On unknown or famous islands, between art and nature, you are spoiled for choice. So we chose in a real journey around our Top 50 where to sail this winter(other destinations here). Today we find out how you can sail without chaos even in our Mediterranean!

Ionian Archipelago

Always very crowded during the summer, the most Italian of Greek archipelagos experiences a period of rare beauty during the winter and spring. The port of departure for most charter flotillas is the island of Lefkas, from which you can decide whether to put the bow towards Paxos and Antipaxos in the north, or head down towards Ithaca, Kefalonia and the Foscolian Zakynthos. Not to be missed in Kefalonia is the quaint Fiskardo, with its colorful little houses surrounding the small harbor. Learn about the best rental offerings.

Istanbul

A city suspended between two worlds, there right at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, which during the winter can alternate between warm days and cold Siberian winds. But what a charm! Raising sails while sailing past the minarets of mosques or under bridges over the Bosphorus is a thrilling sight. Then it only takes a few dozen miles away from the capital to find yourself in a completely different world. Learn about the best rental offerings.

Malta

Between history and modernity, this expression could be used to sum up this island, now one of the most sought-after destinations for Mediterranean nautical tourism. Famous for its modern architecture and Baroque style, for example, Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: not to be missed are the 16th-century Grand Master’s Palace and the jaw-dropping St. John’s Cathedral, where a valuable collection of tapestries and artwork can be found. The nearby islands of Gozo and Comino, which are wilder and less built-up, will also please lovers of the old-fashioned way of life. Learn about the best rental offerings.

Sicily

Even during the winter months, the largest of the Italian islands proves to be an increasingly sought-after destination for a different kind of cruise, capable of alternating natural beauty with its cultural and historical vestiges. Syracuse, Palermo, Taormina, the coast of Catania, but also the Egadi Archipelago are capable of giving, out of season, unrepeatable emotions. In addition, the great development of the region’s marinas in recent years have made it an excellent solution for those who want to move their boats and keep them here permanently. Increasingly vital centers of the coast, there are now plenty of ports equipped for any eventuality. Learn about the best rental offerings.

Kas – Turkey

One of Turkey’s oldest towns, whose economy today is based on fishing and, above all, tourism. The surroundings, especially the east coast, with the island of Kekova and the village of Simena, both reachable only by sea, are wildly beautiful. Right in Kas harbor you can embark and sail through the maze of uninhabited islands. Submerged Lycian treasures, crystal clear water, huge sarcophagi with more than 3,000 years old abandoned on the islands… Learn about the best rental offerings.

NOW FIND THE RIGHT BOAT FOR A MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE

DISCOVER ALL THE TOP 50 DESTINATIONS IN THE DECEMBER JANUARY ISSUE OF THE SAILING JOURNAL, ON NEWSSTANDS AND DIGITAL