{"id":817,"date":"2025-07-05T21:14:59","date_gmt":"2025-07-05T13:14:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/index.php\/2025\/03\/07\/6-idyllic-destinations-for-summer-sailing\/"},"modified":"2025-11-23T09:56:04","modified_gmt":"2025-11-23T01:56:04","slug":"6-idyllic-destinations-for-summer-sailing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gagner-des-cadeaux.org\/?p=817","title":{"rendered":"6 idyllic destinations for summer sailing"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As countries around the world emerge from quarantine, flights are resuming and museums, restaurants, and attractions are reopening \u2013 just in time for a last-minute getaway. In many waterfront destinations, ferry systems are up and running, with preventative health protocols firmly in place, and private charters are returning to action \u2013 a tempting option for travelers still squeamish at the thought of crowds. Whether you choose to join the queue or set sail in a boat of your own, here are six picturesque places to take to the seas this summer.<\/p>\n

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Our editorial team provides independent recommendations to help you make the most of your travel experiences. When you make a purchase through the included links, we may earn an affiliate commission.<\/em><\/p>\n

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For now, only EU citizens and residents are allowed sail the Ionian and Aegean seas \u00a9 Samot\/Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Greece<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For the time being, countries in the European Union are open to EU citizens and residents from over a dozen other approved countries. Still, the Greek islands are welcoming visitors, and the ferry system is running on all cylinders, with temperature checks and health questionnaires required before boarding. On the other hand, a charter lets you set your own schedule, and Valef Yachts \u2013 a long-time favorite of celebrities and dignitaries alike \u2013 is a luxe-level choice. (Not to fear, the islands are overflowing with down-to-earth operators as well.)<\/p>\n

2. Croatia<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Croatia\u2019s borders are also opened EU nationals and residents of approved countries, and most self-isolation and quarantine restrictions have been lifted. Private yachts, boats, and other nautical vessels are operating from the mainland and between the islands, and Virtuoso\u2019s private, eight-day Essence of the Dalmatian Coast tour is the ultimate extravagance, covering Split, Hvar, and Dubrovnik with stops on Korcula and around the Pakleni and Elaphiti Islands.<\/p>\n

For something more low-key, Croatia\u2019s easy-to-navigate network of buses and ferries makes it a breeze to create a personalized itinerary and island-hop around the Kvarner Gulf or the Istrian Peninsula. Or you can opt to rent your own vessel (and bring on a captain if you need) with a boatshare service like Boatsetter.<\/p>\n

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Italy’s Amalfi Coast remains as inviting as ever \u00a9 Balate Dorin\/Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. Italy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For centuries, Italy\u2019s Amalfi Coast has drawn crowds for its natural beauty and cultural cachet, especially during the peak summer months. This year, of course, things are slightly different, and a country that was once swarming with tourists is now desperate to see them return.<\/p>\n

See Amalfi’s coastal towns and idyllic islands via its extensive ferry system, or charter a reasonably priced rental via Banana Sport, located at Marina Grande. Viator (a Lonely Planet partner) also runs private excursions to Capri, Ischia, and Procida, explorations of the sea grottoes along the coast, and customizable day trips from Salerno, Positano, and more.<\/p>\n

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Countries across the Caribbean are beginning to reopen to international visitors \u00a9 Christian Wheatley\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. The Caribbean<\/strong><\/h2>\n

File under good news: the Caribbean is beginning to reopen, and suffice it to say those white-sand beaches and clear-blue waters will make a welcome change of scenery for anyone who\u2019s spent the past few months self-isolating indoors. While there\u2019s a network of ferries connecting some countries, it\u2019s by no means comprehensive, so take the logistics into account when planning your route. If you\u2019re going with a yacht \u2013 either crewed or bareboat \u2013 the region\u2019s charter companies are eager to get things up and running again, with some, like Horizon Yacht Charters, offering flexible bookings, low-season rates, and even free sailing days for trips scheduled through October.<\/p>\n

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The Gal\u00e1pagos Islands are reportedly set to welcome international travelers in July \u00a9 guenterguni\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. The Gal\u00e1pagos Islands<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Historically, Ecuador\u2019s Gal\u00e1pagos Islands have thrived in isolation, but during the pandemic, that very seclusion has had disastrous effects on the local economy. According to reports, the volcanic islands reopened on July 1 \u2013 a boon for those eager to forgo lush tropical scenery in favor of diverse wildlife and otherworldly landscapes.<\/p>\n

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Because travel within the Gal\u00e1pagaos is heavily regulated, it\u2019s usually recommended to book well in advance, but this is a far from normal summer, and even at this late hour, you may be able to land a charter with one of the Galapagos Conservancy\u2019s travel partners. AdventureSmith Explorations has a roster of catamarans and historic vessels, while Wilderness Travel offers private journeys on a refurbished 14-person yacht. There\u2019s also ferry service between some of the islands, courtesy of private speedboats called lanchas<\/em>, and each trip will just set you back $30 or so.<\/p>\n

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French Polynesia will reopen its borders July 15 \u00a9 modelmeemaw\/Budget Travel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6. Tahiti<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While the weather in French Polynesia tends to be reliably balmy year-round, it\u2019s best during the dry season \u2013 which also happens to coincide with the height of summer, when travel to Tahiti is at its peak. From July 15, when the island collective\u2019s borders are set to reopen to international visitors, you can charter a boat to Marlon Brando’s former home of Tetiaroa, hire a catamaran or monohull in Ra’iatea, or book a guide to help you explore the Fenua Aihere, from Vaipoiri Cave to the Te Pari Cliffs.<\/p>\n

Budget options are harder to come by, as it\u2019s much more common to island-hop here by plane, but within the Society Islands, you can catch a high-speed ferry between Tahiti and Mo\u2019orea or Bora Bora and Maupiti; other destinations are accessible via cargo ship, speedboat, or shuttle.<\/p>\n

This article was originally published on June 25, 2020 and was most recently updated on August 7, 2020.<\/em><\/p>\n

You may also like: <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Europe is reopening – here’s what you need to know
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Dip a toe into luxury-level waters with this Mediterranean yacht company<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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