What’s the best way to experience Europe in the summer?
The best Mediterranean cruises in the summer are small yacht-style sailings that explore coastal destinations in Italy, Greece, France, Croatia and Montenegro while keeping guests cool on the water.
During the summer, sailing to Europe's most stunning large and hidden harbors offers you a unique and interesting travel experience. Sun-drenched days at the beach or in nature blend into the evenings at the port, and there is a feeling that you are actually traveling, not just in Europe, but in European style.
Guests can swim directly from the boat, paddleboard or kayak from the boat dock, or simply relax on the AquaBana floating lounge chairs. It's a relaxing way to enjoy Europe's coastline while escaping the heat of the interior, combining refreshing time at sea with immersive time in port.
Windstar's wind-class ships Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf shine on these ships Mediterranean itinerarycan accommodate 148 to 342 guests. These sailing yachts offer easy access to small harbors and intimate villages.
Where can you go on a yacht in Europe in the summer?
The Mediterranean region is filled with top summer destinations for small ship or yacht-style adventures. These itineraries allow you to explore a variety of countries, including Italy, France, Greece, Croatia and Montenegro. You can customize your trip to visit the region's famous ports and hidden gems, or even combine them all into one unforgettable trip.
More specifically? We've selected some of the most popular summer cruises in the Mediterranean.
- Italy: open bella italybetween Rome and Venice, features mainly Italian ports for small ships (with a stop at Rab, Croatia). These include Amalfi, Vibo Valentia, Reggio Calabria as well as Otranto and Taranto, both of which are located in the boot of Italy.
- Greek Islands: Windstar's Treasures of the Greek IslandsSummer cruises are round trip sailings from Athens and visit off-grid and popular ports such as Nafplion, Monemvasia, Santorini, Patmos and Mykonos, as well as Kusadasi in Turkey. Another option for summer in Greece is Don't take the usual path. Also based in Athens (or rather the nearby port city of Piraeus), the itinerary travels to the islands of Milos, Syros, Samos, Naxos and Folegandros, as well as to Kusadasi, Turkey, for Windstar's signature nighttime experience in Ephesus.
- Combining Italy and the Adriatic: Classic Italy and the Dalmatian CoastDepart from Venice-Rome, focusing on Sorrento and Giardini Naxos in Sicily (to Taormina), then head to the Adriatic Sea to Kotor in Montenegro, Dubrovnik, Split and Rovinj in Croatia. If you're craving deeper Adriatic diving, Venice's Iconic and hidden CroatiaVisit Poric, Rovinj, Opatija, Zadar, Sibenik, Korcula and Pomena, as well as Split and Dubrovnik.
- French and Italian Riviera: Perhaps the most iconic summer sailing region is Windstar Gems of the Italian and French Rivierayou'll travel from Rome to Cannes, Monte Carlo, Genoa, Portofino, Porto Ercole and Bastia in Corsica.
Why choose a small yacht cruise to explore the Mediterranean in summer?
- Overnight accommodation:During the long summer nights, Windstar's Sail Class yachts often remain in port late into the night or overnight, providing travelers with the opportunity to experience dining and nightlife at their destination.
- Beautiful summer sunset: There's nothing more magical than Windstar's iconic sailboat, which is accompanied by special music and cocktails as the ship sets sail.
- Swim, paddle and play on the boat: Take a dip directly from the yacht, or explore by paddleboard or kayak from Windstar Marina. Relax on the Aquabana floating platform and enjoy the sea at your own pace.
- Stay cool along the coast:When summers are hot in Europe's interior, sailing brings you close to the water – sea breezes and swimming make for a naturally refreshing holiday experience.
- Local immersive experience:When visiting an off-grid port, you can indulge in authentic experiences including visits to wineries, hands-on cooking lessons and exploration of small medieval villages.
Create your own voyage
From short getaways to combining multiple itineraries into one for an immersive experience, there are options beyond the traditional seven-night cruise.
- Star Collector: Known as Star Collector, cruises offer the ultimate experience, combining multiple itineraries into one seamless cruise. we like Star Collector: Southern Italy and the Croatian Coasta 20-night sailing between Venice and Rome, focusing on southern Italy, Montenegro and Croatia. There are 19 different ports of call, a day sea voyage and an overnight stay in Dubrovnik.
- Quick Getaway: A relatively new concept for Windstar, these short cruises between 3 and 5 nights provide a getaway for those pressed for time or those who want to combine a summer land and sea holiday. three nights La Dolce Vita in Italy and France Depart from Rome and visit Portovenere and Bonafacio in Corsica. Another option? From Barcelona to Rome A port for yachting enthusiasts on the Rivieraa five-night trip visiting Portofino, Monte Carlo, Sanary-sur-Mer, France, and Palamos, Spain.
- Cruises: A great way to combine sea and land exploration, Windstar's cruise travelAdd a pre-cruise or post-cruise visit to your existing itinerary. On a week-long Lisbon to Barcelona itinerary, you can add Five Nights Portugal Experiencespend immersive time in Lisbon and Sintra. 10-night cruise between Venice and Rome Civitavecchia includes 3-night add-ons, focusing on select collections Vatican tour.
