Calanques and Marseille
43° 12, 31' N, 005° 26,59' E
It is rare to experience two such contrasting and attractive destinations in such close proximity. On the one hand, there is the vibrant metropolis of Marseille: almost a city of millions with a beautiful harbour where yachts are moored right in the middle. It is regarded as the most multicultural city in France, which has really blossomed in recent years and is simply hip at the moment. Less than two hours' sailing away is one of the most beautiful national parks in France, the Calanques. The steep coast stretches almost as far as Cassis, and its gleaming white limestone forms a breathtaking contrast to the turquoise Mediterranean.
Nature conservation is a top priority here, and yachts can anchor in the narrow, fjord-like bays or moor at buoys. A must: There is a marvellous hiking trail along the top of the cliffs. The sparse fauna on land contrasts with the rich underwater life, and many areas are closed to fishermen. The destination is only 25 miles from the charter bases on the Côte d'Azur.
Stralsund
54° 19.02' N, 013° 06.04' E
No other city on the German Baltic coast has developed as fantastically as the old Hanseatic metropolis on the mainland tip of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The beautiful old town, excellent restaurants and pubs, comfortable moorings right in the centre, the Ozeaneum, the old "Gorch Fock" - there really is something for everyone here.
Tip: Come on a sunny Wednesday. Then the Wednesday regatta takes place in the early evening directly in front of the City Marina jetties ( www.mregatta.de ). A good 60 yachts regularly duel there until late in the evening in the soft sunlight in front of the red-brick harbour, a magnificent sight. At the same time, classic car and motorbike fans gather with their vehicles in front of the "Zum Goldenen Anker" pub next to the "Gorch Fock". The regatta crews also make a pilgrimage there for a beer afterwards. Restaurant tip: "Fritz Braugasthaus" on the canals of the old city harbour, where crews can also moor after a bridge opening; ask the harbour office in advance.
Bay of Benirrás/Ibiza
39° 05.23' N, 001° 27.02' E
The small bay on the north side is a very special spot, especially for young crews. Known as a hippie beach, this beautiful location is the destination of a drumming group every Sunday evening, which plays cool rhythms at sunset. On the shore is the quaint bar "Elements" ( www.elements-ibiza.com ) Meeting point with restaurant and often a disco with DJs and a shop selling hippie art in the evenings. Although the drumming event is now also a tourist magnet, it is still unrivalled. Anchoring is in front of the cordoned-off bathing area.
Korcula
42° 57.35' N, 017° 08.16' E
Croatia is so rich in destinations that it is difficult to choose. However, the city on the island of the same name still occupies a special place among the most beautiful city harbours, not least because of the excellent mooring options right next to the old town in the comfortable ACI marina. Arrive early in the season, otherwise the berths fill up quickly. Anchoring in the roadstead in front of the harbour is an alternative, but the traffic there can make the moorings unsettled. Swell in a northerly wind. There are usually very large yachts moored at the town pier. The historic old town on the peninsula is one of the most beautiful things Croatia has to offer.
Just like in all towns in this category, such as Dubrovnik, Trogir or Rovinj, the country tourists know this too, but the hustle and bustle dies down in the late afternoon. A tour through the winding town centre is a must, and a visit to the house where Marco Polo was supposedly born is also worthwhile. Those with a penchant for tradition can watch the Morseska, the island's famous sword dance, which is performed in July and August on Mondays and Thursdays at 9 pm in the market square. On 29 July there is a big festival with several groups competing against each other. Info: www.visitkorcula.eu
Kalkerön/Mollösund
58° 04.22' N, 011° 34.27' E
Sweden's western archipelago is one of the most beautiful destinations in Scandinavia. The waters north of the island of Tjörn are real gems, such as the natural harbour of the Kalkerön archipelago; in combination with the village of Mollösund, less than three miles away, an absolute hit. Kalkerön is a nature reserve, a lonely flock of sheep graze on the island, the bay offers shelter like a small lagoon with a beach and driftwood for barbecues. There is only one lonely wooden hut - an island dream. The perfect complement to this is the "windmill village" of Mollösund with the red mill on the hill: a cosy island village that offers everything a sailor's heart desires from mid-June with restaurants, a supermarket, cafés and a harbour. In combination, the two places have everything you need to be happy.
Amalfi Coast
40° 37.53' N, 014° 36.06' E
If you want to understand the grandeur of Italy, which even captivated Goethe, you only have to sail a short six-mile stretch along the coast south of the Gulf of Naples - a spectacular mountain backdrop with brightly coloured houses in small villages, interspersed with lemon groves and beautiful old towns. The most beautiful are undoubtedly Amalfi and Positano. Anyone sailing there should first stop in the latter for an ice cream or a granita at the buoy for a fee, while the taxi boat takes crews to the romantic town and its beach. Amalfi is an hour's sail away and is even more beautiful. Come early or make a reservation, places are rare ( www.portoamalfi.com )! There are lots of tourists in the winding old town centre during the day, but the place is pure Italy. In culinary terms, you'll be in seventh heaven, the region is famous for its famous wineries, the best mozzarella and top food. Capri, Ischia and Procida are also close by.
Thurø Bund
55° 02.20' N, 010° 40.23' E
There are places that simply have it all: beautiful anchorages, a town just around the corner, great sights, good pubs and restaurants. Svendborgsund is one such spot. As the city harbour is bursting at the seams in the high season, with packets up to the third row, good anchorage alternatives are always in demand. One of the best is Thurø Bund. The deep bay offers perfect shelter and allows anchoring in front of a beech forest with a view of the small town. There is a barbecue area at the edge of the forest by the sailing club's jetty. If you like, you can take a dinghy or the old steamboat "Helge" from the jetty on the southern edge of the bay to Troense - or go to the small marina there. There you can visit the stately Valdemars Slot castle. In Svendborg, the new Lystsejlads sailing museum is a must ( www.lystsejlads.dk ). Families are in good hands at the Naturama Natural History Museum.
Oia/Santorin
36° 27.28' N, 025° 22.36' E
The most beautiful place to watch the sunset in the Aegean lies on the north-western tip of the ancient volcanic island. Everyone knows the white houses with the colourful domes on the steep slope, which glows in red and brown. There are only a few yachts here and moorings are rare. Tip: Moor at the old, huge metal buoy in front of Oia with long land lines to the broken pier in front of the houses. From there, walk up the hundreds of steps - and enjoy. The town is crowded with cruise passengers during the day, and the best place to escape the heat is in a café with a view of the crater or at the famous Sigalas winery, where the local grapes are pressed into a world-famous wine. At sunset, visit the bar at the foot of the windmill in the far west - simply marvellous.
Vernazza
44° 08.06' N, 009° 40.50' E
The Cinque Terre (five villages) are a stretch of the Italian Riviera just six nautical miles long. One of them is Vernazza, which is spectacularly situated in a crevice and has a tiny harbour that can only accommodate two or three boats - which is why often no one comes here. It is picturesque against the cinematic backdrop of mountains full of green citrus fruits and wine as well as colourful little houses. Overcrowded during the day in season, the spook is over from 5 pm. Then you can explore the town, enjoy the ambience and eat well. Enjoy a sundowner in the cockpit as the sun bathes the town in soft evening light. Tip: walk along the coast to the next town (approx. 1.5 hours) and return by train ( www.cinqueterre.it ).
Cabrera/Mallorca
39° 08.54' N, 002° 55.53' E
The small island off Mallorca is a magical place in the Balearic Islands. A national park for decades and protected by strict rules, a very special place has been created here. Only a few yachts are allowed to moor at a strictly limited number of buoys. If you want to go there, you have to apply for access in writing beforehand ( www.mapama.gob.es ); the charter company usually takes care of this. On land, crews won't find much apart from an information building, a bar and a café - it's a bit as if you've fallen out of time. You can make good use of it: If you go snorkelling, you will see masses of fish, the park is considered an ecological jewel, dolphins and even monk seals can be seen here from time to time. If you like, you should book a guided tour with a ranger to the lighthouse at sunset (11 km), an unforgettable experience. The island has been many things, a smuggler's hideout, prison, outpost, hermitage - today it is a haven of peace and an ideal contrast to Mallorca's touristy side.
