Wind, waves and freedom: the best sailing areas in the world and tips for your trip.
The best sailing areas are the Croatian Adriatic and the Greek islands, the Balearics, the Turkish Aegean, the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean and the Baltic Sea. Beginners find sheltered waters and short passages in Croatia and the Ionian Islands; without a sailing licence you can book a skipper or join a crew.
Sailing combines everything that makes a perfect holiday: freedom, nature, adventure and deceleration. A new bay every day, a different harbour every evening. The wind sets the pace, the sea the rhythm.
You do not need your own sailing licence or boat. Shared sailing offers, skippered boats and gulet tours make sailing accessible to everyone. From a weekend trip on the Baltic Sea to an Atlantic crossing -- sailing has the right adventure for every level.
This guide shows you the six best sailing areas in the world, gives you practical tips on booking and on-board expenses, and helps you find the perfect sailing experience.
From the Croatian Adriatic to the Caribbean -- these areas are every sailor's dream.
The most popular sailing destination in Europe: Over 1,200 islands, sheltered bays, crystal-clear waters, and perfect infrastructure with marinas and konobas (taverns) right by the water. Ideal for beginners and experienced sailors.
Cyclades, Ionian Islands or Dodecanese – Greece offers sailing areas for every taste. White villages, turquoise waters, taverns at the harbour, and a sailing culture that dates back thousands of years.
Discover Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera by sailing boat – away from the tourist crowds. The Balearic Islands offer reliable winds, short distances between the islands, and spectacular anchor bays with turquoise waters.
The ultimate sailing destination in the world: Constant trade winds, short distances, sheltered waters, and postcard-perfect islands. The BVI are considered the birthplace of bareboat chartering – this is where it all began.
Gulet sailing along the Turkish Riviera: Traditional wooden motor-sailing yachts with crew, new bays every day, ancient ruins right by the water, and excellent Turkish food on board. More relaxing than sailing yourself.
Sailing right on your doorstep: The Baltic Sea offers over 2,000 islands, picturesque harbours, gentle winds, and short travel times. From Kiel through the Danish South Sea to Sweden – perfect for weekend trips and beginners.
The 6 destinations differ mainly in budget, travel time and best season, for example Croatia (May–Oct), Greece (May–Oct) and Balearic Islands (May–Oct). The table compares all values side by side.
| Area | Budget | Getting there | Season | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Croatia | $$ | 1.5h flight | May–Oct | Island hopping |
| Greece | $$ | 3h flight | May–Oct | Diverse areas |
| Balearic Islands | $$$ | 2h flight | May–Oct | Short distances |
| BVI | $$$$ | 12h flight | Nov–May | Trade wind sailing |
| Turkey | $$ | 3.5h flight | May–Oct | Gulet / Blue Voyage |
| Baltic Sea | $$ | None | May–Sep | On your doorstep |
These 10 tips help most, above all: Crewing as an Entry Point, Catamaran instead of Monohull and Book Early for High Season. The details for each point follow below.
No sailing certificate? No problem! Providers like Hand gegen Koje, Sailwiz, or Intersailclub offer crewing spots on yachts – often for €500-1,000 per week including sailing and accommodation.
Catamarans offer more space, less heel (tilt), and shallower drafts. Ideal for families, novice sailors, and comfort lovers. Costs about 30% more than monohulls.
Popular charter boats in Croatia and Greece are often fully booked for July/August as early as January. Early booking discounts (10-20%) are available until March.
If you don't have a sailing certificate or feel unsure: A professional skipper costs €150-200 per day and takes care of navigation and manoeuvres.
In addition to the charter fee, you should budget for onboard expenses (food, diesel, harbour fees) of about €200-300 per person per week. Discuss this clearly in advance!
There are no square lockers on sailing boats. Pack in a soft travel bag, not a hard-shell suitcase. The latter won't fit in any cabin.
Ginger tablets, acupressure wristbands, or dimenhydrinate (Vomex) can help. Most importantly: Look at the horizon, don't read, and stay on deck.
The SKS (Sport Coastal Skipper Certificate) is the standard for charter sailors. Costs: approx. €1,000-1,500 including practical trip. Some charter companies also accept the SBF See.
Harbour fees in high season can be €80-150 per night. Anchoring in a quiet bay is free, more romantic, and often more beautiful.
Windy.com, PredictWind, and Windfinder are essential apps for sailors. Wind, waves, and thunderstorm forecasts on an hourly basis for every region.
3 free HolidayGenie tools help you plan: Budget-Rechner, Packliste and Urlaubsfinder. They run directly in your browser and complement the destination tips on this page.
Frequently asked questions
The Ionian Islands in Greece and the Croatian Adriatic are particularly suitable for beginners, offering sheltered waters, moderate winds and short distances between harbours. Advanced sailors find more challenging conditions in the Cyclades with the strong meltemi wind or in the British Virgin Islands with steady trade winds. The Baltic Sea is ideal for weekend trips close to home.
Yes, there are many options. As a crew member via platforms that match sailors with skippers, you can sail with experienced skippers, often from 500–1,000 euros a week. Alternatively, you can hire a professional skipper for 150–200 euros a day who handles navigation and manoeuvres. Gulet cruises in Turkey also offer a sailing experience with a full crew including a cook.
A sailing yacht for 4–6 people costs from 1,500–3,000 euros a week in high season in Croatia or Greece. On top of that comes the onboard kitty for food, diesel and harbour fees of about 200–300 euros per person per week. A catamaran is around 30% more expensive than a monohull. Early-booking discounts of 10–20% are available when booking by March.
A charter yacht offers maximum flexibility without the high costs of owning a boat: no mooring (5,000–15,000 euros a year), no maintenance and no insurance. You can choose a new area every year and match the boat size to the crew. Owning a boat only pays off from around 30–40 sailing days a year and, besides the purchase price, involves running costs of 5–10% of the boat’s value annually.
The main season runs from May to October, and each month has its advantages. May and June offer pleasant temperatures, fewer boats and lower charter prices. July and August are ideal for families with water temperatures around 25–27 degrees, but also the most expensive and busiest time. September and October are often the best months: still warm, less wind than in midsummer and much cheaper. In the Cyclades, watch out for the strong meltemi in August.
If you like Sailing holiday, you may also enjoy Tauchurlaub, Strandurlaub and Kreuzfahrten. For every holiday type we show the best destinations with travel season, budget and insider tips.
Discover the best sailing areas and plan your next trip on the water.
