Sailing with your family can create unique and unforgettable memories but there are a few things to be aware of before you set sail. To ensure a good experience for the whole family, you need to take into account the youngest members of the crew. Children and teenagers tend to get bored easily, so choosing attractive destinations is essential to avoid discouraging them.
We have listed a few destinations suitable for crews of all ages. These ideas will help you create an itinerary that will please everyone.
Grebišće beach in Hvar, Croatia
Hvar is one of the most popular Dalmatian islands, has ideal weather almost all year round and beautiful beaches. We recommend you to sail to Grebišće beach, which is right in the centre of the island, in a village called Jelsa. It is ideal for families with younger crew members because of the water activities and facilities in the area. Anchoring the boat will be easy on a sandy seabed, and you will not encounter strong waves.
Sarakiniko Bay in Milos, Greece
Milos is part of the Cyclades islands and has lots of places with incredible views. One of them is Sarakiniko bay, which is about 3km from the village of Vathy. A peaceful bay with volcanic rock formations that will leave everyone astonished. During the day, it is usually a calm wind zone where you will not receive any unexpected gusts. Be careful if you want to anchor during the night, as many sailors report strong winds.
Moli Marroig cove in Formentera, Spain
If you and your family want to get away from the hustle and bustle of crowds, then Formentera Island is the place to visit. It is known for its quiet beaches and islets. We recommend you to visit Moli Marroig cove, which is in the northern part of the island. It has a beach with soft sand and crystal clear water, perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The seabed is sandy and rocky, but anchoring your boat will not be tricky as you can easily find suitable spots due to the crystal clear waters.
Ustica in Sicily, Italy
Ustica is a small island in the north of Sicily and is a great place for practising water sports. It is one of the best destinations in Europe for snorkelling, thanks to its diversity in marine life. Here you will find several beaches that are suitable for beginners or professionals. To anchor your boat away from the wind, we recommend the Omo Morto area.
Stiniva beach in Vis, Croatia
To amaze your crew, we recommend you to visit Stinivay beach. A tiny beach hidden behind cliffs on the southern side of the fascinating Vis island. It is the ideal place to share with your family and swim all day long. If you want to find a good place to anchor your boat, we suggest you arrive as early as possible.
Budva, Montenegro
Budva is a coastal town overlooking the Adriatic Sea and is over 2500 years old. It is known for its sandy beaches, but its history has made it even more special. You can stay in Budva for several days to enjoy its beaches and medieval streets. The perfect place to satisfy the wishes of each of your crew members.
Navagio Beach in Zakynthos, Greece
It is one of the most famous beaches worldwide and frequented by people from all over the world. Surrounded by high cliffs, and only accessible by boat. Well known for the shipwreck on the beach, it is the perfect attraction to excite your family. Beautiful blue waters make this beach ideal for swimming and spending time.
Calanque de Cassis, France
Cassis is a charming town in the south of France on the Cote d’Azur. A perfect destination with plenty of attractions for everyone to enjoy. You can anchor your boat in Calanque de port-miou and visit the nearby beaches or, if you prefer, take your family out for a hike along the amazing Calanques. You can also sail along the coast, and visit the nearby Calanques and swim in them.
Baia delle Zagare, Italy
In the south of Italy, right on the heel of the boot, you will find the region of Apulia with hundreds of kilometres of turquoise-coloured coastline. One of the best places to visit is the Baia delle Zagare, a fine sandy beach with two white rock formations that stand out against the turquoise tones of the sea. It’s a paradise for those who like to share photos on social media as it has photo-friendly spots. Our tip: visit this beach off-season so only you and your family will enjoy it.
The Blue Lagoon in Comino, Malta
Comino is a small island next to Malta, where you will find a turquoise water inlet called the Blue Lagoon. Take your family to relax on the fine white sand. Bring your mask and fins for snorkelling, as the water here is super clear, and it’s incredibly fun to see the marine life. Bonus tip: several areas are protected and do not allow boats, please check before anchoring your boat.