Sailing trips in Europe can feel a bit like you’ve stumbled into a Bridget Bardot movie: sleepy Italian hamlets perched on limestone cliffs, the sun-drenched glitz of the Cote d’Azur, lazing the day away on deck with a handful of Grecian olives. It’s one of the best ways to explore the continent, although you are faced with some tough decisions: spend the afternoon snorkelling that secluded cove, or sail Croatia’s favourite archipelago? Indulge in a family-run taverna banquet, or burn the calories on a bike ride through the hinterland? To take that evening cocktail before or after Santorini’s marmalade sunset? Ah, decisions, decisions…
Our Europe sailing tours
8 Days
From
28874
A lively restaurant scene, drop-dead gorgeous beaches, lush forests, intricate old...
8 Days
From
28874
Explore Croatia's beautiful Adriatic coast on this aquatic adventure from Dubrovnik to...
8 Days
From
29539
Set sail across the clear blue waters of Sardinia, exploring rugged coastlines, wild...
7 Days
From
30286
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Procida...
8 Days
From
24674
Embark on a sailing holiday to Greece. Explore the waters, islands, history and cuisine...
Tailor-Made trips
Take two or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
4 Days
From
15591
Set sail along Italy’s Amalfi Coast in four days with Intrepid, cruising to the scenic...
4 Days
From
15591
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...
8 Days
From
24674
Set sail across the Mediterranean exploring Greece's heaven-sent islands. The spoils of...
8 Days
From
28708
Sail from Marseille to Nice along France's gorgeous Cote d'Azur. Stop in at the...
8 Days
From
28708
Embrace Mediterranean life while sailing along the French Riviera, taking in the high...
10 Days
From
32068
See the best of the Cyclades on this 10-day Greece sailing adventure. From Athens to...
Browse sailing trips by country
Highlights of sailing in Europe

Drop anchor at Capri
Ah, Capri. The Romans knew a good island when they found it. Hence the giant Roman palace built on Monte Tiberio. These days Capri is known for royalty of a different kind, with celebs dropping in to do some boutique shopping or chill out in the aquamarine grottos nearby. A day or two exploring here and it might be hard to get you back on the boat…
Explore on the Amalfi Coast Sailing Adventure

Wander the cobbled lanes of Amorgos
Amorgos is a mountainous little island in the south-eastern corner of the Cyclades. As far as Greek Islands go, this one is more concerned with activities and archaeology than perfecting your tan. White washed streets, a burgeoning rock climbing scene, ancient ruins and one of the most spectacular monasteries in the Med – it’s a real gem.
Explore on the Greece Sailing Adventure - Cyclade Islands

Kick back in the Îles d’Hyères Archipelago
France’s Cote d’Azur isn’t just good for celebrity spotting, shopping and mingling with the glitterati (although a little mingling couldn’t hurt) – it’s also the home of the Îles d’Hyères Archipelago. A little collection of shining, mica-rich islands with secluded coves around every headland. Finding an idyllic beach here isn’t hard. Picking your favourite could be.
Explore on Cote D'Azur Sailing Adventure
Life on the boat
We use classic monohull yachts for our European sailing adventures (it helps to get into that old-school Euro vibe). As a guide, a typical 50ft yacht for eight travellers is equipped with four twin/double cabins, two or three shared bathrooms and two showers. You’ll be lead by one of our experienced skippers who knows these waters like the back of their hand.
Life on the boat goes at your own pace: help out on deck as much as you wish, or just lie back and enjoy the ride. The choice is entirely up to you. Just keep in mind: cabin arrangements can be quite cosy so as to leave more room for onboard communal areas.
FAQs
Peak season for sailing holidays in the Mediterranean is between June and August, when the sun is hottest and many Europeans have their summer holidays. But if you want to beat the crowds while still enjoying that trademark Med sun, try travelling in spring (mid-April to May) or autumn (September to mid-October): temperatures are more pleasant, the waters are still calm, and you won’t have to fight for that beachside sunbed.
The extent and severity of seasickness varies from person to person. Some may be lucky enough to experience no symptoms at all while others may suffer headaches, dizziness and vomiting. Usually all symptoms of seasickness resolve after some time to adjust to life onboard.
The Dalmatian Coast is protected from rough seas thanks to the belt of islands just off mainland Croatia. As a result, many passengers will not experience prolonged symptoms of seasickness in this area. While the Mediterranean Sea can be choppy, especially in the fall, sailing between the Greek islands is usually a peaceful voyage.Â
Sailing conditions on and around the Amalfi Coast are typically mild with frequent periods of calm. Expect no more than a light 8-12 knot (8-13 miles) per hour south easterly wind in the afternoons; perfect for the experienced and novice sailor alike. While we can’t guarantee pristine conditions, you are unlikely to encounter any rough, open seas with the tidal range a minute 30-60 centimeters (1-2 feet).
If you are prone to experience motion sickness, we recommend consulting with your doctor before arriving to see what medical solutions might work for you.
You can also read our guide to beating seasickness for alternative methods of combating seasickness.
Absolutely. The best bit about our small group sailing adventures is we cap our group sizes at 8 travellers. That means our skippers have more time to get to know you and, if you’re interested, teach you all about sailing. Our skippers have years of experience sailing and relish the opportunity to share their passion with their groups.
All cabins on our Europe sailing trips are located below deck.
Each sailing vessel typically comes with three twin/double cabins, as well as a couple of single berths for staff. Your skipper will allocate rooms on arrival. Passengers travelling in pairs will be accommodated together while solo travellers will be placed with a fellow passenger of the same gender wherever possible. This may mean sharing a double mattress or twin mattresses side by side.
Solo travellers have the option of booking a cabin to themselves for an additional fee, please ask our team at the time of your booking for more details.Â
If you do not identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking so we can make an adjustment to your sleeping arrangements.
The skipper sleeps in his/her own quarters, which are typically allocated at the front of the boat. Refer to the detailed deck plans of our boats for more information on bunk locations.
Yes, all cabins come equipped with electrical sockets. Travellers simply need to bring an adaptor with them. See below for electrical outlets by country:
France: Type C (European 2-pin), Type E (French 2-pin, female earth)
Italy:Â Type C (European 2-pin), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth), Type L (Italian 3-pin)
Croatia:Â Type C (European 2-pin), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)
Greece:Â Type C (European 2-pin), Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)
WiFi is not available onboard our boats, but travellers may be able to access WiFi while docked at ports and marinas.Â
Airconditioning isn't available on our boats but some boats do have fans in the cabins. All boats will have hatches that can be opened for ventiliation. During warmer months, travellers can even choose to sleep on deck under the stars.
You will need to allow budget to pay for any addtional meals that aren't included in the itinerary (see your Essential Trip Information for more details on meal inclusions), as well as money for souvenirs and alcoholic drinks. It is also recommended you contribute towards the group kitty at the start of your trip. See your Essential Trip Information for more information about group kitties.
No, we do not require our travellers to pay a security deposit on any of our sailing trips.Â
Reviews
Need some inspiration?
Jan 19, 2018
Lesser-known Croatia: 7 stunning spots where...
Reading Time: 6 minutes While hotspots like Split and Dubrovnik will always be...
Jan 18, 2018
Top 10 destinations for cycling adventures in 2018
Reading Time: 9 minutes Read on for a selection of cycling trips we're most...
Oct 15, 2017
10 reasons why Zagreb, Croatia should be your...
Reading Time: 5 minutes It may not have the Adriatic Sea or the beach, but I was...
Nov 20, 2017
8 Croatian islands so beautiful that everyone...
Reading Time: 5 minutes Traditionally the Dalmatian coast always lost out to sun...
Feb 17, 2018
Visiting Dubrovnik? Here’s what to do, see, eat...
Reading Time: 6 minutes It's an impeccably well-preserved medieval city with...
Jun 01, 2016
Trendsetters: Europe tips from the UK’s top...
Reading Time: 3 minutes There are 36 countries within a 3-hour flight of the UK....
Aug 23, 2020
The top 10 destinations for travel in October...
Reading Time: 5 minutes Europeans, here are our recommendations for your close-to...
Oct 02, 2018
5 essential tips for visiting Croatia,...
Reading Time: 6 minutes We asked to go swimming one day and Ante said “I know the...
May 02, 2018
Beyond the all-inclusive: 6 great family...
Reading Time: 5 minutes Family vacations don’t have to mean beaches and buffets....
Feb 11, 2018
14 national parks in Europe you probably haven...
Reading Time: 8 minutes If the term "national park" conjures up images of snow...
Dec 24, 2017
5 foods to try in Burgundy and the Loire Valley
Reading Time: 4 minutes Whether you’d rather kick off your day with a Pain au...
Jul 09, 2020
10 things you’ll experience on an Intrepid...
Reading Time: 7 minutes With restrictions beginning to ease for European...
Jun 24, 2019
11 strangers, 10 days, 1 boat: my life-changing...
Reading Time: 7 minutes My 10-day Intrepid tour went by far too quickly in a blur...
Feb 06, 2020
From business suits to swimming shorts: the...
Reading Time: 6 minutes “A skipper is more than a profession. You spend so much...
Nov 05, 2018
Why every wildlife lover should go sailing on...
When Jacques Costeau referred to Mexico's Baja Peninsula as "the world's aquarium"...
Nov 13, 2018
Why I loved sailing Turkey’s Turquoise Coast
The Turquoise Coast of Turkey is one stunning cliché. Everywhere you look there...