Yacht Season | Best Destinations For Yachting in July
Come July, summer is officially in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere – making it the perfect time for yachting around the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, North America and South-East Asia. Discover the best destinations to visit this July while enjoying the finest levels of service and comfort onboard your luxury charter. Watch the sunset over St Tropez, then wake up to the call of Antibes. Take in the passion and heat of the sizzling Italian coast. Make the most of the calm waters and warmer weather in Alaska. Or enjoy a little slice of paradise in Thailand’s world-famous Phi Phi Islands.
1. ST TROPEZ, FRANCE
France has the highest number of annual visitors in the world, and for good reason. With some of the most breathtaking beaches in Europe, delectable cuisine, stunning architecture and internationally renowned wines, beer and cider – each region has its own style and f lair. The number one French summer destination for the jet-set crowd is St Tropez, often referred to as the heart of the French Riviera. St Tropez is an exclusive and upscale destination offering visitors some of the trendiest bars, beach clubs and restaurants on the southeastern coast. An absolute paradise for the it-crowd, it combines everything quintessentially French with a splash of Mediterranean passion and colour.
2. JUNEAU, ALASKA
Juneau is a world of contrast that’s best visited during the summer months – surrounded by tranquil waterways that never freeze over, yet bordered by the Juneau icefield, an icefield that never melts. The perfect place for a spot of wild fishing, hiking and soaking up some of the most mesmerising landscapes in Alaska, it offers a quiet escape with plenty to do nearby. Watch whales break the surface, utilise your yachts watertoys and kayak your way around secluded coves and inlets, or feast on the freshest seafood prepared by your private chef onboard.
3. ATHENS, GREECE
While the Greek islands often steal the limelight, Athens more than holds its own when it comes to entertainment, culture, history and architecture. Home to iconic structures such as the Acropolis and Parthenon, history merges with modern-day Greece seamlessly. Plenty of Marinas hug the coastline, making it easy to tie up and explore the ancient city. Enjoy a glass of Ouzo or two. Stock up on the latest fashions at one of the upscale malls. Then soak up the sun at Legrena Beach before heading back to your yacht for a degustation dinner, prepared by your own private chef. Athens is the ideal destination to start your yacht charter around the Cyclades or Saronic islands.
4. ALESUND, NORWAY
The port town of Ålesund in Norway is home to some of the country’s most spectacular fjords, mountains and architecture. Often called the most beautiful city in Norway, it is the perfect base for exploring Norway and beyond. During the Summer, Ålesund has almost 20 hours of daylight – perfect for experiencing the midnight sun. Art Nouveau architecture, friendly locals and majestic glaciers await intrepid explorers. Throughout the city, traditional and international cuisine can be found. Sample the local fish soup in an upscale eatery or enjoy that classic British staple, fish and chips on the harbour. Whilst Norway isn’t your normal go-to charter destination in July it’s definitely a must-visit yacht charter destination.
5. KOH PHI PHI, THAILAND
Koh Phi Phi needs no introduction. As one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, July is perfect for enjoying a luxury yacht charter in the Andaman. A firm contender for being one of the most idyllic places in the tropics, Koh Phi Phi is home to towering rock formations, warm, blue waters fringed with the whitest sand, lush flora and fauna, and plenty of exclusive resorts. Relax on the beach while sipping cocktails out of baby coconuts, dig into fresh fruit platters, seafood and local delicacies. Watch fire dancers light up the night sky and then drift off to the sound of crickets under a blanket of stars. Once you’ve had your fill of immaculate beauty, head to the mainland of Krabi and dive into more tourist-focused activities.
6. AMALFI COAST, ITALY
Home to gems such as Naples, Capri and Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast in Italy plays host to some seriously romantic hotspots, perfect for an intimate summer yacht charter on the Mediterranean. Stre tching along the Sorrentine Peninsula, pastel-coloured fishing villages trickle-down cascading cliff faces and toward the cobalt blue ocean. With architecture not dissimilar to Greece, the Amalfi Coast is the perfect place to shop until you drop, soak up stunning views w ith a glass or two of Prosecco and lunch at the incredible La Tagliata. Explore fragrant lemon groves and sample the locally-produced limoncello. Sun yourself on small, private beaches and immerse yourself in a rich cafe culture that screams Italy.
7. FETHIYE, TURKEY
Located on Turkey’s beautiful Turquoise Coast, Fethiye brings a distinctive Europe meets Asia vibe. Explore the Kaunos Rock Tombs in the ancient city of Kaunos, catch a glimpse of nesting beach turtles at Iztuzu Beach, and soar high above the dramatic landscape below on a private paragliding tour. One of the best-kept secrets of the region is the Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon at the foothills of Mount Babadağ – the bluest, purest water fringed with white sands and prot ected from the open waters of the ocean. In the evening, the harbour area and promenade burst into life with bars opening their doors, restaurants cooking up a storm and plenty of shopping opportunities to be had. Think of it as a more upscale version of Bodrum – but wit h all you need for a fantastic escape.