The Top 3 Best Places to Sail at in Europe

Chartering a boat and sailing around Europe should be on everyone's bucket list. With the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea offering access to some of the most beautiful ports, cities, and coastlines of anywhere in the world, sailing around Europe is truly a once in a lifetime experience. An experience not to be missed.

With so much to see and do it can be hard to put the right itinerary together, there's just so many choices, where do you start? Right here.

The Azores, Portugal

The Azores are a handful of tiny Portuguese islands far out in the Atlantic ocean. These volcanic islands are lush, green, and stunningly beautiful. They offer some of the most impressive and bizarre landscapes in Europe; moonscapes, wide open green deserts, and rocky terrain. The best way to see the islands is most certainly by boat. Snake your way around the calm coastal waters and you'll see a variety of wildlife, secret caves, and towering mountains. If you're lucky you might even get a visit alongside your bow from some of local sharks, dolphins or whales.

The Baltic Islands

This enormous inland sea is flanked by the Scandinavian Peninsula, mainland Europe, and the Danish islands. Although it may not seem like an obvious choice when sailing Europe, it offers some of the very best sailing waters on the continent.

The relatively low water depths and lack of tide lead many to believe it's easy going, but the waters can deceptive and many a sailor has run into trouble in these brackish waters, so make sure you plan your route carefully and that your navigation equipment is in tip-top shape.

The most expensive countries are the Nordic countries, by far, so if you're on a budget stick to the Baltic countries where your money will go a lot further. You'll enjoy the local food and drink at a fraction of the price.

The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Croatia is a country that in the last ten years has gone through enormous changes and has fast become one of the most desirable holiday retreats in all of Europe. Oh, and Croatia sailing is amazing too, some of the best in the world.

With at least 1185 islands dotted along the Adriatic coast, the only way to take it all in is by boat. Dubbed the 'New Riviera’ by some, it's easy to see why when you sail Croatia, gliding on top of the beautiful clear waters.

Start off at the historic city of Spit and then make your way out to the secluded islands of Kornati or Elafiti. Take in the gorgeous sandy beaches and traditional fishing towns as you make your way through this impressive maze of islands. You should definitely make a stop at Hvar Town and check out the ultra-hip bars and restaurants for the great food and great views. Anywhere you stop along the Dalmatian coast is definitely a good idea because the towns are so unique and its atmosphere and beauty will surely put a smile on your face as you enjoy the breeze from the winds while sipping on a delicious, refreshing drink.

The charming town of Milna on Brač is a once in a lifetime experience and offers a more relaxed view of life in and on the Dalmatian Coast. It's peaceful and doesn't attract half as many tourists as it should. A perfect getaway retreat.

There are of course many places in Europe you can sail at but I chose these three specific destinations because I feel they have the most to offer you and they are so different from each other, therefore when you sail at these three destination, it's like you are doing something different each time. It's a completely different experience but one thing they all have in common is that you will definitely have the time of your life visiting and sailing in them.