set sail over the summer months, recommended by Edmiston’s team of charter brokers.
Full of history, diverse cultures, some of the most amazing food on earth and landscapes that have been the inspiration of famous works of art for centuries – it’s little wonder why the Mediterranean is considered the pinnacle of yacht charter destinations.
For a long time, the South of France has enjoyed a golden era of yachting, renowned as one of the greatest places in the world for luxury charters. However, we’re seeing a growing trend of motor yacht charters venturing further east as people seek unspoiled bays and beaches, new gastronomic offerings and luxury experiences both on land and water.
Our guide takes you through some of the top destinations throughout the Ionian Islands, Croatia and Turkey to add to your next summer charter itinerary.
When it comes to unspoiled nature, we cannot recommend the East Mediterranean highly enough. For a private beach experience accessible only by boat, head to Navagio Beach on Zakynthos within the Ionians. For striking blue waters, breathtaking sunsets, and starlit skies, anchor in the peaceful bays of Assos or Fiskardo, sipping away on champagne within the comfort your luxury yacht charter.
In Croatia, the island of Mljet is home to a stunning national park that’s flourishing with forests, rich in wildlife, and offers serene bays that are perfect for anchoring and enjoying al fresco lunch on deck followed by an afternoon swimming in crystal clear waters.
The Turkish Riviera, often referred to as the Turquoise Coast, boasts some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the world. The stretch between Bodrum and Antalya offers pristine beaches and picturesque bays, perfect for anchoring and swimming. The Lycian Coast features lush landscapes and rich biodiversity, where you can spot dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of bird species – ideal for family yacht charters.
Croatian cuisine is a delightful blend of Mediterranean and Eastern European flavours that infuses local seafood into many of their dishes. Enjoy a gastronomic experience at some of the high-end restaurants such as Michelin starred 360 in Dubrovnik, taste local with Restoran Pojoda in Vis, or have a gourmet meal prepared by your private chef onboard, featuring local specialties such as fresh seafood, cuttlefish ink risotto, and delicious pastries like fritule.
Known for their fresh and flavourful ingredients and seafood as the hero throughout dishes, Greek cuisine is up there with the best in the world. For a casual and traditional Corfiot taverna, head to Benitses for a delicious seafood feast. Eat like locals at one of the many gyros street vendors dotted throughout the Ionians. Watch the sunset while sampling a modern Mediterranean take at Erimitis Magazia, and for an organic farm-to-fork dinner that is family friendly, dine at Nobelos in Zakynthos.
Fusing Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian flavours, Turkish food is hard to beat. Onboard your yacht charter, your private chef can prepare dishes like mezze, freshly caught seafood, and mouth-watering kebabs while dining al fresco. For fine dining, head to Barbarossa Restaurant in Bodrum, onlooking the Aegean Sea while enjoying a gastronomic experience of Mediterranean and Aegean flavours. 7 Mehmet in Antalya is set within a luscious green backdrop, surrounded by sea views and mountains. Their seasonal menu brings modern Mediterranean flavours with traditional Turkish cuisine – a must visit for any Turkish luxury charter.
Throughout the East Mediterranean there are endless options for rest, leisure and recreation, offering unique and luxurious experiences to cater to all tastes and desires.
For wellness retreats and a chance to unwind, we recommend Aminess Wellness at the Aminess Maestral Hotel in Novigrad and Carolea Spa at the Kempinski Hotel in Umag.
Sample your way through award winning Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Vermentino wines at the Karnas Vineyard – a family-owned boutique winery and environmentally conscious farm located on the Bodrum Peninsula. Or hone your cooking skills at Cooking Classes Bodrum, where you’ll prepare dishes infusing local seafood with traditional Aegean cooking methods while overlooking the ancient Bargylia lagoon.
For adventure, head out on a fishing charter with Poseidon Fishing in Kefalonia and catch fresh fish, ready for your private chef to serve for dinner. And for sports enthusiasts, Windsurf Vassiliki in Lefkada offers a prime opportunity feel the adrenaline of the wind in your sails as you glide through the water at high speeds.
Whether you seek the peace and quiet of secluded anchorages, mouth-watering flavours of the Mediterranean or a chance to experience new leisure and recreational activities, the East Med deserves a spot on your next yacht charter itinerary. To learn more about our charter destinations and yacht availability, speak with your Edmiston luxury superyacht broker today.