There is something special about sailing – spending time on the sea, gliding along the coast, without being tied to any specific place, going from one port to the next and discovering the islands. Many people, once they started sailing, just fell in love with it, discovering the hidden corners of the islands and the sea, enjoying the experience unlike anything else. Whether you have your own skipper license and can take your friends and family on a trip or will hire a professional to take you along the coast, here are five most beautiful places to sail in Europe that we recommend.
1. Ioninan islands Greece
To enjoy sailing, Greece is definitely a top pick for many. Everyone is already familiar with the gorgeous pictures of the Greek islands with turquoise sea, white-washed villages, colorful fishing boats and beautiful nature. You can sail among the picturesque Ioninan islands, starting from Lefkada or Corfu to discover the seven large islands while stopping at the smaller ones like Paxoi. Let yourself go while feeling the sun and the breeze of the Mediterranean and being surrounded with some of the most beautiful views. Besides being one of the most instagrammable experiences from what can be seen in all the amazing pictures posted daily, island-hopping in Greece is so much more – a true hedonistic journey and a lifetime experience you will not forget.
2. Dalmatian coast, Croatia
One of the most popular destinations in Europe lately is definitely Croatia with its beautiful Adriatic Sea. Therefore, it is no wonder that the country of the thousand islands has made it to the top destinations for sailing. There are many beautiful places where you can start your trip from Zadar to Šibenik, Split or Dubrovnik where you will also be taken away by the beauty of the cities as well as the islands spread out along the coast with lovely fishing villages, sun-soaked beaches and hidden bays in the clear sea. Wherever you decide to go, you will be sure to enjoy not only the extraordinary nature but also delicious food and wine the country is well known for.
3. Azores, Portugal
Never have I met anyone who visited Portugal and didn’t fall in love with the country. The rich culture, beautiful nature and delicious food is something that you don’t easily forget and when you add to it the wonderful coast and amazing remote islands such as Azores in the Atlantic, the picture is perfect. The mild climate makes it excellent for a sailing trip while the volcanic origin of the nine islands with lush vegetation create a beautiful scenery to sail through. Being quite remote from the mainland, some 1400 km from Lisbon, it is a less crowded tourist destination so it’s ideal if you are looking for some tranquility. If you are lucky enough you may also see some dolphins or even whales passing by, to round up the exquisite experience.
4. Amalfi coast, Capri and Bay of Naples
One of the most beautiful routes to sail and most amazing coastlines in Europe is definitely from the Amalfi coast to the Bay of Naples with the gorgeous island of Capri in between. Whether you decide to go from north to the south or vice-versa, you will be enchanted by the beautiful scenery, clear sea and of course delicious Italian wine and food along the way. In the middle of your trip, Capri awaits you with the famous Blue Grotto which will most definitely take your breath away.
5. Fjords of Norway
If you are looking for a different type of sailing experience, one of the best things to do is to sail along the Norwegian coast. The fjords which were formed by the glaciers of the last ice age offer a dramatic scenery that will simply take your breath away. While sailing through the deep waters, you will enjoy the view at the rugged scenery, isolated villages and farms, the flat calm fjords and the huge mountains, making you feel like you are in a fantasy.
