Make the Most of Your Sailing Season by Stretching Time in the Eastern Mediterranean

The eastern Mediterranean is often regarded as a sailor’s paradise, rich with scenic cruising grounds, historical treasures, and remarkable culinary experiences. Many adventurers dream of lingering here, savoring every moment of an extended sailing season. Yet, the 90-day Schengen limit can seem daunting, potentially restricting the time you spend in this idyllic locale. However, with clever planning, it’s entirely possible to maximize your time on the water. Here’s how you can extend your sailing escapades beyond the constraints of the Schengen zone.

Croatia: A Blissful Start

If you’re embarking on your journey from a winter port in Italy, Spain, or France, your first stop should be the stunning coastline of Croatia. As a part of the Schengen zone, your time here counts towards that 90-day limit, but the rewards are numerous.

Croatia’s allure lies in its breathtaking archipelago with over 1,200 islands, making it one of the most desirable cruising destinations in the eastern Mediterranean. The short distances between islands allow for leisurely sailing, where you can hop from one picturesque bay to another. Many sailors prefer anchoring in serene spots but well-equipped marinas are also scattered throughout the coastline.

The Dalmatian coast is particularly famous, drawing crowds to hubs like Agana and Dubrovnik. Martin Vooijs, a seasoned sailor, emphasizes the importance of timing your visit to avoid the bustling charter scene during peak weeks.

Must-See Spots

One cherished destination is Lastovo, a tranquil island known for its stunning natural landscapes. In Zaklopatica Bay, visitors can delight in alfresco dining at cozy local restaurants, enjoying fresh seafood as the sun dips below the horizon.

Cruising Considerations: When sailing into Croatia from another Schengen country, you won’t need to clear customs. Still, ensure you obtain a navigation permit and pay any tourist taxes.

Montenegro: Alpine Style

Once you’ve thoroughly enjoyed the delights of Croatia, consider sailing to Montenegro, which is outside the Schengen area. This transition effectively pauses your Schengen countdown, offering an elegant way to linger longer in the Adriatic.

Montenegro’s coastline may be short, but its beauty is undeniable. The highlight is Boka Bay, a fjord-like body of water often likened to the Swiss Alps. The sheltered waters are ideal for smooth sailing, but be prepared for some engine work when venturing deeper into the bay.

Cultural Gems: Kotor, with its UNESCO World Heritage site status, offers a mix of history and stunning scenery. The town is known for its charming squares and lush surroundings, making it a lovely place to explore on foot.

Marina Life: Montenegro’s emerging marina scene, with modern facilities, caters to various sailors, allowing for a comfortable stay. The sailing season is generally favorable from April to October, with fewer crowds in spring and early autumn, making anchoring and mooring a breeze.

Albania: Off the Beaten Track

Albania is a hidden gem that many sailors overlook but offers delightful surprises. With its rich culture and stunning coastal landscapes, it presents a fantastic option for extending your sailing adventure while remaining outside the Schengen zone.

Brend Vlaanderen discovered Albania while anchored in Corfu and was pleasantly surprised by the country. Entering requires agent assistance for clearance, but the process is swift and uncomplicated.

Highlights and Adventures

Sarandë serves as a convenient port of entry, leading to breathtaking spots like Kakomë Bay, with its azure waters and golden beaches. For those looking for an adventure, hiking around the bay or exploring the quaint local markets for fresh produce is a must.

Sailing Experiences: The Albanian Riviera is filled with secluded coves and striking cliffs, offering a serene atmosphere to escape the busy charter routes in nearby Greece. With less commercial infrastructure, this region allows for a more adventurous cruising experience.

Greece: Endless Options

Greece is a crucible of sailing experiences, with numerous islands and coastlines begging to be explored. However, careful planning is key to making the most of your 90 days in the Schengen zone.

Starting in Corfu, sailing down the Ionian Sea provides a mix of stronger winds and sheltered anchorages. The transition from the Ionian to the Aegean via the Corinth Canal can significantly ease your journey to Athens—ideal for crew swaps or provisioning.

A Sea of Possibilities

Sailors can spend months meandering through the Aegean’s myriad islands. Greetje Tops, a skilled skipper, enjoys the short sailing distances that let you anchor in stunning bays, sometimes experiencing solitude away from the bustling tourist spots.

Crete, while more isolated, offers a captivating destination worth your time, but ensure you allocate enough days for its circumnavigation.

Regulatory Matters: Be mindful of the TEPAI cruising tax, required for all vessels over 7 meters in length. Additionally, if you’re a non-EU vessel, expect some extra requirements for clearance.

Türkiye: Spoilt for Choice

Türkiye boasts a rich sailing history, and its coastlines are particularly inviting as summer winds down. Here, you can easily transition outside the Schengen zone, extending your adventures further.

The region, known for its turquoise waters and ancient ruins, boasts an ideal sailing climate from late April to October. Start your exploration along the famous Blue Cruise route, which showcases the natural beauty between Fethiye and Olympos.

Large Marinas and Quiet Anchorages

Turkish ports like Marmaris and Bodrum serve as major yachting hubs, offering extensive facilities and repair services. For a quieter experience, sailing around Göcek or the less-frequented Ayvalik can provide lovely bays to anchor overnight.

Entry Procedures: When entering Türkiye from Schengen countries, ensure you comply with customs and obtain a transit log, allowing for hassle-free sailing.

Cyprus: An Interesting Detour

As you conclude your sailing journey, consider a stop in Cyprus, which is in the EU but not part of the Schengen zone. This creates an exciting opportunity for additional sailing without eating into the Schengen limit.

The sail from Türkiye to Cyprus can be significant, so meticulous planning is essential. Familiarize yourself with the historical context of the island, as there are political factors to consider, particularly with the split between the north and south.

Coastal Charms

Southern Cyprus is welcoming for sailors. The popular ports of entry—Limassol Marina and Larnaca—offer modern facilities for short stays. For those seeking rugged beauty, the Akamas Peninsula is a stunning highlight, providing beautiful landscapes and rich marine life.

Sailing around Cyprus is an ideal year-round venture, especially in spring and autumn when conditions are mild. Whether day-tripping to local bays or setting up base at a marina, Cyprus adds a noteworthy chapter to your eastern Mediterranean sailing season.

With careful navigation through various Schengen and non-Schengen zones, you can extend your sailing adventures and explore the majestic waters of the eastern Mediterranean, creating unforgettable memories along the way.