Let's debunk a myth: sailing holidays are not a costly choice, not just for skilled skippers, and haven't been "snobbish" for a long time. On the contrary. Today, you can book a week on board starting from 30 euros per day and reach uninhabited islands, beaches, and coves that you wouldn't discover otherwise, as long as you have a desire for sun, wind, and sea!
Svalbard Islands suggests 5 must-see destinations for this summer!
Hyeres Archipelago: a corner of paradise on the French Riviera
France
A location entirely dedicated to tourism and the preservation of nature, where the floral and faunal heritage is rich and diverse and protected by strict regulations that have been preserving the landscape for years (it's even forbidden to smoke outdoors!). A cruise to Porquerolles, in short, is the ultimate experience for those seeking tranquility, in contact with the sea and greenery. Very few cars and commercial activities are present on the island. It's a unique atmosphere even for cycling enthusiasts; in fact, the island is ideal for exploring on two wheels.
But let's see what you need to pack to make the most of a cruise to Porquerolles. If you love cycling, don't miss the opportunity to go on excursions: therefore, it's recommended to bring gloves, a helmet, and suitable shoes for cycling, or a folding stick to make walking easier. Don't forget a camera!
Aeolian Islands Archipelago: a Mediterranean gem
Italy
According to legend, this archipelago formed by seven splendid islands, surrounded by wild cliffs, was chosen as the home by Aeolus, the god of the winds. What is certain is that its beauty led UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage Site and that its charm attracts crowds of tourists every year, gathered at the ferry and motorboat docks under the blazing sun. But this won't be our case aboard a magnificent sailboat!
According to legend, this archipelago formed by seven splendid islands, surrounded by wild cliffs, was chosen as the home by Aeolus, the god of the winds. What is certain is that its beauty led UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage Site and that its charm attracts crowds of tourists every year, gathered at the ferry and motorboat docks under the blazing sun. But this won't be our case aboard a magnificent sailboat!
Nile cruises are back: 2019 will be the year of classical Egypt.
Egypt
For years, Nile cruises have been interrupted due to security issues in Egypt. But now things have changed. In this ship journey, you don't stay in one place for long, but thanks to navigation along the river, you touch some of the most important archaeological sites in human history. The classic Nile cruise lasts eight days, including flights, and includes these stops: the temples of Luxor and Karnak (often in the evening, you also witness the suggestive sound and light show), the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, Edfu with the Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and the Temple of Sobek, Aswan, the Temple of Philae on the island which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, the island of Elephantine with its small pyramid.
Cyclades Archipelago: 220 islands of rare beauty arranged in a circle in the Aegean Sea.
Greece
This is a sailing cruise suitable for everyone, no experience is required, just a pinch of adventurous spirit and a passion for the sea. Green and brown hills, dotted with white and blue houses and churches, against the backdrop of the deep blue sea. Tinos, despite being the third largest island in the Cyclades archipelago in the Southern Aegean Sea, is still relatively unknown to mass tourism and offers a sailing vacation different from the usual "Cyclades". More experienced sailors can practice sailing and navigation, learning to navigate safely even at night!
Lofoten and Vesteralen Islands: Beyond the borders of the Arctic Circle, where the sun never sets.
Norway
Did you know that no one knows how many islands are in this archipelago? There seems to be uncertainty about whether to count rocks as islands, so the number of islands in the archipelago is shrouded in mystery. However, there are 5 main islands. Along the shores of these islands, you can admire the best northern lights and the spectacular midnight sun.
The economy of these islands is based almost exclusively on the fishing of cod and the trade of stockfish. In fact, 95% of the stockfish produced in the Lofoten Islands ends up in the Italian market! For this reason, the culinary aspect represents another source of great curiosity and should not be missed!
The beauty of these archipelagos has also been recognized by National Geographic Traveler, which ranked the Lofoten Islands third among the most enchanting islands in the world.
