Rediscover your sense of adventure: our top holiday destinations

Starting your next holiday countdown early could be just the remedy. Think thrilling aquamarine waters, sun-soaked harbours, and white-sandy beaches, oh and plenty of “you” time!

As passionate sailors, we’ve been crafting the best sailing experiences in the world’s top sailing grounds for decades, and with a new year fast approaching it’s a good time to have a look around for some holiday inspiration to prepare for your next sailing holiday.

Whether you are dreaming of taking-in Dubrovnik’s glittering coastline, soaking up the sun in Corfu or exploring the coral shores of the British Virgin Islands, a sublime sailing holiday offers the perfect blend of relaxation and fun.

Take a look at our top destinations for 2024 action-packed adventure.

British Virgin Islands

Ideal for families, groups, and couples alike, the BVIs offers easy deep-water island hops, line-of-sight navigation, and plentiful sheltered anchorages. Blessed with year-round warm weather, steady trade winds, calm, cobalt-blue waters, and bougainvillea-clad hillsides, it is easy to see why it is the most famous sailing destination in the world!

From secret fishing spots to mysterious museums, there are numerous and relatively unknown locations waiting to be discovered in the British Virgin Islands. Comprising approximately 60 islands, island hopping is easily one of the best ways to experience this slice of paradise. Uncrowded and unspoilt, this is a truly indulging holiday destination.

Throughout this cruising playground, you will find small food shacks serving all kinds of Caribbean delights. Relax with family and friends at Savannah Bay beach, the shallowest on Virgin Gorda, or take a hike in Gorda Peak National Park and soak up the panoramic views. 

The easy navigation and sheltered anchorages makes bareboat and flotilla holidays ideal options for new sailors and skilled skippers alike. And with waters so still, it’s a fantastic opportunity to try out some watersports, whether that’s stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling, or sea kayaking.

July and August are the hottest months of the year with an average temperature of 28 °C, although September and October always feel hotter as there is less breeze to keep you cool. The coolest months are December – March, with an average temperature of 25.5 °C and more wind.

The Dalmatian Coast

The Dalmatian Coast is over 1700km in length and is almost uninterrupted in its pristine coastline and stunning scenery, making it any sailor’s dream. This is the perfect destination for those who relish in more action-packed sailing, as there tends to be occasional strong mistral winds that provide more challenging conditions.

It is the perfect place for keen explorers. Ashore is a haven for sightseers and hikers alike, with the nation’s numerous national parks providing stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. Croatia’s coastal towns are overflowing with the country’s unique culture and history, and visitors can leave with a little piece of Croatia in the form of lavender and rosemary honey and essential oils. The towns of Brela, Tucepi and Zivogosce have beaches full of pebbled coves and bays that are ideal for swimming.

Average temperatures from April to May is from 22°C to 28°C. June to August you can expect sunny, blue skies every day, temperature from 26°C to 30°C.

The Ionian Islands 

With more than 8,000 miles of coastline and over 2,000 islands to discover, the only way to experience Greece is by boat. A Greek sailing holiday allows you to explore the ruins of Ancient Greece from a unique perspective, sample some traditional mezé at friendly waterside tavernas and stop off at some of the country’s famous party islands for the best nightlife in the Med!

Corfu is home to several relaxing beaches and imposing castles, as well as numerous outlying islands and abundant native wildlife. A combination of sheltered coastal and exciting open water sailing lets you take in Paxos and Antipaxos, known for its wine and excellent beaches!

Discover the famous Heptanese Islands of Kefalonia, Ithaca and Meganisi on a Lefkas yacht charter. Sheltered anchorages, calm conditions and easy mooring options make it the perfect destination for newly qualified sailors. Also known for its cuisine and nightlife, the island’s spectacular coastline boasts white sand beaches, sheltered coves and towering cliffs in abundance. Explore the imposing ruins of the mediaeval Santa Maura Fortress, indulge in some of the watersports the island is famous for, or simply relax on the quiet beaches.

Athens is great for those more experienced sailors as it offers long spells of open water sailing, broad tidal ranges, strong winds and remote anchorages. Our base in Athens’ Zea Marina offers rewarding conditions, with strong winds and exhilarating blue water crossings between the Saronic and Cycladic islands, it is sure to satisfy your taste for adventure!

Hiring a skipper is the perfect choise if you have no sailing or experience, or simply want to spend more time relaxing and revelling in this city’s rich history and gourmet food.

Can’t decide where to go? Browse our full list of destinations now to give you all the travel inspiration you need…

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Sunsail