Raise your hand if you are still undecided about your cruise – or cruises – for this summer! Here at the berths of the Genoa marina, boaters from all over the world moor every year, heading for the most diverse destinations: there are smaller boats that limit themselves to day trips, exploring the most beautiful Ligurian seaside villages; but there are obviously also larger vessels, yachts, and superyachts designed for significantly longer voyages. The position of our Genoa marina is such that it can satisfy every need, and for this reason, we have decided to suggest some of the most beautiful routes for sailing holidays in the Western Mediterranean. Enjoy your reading!
The best routes for sailing holidays in the Western Mediterranean
Côte d’Azur: Nice, Cannes, and Monaco
We must begin with our neighbors on the French Riviera, featuring destinations that certainly need no introduction. The yachts moored in Genoa often set course to the west to enjoy the unrestrained luxury of Monte Carlo, to dive into the endless charm of Saint-Tropez, not to mention iconic cities like Nice, Cannes, and Antibes. The Côte d’Azur has always held a place of honor among destinations for sailing holidays in the Western Mediterranean, for its scenic beauty but also for its unique atmospheres: here, social life and luxury have been the order of the day since the years of the Bella Vita in the fifties and sixties.
Italian Riviera: Sanremo, Genoa, Portofino, Cinque Terre
The Italian Riviera represents the natural counterpart to the French one, offering exclusive destinations that have nothing to envy compared to the Côte d’Azur. From Sanremo to Portofino, from our own Genoa to the Cinque Terre, the Ligurian coast appears to the sailor as a succession of wonders, large and small. The narrow alleys (carruggi), squares, and cathedrals just a few steps from our small port in the center of Genoa are only the first attractions of a cruise towards the East or West, knowing that every stretch of the coast features authentic and colorful seaside villages, lapped by crystalline waters: Camogli, Porto Venere, Sestri Levante, Tellaro, Boccadasse, Varigotti, and Laigueglia are just some of the small towns that make our coast unforgettable, and for this reason, among the most significant for sailing holidays in the Western Mediterranean.
Balearic Islands: Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca
Here we change pace: fewer cultural attractions, more nature, more nightlife, more paradisiacal beaches. The Balearic Islands rightfully enter every list for sailing holidays in the Mediterranean, keeping in mind that each island has a slightly different personality. From this perspective, based on one’s own inclinations, everyone can find their own corner of paradise in these Spanish islands. Ibiza is certainly the most sought-after destination for those looking for nightlife and entertainment among clubs and beach clubs, while knowing that an even more authentic, rural, and wild Ibiza still exists today. Then there is Mallorca, for those seeking a mix of dream beaches, culture, and mountains to explore; and obviously, there is also the quieter Menorca, for those who seek relaxation above all in the Balearic Islands and their Mediterranean cruise.
Amalfi Coast: Naples, Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi
Among the most sought-after destinations for summer cruises, thanks to its landscapes envied worldwide: the Amalfi Coast conquers at first sight. We are talking about breathtaking landscapes, a very rich architectural culture, as well as, of course, the gastronomic excellence of Campania. Thanks to its picturesque villages, this stretch of coast is indeed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is therefore not surprising that, in a week-long cruise, it is necessary to select and exclude several significant destinations. Before the sailor lie Naples, Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi, but also Capri, Ravello, Praiano, Furore, and Cetara.
Corsica and Sardinia: Bonifacio, Ajaccio, Porto Cervo, and Porto Rotondo
It is not uncommon for friends who moor their boats in the Genoa marina to decide to set course for their summer cruise towards Corsica and Sardinia (noting that Porto Cervo is 210 nautical miles from our marina in Liguria). This is an opportunity to combine in a single cruise the still uncontaminated and wild charm of Corsica, moving between the cliffs overlooking the sea in Bonifacio to reach the ‘Genoese quarter’ of Ajaccio; and obviously the exclusive Costa Smeralda, among the most glamorous destinations, where a significant portion of the luxury superyachts moving in the Mediterranean concentrates every year.
Costa del Sol: Malaga, Nerja, and Marbella
Finally, for sailing holidays in the Western Mediterranean, it is also possible to consider an ‘extreme’ route that reaches as far as the Strait of Gibraltar. This is a concrete opportunity for those who have time for very long voyages, as well as, of course, for those who find their boat directly on site. Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol, certainly represents the epicenter of a cruise in Southern Spain, but other destinations also have much to offer: consider the fashionable Marbella, the panoramic Nerja, the enchantment of Frigiliana, and the relaxing Andalusian atmospheres of Mijas.
FAQ on Sailing Holidays in the Western Mediterranean
What is the best time of year to sail in the Mediterranean?
The cruise season in the Mediterranean is very long: it spans from May to October. July and August are undoubtedly the months when marinas are most crowded, being the most desired; the compromise for those who want to experience a summer cruise without having difficulty finding a berth in the marinas is to opt for June (with very long days) or September (when it is still warm but the tourist influx is generally limited).
Why is Marina Porto Antico perfect for a stopover during a cruise?
Our port in Genoa is perfect as a starting point or a stopover for a cruise due to its very central location in the city, perfect for visiting the historic center on foot; but also for the convenience with which one can stock the galley, as well as, of course, for all the nautical services that can be found in the Port of Genoa.
Where to start from for sailing holidays in the Western Mediterranean?
It all depends on the destinations you intend to reach and the type of sailing holiday you plan to have, as well as the approach voyage you are willing to make by boat before arriving along the coast you actually intend to visit. The Genoa marina therefore represents an ideal base for the Ligurian Coast, the Côte d’Azur, or Sardinia, but the same obviously cannot be said for those who wish to set course for the Greek islands.