Many of us are very excited by the possibility of travelling abroad this summer, with foreign holidays having been restricted since the global COVID-19 pandemic began. The West Med is one of the world’s favourite shared yacht ownership playgrounds, so where better to kickstart your on-the-water adventures? Below we explore two breath-taking destinations, explaining any COVID-related entry requirements to make planning your Mediterranean yacht charter escape as simple as possible.

Where to go on a West Mediterranean yacht charter in summer 2021?

The French Riviera

Why go?

There are so many beautiful places to explore on the glamorous French Riviera Yacht Charter, and with a balmy climate and highs of between 25-30°C depending on when in summer you visit, this is where the world’s elite come to soak up the sun in style.

  • St Tropez is a quaint fishing port turned international jetsetter destination. Boasting the iconic Plage de Pampelonne and its beach bars that cater for whatever you are searching for, be it Champagne-spraying hedonism or a family-friendly eatery, St Tropez is an experience that must be done at least once in a lifetime.
  • Antibes is another favoured destination of the elite when sailing the Western Mediterranean – home to the region’s biggest marina, here you will see some truly magnificent superyachts. Head to the coast and walk the hiking trail on Cap d’Antibes to appreciate the striking cobalt blue of the sea.
  • Cannes offers independent designer boutiques, some of the world’s finest Michelin star restaurants, and the La Croisette promenade, with its shading palm and pine trees. Visit between 6-17th July to experience the glamour of the Cannes Film Festival, which is set to go ahead this summer.
  • Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is an oasis of greenery in the heart of the Cote d’Azur. Boasting more than 300 days of sunshine per year, this destination wins the heart of everyone who visits, with historical villas and enchanting beaches to explore.

Restrictions to be aware of

France is still in the process of finalising its plan for how it will lift travel restrictions in a safe manner. It will hopefully allow travellers from lower risk countries, who are either vaccinated or can provide a negative COVID PCR test taken less than 72 hours before departure, to enjoy the Cote d’Azur to the full this summer, without the need to quarantine on arrival for example. France’s president Macron hopes that this will be possible for those arriving from the European Union, as well as some low risk third-country citizens, such as Americans and Britons.

However, France will be imposing more stringent restrictions against travellers from any country where the Coronavirus variants have spread widely, such as Brazil, South Africa, Chile, and Argentina. Under the new restrictions, anyone entering France from a high risk country must self-isolate for ten days and provide an address of where they plan to stay during this period, as well as providing a negative PCR test taken less than 36 hours before travel or a negative antigen test that is less than 24 hours old.

From early May, there will be no restrictions on travelling between regions of France, and by mid-May, France should see bars and restaurants able to serve customers outside, as well as non-essential shops and cultural attractions opening. This should allow the French Riviera to return to the glorious Mediterranean yacht charter destination we know it to be.

Italy’s Aeolian Islands

Why go?

This breath-taking UNESCO-protected archipelago is heaven on earth, offering blissful relaxation on islands that time forgot, as well as plenty of activities including sailing, kayaking, diving, trekking and more. Some islands have exciting volcanic activity, while others produce honey-sweet local Malvasia wine. The summer months offer highs between 26-32°C.

  • Stromboli was the inspiration for the 1949 Rossellini/Bergman film of the same name, and is famously the location of Dolce and Gabbana’ holiday home. Alongside the two quiet villages here, Stromboli draws people with the fascination of its volcano, which is closed off to visitors but still overlooks the island with a rugged charm.
  • Panarea is picture-perfect, with sugar cube houses framed by bright bougainvillaea, while limited transportation of golf carts and Motorino electric bikes means this beauty is not spoiled by the sound of engines. Go in August to experience the open-air nightclub at Hotel Raya, where you can dance until dawn.
  • Salina was the filming location for the 1994 film Il Postino, chosen for its astounding natural beauty. Head to the beach at Pollara as daylight falls to witness one of the most incredible sunsets of your life. If it is chic boutiques and eateries that you wish to explore, then head to the main port Santa Marina Salina for a delightful and traffic free experience.
  • Alicudi has a permanent population of just 80 people, with a tiny port, a short beach, brightly coloured fishing boats, mules for transport, and not a whole lot else. Herein lies its appeal; a true escape from the stresses of modern life when sailing the Western Mediterranean. Hike to the summit for stunning views of the whole archipelago, making sure to notice the abandoned church of San Bartolomeo on your way past.

Restrictions to be aware of

Italy has not yet given a firm date for restarting holiday travel in summer, even though Tourism Minister Massimo Garavaglia suggested that this could happen on the 2nd June, allowing it to be open for most of the summer season.

Currently, arrivals from Europe and the UK must provide a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours of their arrival. They are also required to fill in a self-declaration health form and quarantine for five days before testing negative to end their quarantine. Travellers from the USA are not currently allowed into Italy.

However, this all may change as Italy’s vaccination programme steams ahead, particularly on some of the popular holiday islands, where Italy’s government has suggested a new ‘COVID-free islands’ vaccination plan that aims to vaccinate all residents of holiday islands early. This could include the Sicily and Campania regions, including Ischia, Procida and Capri, the Aeolian, Egadi, and Pelagie islands, and Puglia’s Tremiti islands, as well as Tuscany’s Elba.

Since the 26th April, people have been able to travel freely between Italy’s towns and regions, making a vacation here a lot more appealing. Italy is currently operating under a zone system, where lower risk zones can open restaurants, bars, non-essential shops and tourist attractions.

All information is correct at the time of writing, but please get in touch with a professional yacht broker to discuss a West Mediterranean yacht charter in more detail.