Set sail in the Med this summer

Dubrovnik, the famed 'Pearl of the Adriatic', is not only Croatia’s most beguiling city, but its sailing star too. Its ancient ramparts and Baroque churches are so grand that it’s easy to see why TV’s Game of Thrones producers chose the city as the setting for ‘King’s Landing’, its fictional royal capital. With Croatia’s coastline scattered with over 1,000-plus sun-dappled islands, it won’t be long before you’re out on the water. Luckily, Sunsail’s holiday planners are on hand to help you maximise your trip.

Just to the west of Dubrovnik, the Elaphiti Islands are a short sail away across calm waters. Hike the hulking hillside wall between the twin villages of Ston and Mali Ston, then savour oysters plucked fresh from the seabed at the local restaurants lining the front. Then sail on to Mljet, an emerald-green isle so renowned for its pristine nature that much of it is designated a national park.

Next, sail north to the isle of Korčula, which is said to have been the birthplace of the explorer Marco Polo. He liked it so much that he returned to retire there. You can see why. Today, the narrow streets of this mini Dubrovnik are alive with churches, mansions and cafés.

Finish on the bewitching Pelješac Peninsula, which is awash with fine wine and both bountiful flora and fauna. It’s the perfect finale before you ease back south via another of the Elaphiti Islands to again savour the sight of Dubrovnik from the water.

Only the hardest of hearts could fail to fall in love with the ‘Birthplace of Western Civilisation’, or with the 12,850km of coastline and over 2,000 islands that Greece has to offer. Lefkas Marina is the gateway to the beauties of the mythical Ionian Sea, literally the stuff of legend. Explorers will find narrow lanes that beg discovering and access to remote beaches. The calm conditions, sheltered anchorages and easy moorings also make this marina an ideal base for newly qualified sailors.

From Lefkas, you can hop over to Meganisi to savour a first taste of the Ionian Isles, dine on fresh octopus and join traditional Greek dancing in the town square, then retire to a taverna. Bliss. More tavernas – and a tempting array of shops – await on the isle of Kalamos, along with the experience of swimming in seas prettier than any brochure.

Here, it’s easy to head off into the world of Greek myth. Sailing to the island of Ithaca, said to be the home of Odysseus, is just one example. In capital Vathi, lively folklore and rich culture unfurl against a backdrop of pine trees and brightly coloured flowers. After a small swim, tuck into more boat-fresh seafood – this is a part of the world where you’ll want to dive into the water every day. There are so many options too: you could spend a whole week, for example, on a bareboat charter centred in and around the isle of Kefalonia alone.

Experienced sailors will be drawn to Athens’ strong winds and exhilarating crossings between the Saronic islands and Cycladic islands. Your adventure will start in Athens itself, one of the world’s oldest cities, and the Zea Marina makes the perfect base for clambering off board to get a closer look at the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Temple of Hephaestus, among many other cultural treasures. 

Back out on the water, it’s time to set sail to the nearby picturesque Saronic islands. Head southwest for the island of Perdika, passing the small islets of Lagos and Lagousaki en route. This small, traditional fishing village is a great place to feast on fresh, local seafood. Don’t leave without first exploring the island’s Temple of Athena Aphaia, dedicated to Goddess Athena. For more culture, set sail to nearby Hydra Town to discover art, theatre and museums. 

Alternatively, head out across the water towards the Cyclades islands to discover the Sacred Island of Delos, explore Little Venice in Mykonos and head inside caves such as the Serifos Cave of Koutalas and the Katafiki Cave in Kythnos. The Cyclades are also home to great hiking, diving and snorkelling, so you can find an adventure almost anywhere you drop your anchor.