Sailing into the sunset

Holly Kirkwood has the pick of boating hotspots along the Mediterranean

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GLIDING through crystal-clear waters at twilight, gin and tonic in hand, has to be one of life’s greatest pleasures. From May to September, there is nowhere in the world better to sail than the Mediterranean: the sea is clear and calm and the scenery is spectacular. The Med is a Mecca for superyachts in the summertime, but, as Alasdair Pritchard from Knight Frank’s Private Office (020–3553 7755) points out, only very few people can afford a vessel large enough to be comfortable for any length of time: ‘The majority of those who sail prefer to own a villa on the water, and charter boats as they go along,’ he notes. So where are the best locations from which you can easily get out on the waves?

Mallorca and Ibiza, Spain

The Balearics are among the Med’s most popular sailing locations. Mallorca has plenty of wonderful cales, or coves, worth exploring and the spectacular Cabrera National Park repays repeat visits. On Ibiza, the cales to the south have pristine white beaches and Puerto Espalmador is a photogenic anchorage between Ibiza and the charming island of Formentera.

The sailing crowd often base themselves around Port d’Andratx. One of the most impressive natural harbours in the Med, it has a well-regarded sailing club and excellent amenities, including beach bars and restaurants. Both Palma and Andratx are in high demand from international buyers, particularly along the waterfront.