Exclusive yacht charters for exploring the Western Mediterranean

From the Cote d’Azur to the Aeolians, via Corsica, Sardinia and Balearics, drinking in the beauty of the Mediterranean from the absolute comfort and safety of our stunning luxury yacht charters. Plying specially tailored routes that veer intriguingly off the beaten track.

It is one of the all-time favourite summer destinations because it is home both to some of the most famously beautiful areas of the world and perfect yachting weather. We’re talking, of course, about the Mediterranean. The best way to explore it is by sea and, between May and September, Equinoxe Yachts has a wide range of both crewed and bareboat sailing and motor luxury boat charters spread across the entire Mediterranean region.
From the Northern Tyrrhenian to the pearls of the Amalfi Coast and the Aeolian Islands, every corner of the Mediterranean has its own culture, history and gastronomic traditions, guaranteeing a superb standard of shore services and, of course, fun.

It is impossible to offer a truly comprehensive array of addresses on our voyage of discovery of the Western Mediterranean, so we’ve chosen to prioritise good food on our perfect itinerary. Campania and Sicily are the undisputed stars of the full-scale gastronomic renaissance that has been sweeping Italy over the last few seasons. Foodie events abound, and are as many and varied as the coasts that host them. However, for a genuine immersion in Mediterranean culture, you can’t beat the Cous Cous Fest at San Vito Lo Capo (15-24 September). Perched on the very westernmost tip of Sicily, San Vito Lo Capo has a lovely port in a beautiful bay delineated to the west by a lighthouse and to the east by the Punta di Solanto. This year brings the Fest’s 10th outing and it’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional flavours of the Mediterranean as you enjoy a plethora of foodie events featuring internationally-renowned chefs, not least Joe Bastianich.

Discriminating gourmands will be only too well aware that the Amalfi Coast is home to some of the most inspiring names on the Italian culinary scene too. Equally importantly, it also has plenty of destinations well up to catering to the needs of the most sophisticated pleasure yachters. The pick of the bunch though has to be Quattro Passi di Nerano, which lies between the Amalfi Coast and the Sorrento Peninsula. There, you can tie up at one of the buoys made available by the restaurant, then allow chef Antonio Mellino, holder of two Michelin stars, to take you on a tongue-tingling exploration of Mediterranean cuisine at its finest. If you are dreaming of a foodie break ashore, the most enchanting place to repair to is the historic and internationally-lauded Don Alfonso 1890 restaurant where Alfonso’s talented young heir, chef Ernesto Iaccarino, carefully reveals the secrets of a whole new type of Italian cuisine that embraces both sea and shore. The restaurant is in Sant’Agata sui Due Golfi and can only be accessed by road, so you will have to moor at Piano di Sorrento or the Marina del Cantone. That said, Don Alfonso 1890 is well worth a visit regardless of where you happen to be in the area. It even has its own private helicopter landing pad.

 

While it is true that ideal weather conditions, an abundance of safe, sheltered mooring spots, gorgeous anchorages and a large number of ports and marinas make the Western Mediterranean one of the most in-demand charter areas, it is equally the case that absolute focus is essential on any boat. And so an tight-knit experienced crew combined with itineraries crafted with the high season in mind are what make the difference between a good holiday and a truly great one. Equinoxe Yachts is a guarantee of quality in that sense. And we also have such a wide number of luxury boat charters on our books that we can always find a craft to suit the requirements of all our clients.

Some will be attracted by the space and quality of onboard service delivered by Myra, a 30-metre gulet sailing between the Pontine Islands, the Amalfi Coast and Sardinia this season. Others will find greater appeal in a motoryacht like Sea Shell, a 33-metre that can effortlessly power her way from the Cote d’Azur to the Aeolians overnight and treat her guests to the delight of waking up to the spectacular sight of the Stromboli volcano.

Exclusivity is also the name of the game aboard the two superb maxi catamarans on our books: Blue Deer, a 25-metre with check-in and check-out on Corsica and Sardinia, and Kaskazi Four, an 18.9-metre Lagoon based in the Aeolians for the entire month of August.

 

 

With their buzzing nightlife, the Balearic Islands of Majorca and Ibiza or their somewhat wilder siblings, Formentera and Minorca, are another possibility too. Equinoxe suggests the 25-metre Noheea whose highly experienced crew will whisk you off on a voyage of discovery of the sultry Spanish summer aboard a yacht that delivers unparalleled comfort, guest space, onboard amenities and onboard services.