From walking barefoot on the beaches of the BVI, to immersing in the culture of Croatia, top travel expert Becky Hutton, Holiday Planner, at Sunsail reveals their must-visit sailing spots worldwide.
Online searches for cruise holidays, cruise deals and last-minute cruise deals are down -18% over the last three months, with family cruise holidays also down -12% YoY. However, sailing holiday searches are up +50% over three months, family flotilla holidays are up +400% YoY and family sailing holidays in the Mediterranean are up +100% YoY, signalling an increasing shift in consumer appetite to more active, meaningful and hands-on holidays that can be adapted for last-minute plans.
What do you think is driving more people away from cruises and towards sailing holidays?
While the cruise industry continues to grow, there is a shift in consumer preferences driving people towards sailing holidays. Cruises are criticised for providing a ‘bubble experience.’ Passengers are given a strict itinerary and ferried from one tourist hotspot to another, with limited time to truly explore the culture and engage with the local community. Offering unparalleled freedom, sailing provides increased flexibility, a sense of freedom and a chance to escape the crowds. As more families seek adventurous holidays with unique experiences, sailing becomes a leading alternative to traditional cruises and all-inclusive hotels.
Why do you think more people are moving away from popular tourist spots and looking for hidden gem locations?
Over tourism is becoming a hugely publicised issue in many parts of the world, with large crowds, increased noise and environmental damage being driven by viral social media campaigns and an increase in cheap flights and cruises.
But the unspoiled beaches, lonesome coves and scenic sights of hidden gem locations are enticing travellers who want to step away from the crowds and their speedy lifestyles. Connecting with nature and spending quality time with loved ones are becoming priorities for families and couples travelling abroad.
Are any of these destinations investing in tourism?
Destinations like Croatia have been embracing its influx of tourists, especially since the popular TV show Game of Thrones drew crowds to major cities such as Dubrovnik. Croatia is now at the forefront of Europe’s tourism resurgence, having already surpassed travel records that predated the pandemic. The Croatian Government recently awarded €7.3 million to its tourist boards to fund 147 projects across the country. Through infrastructure projects, cultural initiatives and environmental programmes that run all year round, the Government is aiming to strengthen tourism in underdeveloped areas and the continental part of Croatia, while eyeing a €3 billion boost from premium tourism.
Best locations to reach by boat in the BVI:
- Salt Island
Salt Island is a beautiful, uninhabited island steeped in rich history. Best known for the famed Wreck of The Royal Mail Steamer Rhone, Salt Island makes a great stop to explore the famous sunken vessel.
RMS Rhone is a fantastic scuba diving spot, but also great for snorkelling in clear weather. Expect to see a range of life there, from the pair of resident barracuda, turtles, and, if you’re lucky, you may even spot a reef shark cruising by. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, this historic site promises a thrilling dive experience.
Alternatively, if you’d like to venture onshore you can explore the three evaporation ponds, once an important source of salt for the ships of the Royal Navy. The salt ponds on Salt Island are particularly interesting as they used to be a vital part of the island’s economy!
The island is also a great spot for a quiet picnic or a leisurely hike, offering beautiful views of the surrounding islands.
- Anegada
Anegada, the only coral island in the BVI, is one iconic spot that still feels like a secret. The island is 38sq km of white sandy beaches with a population of just 450 people. The ultimate chill spot, fun in the sun, and excellent snorkelling, Anegada is a hidden gem in the Caribbean that steals the heart of anyone who discovers it.
The island is surrounded by Horseshoe Reef, among the largest barrier reefs in the Caribbean. Bring your snorkel gear along and head for Loblolly Beach. The coral heads are so close to the shoreline, you simply walk into the water, and immediately the show begins. You can snorkel for a few minutes or all day, never tiring of the marine life and clear turquoise waters. Its reefs are littered with marine life, conch & lobster. When you’ve worked up an appetite, walk over to Big Bamboo restaurant for some beach side refreshment.
Anegada is also known for its delicious lobster, which is a must-try for seafood lovers. Many restaurants on the island, such as The Lobster Trap and Big Bamboo, serve freshly caught lobster grilled to perfection. Pair it with a cold drink and enjoy your meal with your feet in the sand, overlooking the stunning Caribbean waters.
In particular, couples tend to love the island of Anegada. Take romantic walks along quiet beaches, enjoy delicious seafood while watching the sunset, or head to Tipsy’s, where you can swing with your loved one on the adult-sized swings overlooking the crystal clear waters. Pure magic!
Best locations to reach by boat in Greece:
- Atokos
This small uninhabited island between Lefkada and Ithaca is privately owned but open to visitors, and a must-visit destination. Untouched nature and limestone cliffs make it a stunning place to visit and ideal for relaxation. To the east of the island is One House Bay, where you will find wild pigs roaming around. It’s a unique place to explore and ideal if you want to feel closer to nature!
- Meganisi
Meganisi is a small island near Lefkas with hidden coves and sea caves, great for sailing, seafood and snorkelling. It is one of the few ionian islands that remain untouched by mass tourism which is why it’s such an underrated hidden gem.
It has a laid-back, authentic Greek vibe with fishing villages, traditional family run tavernas and underground caves to explore.
The most famous cave is Papanikolis cave, once used as a hideout by submarines during WWII. It’s only accessible by boat so not everyone can reach it which makes it all the more special if you can, and has dramatic interiors lit by sunlight bouncing off the water.
- Agia Efimia
A gorgeous fishing village on the east coast of Kefalonia, if you want a slower pace of life on holiday, this is the place to be. Spend your day watching beautiful boats entering and leaving the marina while you enjoy local delicacies from waterside cafes and bars.
Want to channel your inner adventurer? There’s still plenty to be explored here as there are two sets of caves, the Drogarti inland and the Melisani caves, which you can be taken in by a boatman. Many describe this as entering Hades itself. The water is dark and inky with turquoise patches where the sun hits, and the caves are linked to the Melisani Lake further inland by underwater passages.
- Pučišća Town
On Brač island we could suggest numerous spots, but one of our favourites must be Pučišća town. We love it so much that we made a new flotilla route just so we can go for a visit.
It is very traditional, the prices are fair, and the look of it is like a fairytale, due to the houses being made out of the local marble that the place is famous for. This town is steeped in a rich history of stonework; the stone used to build the white house in America was shipped from here! Check out one of the 7 remaining forts hand carved by stone masons on this island.
- Stomorska Town
Stomorska town on Šolta island is one of the destinations that isn’t on everybody’s list, but it’s a picturesque fishing village with a rich nautical history. The water in the bay is beautifully clear, and there are several beaches for relaxing and swimming. The small beach, safe town quay, and charming houses have a very relaxing effect on people.
Add a family run winery which is 5 minutes away by car, and a cool little beach bar, and you’ve got a winning combination. Walk up the hill on the southern side of the bay to enjoy beautiful views of the village and across to the mainland.
- Sveta Nedelja
Hvar Island already has a name to it, but it still has numerous bays and coves where one can be alone. An interesting spot is Sveta Nedelja, where a wine maker made his wine tasting room beneath sea level, so the experience is quite unique.
Stari Grad, located on the north side of Hvar, is just one of Croatia’s UNESCO Protected World Heritage Sites and is also worth visiting. On shore, enjoy scenic hikes with panoramic views of impeccably preserved landscapes and offshore, enjoy swimming or snorkelling throughout the pristine surrounding waters.
