Depending on the style of boat and the local waters there are myriad activities that can be pursued, ranging from quick fishing trips or sight-seeing excursions to round-the-world tours.
Recreational boating is fast becoming one of the more popular activities for people in Europe. Holidaymakers are beginning to see the attraction of taking to the open seas with the freedom to explore wherever the mood and the waters take them.
In the UK alone there are over 1.2 million recreational boats owned by households, and across Europe that number becomes far greater. There are many different types of boats, which can be loosely classified into three main categories – sailboats, motorboats and unpowered crafts. Within each category there are multiple options to choose from, ranging from small pleasure crafts to boats that can act as domestic residences for months at a time.
Some of the more popular types of boat for sailing holidays and adventures includes motorised yachts, cabin cruisers, catamarans and houseboats. Depending on the style of boat and the local waters there are myriad activities that can be pursued, ranging from quick fishing trips or sight-seeing excursions to round-the-world tours.
Sicily
The island of Sicily off the coast of Italy has often been described as a crossroads of Mediterranean culture. Visitors to Sicily can take in centuries of history in just a few hours. Exploring the Sicilian coast, there are opportunities to witness the remains of ancient Norman castles, soaring examples of Byzantine architecture, Arab arches and domes and some of the most intriguing natural landscapes in the world. One of the best ways to take in all of Sicily is through a catamaran charter, which gives visitors the liberty to sail around the coast of the island and stop in at every interesting or beautiful bay on the way.
Greece
Due to being comprised of over 2,000 individual islands and a long peninsula mainland, Greece boasts the most miles of coastline of any country in Europe, making a yacht charter the ideal way to explore. Experienced sailors will enjoy the challenge of the windy straits off the eastern coast of the mainland, while those that prefer calmer waters will find them nearer the Turkish coast. Greece is renowned for its turquoise clear waters, sun-soaked beaches and quaint rustic fishing villages found along almost every stretch of shore.
Croatia
Croatia is another European nation with myriad islands forming part of the wider country. Sailors can travel along the mainland coast from Split to Dubrovnik, taking in some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world. There are over a thousand islands forming part of Croatia, only some of which are inhabited, providing many potential unique stopping points along the journey. Docking a chartered boat in one of the many marinas allows exploration of both the islands and the historic mainland.
French Riviera
The French Riviera is known for attracting the rich and famous, with exclusive villas and a vibrant nightlife set into a backdrop of stunning scenery and historic architecture. Exploring the area by boat gives the choice to spend time in the more cosmopolitan areas such as Nice, Cannes and Monte Carlo, enjoying the bustling crowds and exciting atmosphere, before escaping to quieter locations such as Porquerolles and Port Cros for a relaxing break.
Turkey
Turkey has a unique blend of cultures and history, combining the best of east and west in one beautiful country. Influenced by both Eastern and Western heritage, Turkey offers an experience like no other. The coastal areas around Turkey are divided into four main yacht charter areas, each of which has a unique catalogue of experiences to bring to the table. Whichever the area, one thing that is guaranteed is that the waters will be crystalline, the beaches will be spectacular and the winds will remain mostly steady.
The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi coast is a stretch of Italian coastline populated with picturesque towns and villages and acres of landscape covered in lush vegetation. With so many desirable places to visit along the Amalfi coast, exploration by boat is one of the best ways to avoid missing anything out. From medieval Salermo to rugged and rocky Capri, picturesque Naples to historic Pompeii, to the island of Ischia where visitors can experience the thermal mineral reserves and natural mud baths, there is little anyone would want to miss on a trip along the Amalfi coast.
Spanish Islands
Spain may not be the first place anyone thinks of when planning a sailing adventure. However, there are thousands of miles of coastline to explore around Spain and its islands through Borrowaboat. These include popular tourist destinations such as the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, ideal destinations for those that like a busy nightlife when in dock. In the winter months, even regions such as Ibiza are largely deserted by tourists, attracting those who prefer to explore the gorgeous scenery and quaint towns rather than dance the night away.
There are so many places to explore across Europe than chartering a boat could provide the answer that prevents missing out on many of those destinations. A boat charter gives the freedom to explore many destinations in one trip, with opportunities to change course should another stunning destination rear its head. Boat charters are more affordable than many people think and the amount of experience that can be packed into a single trip is priceless.
