Escape to The Med with Sunsail this summer
by Sarah Heron 31 Jan 12:00 UTC
Lefkas © Sunsail
Start the new year looking ahead to glorious sunshine and clear blue seas!
Sunsail, the leaders in yacht charter holidays are renowned for their flotilla and bareboat charters in the Mediterranean and beyond. While winter drags on, what could be better than knowing you have a fabulous holiday to look forward to?
Flotilla founders
Founded over 50 years ago, Sunsail were the flotilla holiday pioneers. Since then, their original base in Lefkas in Greece's beautiful Ionian islands has become the epicentre for Greek sailing holidays and it's easy to see why.
The Ionian islands with their line of sight sailing, predictable breeze, lack of tide and wonderful food combine to create the ideal sailing holiday. Fast forward to the 21st century and Sunsail's reach now extends to Croatia with bases in Agana on the Dalmation Coast, Dubrovnik, and their original base in Lefkas.
At every base, their expert team use their local knowledge and experience to design itineraries and provide hands-on support, ensuring you get the best out of your charter and the stunning natural surroundings in the comfort of a beautifully maintained Sunsail yacht.
Greek adventures
Claire, base manager and Greece country manager for Sunsail describes Lefkas and its surrounding islands as one of Greece's hidden gems. With stunning natural beauty, authentic Greek culture and incredible beaches without the overwhelming crowds of more famous Islands, it's the go-to for sailors looking for a more authentic and relaxed holiday. From Lefkas, it's a short sail or motor to the many small, unspoiled islands of the Ionian. Must-visits for Claire include Meganisi, 'with hidden coves and sea caves, great for sailing and sea food with a laid-back, authentic Greek village vibe'.
The tiny island of Kastos is another favourite, where you'll find a small stone harbour, a handful of houses and a few tavernas. Neighbouring island Kalamos where the hills are covered in fragrant Pine forests has several perfect natural harbours, which are calm and protected. It's the place for quiet beaches, swimming in peace and avoiding the crowds. As Claire says, if you're looking for
'slow living where you won't find big beach bars or resorts, just local tavernas with fresh fish, homemade wine and homegrown vegetables' then Greece is the place.
Curated Croatia
Over in Croatia, local expert Mirna, Sunsail's flotilla and events manager in their Agana base says their small, quaint marina in Agana has everything you need for a relaxed, low-stress start to your week. From here, extensive sailing grounds open up, including the secluded bays along the south or north islands of the region. Mirna recommends 'Stomorska town on Šolta island - not on everybody's list, but its small beach, safe town quay, and charming houses have a very relaxing effect. Add a family run winery which is 5 minutes away by taxi, and a cool little beach bar and you've got a winning combination'.
She also loves Pucišca town on Brac island, such a firm favourite with the flotilla team that they created a new flotilla route to include it. Her top hidden gems include Tatinja bay on Solta's south side and Korcula town where there's a cocktail bar on the top of a 15th century tower.
Follow the sun on Flotilla
Joining a flotilla gives you the adventure without the uncertainty. With plenty of curated itineraries to choose from and a lead crew including a skipper, technician and host to show you the way, flotillas promise stress-free, effortless sailing holidays with the freedom of your own yacht, and it's where Sunsail's decades of experience come to the fore. Pre-designed itineraries open up hidden bays (this year their line-up includes the enticing 'Lefkas Hidden Harbours') and the best anchoring spots, and it's wonderfully relaxing to know that your lead crew reserve moorings each evening. Not only that, your lead crew are always on hand to help with mooring so you can relax with a glass of something cold and enjoy the view all the sooner. They even arrange restaurant bookings and social activities each night.
Go your own way
For more experienced sailors confident handling their own boat, Sunsail also offer bareboat charters from every Sunsail base in the Med, including Athens and Corfu.
Sunsail have coded each destination so you can plan according to confidence and ability, from easy to more challenging routes. Athens as a destination is sailing level 3 meaning it has the most challenging sailing conditions including the strong Meltemi winds. There's also the option to discover two destinations in one charter. This year they recommend their Montenegro itinerary from their base in Dubrovnik.
Sunsail support act
Wherever you choose, you and your guests might be sailing solo and creating your own itinerary, but you still have the full support of the local Sunsail team, including their 4-hour commitment
meaning their expert team will be there within 4 hours to sort out any issues with the boat. Before you slip your lines, they can give you plenty of advice on the best anchorages, tips for the perfect picnic spot and the most sheltered bays.
Monohull or Catamaran?
Sunsail's award winning fleet includes sleek monohulls and spacious catamarans.
Designed by renowned manufacturers Jeanneau, Beneteau and Dufour with performance in mind, Sunsail's monohulls are easy to handle in every condition. From compact 32 footers to spacious 54 footers sleeping up to 12, all yachts are scrupulously maintained and well-appointed for comfort and include modern touches like electric winches and the latest furling systems. For 2026, their award-winning fleet is expanding with six new Dufour 41.3 arriving in Lefkas in time for June.
If you love the space and stability of a Catamaran, Sunsail's fleet offer full-height cabins, on-deck lounging areas, and wide outdoor spaces. Inside, expansive open designs and large windows create a bright interior, and a shallow draft means you can explore shallow waters and pretty coastlines.
For more information or to book, visit Sunsail, sign up to their newsletters for the latest offers and inspiration, or call Sunsail's expert holiday planners on 0330 029 2500
For T&Cs visit sunsail.com/uk