COVID-19: Where Can I Travel from the UK & Europe for Yacht Charters in 2022?

Mediterranean

With some of the most beautiful destinations on the planet right on your doorstep, the Mediterranean is a perennial favourite for those looking to book a luxury yacht charter escape for summer. However, some countries have been reluctant to open their doors until their vaccination program is well underway. So, with this in mind, where are the best places to book a yacht charter vacation right now? Read on to discover some of the hottest destinations for the ultimate covid-safe yacht charter experience of a lifetime.

For the perfect yacht charter vacation this summer, look no further than the breathtaking islands of Greece. With their renowned incomparable beauty, electric-blue waters and some of the loveliest beaches in the world, the Greek islands are a stellar choice for covid-safe yacht charters.

The Minister for Tourism has confirmed the scheduled reopening of Greece will take place on 15 May. To enter Greece visitors must provide evidence of either a vaccination or negative PCR test result within 72 hours of arrival into the country. Tests can also be carried out on most of the islands.

Greece's restaurants, bars and cafes have already opened up on 3 May, although with a number of protocols in place, such as outdoor seating, mandatory masks for staff and strict sanitation measures. 

• The Acropolis, Athens - dominating the skyline is one of the world's most well-known attractions, the majestic Parthenon, where you can marvel at ancient marbled Doric columns and temples that date back to almost 2,500BC.

• Shipwrecked Beach (Navagio Beach) - a highly instagrammed cove with bright blue waters surrounded by towering white limestone cliffs, and featuring its very own shipwreck!

• Fira (Thria), capital of Santorini - soak up the classic white buildings and blue domed roofs of this gorgeous town where the architecture alone is well worth a visit.

• Melissani Cave - take a kayak tour around this breathtaking cave in Kefalonia where light floods in from above giving the water a beautiful turquoise hue.

• Paradise Beach, Mykonos - head to some of the best beach clubs in Greece with live entertainment and trendy restaurants and bars.

• Historic Crete - discover Greece's rich cultural heritage on one of its largest islands, where you'll find beautiful Venetian architecture, stunning old world churches and other ancient historical artefacts dating back to 2,000BC.

Read more: Top things to see and do in Greece

This jewel of the Adriatic boasts a dazzling coastline, diverse topography, vibrant club scene and astonishingly rich cultural heritage, with easily accessible beautiful verdant islands, making Croatia the ultimate yacht charter destination for families and friends.

Visitors from the UK and the EU must provide either a negative PCR test taken up to 48 hours prior to arrival in Croatia, proof of vaccination or a “certificate of recovery” following a positive test result within the last 6 months.

• Diocletian's Palace, Split - a beautiful ancient Roman palace built at the turn of the 4th Century, which makes up approximately half of Split's Old Town.

• Krka National Park - A stunning location in Croatia's Dalmatian region boasting lush islands and myriad waterfalls from the Krka River.

• Zlatni Rat Beach - sometimes referred to as Golden Horn, this stunning world-famous arrow-shaped beach is located on the celebrated island of Brač.

• Mljet National Park - this lush region is a honeymooner's paradise, offering tranquil hikes, vineyards and exquisite scenery.

• Blue Grotto, Bisevo - this waterlogged sea cave comes alive with a magical iridescent blue light that appears at intervals throughout the day.

• Pula Arena, Istria region - this impressive Roman amphitheatre is one of the six largest, and certainly the most well-preserved, in the world.

Read more: Top things to see and do in Croatia

With a glittering azure coastline and over 500 picturesque islands offering world-class cruising, stunning beaches, hidden coves and phenomenal scenery, not to mention a deeply rich architectural heritage, there is much to love about a yacht charter around this tantalisingly beautiful region.

The country is open to tourists, although visitors must complete a health declaration as well as providing a valid PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival into the country. 

All amenities such as shops, restaurants and bars are currrently open, although there may be additional restrictions in light of Omicron, such as strict health and sanitation measures and earlier closing times and weekend curfews. It is hoped that this will change in the near future as infection rates fall.

• Baca (chimney) Cave, Marmaris - with depths ranging from 5-50 meters this popular conical diving spot is perfect for beginners and expert divers alike.

• Duden waterfalls, Antalya province - formed by recycled water this beautiful rocky cliff feature is a must-see for guests chartering this region.

• Cleopatra Bay, Marmaris - a stunning platinum sand beach with waters so clear it gives you the impression of walking on clouds.

• Kekova Sunken City - on the beautiful island of Kekova you'll find the intriguing ancient Lycian remains of what was once a flourishing city lying just beneath the clear turquoise waters.

• Ephesus, Izmir province - one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this ancient church is cited in the Book of Revelation and the ruins of which are now a world-famous tourist attraction on everyone's bucket list.

Read more: Top things to see and do in Turkey

If you're interested in booking a yachting vacation, you can take a look at the full fleet of available charter yachts in the East Mediterranean. 

If you would like more information about booking a yacht, please reach out to your preferred yacht charter broker.