Mediterranean, Caribbean or beyond: where should a first-timer go?

Daniel Asmus
Co-founder, DMA Yachting

Summer: Greece or Croatia. Sheltered water, short hops, a new island every day, and the widest choice of crewed catamarans at sensible prices. Winter: the British Virgin Islands, where the whole territory is one calm sailing ground and all-inclusive pricing makes budgeting simple.

Italy and the French Riviera are the glamour end, with prices to match. Mallorca, Turkey and Corsica are the quieter Mediterranean picks. Exotic and polar charters are for the second or third trip, once you know you love the life aboard.

Each of our destination sites answers these same questions for its own waters, with local prices and rules.

Related: How much does a crewed yacht charter cost, How far in advance should we book.

Full guide: Caribbean vs Mediterranean.

By destination: Greece · Croatia · Italy · French Riviera · Mallorca · Corsica · Turkey · BVI · Bahamas · Exotica · Antarctica