Why the Mediterranean?
The Mediterranean is the world's largest yacht charter market. Reliable summer weather, thousands of islands, ancient harbours, and world-class cuisine make it unmatched for sailing. From the turquoise coves of Turkey to the glamour of St Tropez, the Med offers something for every type of charter guest.
The season runs May to October, with peak pricing and demand in July and August. Shoulder months — May, June, September, and October — offer better value, fewer crowds, and often the best sailing conditions.
Best routes by region
Greek Islands
The most popular charter destination in the world. The Cyclades (Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos) deliver iconic scenery and vibrant nightlife. The Ionian Islands (Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Ithaca) offer sheltered waters and green hillsides — ideal for families and first-timers. The Dodecanese and Saronic Gulf are less crowded alternatives with equally stunning anchorages.
Start from: Athens, Lefkada, Kos, or Mykonos. Fly private to Athens (3.5h from London) or direct to Mykonos.
Croatian Coast
Over 1,200 islands stretching from Istria to Dubrovnik. The Split–Dubrovnik route is the classic: Hvar, Vis, Korčula, and Mljet National Park. The Šibenik–Split stretch is quieter, with Kornati National Park — 89 uninhabited islands with extraordinary diving.
Start from: Split or Dubrovnik. Private jet to Split takes around 2.5 hours from London.
Amalfi Coast & Sardinia
Italy offers two world-class charter regions. The Amalfi Coast (Positano, Capri, Ischia) is dramatic and glamorous — best by motor yacht for day cruising. Sardinia's Costa Smeralda and the Maddalena archipelago offer Caribbean-clear water with Italian food.
Start from: Naples (Amalfi) or Olbia (Sardinia). Both under 3 hours by private jet from London.
French Riviera
The spiritual home of the superyacht. Cannes, Antibes, St Tropez, and Monaco — with the Îles de Lérins and Porquerolles for quiet anchorages. The Riviera is the most expensive Med charter region but the most glamorous.
Start from: Nice or Cannes. Private jet to Nice is under 2 hours from London.
Turkish Coast
The Turquoise Coast (Bodrum, Göcek, Fethiye, Kaş) offers exceptional value, warm hospitality, and traditional gulet charters. A gulet — a wooden motor-sailing yacht — is unique to Turkey and perfect for groups of 8–16 who want a relaxed, all-inclusive coastal cruise.
Start from: Bodrum or Dalaman. Private jet to Bodrum is around 4 hours from London.
Costs by region
| Region | Bareboat (per week) | Crewed catamaran | Motor yacht (crewed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greece | £2,000–£5,000 | £8,000–£15,000 | £20,000–£60,000 |
| Croatia | £3,000–£6,000 | £8,000–£18,000 | £25,000–£70,000 |
| Italy | £4,000–£8,000 | £12,000–£25,000 | £30,000–£100,000 |
| French Riviera | £5,000–£10,000 | £15,000–£30,000 | £40,000–£200,000+ |
| Turkey | £1,500–£3,500 | £6,000–£12,000 | £15,000–£50,000 |
Prices are indicative for peak season (July–August). Shoulder season rates are 20–40% lower. Gulet charters in Turkey start from around £5,000 per week for 8 guests, all-inclusive.
Catamaran vs monohull vs motor yacht
| Yacht type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Catamaran | Stable, spacious, shallow draft, great for families | Wider berths cost more, less authentic sailing feel |
| Monohull | True sailing experience, better upwind, lower cost | Less space, heels under sail, can cause seasickness |
| Motor yacht | Fast, luxurious, spacious interiors, water toys | Higher fuel costs, no sailing, louder |
Fly private, sail the Med
Stirling Access arranges the complete experience: private jet from the UK to the nearest airport, helicopter or car transfer to the marina, and your yacht charter — all through one concierge conversation. No separate bookings, no logistics headaches.
Tell us your dates, group size, preferred region, and budget. Our AI searches charter fleets across the entire Mediterranean and returns a curated shortlist. We handle crew preferences, provisioning, itinerary planning, and airport transfers.