10 Great Sailing Destinations for Young Families

10 Great Sailing Destinations for Young Families

Do you feel like it’s time for a family vacation? Planning a family vacation can be time-consuming and stressful, but the work you put in is worth the reward. One vacation idea for families is a sailing trip, where you relax on a boat or yacht and get to explore multiple coastal countries and islands along the way. But with so many places to visit, how do you choose? Don’t worry—we’re here to help. Here are ten great sailing destinations for young families. Fun for both adults and kids, these destinations are all perfect for a fun-filled sailing holiday.

Croatia

The Land of 1000 Islands, Croatia, is a fantastic sailing spot, not just for the sheer number of islands there are to visit, but for its rich history and natural beauty. Croatia is 10 percent park, featuring eight national parks—Brijuni, Kornati, Krka, Mljet, Plitvice, Paklenica, Risnjak, and Northern Velebit—for you to visit. Or, for a throwback to high school English class, you can hike up to Odysseus Cave, rumored to be the cave where the brave and brilliant hero of Homer’s Odyssey was trapped by the nymph Calypso for seven years.

The US Virgin Islands

In the Caribbean lies the US Virgin Islands (USVI), a US territory popular for its sandy beaches and verdant tropical foliage. History lovers can make a trip to Hassle Island, which is full of old garrisons and gun batteries used during the World Wars. Animal lovers, on the other hand, should check out Coral World Ocean Park, which is home to sea turtles, hermit crabs, sharks, coral, and more in natural pools.

The British Virgin Islands

No, you’re not seeing double! The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is another set of islands in the Caribbean, but this is a British overseas territory. Full of reef-lined beaches, tropical rainforests, and cozy, homey towns, the BVI is a relaxing and breathtaking place to sail to. Visit the Baths of Virgin Gorda for a swimming experience like no other, or take a dive beneath the waters near Normal Island to meet coral, blue tang, parrotfish, and other underwater friends. You can also shop the local businesses for good eats and one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Greece

Bordered by the Aegean and Ionian seas in Europe is Greece, the land that many consider the birthplace of Western civilization and democracy. Besides its long, rich history, Greece also has amazing pebbly beaches, tasty Mediterranean food, and a bustling club scene. Tour ancient locations like the Acropolis or Delphi or stroll through the windy Santorini, home to beautiful Cycladic architecture and stellar cliffside views.

The Bahamas

The Bahamas is located in the Atlantic within the Lucayan Archipelago of the West Indies. Made up of over 3,000 islands, cays, and islets, this country is famous for its pristine beaches, prime scuba diving and snorkeling locations, and tales of plundering pirates like Blackbeard. One location in the Bahamas you need to see to believe is the Pink Sands Beach, where the sands are a soft rose color due to bits of crushed red shells from forams. Another beachy activity to try is swimming with the dolphins on Blue Lagoon Island, an old hideaway for pirate buccaneers and a diver’s paradise.

France

A classic and classy country in Europe, France is the place to go if you’re a lover of all things art. With unbeatable cuisine, fashion, and art, France is a feast for the senses. The Eiffel Tower is a must-see for most travelers and looks its best at dusk when framed by the setting sun. Other things to do include going on a Seine River tour, visiting the famous Louvre, or watching an outdoor musical or theatrical performance at Provence’s Haut-Vaucluse.

Italy

Like France, Italy is a Mediterranean-European country with a love for cuisine, fashion, and art. And down in Rome, you’ll find historical monuments that tell the tale of Italy’s time as part of the Roman Empire. Athletic families will enjoy climbing Mt. Vesuvius, the site of the infamous Pompeii eruption, or checking out the Colosseum—home of the Gladiators. Or if you’d prefer something more laid-back, visit the beautiful Cinque Terre, a national park made up of five romantic coastal towns that boast top-tier eateries and amazing views.

Turkey

This transcontinental country is located mainly in Western Asia, but a small portion lies in the Balkan Peninsula in Europe. With a fascinating history, picture-perfect beaches and mountains, and some of the best shopping in Europe and Asia, you’ll never be bored in the Land of Four Seasons. Take in the breathtaking views of Cappadocia from a hot air balloon or hang out down below on the country’s sandy beaches or in its mysterious and mythical museums and ruins.

Spain

Nestled on the Iberian Peninsula, Spain is a country with a lively, vibrant culture. Known for its laid-back, festive personality, Spain is one of the best places to visit if you want to split your time between relaxing and partying. Eat your fill of paella and patatas bravas and take a siesta on the beach, then wake up to admire awe-inspiring places like the Alhambra, the Church of the Sacred Family, or La Giralda. When they’re in town, you can also participate in exciting festivals like the messy Tomatina Tomato Fight (a massive food fight in the streets of Buñol) or the fiery Las Fallas.

Thailand

East of the Andaman Sea in Southeast Asia, you’ll find Thailand, also known as the “Land of Smiles,” a nod to the 13 kinds of smiles the locals use to communicate. Thailand is best known for its ancient monuments like Wat Chaiwatthanaram, but it also has a modern side. Its capital, Bangkok, is an urban sprawl full of family-friendly attractions like the Siam Paragon, Dusit Zoo, and Vimanmek Mansion.

There you have it—ten great sailing destinations for young families. While these aren’t the only locations worth visiting, they’re some of the most well-known and offer a wide variety of things for your family to see and do.

At Seize the Day Charters, we can help you find a private yacht in the BVIs or any of the other destinations above. Our team of friendly, talented, and passionate brokers will work tirelessly to find a yacht that meets your family’s travel needs. Contact us today to discuss your vacation plans and start your search for a charter.

10 Great Sailing Destinations for Young Families