Our Most Booked Summer Charter Destinations of 2026 (And What Our Consultants Recommend Doing There)

Discover the Mediterranean's most-booked charter destinations of 2026, based on real booking data. Our charter consultants share their favourite anchorages, restaurants, and hidden gems in each region, from the French Riviera to the Greek Aegean.

Every summer, the Mediterranean and beyond come alive with charter yachts tracing familiar coastlines and, increasingly, some less familiar ones too. Drawing on our booking data from this season, our Team of experts has identified the five most-booked summer charter destinations of 2026, along with the reasons clients keep returning to them. To bring these destinations to life, we asked our charter consultants, who spend their careers matching clients to the right stretch of coastline, to share their own favourite anchorages, restaurants, and hidden corners of each region.

1 French Riviera

The French Riviera remains the most in-demand charter destination this year, and by a wide margin. From Cannes to Monaco, the appeal lies in a rare combination of glamour and convenience: world-class marinas, a packed calendar of events, and a coastline that rewards even a short charter. For many clients, particularly those chartering for the first time, the Riviera offers a sense of familiarity and polish that makes it an easy first choice.

Favourite Anchorage

George Berry, Charter Consultant, points to Juan-les-Pins as his favourite anchorage along the coast. “It’s a great place to stop and do some watersports, incredibly well protected, and right in the middle of La Guérite, Cannes, and Cap d’Antibes, so you have very quick access to lots of great restaurants ashore,” he explains.

Landscape in the Cap d'Antibes, South of France

Restaurants

For a memorable evening ashore, George recommends Maison de Bacon. “The restaurant is recognised in the Michelin guide and has unrivalled views over the water looking back towards Antibes and Nice,” he says. “As you walk in, there’s an enormous wine cellar where you can choose your wine for the evening, and combined with some excellent fish dishes, Maison de Bacon has all the right ingredients for a memorable night out.”

Beach Clubs

When it comes to beach clubs, George suggests two options for clients after a lively lunch that runs into the evening. “La Guérite and Anjuna both have excellent food, music, and flowing drinks, but Anjuna has much more character,” he notes. “Having taken its name from an Indian fishing village, the decor immerses you in an exotic and enchanting atmosphere.”

Bars and Nightlife

For bars and nightlife, George highlights Monaco as a reliable option. “Monaco is one of those places where you can always find somewhere open,” he says. For something more central, he recommends Buddha-Bar, “a dinner club that turns into a night club in the evening,” while for guests after a bigger night out, “Jimmy’z is a legend of the game, hosting some of the biggest and best names in music all summer long.”

Hidden Gems

As for hidden gems, George points further west along the coast. “If you continue past the usual South of France hotspots, you’ll reach the Îles d’Hyères, an island just off the coastline that’s away from the busyness of the Riviera, for a quieter, more secluded time at anchor,” he explains, “but still just a stone’s throw from the excellent restaurants and bars of Saint-Tropez, or you can continue round to experience some of the south of France’s more local fishing ports.”

Landscapes, summer Mediterranean sea and beaches of the island of Porquerolles, in Hyères, in the Var in France

2 Balearic Islands

The Balearic Islands continue to draw a broad mix of clients, from those seeking Ibiza’s renowned social scene to families drawn to Mallorca’s quieter coves and Formentera’s clear waters. The islands’ relatively compact geography makes island-hopping straightforward within a single charter, while the variety between islands means the destination can suit almost any brief.

Hanneke Maljaars, Senior Charter Consultant, knows the islands well, and her recommendations reflect just how distinct each one is. “Ibiza is known for its party buzz and ever-evolving food scene, Formentera for waters as azure as the Caribbean, Menorca for its quiet luxury and authenticity, and Mallorca for its rugged west coast, with its sheer cliffs and hidden coves,” she says.

Beach Clubs

When it comes to beach clubs, Ibiza remains hard to beat, though not without its challenges. “You can’t beat a beach club in Ibiza, and Casa Jondal remains a firm favourite, though that also makes it nearly impossible to get into,” Hanneke explains. For a more relaxed alternative, she recommends Cala Bassa Beach Club on Ibiza’s northern shores, or Cova d’en Xoroi in Menorca, known for its dramatic cliffside views and lively grotto nightlife.

Restaurants

For dining, Hanneke points clients towards Casa Maca on the outskirts of Ibiza Town, describing it as “a hidden farm-to-table gem.” In Mallorca, she recommends the Hotel Corazon restaurant near Soller, where “the focus is on beautiful vistas across the valley and on local, seasonal, and medicinal cuisine, all served by wonderfully attentive staff.”

Watersports and Swimming

For swimming and watersports, Hanneke singles out the anchorages along the Tramuntana mountain range in western Mallorca, where cliff jumping is a must and the local calas offer peaceful snorkelling in crystal-clear water.

Cap de Formentor, Tramuntana mountain range, Western Mallorca

Family Activities

For families, Hanneke recommends biking around Formentera. “It’s a lovely way to explore the interior, with time to stop for lunch at a local taverna, all at your own leisure,” she says, suggesting mornings or late afternoons to avoid the midday heat.

Hidden Gems

As for hidden gems away from the crowds, Hanneke points to the northern shores of both Ibiza and Menorca. “Both coastlines have a more rugged, authentic character, where sea breezes and the occasional tramontana wind need to be taken into account,” she notes, contrasting them with the calmer, more sheltered southern shores that suit swimming and beach days.

3 Croatia

Croatia has cemented itself as one of the Mediterranean’s most compelling charter destinations, with the Dalmatian coast offering a wealth of islands, historic towns, and secluded anchorages within easy reach of one another. Its appeal has grown steadily as clients look for destinations that feel less crowded than some of the more established western Mediterranean ports, without compromising on the quality of the experience.

Favourite Anchorage

George singles out the Pakleni Islands as his favourite anchorage. “When you are anchored stern to the rocks here, as most yachts do, you feel like you are on your own private island,” he says. “If you head to the southern side, the bays are incredibly quiet, with Hotel Zori for sunset drinks and Laganini for an excellent lunch choice. You have everything you need for a day at anchor.”

Watersports

For watersports, George recommends the anchorage just outside Stari Grad. “It’s protected from almost every side, so no matter what the weather, you’re likely to have calm waters to enjoy all the toys your yacht has to offer,” he explains. “A great idea is to take a couple of Jet Skis and go and explore all the little coves in the area.”

Photo taken of yachts floating in the water at a secluded anchorage just outside of Stari Grad, Croatia

Family Activities

For families, George recommends a bike tour around the island of Mljet. “There are normal mountain bikes or e-bikes, so everyone, no matter what age or fitness level, can enjoy it,” he says. “Your guide will take you to some great spots around the ponds and over bridges, before enjoying a nice cold beverage and returning to your yacht for lunch.”

Photo of people cycling in the mountain's of Mijet, Croatia

Local Cuisine

For local seafood and traditional Croatian cuisine, George recommends Korčula’s old town. “It’s a maze of pedestrian back streets with excellent konobas on every corner,” he says. “Wherever you go, there’s fresh fish available and a rich history to be explored.”

The medieval old town of Korčula in front of the mountainous Pelješac peninsula in sunshine, South Dalmatia, Croatia

Hidden Gems

When it comes to hidden gems, George points to Cavtat, a historic fishing port just south of Dubrovnik. “It’s only five minutes from the airport, as opposed to forty minutes to the main port in Dubrovnik, and unlike the port in the city, in Cavtat you can get dropped off right behind your yacht,” he says. He also recommends Hotel Croatia Cavtat for guests staying the night before their charter, “where on the morning of your charter, they’ll run you and your bags down to the port in their golf buggies.”

Panoramic view of town of Cavtat, south Dalmatia, Croatia, popular tourist destination

4 Southern Italy

Southern Italy, encompassing the Amalfi Coast and its surrounding waters, continues to attract clients drawn to its dramatic coastline, storied towns, and reputation for exceptional food. Its charm sits at the intersection of culture and coastline: an easy day of swimming and anchoring in clear water can flow directly into an evening spent in a cliffside town with centuries of history behind it.

Favourite Anchorage

Lisa Cavicchioli, Charter Consultant, points to Positano as her favourite anchorage along this stretch, drawn simply to “the beauty of its village.”

Positano town view, Amalfi Coast, Italy.

Restaurants and Nightlife

For dining and nightlife, Lisa recommends Da Paolino in Capri, known for its tables set beneath lemon trees, as well as Conca del Sogno in Nerano. For those wanting to continue the evening, she suggests Taverna Anima e Core, a lively club in Capri.

Beach Clubs

When it comes to beach clubs, Lisa is quick to recommend La Fontelina in Capri, describing it as “timeless and chic.”

Family Activities

For families, she points to cave snorkelling in Ponza, as well as snorkelling at the Blue Grotto in Capri, as standout activities along the coast.

Aerial shot of the rugged coast of the island of Ponza, with its blue and crystalline waters.

Hidden Gems

As for hidden gems, Lisa highlights several spots that most first-time charterers miss: Ravello’s gardens and the Ravello-Minori Walk, a cliffside route linking the two towns with sweeping views along the way; Vietri sul Mare, known for its ceramic production; Praiano, a town between Positano and Amalfi renowned for having the best sunset views on the coast; and Furore, a dramatic gorge with a secluded beach and a high bridge that hosts international diving competitions.

shot of the Mediterranean Sea at sunrise/sunset and looking at the ocean view in Praiano Amalfi coast

5 Greece - Aegean

The Greek Aegean has seen sustained demand this year, with its scattering of islands offering an unmatched variety of experiences within a single itinerary. From the whitewashed villages of the Cyclades to quieter, less-charted islands nearby, the region rewards clients who want a mix of well-known highlights and genuine discovery, often within the same week.

Hanneke suggests looking beyond the Aegean’s most famous names. “To truly experience the Aegean and local culture, it’s best to steer clear of the over-saturated, best-known islands like Mykonos and Santorini,” she says. “Back in the 90s these destinations were a dream, but the Instagram age and improved airport access have left them overcrowded.” Instead, she points clients towards the Saronic Gulf or the Sporades, “where quiet mid-afternoon ouzos and local olives can be enjoyed in sleepy, cat-frequented squares, and markets are the central buzz of each island,” adding that this is where the freshest cuisine is found, “best had on water-fronted terraces in local ports.”

Things to Do

For a standout activity, Hanneke recommends the Temple of Aphaia in the Saronic Gulf, one of Greece’s best-preserved ancient temples. “Built around 500 BC, the temple was dedicated to Aphaia, a local goddess associated with fertility and protection, and formed part of a sacred triangle of ancient temples alongside the Parthenon and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion,” she explains. “Charter guests can anchor in peaceful bays, explore ancient ruins, and enjoy a perfect combination of history, authentic island life, and crystal-clear waters that make the Saronic Gulf such a special cruising destination.”

the temple of Aphaia in Aegina island Saronic Gulf Greece

Beach Clubs

For beach clubs, Hanneke recommends Baracoa Beach Club on Skiathos as an upmarket choice. “With a stylish, laid-back atmosphere, great service, and a pretty beachfront location, the place captures the essence of Greek island cuisine,” she says, noting it’s easily reached by tender and a favourite among Skiathos’ waterfront restaurants.

Watersports and Snorkelling

For watersports and snorkelling, Hanneke highlights the Alonnisos Marine Park. “The waters are super clear, and you can snorkel above rocky reefs and sea caves, spotting colourful marine life, including the rare Mediterranean monk seal if you’re lucky,” she says. For paddleboarding and kayaking, she recommends the sheltered bays around Skopelos, which “usually have calm conditions and beautiful scenery.”

Hidden Gems

As for hidden gems, Hanneke points to several lesser-known spots. “The island of Agistri is an amazing escape, with pine-covered landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful bays,” she says. She also recommends the tiny island of Moni, just off Aegina, “for secluded anchorage and turquoise waters.” For guests looking to extend their itinerary, she suggests Monemvasia, a medieval fortress town connected to the mainland by a causeway. “Guests can wander through narrow cobbled streets, discover Byzantine churches, enjoy local cuisine, and take in the breathtaking views,” she adds.

Start Planning Your Next Charter

From the glamour of the French Riviera to the quiet coves of the Aegean, this year’s most-booked destinations each offer something distinct, and often something only a local expert would think to mention. Whether it is a Michelin-listed restaurant in Antibes, a secluded anchorage in the Pakleni Islands, or an ancient temple tucked away in the Saronic Gulf, the details that make a charter memorable are rarely found in a guidebook. They come from years spent on the water, getting to know these coastlines first-hand.

Ready to start planning your own summer charter? Speak to our Team of experts today to discuss which of these destinations, or one of the many others we know well, might suit your ideal charter. Kickstart your next trip today by exploring our portfolio of yachts for charter, or browse our selection of yachts for sale to explore options within ownership.

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Articles Our Most Booked Summer Charter Destinations of 2026 (And What Our Consultants Recommend Doing There)

1 French Riviera

Favourite Anchorage

Restaurants

Beach Clubs

Bars and Nightlife

Hidden Gems

2 Balearic Islands

Beach Clubs

Restaurants

Watersports and Swimming

Family Activities

Hidden Gems

3 Croatia

Favourite Anchorage

Watersports

Family Activities

Local Cuisine

Hidden Gems

4 Southern Italy

Favourite Anchorage

Restaurants and Nightlife

Beach Clubs

Family Activities

Hidden Gems

5 Greece - Aegean

Things to Do

Beach Clubs

Watersports and Snorkelling

Hidden Gems

Start Planning Your Next Charter

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