Going on a classic vacation where you’ll spend time in a hotel, surrounded by other tourists isn’t an option this year. Of course, there are places that allow it, with strict measures, but recently, more and more people are opting for different types of vacation. Staying in your own country and exploring its natural beauty is what a lot of travelers are doing, however, there are other, equally fun ways, to travel and explore the world.
Europe has so much to offer, and it would be a pity not to enjoy its rich culture, nature and architecture. Sailing is a convenient way to see multiple places in a short period, and luckily, Europe has quite a few sailing destinations that are worth visiting. Therefore, if you’re planning to hop on a cruise, or you already own a boat, here’s the list of the most popular sailing places in the old continent that you should visit.
The French Riviera, France
If you want to treat yourself with gorgeous scenery, and some glamour and glitz, then this is the right place for you. The best place to start is, of course, St. Tropez, a celebrity hotspot where you can feel just like a movie star. Another place that is a must-see is Cannes, and if you want to see it in its full glory, then you should visit during the film festival. Chances are you’ll be able to spot all your favourite actors and maybe even get a picture! After that, feel free to continue to Nice and Monaco as well!
Fjords of Norway
Fjords are also common in Iceland, Chile, British Columbia, Denmark and a few other places, but Norway has been able to capitalize on these natural wonders, which isn’t surprising. Norwegian coastline has almost 1,200 fjords, and sailing through them is a perfect opportunity to explore a bit of Scandinavia, and admire gorgeous villages along the way.
Kotor, Montenegro
Montenegro is rightfully considered as a gem of Adria. Its coast is quite small compared to big countries, but that doesn’t mean that there are no places where you can dock your boat. Kotor is located in secluded and cozy Bay of Kotor, and it has a rich history and culture. If you feel like exploring other places along the Montenegro coastline, you can always visit Porto Montenegro marina in the Adriatic sea, as it has many options regarding yacht assistance, accommodation, and shopping. Leaving your boat secure and then embarking on a mini adventure is a wonderful way to learn more about this charming country.
The Greek islands
If there’s one place that has history, culture, food, music and stunning islands, then it’s definitely Greece. Loved by regular tourists and affluent visitors alike, Greece has a lot to offer, so if you’re thinking about sailing its coast and visiting islands, then start with Mykonos. This island is known for its upscale atmosphere and elegance, however, for sailing enthusiasts, there are also the Ionian islands, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, to name only a few. So, be ready to get amazed by wonderful sandy beaches, amazing food and sun-kissed atmosphere!
Croatian Coastline
The coast of Croatia has always been regarded as one of the ultimate tourist hotspots, mainly beautiful islands like Hvar and Vis. Also, there is Dubrovnik, a city so gorgeous that has been chosen as one of the shooting locations for mega-popular TV show Game of thrones. If you want to explore the northern part of the coast, then be sure to visit Pula, and enjoy spending time in the arena, a Roman amphitheater that is among the only few that has its original architecture entirely preserved. Aside from that, there are also Split, a city that boasts a gorgeous Diocletian palace and many other places that you should definitely visit if you ever decide to go there.
Conclusion
Sailing is a fun hobby, and a great way to visit a lot of places without committing too much. It doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling by regular cruise ship or visiting your friends on their yacht, because either way, these destinations are breathtaking and should be visited at least once in a lifetime.
Photo by Matthieu Da Cruz on Unsplash
