Why 2025 Is the Perfect Year to Experience a Sunsail Flotilla
The Top 5 Mediterranean Sunsail Routes for Culture and Cuisine
Some people chase sunsets. Others chase pasta, pastries, and perfectly grilled octopus. Luckily, sailing the Mediterranean with Sunsail lets you do both.
When it comes to sailing the Mediterranean in search of unforgettable food and rich cultural experiences, it’s hard to go wrong. Every island, harbor, and historic port is steeped in centuries-old traditions, ancient ruins, and cobblestone streets lined with local flavors and fresh seafood.
Whether you’re sipping house-made limoncello on a sun-drenched terrace in Sicily or wandering through a labyrinth of Venetian backstreets in Croatia, the best way to uncover the region’s soul is from the comfort and luxury of your own yacht.
And as a Sunsail owner, you have access to some of the Med’s most iconic bases and the freedom to linger longer, cruise at your own pace, follow your appetite, and experience the kind of authentic cultural immersion that land-bound tourists can only dream of.
From sipping Plavac Mali wines along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, to savoring grilled octopus in a Greek harbor taverna, or indulging in wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta in Sicily, sailing the Mediterranean is a movable feast of flavor, history, and adventure, perfect for those who enjoy the finer things in life.
So loosen your waistband, follow your nose, and take a look at our top 5 Mediterranean Sunsail routes for unforgettable culture and cuisine this summer.
1. Lefkas: Hidden Taverns And Authentic Island Life
Trip Type: Easy island hopping with pastel-hued harbors
Cultural Highlights: Traditional Greek villages, ancient ruins, and off-the-beaten-path charm
Cuisine: Savoro (traditional fish dish), fresh grilled seafood galore, Lefkada salami, cheese marinated in olive oil, lemony dolmades, village-made olive oil, and house red from the family vineyard
Start eating and sailing your way through Greece from the pastel-hued Sunsail base in Lefkas. From here, you can set your sails to follow your nose through short island hops across the Ionian Sea and the Heptanese islands.
Far removed from the droves of tourists flocking to the popular islands of Mykonos and Santorini, this laid-back corner of the Ionian Sea is packed with authenticity, from sleepy harbors like Sivota and Meganisi to the stone alleyways of Kioni.
The Heptanese islands have some of the least visited and most authentic islands that Greece has to offer, one of which is the island of Ithaca, steeped in Greek mythology as the home of Odysseus in Homer’s The Odyssey, and bursting with an abundance of fresh seafood and authentic Greek delicacies along its stone alleyways.
The Heptanese Islands are lined with white sandy beaches, pastel-hued harbors, and towering cliffs that hide sheltered coves perfect for overnight anchoring in solitude.
The short island hops and easy navigation (ideal for beginners and old salts alike) mean there is more time to explore and savor the local culture and cuisine. And you will definitely want to make the most of your time on land sailing the Ionian Sea, as these are the type of islands where you can still dock in tiny ports where the menus aren’t translated, the catch of the day was caught minutes before, and the ouzo flows freely as locals enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner.
Sunsail Owner Tip: Plan a lunch stop in the picturesque village of Spartochori. Your table might be plastic, but the tomato salad, grilled lamb, and view of your yacht bobbing below is pure Greek luxury.
2. Athens And the Saronic Gulf: Ancient Wonders With A Culinary Soul
Trip Type: Legendary landscapes and classic Greek dining
Cultural Highlights: The Acropolis, Temple of Aphaia, and neoclassical harbors
Cuisine: Grilled sea bream, stuffed squid, souvlaki, gyros, loukoumades (Greek donuts), almond delicacies on Hydra, and retsina from local vineyards
If your idea of the perfect Mediterranean cruise through culture, history, and cuisine also includes some exhilarating blue water sailing, then setting off into the Mediterranean from one of the oldest cities in the world is for you!
Athens and the surrounding islands of the Saronic Gulf offer the epitome of what Greek culture and cuisine are all about. Dotted along this coastline, you will find some of the most famous Greek ruins, like the Acropolis and Temple of Aegina, alongside its most popular cuisine, like souvlaki, gyros, moussaka, dolmades, saganaki, baklava, loukoumades, and an abundance of fresh grilled octopus and a wide array of fresh-off-the-boat seafood.
But before you sail off into a feast of Greek flavors and sights in the Saronic Gulf, plan to spend a day at the bustling and ideally located Sunsail base of Zea Marina to explore all of the ancient ruins, cuisine, and culture that the Greek capital is known for.
Set sail early in the morning, and within a few hours of leaving the city’s legendary port, you’re cruising past crumbling temples, pistachio and lemon orchards, and sleepy harbor towns where mythology meets Mediterranean charm. The Saronic Gulf offers exhilarating blue water passages, protected anchorages, and a coastline packed with history and flavor.
Hydra enchants with its stone mansions and donkey-only streets, while Poros offers panoramic hilltop views and traditional tavernas dishing out slow-roasted lamb and fresh anchovies straight off the boat. And don’t leave Aegina without a paper bag full of still-warm pistachios and a seafood lunch overlooking the Temple of Apollo.
These islands are popular with tourists, and most locals speak English, with menus also available in English, making it easier to navigate, discover hidden spots, and enjoy unique local cuisine than in the more laid-back and less-visited Heptanese Islands.
If you want to soak up the best of Greek culture, cuisine, and sailing, then there is no better way than to do it from the comfort, luxury, and flexibility of your own yacht, while island hopping your way through the Saronic Gulf.
Sunsail Owner Tip: Plan to set sail midweek when the crowds thin out and the harbors are a little quieter. For a perfect cultural-meets-culinary day, anchor near Perdika on Aegina, explore the ruins in the morning, and settle into a seaside taverna for grilled octopus and ouzo by sunset.
3. Sicily: Flavors Of The Old World
Trip Type: Volcanic island-hopping meets historic harbors and culinary indulgence
Cultural Highlights: Aeolian volcanos, Norman cathedrals, Greek temples, medieval villages
Cuisine: Pasta alla Norma, swordfish involtini, pistachio everything, and Malvasia wine straight from the vineyard
From the Sunsail base in Marina Portorosa on mainland Sicily, you’ll sail straight into a region where history literally erupts from the sea. Cruise north to the volcano-lined UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands, or set sail west toward Cefalu and Palermo, or extend your trip and see it all.
The Aeolian chain consists of seven volcanic islands, each offering something different. With short hops between the islands, ideal sailing conditions, and moderate winds averaging 6-15 knots during the season, you will have time to soak it all in with relaxed sailing and plenty of time ashore.
Home to one of two active volcanoes in the Aeolian islands, Vulcano is renowned for its steaming mud baths, volcanic black sand beaches, scenic hiking around Fossa di Vulcano, excellent snorkeling along the south and northwest coasts, and, to top it all off, calamari grilled over lava rocks.
Lipari, the largest island, is lined with cobblestone streets, castles, cool cafes serving granita and brioche, and well equipped with marinas, markets, and cultural sites like the Aeolian Archaeological Museum. Salina is a quieter stop, with several vineyards, caper farms, and easy anchoring options near towns like Santa Marina.
Stromboli is Europe’s second-largest active volcano and towers an impressive 924m above sea level. Be sure to spend a night at Stromboli to get the best view of the glimmering lava. And for those looking to escape the crowds, the islands of Filicudi and Alicudi are less developed and suited to those who prefer secluded anchorages and a slower pace.
Back on Sicily’s mainland, don’t miss Milazzo for provisioning. Just a short drive from the Sunsail base at Portorosa, the markets here are filled with fresh ricotta, cured meats, citrus, olives, fresh local seafood, and pastries. In the islands, towns like Canneto in Lipari and Lingua in Salina offer daily baked bread, small grocers, and harborside restaurants serving regional dishes like pane cunzato (traditional Sicilian sandwich) and swordfish involtini.
Sunsail Owner Tip: In true Sicilian style, don’t rush. Spend two nights in Salina or Lipari to explore inland trattorias and hidden vineyards. The sailing here is relaxed and the distances short, perfect for pairing culture-rich days with long, alfresco dinners at anchor.
Note: Italy is home to partner-operated bases, and owner bookings operate under different guidelines than at our flagship locations. Please contact our Owner Care team to learn more.
4. Dubrovnik: Walled Cities, Island Wines, And Adriatic Flavor
Trip Type: Relaxed coastal cruising
Cultural Highlights: Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, Elafiti Island monasteries, Roman villas, and traditional stone villages
Cuisine: Grilled Adriatic fish, black risotto, peka-style octopus, Ston oysters, and local Plavac Mali wine
Setting sail from Sunsail’s base in Dubrovnik puts you at the southern edge of the Dalmatian Coast, the ideal starting point for those looking to explore Croatia’s layered history and thriving food culture. This route offers a mix of short passages, protected anchorages, and access to cultural sites that are only accessible by boat. From fortified cities to quiet anchorages with sea-to-plate dining, sailing Croatia is all about balancing culture and cuisine in equal measure.
Just a short sail from Dubrovnik, you’ll reach the Elafiti Islands, where quiet villages and car-free towns offer a slower pace. On Lopud, walk to the 15th-century Franciscan monastery or swim in the shallow waters of Sunj Bay. Sipan is known for its olive oil, seafood, and hillside vineyards where you can anchor overnight and dine at a family-run konoba that serves whatever came in from the nets that morning.
Continue north to Mljet, home to one of Croatia’s oldest national parks. Sail into Polace or Pomena, rent bikes or hike to the island’s saltwater lakes, and visit the 12th-century Benedictine monastery on St. Mary’s islet. In the evenings, dine harborside on black risotto or fresh mussels in white wine.
Dubrovnik itself is worth at least one full day at the start or end of your trip. Walk the old city walls, visit the open-air markets, and sample Dalmatian prosciutto and cheese. For a special evening, try a wine tasting menu at a restaurant just outside the city walls, where you can try several regional wines and traditional recipes in one sitting.
Sunsail Owner Tip: Plan to overnight in Sipan or Mljet during midweek to avoid day-tripper crowds and enjoy quieter evenings. Many harborside restaurants offer mooring buoys for diners. Call ahead to reserve both a table and a mooring spot.
5. Procida And The Amalfi Coast: Coastal Glamour Meets Authentic Italy
Trip Type: Culture-rich cruising with dramatic scenery and time-honored cuisine
Cultural Highlights: Colorful cliffside villages, Roman villas, and cobbled piazzas
Cuisine: Wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta, limoncello, fresh buffalo mozzarella, classic Neapolitan pizza
Departing from Sunsail’s Procida base, you’re in the heart of southern Italy’s most scenic sailing ground. A longtime favorite of the rich and famous for good reason, sailing the Amalfi coast offers a rewarding mix of iconic destinations and lesser-known harbors, all rich in culture, food, history, and romance.
Exploring the culture and cuisine of the bustling Amalfi Coast from the comfort and luxury of your yacht gives you front-row seats to sunset views most tourists never see, and the freedom to skip the tourist traps for hidden harbors with five-star food.
Start with a day or two in Procida, a small island packed with local flavor and charm. Less crowded than nearby Capri or Ischia, Procida offers a more authentic slice of Italian island life, with its pastel-colored fishermen’s houses, working harbors, and relaxed pace. Sip espresso and savor sfogliatelle by the waterfront, or meander through the village to discover fresh seafood and sweeping views of the bay.
A short sail west brings you to Ischia, where you can anchor in secluded bays, visit thermal spas, or explore the island’s green hills. Don’t miss a visit to the local markets in Ischia or Forio, where you’ll find home-made limoncello and fresh island cheeses like caciocavallo.
Continue toward Capri, best visited early or late in the day to avoid the crowds. Anchor off Marina Piccola and take the funicular up to explore the town or hike the cliffs near Villa Lysis before returning to your yacht for aperitivo hour. Capri’s ravioli and grilled swordfish are a must, especially paired with a local white wine from Mount Vesuvius.
Further south, the Amalfi Coast reveals its dramatic beauty of sheer cliffs, terraced vineyards, and ancient stone villages. Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello each offer a different cultural perspective, from paper-making traditions and baroque churches to seaside cafes and rooftop restaurants.
For a more local experience, consider overnighting in Cetara, a working fishing village known for its anchovy-based cuisine and rustic trattorias. Or head to Marina Stabia, where you can provision for your return and enjoy a final dinner with views of Mount Vesuvius.
Sunsail Owner Tip: Mooring fields can be busy in peak summer, so plan to arrive early or reserve in advance. For a more relaxed pace, plan your trip during the shoulder season (May and September) when the weather is ideal and the coast is quieter but still full of flavor.
Note: Italy is home to partner-operated bases, and owner bookings operate under different guidelines than at our flagship locations. Please contact our Owner Care team to learn more.
Suppose you want to immerse yourself in the best of Italian culture and cuisine without sailing solo, join one of Sunsail’s SailEATtalia Flotillas. With the guidance of a lead yacht and professional crew, plus the camaraderie of fellow food-loving sailors. In that case, you’ll enjoy authentic flavors, local insights, and the confidence of cruising with support every step of the way.
Hungry for More?
If your idea of the perfect holiday includes ancient ruins, open-air markets, seaside tavernas, and long, lazy lunches under the sun, then sailing the Mediterranean was made for you! And there’s no better way to experience it all than from the comfort, luxury, and flexibility of your own yacht.
As a Sunsail yacht owner, you’re not limited to one destination. With bases across Europe’s most iconic coastlines and the flexibility of your owner use weeks, you have the freedom to sail on your schedule, explore beyond the guidebooks, and dine in places where the menus aren’t translated. Sunsail yacht ownership means anchoring near the ruins you studied in school, provisioning in authentic local markets, and toasting the sunset from a quiet cove you didn’t even know existed.
So, if you’re hungry for more than just a vacation, let Sunsail yacht ownership open the door to a Mediterranean lifestyle full of culture, cuisine, and discovery.
Talk to our team today to find out how your next unforgettable meal could be onboard your own yacht in the Mediterranean.
Hanrie Bosch
Guest blogger, Hanire Bosch, is a professional yacht chef. Based in the Caribbean and Bahamas, since 2013, she has worked on boats ranging from 48 ft Leopards to 160 ft superyachts.
