Why add hiking to your yacht charter itinerary?
Usually, a yacht holiday is thought of as a time when the main activities are sunbathing, swimming, and sightseeing. If we included hiking in the yacht charter schedule, we would see a very dynamic change from a calm and relaxing trip to a very full and diverse one, where the sea and land activities complement each other perfectly. Beforenoon activities are spent traveling by water between islands, and bays, and afterwards, walking will let you get out of the world you can see only from the deck.
The yacht charter and hiking fusion is also a route to a pictorial narrative. That is where slow, relaxed sea voyages accompany active land excursions, keeping the journey quite interesting and not difficult. A hiking itinerary scheduled in advance will not only help you be fully engaged when you hike but also expose the peculiar lifestyle of the local people, habitats with a high number of wild animals, and amazing landscapes that will take away the fatigue of horsing around on foot. If your preference is to do only short ascents, you will find that most of those remarkable hiking destinations in the world are unexpectedly reachable by boat, which also makes a yacht charter a good choice as a location to be based for exploration.
Top hiking destinations reachable by yacht
Top seaside hiking destinations offer diverse terrain and trails for all lengths. A yacht charter acts as a floating base for quick adventures.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Five lively and vibrant old town areas, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore lie on the shore of the Ligurian Sea. The Sentiero Azzurro is the leading walking track that is demanded most, particularly the section between Vernazza and Monterosso, whose vineyards give the fragrant troves. The basic concept of these hiking destinations is not only being famous for their high levels of panoramic landscapes, but also being trail-linked to different difficulties. Trail lengths can be anything from 2 to 12 km. Together with the height, the slope may be up to 300 meters. Hence, you have to wear the correct walking shoes at all times. On top of that, it is great to hear that the best time for a trip there is spring and September as in these months the outdoor temperature is generally moderate, thus you do not get too hot under the sun and the large tourist groups do not appear.
Calanques National Park, France
Calanques National Park is a beautiful area along the sea and features white limestone gorges between Marseille and Cassis. This area is very popular for its bright green water and high cliffs. The South of France hiking destinations have numerous fans who visit them almost all year round. The Calanque d’En Vau route is widely acclaimed by people who love nature. After walking through a cliff canyon-like narrow and deep path, you will arrive at a bay which looks like a piece of heaven on earth. The length of the trail varies from 6 to 15 kilometers and involves cross over rocks. Besides, they are very slippery, so it is absolutely essential to wear good grip shoes and carry sufficient water with you for the trip (there is almost no shade at all). In some cases, they are impassable, because of the risk of fire, so it is better to go there in May or October when the weather is not so torrid.
Mallorca, Spain
Serra de Tramuntana’s sea landscapes from Mallorca are the epitome of Mediterranean character. Any hiker who is into not only Mediterranean hiking but also cultural walking landscapes should not skip these few hiking destinations. The region marries history and nature, crossing old terraces, dry-stone walls, and villages where traditional mountain life still feels close.
Sardinia, Italy
The wild coast of Baunei, with its steep cliffs and hidden beaches like Cala Goloritzé. The most enchanting hike is to Cala Luna: the descent runs through limestone canyons and caves, and the distance one way is 7 kilometers. The disparity of pace between sailing days and slow walks makes these hiking destinations especially appealing on a yacht charter. The contrast between a yacht trip on a calm sea and a rough uphill will make this kind of destination even more attractive. The paths are mostly unshaded and dotted with sharp rocks, so it is worth taking 2-3 liters of water and closed shoes. The water there is so crystal clear that most travelers end their trip with a dip in the sea or return by boat.
Hvar, Croatia
Hvar is a place with great entertainment, besides it also offers very peaceful, not very well-known inland places. Fields of lavender and olive groves can be your starting point to the spots where you can have a 360-degree view of them. No wonder that attractive sailing centers may also be the most quality places in terms of nature.
The island, which smells of lavender and pine trees, has scenic routes with panoramas of the Adriatic and ancient fortifications. A typical hike starts from the town of Hvar, leads to the Napoleon fortress, and from there along the ridge to abandoned settlements. The change in altitude here is insignificant (200-500 meters), which makes this place great for an evening walk at sunset while admiring the views of the Pakleni Islands. Hiking destinations like these are worth you while exploring in the spring season as they exude the aroma of the blossoming plants and the paths remain unoccupied.
Lefkada, Greece
Cliffs overhanging the Ionian Sea, with the beaches of Porto Katsiki and Egremni, the color of the water, reminiscent of milk with blue. The recommended walking route leads to the waterfalls of Nidri, passing through forests and streams (this is almost the only opportunity to hide from the sun in Greece). The routes in these hiking destinations are short, but the paths are quite steep: it is interesting to go down to the beaches on loose gravel. However, the peaks that are reached guarantee unforgettable summit views. This is a great opportunity to combine a hiking trip with a rest at the driver’s, because almost any of them ends by the sea.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
There are steep cliffs here, covered in lemon groves, with the villages of Positano and Praiano towering over the Tyrrhenian Sea. The most popular route is the Path of the Gods: a seven-kilometer stretch that runs along a ledge at an altitude of 400-650 meters. The route is narrow, without any handrails, but it does not require special technical skills – the main thing is to avoid walking during the hottest hours of the day. This climb ends traditionally in Positano with a dip in the water or a glass of limoncello after the completed path. This coastline certainly ranks as one of the top few hiking destinations distinguished by its scenic value and wide accessibility.
Dominica, Caribbean
Known as the “Island of Nature,” Dominica is the best place to go for Caribbean island hikes. The easiest trails into the forest will lead you to hot springs and waterfalls, volcano ridges, and the most picturesque valleys. Some of the best hiking destinations are for the kind of sailors who want to explore really pure nature. Being the wettest of all the Caribbean islands, Dominica is a place like a garden of Eden with the greenest of trees thirsting for the abundant water which cascades from the highlands to the sea, and with the peaks that are covered in mist.
St. Lucia
A Caribbean island where two majestic volcanic peaks, known as the Pitons, rise sharply from the sea. Climbing the Gros Piton is a marathon of about four kilometers long, with a height difference of about seven hundred and fifty meters, because in places the path turns into a real rock climb. They set off extremely early, around five or six o’clock, to avoid the scorching sun and the clouds that obscure the views after ten in the morning. At the foot of the mountain, black volcanic sand beaches and geothermal springs await you to refresh you after overcoming the altitude. One of the truly stunning hiking destinations!
Seychelles, Mahé Island
Here you will see rocky thickets with chunky boulders and winding paths that weave their way through the thickets of the tropics all the way to the coast. The most popular trail is the Copolia Trail: 1.5 kilometers uphill to a viewpoint with views of the Sainte-Anne National Marine Park and surrounding islands. It is extremely humid here, but you will travel most of the way under cover of greenery – don’t forget to take water and insect repellent. Usually, after such a hike, people head for a swim at the beaches of Anse Major or Beau Vallon. These hiking destinations tenders a blend of exotic scenery and manageable hikes during a yacht charter.
Hiking destination tips: what to pack for day hikes
Choose the right footwear
Durably comfortable, worn-out shoes are best for walking the irregular paths, particularly if you hike from the shore or beaches near the trailheads.
Pack light but smart
A day can be very comfortable and happy if you take a small rucksack which has some water, snacks, and a sunshade. A correct and perfectly prepared packing list can be of great help without any overloading.
Prepare for changing terrain
The majority of trails include a significant difference in altitude, either up or down. The knowledge of the route length and vertical gain of the trail helps you better manage your energy and avoid fatigue.
Bring navigation essentials
Having the current version of maps available virtually and local trail data can be an added benefit in places where there are no signs, and local guides can greatly facilitate the safety and understanding of the area.
Plan around the coast
Coastal trails, which connect particular beaches with certain high cliffs, are probably the most breathtaking and dazzling ones. Such coastal hikes are wonderful because of being close not only to the sea but also to cool, shady areas on your yacht charter.
Respect nature and weather
Tropical regions may include humid paths or sudden rain, especially on waterfall hikes. Always check conditions before leaving your boat.
Final thoughts
Bringing together a sailing charter with long walks totally changes vacations into experimental tours. A yacht charter with a built-in program can efficiently introduce sea to sand and even explore many parts of the earth. From dramatic cliffs to tropical rainforests, the world’s best hiking destinations become even more rewarding when reached by boat.
Whether you are a leisurely stroll lover or a person digging into challenging hikes, if combined with some good planning, sailing and hiking can be a magical mixture of fun, excitement, and the discovery of entirely new territories. Whether on the deck of a luxury yacht charter or on the top of the peak, cruising ahead is an expedition into every horizon and unclimbed ground, having your curiosity, not your habit, in the pilot’s seat.
