A Thrilling Superyacht Journey – Spain → France → Italy → Greece → Turkey → Croatia → Montenegro
Cruise through a cauldron of culture, sunshine, glamour, and sea breezes. From Barcelona’s chic marinas to Montenegro’s secluded coves, this guide packs essential marina details, cool local flavour, and insider advice for every step of your Mediterranean adventure.
Spain – Balearics & Canary Islands
Spain has embraced luxury yachting: as of 2024, all charter yachts benefit from a 12% matriculation tax exemption, and non-EU superyachts can freely charter in Balearic waters. It’s a legal and logistical win, making Spain an increasingly hot superyacht destination.
Marbella & Barcelona Savvy:
- Port Vell – Barcelona: A modern marina at the doorstep of great dining, shipyards, and vibrant nightlife—perfect for a cosmopolitan start.
- Puerto Banús – Marbella: Glistening with luxury yachts, upscale boutiques, and exclusive beach clubs.
Balearic Islands
- Port of Palma (Mallorca): ~33 large-boat slips, deep draft berths, refit facilities, and direct airport transfer—an all-rounder hotspot.
- Port Adriano (Mallorca): Philippe Starck-designed superyacht haven with luxury shops and dry-dock, holding yachts up to 80 m.
- Club Nàutic S’Arenal (Mallorca): Event-central, sailing-focused & located near airport.
- Port de Cala d’Or (Mallorca): A sheltered family-friendly marina in a charming resort town.
- Porto Petro (Mallorca): Quiet, pine-fringed, and adjacent to Mondragó Nature Park.
- Marina Sant Antoni (Ibiza): Blends nightlife and nature, with ~550 berths perfect for cave and cove exploring.
- Cala en Bosch (Menorca): Artificial lagoon marina with shallow draft services and dive facilities.
Canary Islands
- Marina Las Palmas (Gran Canaria): ~1,250 berths; Atlantic rally hub with full service—great for long-haul entries.
- Marina Rubicón (Lanzarote): Elegant marina with galleries, restaurants, and volcanic landscapes on your doorstep.
- Puerto Los Cristianos (Tenerife): Ferry-access, protected anchorage—ideal as a stepping-off point.
- Puerto de Garachico (Tenerife): Quaint northern marina, gentle and scenic.
France – Riviera & Corsica
The French Riviera is the epitome of Mediterranean glamour: think superyachts shoulder-to-shoulder, Michelin-starred dining, and legendary events.
Côte d’Azur Highlights
- Port Hercule (Monaco): Deep-water marina with ~700 berths, 2.5 to 40 m depths, and direct access to F1 & Monaco Yacht Show .
- Port de Fontvieille (Monaco): Intimate with 275 berths, great shelter, village atmosphere
- Port Vauban (Antibes): Europe’s largest by tonnage (~1,500 berths), supports 160 m superyachts, with a luxe shipyard & “Billionaires’ Quay”.
- Other Riviera Marinas: Villefranche, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu, Cap d'Ail—ideal for deep-water anchoring and refined calm.
Corsica
Steep cliffs, hidden coves, and dramatic scenery define Corsica. Key stops include Bonifacio, Porto-Vecchio, Ajaccio, and Île de Cavallo—perfect for dramatic shoreline cruising and luxurious beachside experiences.
Italy – Riviera, Amalfi, Sardinia, Sicily & Aeolians
Italy is a superyacht playground: iconic harbors, UNESCO treasures, and incredible cuisine.
- Genoa & Portofino: Elegant start to Riviera cruising—Portofino's pastel harbor is pure joy.
- Cinque Terre: Sightseeing with canal-like villages and Mediterranean charm.
- Amalfi, Capri, Sorrento: Legendary cruising destinations with sweeping cliffside views, the Blue Grotto, limoncello sunsets, and fashionable piazzas.
- Costa Smeralda (Sardinia): Porto Cervo = ultra-luxury marina hub on emerald waters.
- Sicilian Gems & Aeolians: Volcanoes, ancient ruins, and luxury meets wild.
Malta
Malta bridges East and West Mediterranean. Valletta’s grand architecture, Comino’s Blue Lagoon, and Gozo’s UNESCO temples make it a rich cultural and nautical base.
Greece – Cyclades, Ionian, Dodecanese
Ancient meets azure: Mykonos, Santorini, Hydra, Corfu, Rhodes, Kos—each with iconic white-blue settings, traditional harbors, and beaches. Easy regulation for non-Greek yachts expands charter freedom
Turkey – Turquoise Coast
Bodrum to Fethiye, with Göcek’s seaside restaurants and Ölüdeniz’s legendary lagoon—Turkey is perfect for combining ancient Lycian trails with turquoise yacht days.
Croatia & 🇲🇪 Montenegro
- Croatia – Dalmatia: Shipwreck diving, Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar's chic scene, plus 1,000+ islands (Kornati for solitude).
- Montenegro: Fjord-like Kotor Bay, Porto Montenegro's upscale marina, and Budva's medieval meets beach club vibe.
Planning & Pro Tips
- Best time to cruise: May–October (July–August peak).
- Top anchorages: Barcelona or Valletta start—perfect global links.
- Events to remember: ARC in Las Palmas (Nov), Monaco Yacht Show (Sept), Cannes Film Fest (May–June).
- Berth demand: Expect fierce superyacht competition at Port Vauban and Monaco—reserve early
Epic Mediterranean Route Map
Start in Barcelona, dip through Balearics, cruise the French Riviera & Corsica, down Italy’s Rivieras & islands, refill at Malta, then eastward through Greece, Turkey, Croatia, and finishing in Montenegro.
Pack your anchor bags, dine lavishly, and sail confidently—this is the Mediterranean charter experience your guests will never forget.