What better way to discover several dream destinations on the same trip than to take a cruise? Sailing from wild cove to desert beach, soaking up the authentic atmosphere of coastal villages, discovering several archipelagos, without any organisational worries, this is the promise (kept) of cruise lines like Catlante Catamarans. If their dream boats offer opportunities all over the world, a cruise in the Mediterranean Sea is a great way to start for novices and a pleasure to renew for those who have already had the chance to sail through the ports of the Big Blue. A land of history, gastronomy and culture, the Mediterranean seduces sailors with its many facets. From the most intrepid travellers to lovers of good food, everyone agrees on its sublime natural charms, its pleasant climate all year round and its heritage diversity (half of the world's archaeological heritage is found in the Mediterranean basin). Overview of the different options, from Corsica to Croatia via the French Riviera, the Balearics or Sardinia.
The French Riviera, from the Golden Islands to the Lérins Archipelago
Without being chauvinistic, this may be one of the most beautiful coastlines on the planet! By embarking in Toulon, you can sail on the calm waters of the Mediterranean Sea to discover the Côte d'Azur and in particular the little jewels nestled off the bay of Hyères: the Golden Islands. In addition to their idyllic landscapes, they also contain remnants of their tumultuous past. Porquerolles, Port-Cros and the island of Levant invite you to stroll through their history. Going back east, we will also cast off to Bormes-les-Mimosas, for its famous and charming beaches, and of course in the mythical port of Saint-Tropez, for a pleasant stroll in the village. Finally, towards the no less jet-setteuse Cannes. Because, a short distance from the famous Croisette, is the Lérins archipelago, whose two largest islands offer budding sailors a beautiful outing combining nature, land, history, legend, spirituality and contemplation. Once well known to sailors, these islands were a regular and important stopover on the main sea routes of antiquity. History, like an eternal restart.
Corsica, the west coast with its enchanting anchorages
We start our descent from the west coast of Corsica to Ile-Rousse, this small seaside resort attached to its red granite islets. This essential place, combining friendliness and well-being for the whole family, is one of the most charming marine areas on the island. The colour of the water, that of the surrounding rocks that give it its name, the luminosity and personality of a recent city, but very Corsican, as its builder wanted it, unlike its Genoese cousins and its great rival: Calvi. We then follow the coast to reach Calvi. You can admire the Genoese citadel, the cobbled streets, the port, before pushing to reach the Scandola reserve and the creeks of Piana. In terms of nature, groupers and multicoloured fish are on the programme of the seabed of this incredible site, which is part of UNESCO's heritage. The descent continues towards Ajaccio. The city is famous for its citadel from which one can admire the purity of its shoreline, one of the most beautiful in the world. In the Gulf of Ajaccio, the Bloody Islands are also a must. You must have seen the sun set on the four islets, red or black, depending on the weather. You can take the Ajaccio walk by boat from the Tino Rossi port. It is from there that the view is the most magical. Finally, after having enjoyed the beaches and coves of the Gulf of Valinco, we reach the far south of Corsica. There perched on white granite cliffs, Bonifacio looks out over the horizon in an enchanting setting. The upper fortified city is steeped in history, the houses are built on the cliff, and everywhere you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea and Sardinia.
Sardinia, dream beaches and crystal clear water
From rugged coasts to pearly beaches of white, rose, black or multicoloured quartz, Sardinia is bathed in a topaz sea that seduces all eyes. The second largest island of the Big Blue, it stretches right in the heart of the western basin, guarded by the "Isle of Beauty" in the north, and Tunisia in the south. It is then a mischievous pleasure to anchor in its charming ports, especially in the northeast of Sardinia. The coast of the Olbia region is one of the island's main tourist centres, or at least the most upscale, under the influence of the jet set that took position on the sublime Costa Smeralda and Porto Cervo. We will also sail between Capo Testa and Capo d'Orso, in the heart of a coast full of coves and sumptuous beaches that are among the most beautiful natural sites in Sardinia. Opposite, the Maddalena Archipelago is a small maritime paradise, with its transparent waters and well-preserved wild islands. A dream spot for sailors from all over the world.
Mallorca, the Balearics away from the crowd
Mallorca is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts and cruisers on a boat trip. The famous Balearic island has a vast array of marinas, starting with the capital Palma de Mallorca. We will quickly head towards the south coast towards Cala Pi for its beautiful sandy beach is fine and its water clear and calm. We then head for Es Trenc or Colonia de San Jordi, for its beaches and cliffs, before landing on the coast of Cabrera Island, about fifteen kilometres away. Cabrera Island is 7 km long and is the largest of a series of 17 islets that form a small archipelago. By boat, we discover here the beauty of this preserved Mediterranean, so close to the coasts... and so far from the crowd! Back along the coast of Majorca, we reach Santanyi, a medieval fortified village, a remnant of a time when many pirates roamed this part of the Mediterranean
Croatia, dream spots on the Adriatic
In the extension of the Mediterranean, the Adriatic Sea, between the Italian peninsula and the Balkan coasts, is also a paradise for cruise passengers. Especially in the Dubrovnik region of Croatia, which is bordered by hundreds of kilometres of coastline and decorated with dozens of strings of islands. The superb medieval city, symbol of guaranteed sunshine, repeated swimming, romantic walks, sports hikes and gastronomy enhanced with great wines, is also a small water paradise. Its region rhymes with beaches, pebbles or sometimes sand, sun and crystal clear water. And it is surrounded by islands. We start with the Pelješac peninsula to discover at our own pace multiple bays, beaches and coves without concrete, reasoned seaside resorts (Trpanj, Žuljana, Orebić) or historic towns and villages (Mali Ston and Veliki Ston). A few meters away, the island of Korčula seems to be hanging from the peninsula. The silhouette of its historic centre is immediately charming with its medieval, Renaissance and Baroque monuments. Have you ever had a cocktail sitting on the battlements of a defense tower watching the sunset? To do at Korčula ! Then head for the island of Mljet. Little built and protected to the west by the national park, Mljet is proud of its forest, which covers about 70% of the territory, and its charming coastline. In short, Croatia offers an unparalleled offer that allows boaters to sail there without crossing paths
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