With some 1,200 islands dotted along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast
and water reaching bath-like temperatures from May
through to September,

sailing the Adriatic offers the chance to explore the coastline
from the comfort of your top deck. Sail from
Hvar’s hedonistic shores to Vis, a firm foodie favourite thanks
to some of the richest fisheries in the Adriatic. For lunch, try
the local delicacy “pogača od srdele” (anchovy pastry); come
dinner, dine on lobster among towering palms at Villa Kaliopa. Seek seclusion in the sleepy village of
Stormorska on Šolta, which has moorings for just 15 boats. Closer
to the coast, explore the rich flora and fauna of Mljet and its
verdant national park. Further afield but worth the daybreak
departure is the fairest isle of them all, Rab. Its wild blonde
shores are a rarity among Croatia’s pebbly beaches.
Dare to bare at Sahara beach, a bay frequented by naturists.
Those seeking a little more modesty can scuttle along to the next
bay.

Starting at the border with Italy and extending to Toulon, the
Côte d’Azur is a place to sail and be seen. Those who are keen to
avoid the glare should head to the western island of Porquerolles
instead. Part of the Îles d’Hyères and just a gust of wind away
from the chaos of
St Tropez, moor outside the crescent-shaped Plage de Notre
Dame. Swim ashore for a picnic beneath ripe fig trees and evergreen
pines. At sunrise, meander across to Port Cros. Historically
plagued with a sea of pirate attacks, the leafy national park now
conceals its own hidden treasure; bejewelled peacock-blue waters
brimming with exotic marine life.

This French island basking in the Italian sunshine provides one
of the most idyllic sailing routes in Europe. Serious yachties will
want to take part in the 15-day Corsica Classic regatta, while land
lovers should embark on a port-hopping expedition along the L’Ile
de Beaute. Begin in the bustling port of Bastia, then after a few
days of vigorous sailing you’ll reach the capital Ajaccio.
Encircled by rugged mountains, disembark to delve into the life of
Napoléon Bonaparte. Keen to share their claim to fame, tour the
famed Frenchman’s childhood home that now serves as a museum to his
memory. End in the spectacular Maddalena archipelago and dock
outside the island of Razzoli to act out castaway fantasies.

Named after the Roman demi-god of the winds, Aeolus, the
volcanic archipelago off the Sicilian Coast is linked by a vast
200km ridge stretching from Mount Etna to Mount Vesuvius. An
adventurous expedition, alight at the commercial port of Portorosa
before drifting along the aquamarine Tyrrhenian Sea. After stops in
Vulcano (for the mud baths), take a morning dip in the translucent
waters at Spiaggia Bianca (“white beach”) just off Lipari. Cruise
up to the active Stromboli volcano, pour yourself a glass of
chilled Chianti and keep your fingers crossed that on this occasion
it’s smoke without fire. Continue to live the good life with a trip
to Signum’s spa, where you can indulge in a Malvasia
treatment inspired by the folk traditions of the Aeolian isles,
involving smothering yourself in a rich, antioxidant sweet wine
before heading back to your water chariot to ingest some more.

Nicknamed “nursery slopes” of sailing, the Ionian Islands are an
easy introduction for those who are happy lying horizontal on the
stern deck. Tried and tested itineraries float out of Gulf of
Patras towards Zakynthos; keep your eyes peeled for rare loggerhead
turtles making their way to Zante’s southern beaches to lay their
eggs. Just north of Kefalonia is Ithaca,
shrouded in mythological tales, twinkling waters and secluded bays.
Approach the island via Kioni Bay where boats are now met with an
amphitheatre of stony houses and overgrown bougainvillea replace
the Cyclops and lotus eaters of Odysseus’ kingdom. Feast on fried
fish at Mills before signing off with sundowners at neighbouring
bar Spavento.

Void of large cruise liners,
Malta is considered pirate gold in the eyes of experienced
seamen. The islands of Gozo,
Comino and Cominotto are most frequently visited, as even in high
season there’s ample room for anchorage. Dive in at first light to
shake off cobwebs, then spend your day lazily paddling between
pristine shoreline and expansive caves. Plot a stop at the
picturesque fishing harbour of Marsaxlokk in the southeast to dine
at Ir-Rizzu. The family-run taverna’s menu is dictated by the
fishermen and their catch of the day; make your pick then watch it
being prepared in an open kitchen. Regularly touted as one of
Malta’s
best beaches, head to St Peter’s Pool for sunset. With 300 days of
sunshine and placid waters year round, you can sail all the way
into December.