Hot spot Croatia, classic Turkey and renaissance Greece are the current top spots for a sailing trip, so we look at the islands to help you figure out which destination is for you. 

Croatia

The Dalmatian coast off Croatia has more than 1,000 islands. Most itineraries depart from Split and sail down through the islands, finishing up in Dubrovnik. Croatia is Medsailors most popular route. You’ll get the chance to explore eight towns, beautiful bays and hit some wild nightlife spots.

TOP FIVE ISLANDS 

Brac The long pebbly beach, which reaches out into the Adriatic Sea, encourages swimmers and windsurfers to spend their days in the water. A tree-lined pedestrian promenade connects the strip to the old town, where you can explore the shops and stop off for a cooling drink at a cafe. 

Hvar Hvar draws in the crowds because it has everything on offer and it’s the sunniest spot in Croatia. Hvar Town is home to swanky hotels, bars and restaurants, where a night out is as much about seeing and being seen as it is sampling the local produce. 

Vis The residents of Vis are still adjusting to the boats of tourists off-loading into their previously quiet harbour; the island was cut off from foreign visitors for nearly 40 years. It is underdeveloped and retains its charm and stress-free way of life, which seeps into you as soon as you step ashore. 

Korcula See the impressive St Mark’s Cathedral, St Peter’s Church and Marco Polo’s alleged place of birth; regardless of whether it really is or not, the tall house’s windows offer an impressive vista. Gather in the town square for religious ceremonies and folk dancing, or explore outside the stone walls to find vineyards, olive groves, small villages, dense woodland and sandy coves on the south, or pebbly beaches to the north. 

Mljet is Croatia’s greenest island with clear and clean sea, gentle sandy shoreline and underwater sea life. The island is considered one of the most beautiful of the Croatian islands

Turkey

You can explore the beautiful south-west coastline of Turkey by car, but who would choose to sit inside a stuffy motor when you can feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face on a majestic Turkish gulet? A gulet is an all wooden handcrafted motor sailing yacht equipped with one or two masts that were originally built and used by fishermen to transport their catch. Today they have been luxuriously redesigned especially for yachting holidays.

TOP FIVE STOP OFFS

Fethiye The majority of the gulets sail off from Fethiye harbour. Flattened by an earthquake in 1958, the low-rise buildings that have since risen mean this tourist resort feels blissfully suburban and relaxed.

Oludeniz Chill out in the beautiful bay of Oludeniz where you can bob about in the wave free water. It’s secluded by green-sprinkled cliffs. Nearby is Butterfly Valley, named due to its sporadic visit from groups of colourful butterflies, which also has great snorkelling and offers the chance to hike up a waterfall.

Kalkan This harbour-side town is along the postcard lines of pretty shutter-windowed houses stacked upon the hillsides sloping down to a bay of bobbing boats and swooping gulls. The restaurants here are a step above, with fresh, perfectly seasoned seafood.

Kas Kas is great for an adventure on sea or land. Kayak through caves, dive through wrecks or hike up craggy hillsides.

Skopea Limani Within the Gulf of Fethiye is another bay, Skopea Limani, which is surrounded by an assortment of rocky flanked bays, creeks and islands that offer lots of alcoves and crevices for hours of exploration. Around the bays you can enjoy a number of mountainside walks through heavily wooded pathways and ruined cities or alternatively sit and drink wine.

Greece

A sailing trip hopping between Greece’s isalnds between Athens and Epidavros is a great way to spend your time.

TOP FIVE ISLANDS

Aegina A common spot for weekending Athenians, you can stroll among fellow vacationers, buzzing motorbikes and diners spilling onto the pavements along the waterfront for a taste of a true Greek holiday.

Perdika Perdika is a quiet fishing village by day, with a surprising scene of late-night music bars by night.

Poros Separated from the mainland by a small channel, Poros Town feels more as if it’s perched on a lake. The other side of the island is dominated by forest and sandy coves.

Hydra No cars here, just donkeys on the cobbled lanes. That’s not to say it’s not bustling, though, as the port sees sailboats, ferries and water taxis sweeping in and out, with cafes and restaurants lining the waterside to welcome hungry and thirsty travellers. Walk into the winding streets to get a taste of traditional Mediterranean life; peeking into dark windows that keep the heat out, and smiling at old women chattering on their doorsteps.

Spetses The lively old town lines the waterfront, offering sleek restaurants and nightlife at its lively square.