Set sail in 2025 for extraordinary travel experiences on and off land
After a New Years resolution? Why not set yourself the challenge of a new type of travel adventure? Sailing. Whether you want to learn to sail yourself, or decide to hire a skipper, sailing trips are accessible to everyone. We’ve teamed up with the experts at Sunsail to inspire you to get started with top tips and incredible sailing destinations…
You don’t have to be a sailor to get out on the water with Sunsail. With expertise honed over 50 years they offer tailor-made holidays all over the Mediterranean, and beyond. Go it alone, let your skipper do the hard work on a charter, enjoy a flotilla adventure or learn on a sailing course. Across more than 20 destinations you don’t just sail, you Sunsail, with extraordinary experiences ashore offering spirit-soaring highlights too. Here’s what to expect…
Learn to sail the Med
Here are five places to start your sailing adventure…
1: Agana, Croatia
The highlights
It is easy to see why poets and dreamers wax lyrical about Croatia’s Dalmatian isles. Sail back through time with Sunsail exploring this world-class oasis, discovering shimmering isles like Brač, Hvar and Vis.
What to expect
This remarkable island-dotted corner of Dalmatia offers easy line-of-sight sailing, with the option of longer journeys. Go it alone bareboat, or if you would prefer to sit back and relax, you can hire a skipper. The sailing school lets you learn the ropes and gain RYA qualifications; a one-week flotilla cruise focuses on various spots around the island of Brač, with a hop over to Vrboska on Hvar.
On land adventures
Immerse yourself in the world of the Venetians exploring the magical Dalmatian isles. Brač boasts the Golden Cape, Croatia’s most revered beach where you can walk along the pebbly shore that stretches out to sea and watch the windsurfers and kitesurfers out at sea. Above it rises Vidova Gora, the highest peak in the Dalmatian isles, a hiker’s dream. Meanwhile, Hvar is scented with wild lavender, which wafts across Venetian lanes alive with bijou art galleries and boutiques. Vis tempts with the Venetian charms of Vis Town, its World War Two history and incredible scuba diving. Sleepy Šolta is an alternative off the tourist trail where you can hike and bike the network of trails that run through the forests and savour wine on the vineyard where it was produced.
“From Marina Agana, my favourite destination was Vis Island. We moored in Vis Old Town and took a dinghy ashore to rent e-bikes for the afternoon. We cycled to old military bunkers, submarine stations, and the charming town of Komiza on the other side of the island. The island is dotted with vineyards, many offering their own tavernas for tastings and meals. Along the coast, there are numerous hidden sandy anchorages perfect for an overnight stay. The diving there is also highly regarded—it’s a destination I wholeheartedly recommend.”
– Clara, Sunsail Holiday Planner
2: Lefkas, Greece
The highlights
Lefkas’ well-equipped marina leads out into calm seas, making the sailing experience a breeze, whether you’re relaxing with a skipper at the helm, or learning the ropes. Nearby Kefalonia is within easy reach of Lefkas and a popular spot to island-hop to.
What to expect on the boat
Lefkas is an ideal destination for all types of sailing experiences, from skippered charters to sailing schools, but it truly shines with its range of flotilla itineraries. Departing from Lefkas Marina, you’ll join a flotilla—a group of boats sailing together—combining the freedom of independent sailing with the camaraderie of shared adventures.
For those new to sailing or seeking extra support, a flotilla holiday is the perfect choice. You’ll have the backing of an expert lead crew, including a skipper, technician, and host, ready to guide you every step of the way. From arranging moorings and organising optional social events to providing daily briefings, they ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Once in the Mediterranean, the options for exploration are endless. Snorkel over a sunken plane wreck, unwind on secluded beaches, or drop anchor near picturesque islands like Kefalonia and Meganissi. With events hosted by your flotilla team, you can join regattas, group dinners, and onboard drinks—or simply enjoy the tranquil sea views at your own pace.
On land adventures
Greece soars with more than 12,850km of coastline and over 2,000 islands. You’ve picked one of the best spots on the Ionian Sea. Lefkas’ Porto Katsiki beach, tucked under the cliffs, is one of the finest beaches in Greece and hard to resist. Head further into the tiny island to discover the charming churches and monasteries. Neighbouring Lefkas is Kefalonia, an island legendary for its beauty. The port of Fiscardo is that traditional Grecian island village you’ve always dreamed of stepping into. Numerous swimming spots tempt too for daily dips with over a dozen Blue Flag certified beaches. Over on the island of Meganisi, find a taverna where you can tuck into fresh octopus and savour local wines.
“My favourite spot in Lefkas is the island of Vathy, home to the beautiful Spartochori Bay. This deep blue, well-protected cove is perfect for swimming and relaxation. A charming local fish restaurant serves delicious squid and other delicacies at very reasonable prices. For those seeking adventure, a hike to the hillside town offers breathtaking views and fantastic photo opportunities. It’s a must-see destination for anyone exploring the Mediterranean.”
– Rory, Sunsail Holiday Planner
3: Dubrovnik, Croatia
The highlights
Sail out of the deeply dramatic city of Game of Thrones in search of adventure amongst a necklace of islands. Look out for a new flotilla option for summer 2025.
What to expect on the boat
Line-of-sight navigation and short island hops make Dubrovnik a tremendous base. There is no sailing school, but your own skipper can get you involved in proper sailing. Flotilla trips traditionally explore either the Elafiti Islands or around Korčula. Both options take in the isle of Mljet and the Pelješac Peninsula too. New for 2025 is the Dubrovnik Libertas Flotilla that pulls together the best of everything.
On land adventures
Lord Byron eulogised Dubrovnik as the ’Pearl of the Adriatic’ and it could be applied to the rich necklace of isles that sparkle offshore. Sunsail’s Holiday Planners can recommend visits ashore on Korčula, a mini-Dubrovnik and birthplace of Marco Polo. Pelješac, Ston and Mali Ston are renowned for their delicious oysters and mussels. Time ashore on Mljet is life-affirming: hike and swim in the half of the island designated a natural park. The Elafiti Islands swoon with churches, tiny museums and historic harbours.
“Polace, on Mljet Island, offers a perfect anchorage in its large, protected bay within the national park. Alternatively, you can moor at one of the restaurant docks, where traditional Croatian lamb or seafood peka, slow-cooked over a fire, awaits. From the quayside, hire mountain bikes to explore scenic trails through the national park, offering breathtaking views of the island.”
– Becky, Sunsail Holiday Planner
4: Corfu, Greece
The highlights
Ease with your friends and family through the calm waters of the Ionian sea in idyllic waters made for swimming. Then get ashore and explore traditional fishing villages and UNESCO sites.
What to expect on the boat
Calm waters and idyllic weather make Corfu ideal for beginners. There is no sailing school but those new to sailing can hire a skipper with Sunsail. With their local knowledge of the area, your skipper will know the perfect places to drop anchor and can advise on the best ways to spend your time both ashore and at sea. A bareboat charter opens up the whole island of Corfu with multiple stops, with forays across to Paxos, the rugged Sivota Islands and the mainland possible too.
On land adventures
Corfu is the northernmost of the Ionian Islands, whose aquarium-clear waters just beg to be swam in. The fishing village of Kalami offers its own Blue Flag beach. Visit the Venetians in UNESCO World Heritage listed Corfu Town, with the Palaio Frourio, a 15th century Byzantine castle, a window into their world. Follow the 19th-century lighthouse into Paxos, the second largest settlement of Lakka. The Sivota Islands of Nisis Ay Nikolaos, Nisis Sivota and Nisis Siv Mavros offer an escape, with Mourtos a gloriously sleepy fishing village.
5: Athens, Greece
The highlights
Take on the test of the blue waters that tempt south from the Greek capital. Then explore the mainland coast and a sweep of islands alive with adventure, tradition and great food; culture too.
What to expect on the boat
Sailing with Sunsail out of Athens offers the thrill of blue water sailing and the chance to catch the famous Meltemi wind. There is no sailing school, but you can learn from a skipper on the blue water crossings between the Saronic and Cycladic islands. They are always on hand to develop your skills and knowledge.
On land adventures
Athens is simply one of the world’s great cities, the ‘Cradle of Civilisation’. It brilliantly bookends your Sunsail adventure. Venturing out, Perdika on the isle of Aegina is the traditional Greek fishing village you’ve been dreaming of. Ashore on cultural Hydra Town, on the eponymous isle, delve into history, contemporary art and theatre. Ease over to the isle of Poros. From the working harbour of Poros Town delve deep into the lanes that tempt inland – like exploring a Greek Islands postcard.
“Sailing around the Saronic islands from our Athens base, my favourite stop was the island of Hydra. Just a short distance from Athens, it feels worlds away from the bustling capital, thanks to a car ban in place since the 1950s. Moored in the charming, horseshoe-shaped harbour, we awoke to the quaint sound of donkey hooves clip-clopping—these hardworking animals transport goods from the mainland’s arriving boats. It’s a serene and idyllic retreat, where life moves at a wonderfully peaceful pace.”
– Kai, Sunsail Holiday Planner
Take on the rest of the world
Mastered the Med? Then go further afield! Whether with a skipper or solo, the world really is your oyster. Here’s where we recommend…
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) star with balmy weather, trade winds, line-of-sight navigation and plentiful sheltered anchorages. Sail out of Tortola, the Caribbean’s yacht charter capital, seeking your real life Treasure Island. Going ashore, look out for flamingos and iguanas, enjoy a lobster dinner on Anegada, party in the Jost Van Dyke beach bars and treasure hunt on Norman Island.
Antigua is blessed with trade winds, safe anchorages, blue water sailing and a beach for every day of the year – the dazzling sands here are truly miraculous. The scuba diving is first rate, as is the snorkelling and swimming. Hiking adventures tempt too on Antigua’s emerald tree-shrouded hills.
For a real Robinson Crusoe experience the Seychelles enchant. Catch the strong local winds exploring this scarcely populated 115-island archipelago. Sailing out of Mahe join dolphins, turtles and even whale sharks. On land the granite rock-strewn beaches are home to 26 species of land-dwelling crab. Highlights include the St. Anne Marine Park and Anse Lazio, one of the world’s best beaches.
Thailand oozes romance and mystique, with the island of Phuket the perfect base. Enjoy line-of-sight navigation around the neighbouring isles and islets. Swim and snorkel, or how about diving with whale sharks and manta rays? Sail out of Ao Po Grand Marina and get ashore to explore beach-fringed islands like Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Lanta.
