Large Yachts - Western Mediterranean Yacht Destinations

 Ajaccio, Corsica
The sprawling sandy beaches of Ajaccio, Corsica's capital, are fringed with palm trees, ancient buildings and cafes. The houses and boats glitter with wild, bright primary colours. Look over the fascinating artifacts in historic Bonaparte House, where Napoleon was born, and the 16th Century cathedral where he was baptised.

 Bonifacio, Corsica
Entering Bonifacio's almost land-locked harbour is one of the most dramatic moments in sailing, as it opens magically before you revealing a totally protected harbour, a bustling port with excellent seafood restaurants, and a modern marina. The ancient citadel town is perched high atop a seemingly impenetrable granite cliff.

 Calvi, Corsica
Napoleon once said that he could recognise his native island blindfolded because of the wonderful perfume of the maquis. Approaching the sea, it is the first thing you experience about Corsica. The second is its wild and mountainous landscape. Nearby, are secluded beaches, the eerie Grottes des Veaux Matins, and a fantastic underwater excursion area for certified divers.

 Cannes France
Glittering Cannes is the archetypal Mediterranean resort city, discovered by wealthy English nobles who came to the sunny south of France to escape their drafty old castles during the dreary British winters. Cannes' high flying lifestyle has attracted notables and the notorious ever since. Every year, the stars flock to celebrate the Cannes Film Festival at the colossal Palais des Festival.

 Costa Smeralda/Porto Cervo, Sardinia
The run across the Straits between Corsica and Sardinia is one of sailing's most exhilarating rides. Sardinia is a rugged, earth toned land inhabited by an ancient people who have changed little since the Dark Ages. The Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) is a beautiful resort area developed by the Aga Khan, and in direct contrast to the surrounding countryside. Here you enter a far different world, a luxury, pampered world few are privileged to experience.

 Giglio, Italy
The Isola del Giglio sits in splendid isolation in the Tuscan archipelago, awaiting your visitation to its pristine shores. The town of Giglio Porto is dominated by a stone watchtower built by the Medicis. You'll have your pick of beaches on Giglio, including one where sand and water are the colour of gold.

 The Roussel St. Florent, Corsica
The modern seaside resort of L'ile Rousse is situated on the North West coast of Corsica. Pascal Paoli established this development to compete with Calvi, located only a few miles away. Nearby are the famous caves of Veaux Matins. In St. Florent, the fortress was built in the fifteenth century on the foundations of an old Roman settlement. West of St. Florent ties the desolate landscape of the Agriates desert.

 Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monaco is the fabled domain of princes and movie stars. The magnificent Palais du Prince and opulent casinos remind you of an elegant, prewar era. With more wealth concentrated in one small area than almost any place on earth, this tiny principality retains its gilt edged allure.

 Portofino, Italy
Entering a tiny harbour, your graceful sailing ship takes her place among gaily festooned yachts from far and near. On the hills above, palatial villas in ice-cream colours look down on exclusive boutiques and harbour-side cafes. This is Portofino, a name that has come to symbolise the sophisticated, sybaritic lifestyle of the Italian Riviera.

 Portoferraio. Elba
From his villa in Portoferraio, Napoleon, the exiled Emperor of France, looked out over the waiting ships in the harbour and dreamed of returning to glory. Pine scented forests and wind carved headlands shelter hidden coves where sandy beaches invite you to wade into clear turquoise waters. Enjoy a local vineyard tour, and near Portoferraio, discover the remains of an ancient Etruscan civilisation.

 Porto Rotondo, Sardinia
Blessed with spectacular coastline and headlands of oak and pine, the landscape is splashed with green and orange brilliance. There are many ancient sites dating from 1600 B.C.

 Portovenere. Italy
At the southernmost end of the Riviera di Levante, on a rockbound peninsula, lies the village of Portovenere. Like Portofino, its inaccessible location kept it isolated for centuries before being discovered by the English poet, Lord Byron. Indeed, the town is a poem in light and colour, with multi-hued stone houses, dating from the I 2th century, climbing the steep hillsides.

 St. Tropez France
It is said that the most spectacular way to approach the exquisite harbour of St Tropez is by sea. St. Tropez is a people watchers paradise, so you will also want to explore her famous beaches, bistros and bars. The appropriately named Tahiti Plage is where topless sun tanning started, and whether you prefer to take it off or take it all in, there's always plenty to see in St. Tropez.

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Giglio, Italy
Portovenerre, Italy
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Cannes, France