Five best quiet Mediterranean destinations for a remote luxury superyacht charter

The Mediterranean is the world’s premier yacht charter destination, famed for its glamorous hotspots and well chartered waters.

But while fashionable resorts certainly have their appeal, with brilliant superyacht infrastructure, luxury hospitality, and access to cultural attractions, sometimes we all seek a little solitude where we can switch off and bliss out. 

For a luxurious Mediterranean superyacht charter without the crowds, embark on a journey of discovery amid quiet Mediterranean destinations — from secret archipelagos to remote coves and wild coastlines.

With a level of exclusivity only offered by a yacht, here are some of the best places to visit in the Mediterranean for an off-radar yacht charter where you can embrace the unspoiled nature of your surroundings in total and utter peace.

1. Alonnisos & the Northern Sporades, Greece

Tucked away in a forgotten corner of the Aegean, and rising like an emerald from the cobalt sea, Alonnisos is the farthest inhabited island in Greece’s Sporades archipelago.

Its remote location keeps everyone but the most determined away and those that do make it here fall under its spell. According to Greek legend, when Achilles’ father, Peleus, landed here he was so enchanted with the place that he vowed to live out the rest of his days here. Some say he was granted his wish and his tomb was found here.

Today, those that make landfall can visit other ancient ruins linked to Greek mythology, tour a heritage vineyard, or visit one of the many picturesque hillside villages such as the red-roofed ‘old town’ of Chora for an authentic taste of island life.

However, Alonnisos’s biggest allure is its untouched coastline, which falls under the protection of a national marine park. An ideal destination for an eco-luxury yacht charter in Greece, wildlife encounters, the island is a sanctuary for the endangered monk seal, which can be seen up close at one of the excellent rehabilitation centres.

To appreciate the marine setting to its fullest, anchor in Votsi, a sheltered cove by a colourful fishing village north of the main town of Patitiri, for a relaxing few days snorkelling and swimming.

2. Palagruža or Elafiti Islands, Croatia

On your next Croatian superyacht charter, take a refreshing detour to the isle of Palagruža, an island surrounded by sea, sea and more sea, which can be found in the southernmost reaches of Croatian waters.

Croatia’s most remote island is so cut off that it takes on a wild and poetic atmosphere. It is home to an iconic lighthouse and not much else, but the area is teeming with marine life and as such has played an integral role in the lives of local fishermen.

Anchor in Velo Zalo bay on the south of the island and spend your uninterrupted time here exploring the many underwater sea caves and renowned dive sites such as Galijula Rock.

Meanwhile for laid-back charm and a smidgen more civilisation, head to another of Croatia’s off-grid island groups, Elafiti, which lie to the north-west of Dubrovnik. Just three of the isles are inhabited and two of those remain car-free, adding to the slow, easy-going feel to the islands. With a coastline of soft sandy beaches overlooked by lush pine forests and punctuated by small settlements of stone houses that have been passed down by generations, the Elafiti Islands feel like a place that time has forgotten.

3. Southern Peloponnese, Greece

It’s remarkable really, given its traditional way of life and the abundance of ancient sites that this region, defined by dramatic coastlines and historic towns, has so far flown below the radar.

Of those towns, Monemvasia, is one of the most appealing. This clandestine castle town on a tied island yet invisible from the mainland, was carved into a sea rock in the 6th century to hide it from invaders and it remains remarkably intact. You could happily spend an afternoon exploring the medieval cobbled lanes of red-roofed stone houses overlooked by Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques that tell of the town’s layered story since its ancient origins.

Elsewhere, the rugged Mani Peninsula, which was unconquered by the Ottoman Empire, offers a glimpse into authentic Greek life in a remote region that boasts a proud, independent warrior spirit. Old tower houses are remnants of a time of clan warfare when locals fiercely defended their land, while the landscape of mountains, rocky inlets and sea seems as hard to tame as the people who believe they are descended from the notorious Spartans.

Meanwhile, the Messenian coast is a delight to discover, with many sites of antiquity that you won’t believe are hardly known about. Both Messene – the ruins of a classical city – and the caves of Diros (one of the first inhabited places in Greece) deserve more fame than they have. However, you’ll be glad of their low-key status when you can soak up their ancient atmosphere in peace.

For a taste of the emerging culinary scene in the region, anchor in one of the turquoise bays of Elaphonisus and take the tender to shore for an intimate dinner in a low-key taverna, where the menu will be reassuringly rooted in the local land and sea.

4. Menorca’s North Coast, Spain

While many Balearics yacht charters are centred around Ibiza or Mallorca, islands that are renowned for their fashionable beach bars, VIP pool parties, and wellness resorts, for a little more seclusion, plot a course for the isle of Menorca.

Having UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status has probably helped Menorca retain a more conscious, quiet, and sustainable approach to tourism than its neighbouring isles, which means a visit here feels both restful and restorative.

The island’s north coast, in particular, has a rugged, untamed feel that makes it perfect for slow cruising and beach hikes. Despite its multicoloured sands and postcard-worthy good looks, Cala Pregonda has so far avoided mass tourism and will no doubt tempt you from the sun deck.

Mica Cove is one of the quietest anchorages on the isle, while restored farmhouses such as Son Blanc provide rustic and sensitive settings for nourishing retreats.

5. Kotor & the Montenegro Riviera

While it is slowly becoming Europe’s go-to summer spot, Montenegro is still a relatively new cruising ground and as such, superyacht guests can still enjoy uncrowded access to some of its most beautiful spots.

The sparkling waters of the Fjord-like Bay of Kotor have been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO and should be your first port of call.

The stunning array of medieval fortresses, palaces and monasteries that blend seamlessly with the terraced landscapes on the rocky hills behind mean it can easily rival some of its Croatian counterparts, and yet there are a fraction of the people here than in its Adriatic neighbour.

This sense of quiet continues through the Montenegro Riviera, a 22-mile stretch of coastline that passes through Venetian-styled Budva, making it a contender for best remote charter destination. 

Between the old villages and ancient architecture, tasteful modern interventions are starting to arrive, from hip wellness resorts to watersports centres that have found a captive audience among adventurous holidaymakers.

There are lots of anchorages available throughout the region but for an unbeatable front-row seat of the sublime scenery you can’t beat the Bay of Kotor itself.

Bonus Destination: Crete

If you’re still unsure about how best to get off the beaten track on your Mediterranean superyacht charter, then how about a voyage into the lesser-known waters of Crete?

This vast, culturally rich island is full of hidden coastal gems and is a wonderful place where you can combine visits to ancient sites with off-grid beach escapes.

Towns like Sitia may be bustling, but you’re more likely to find yourself sat at a table next to locals than other travellers, while the small coastal village of Loutro is the domain of yacht guests as it is only accessible by water.

For indulgent days, your crew can vary your itinerary in Crete with a visit to one of the bohemian but upscale spas at Elounda, while Crete offers up lots for more active members of your party too, making it perfect for longer summer itineraries.

Planning a remote luxury Mediterranean yacht charter with Edmiston

When it comes to choosing the best remote charter destination for you, it very much depends on the mood you are after. 

Are you looking for a wild and windswept experience, something sun-soaked and serene, or perhaps a culturally rich yet slow-paced charter? The expert charter team at Edmiston can help you navigate the options.

Edmiston’s regional knowledge also ensures we know the best secret anchorages and can not only advise on the perfect places to visit but we can match you with the best yacht for your remote yacht charter.

Contact your Edmiston broker to start planning your remote luxury Mediterranean yacht charter today, and start dreaming about leaving the everyday behind in your wake.