Discover the Mediterranean’s Hidden Gems by Yacht
Secluded islands, off-the-beaten-path destinations, and hidden yachting harbors on yachting voyages designed for unhurried discovery—accessible thanks to the small size of your intimate SeaDream yacht
Imagine anchoring in the heart of the Mediterranean’s exclusive yachting harbors. Exploring off-the-beaten path locations, where charming Old Towns, quaint fishing villages, and hidden islands invite discovery—crowd-free and without schedules. Where every day and evening becomes a new opportunity to soak in a place’s distinctive charms and local flavors. Just you, the destination, and the intimate experiences that only a Mediterranean yacht cruise with SeaDream Yacht Club provides.
From the Greek Isles and the French, Italian and Spanish Rivieras to southern Italy and France, these private destinations are not those that one simply decides to travel to. Rather, these are locales that define how one travels. Accessible to private yachts and small sailing vessels that drop anchor off the coast, they provide otherworldly fascinations, natural preserves, and untouched beaches accented by the azure waters and sea breezes of the Mediterranean. Whether you sail aboard SeaDream I or SeaDream II on a small yacht cruise, know that you’ll journey where the big ships can’t go—and look forward to a small luxury cruise ship ambiance on a personalized, elegant yacht designed for discovery and delight.
YACHT THE MEDITERRANEAN’S HIDDEN GEMS
Capri, Italy
Tucked in the Gulf of Naples, the luxurious island of Capri is defined by its breathtaking landscapes and upscale beach resorts, sitting pretty on the picturesque beaches of the Marina Grande and Marina Piccola harbors. Besides upscale boutiques and abundant seafood cafés, this hidden island along the Amalfi Coast has so much to offer including the famous Grotta Azzurra, Villa Jovis, Giardini di Augusto, Certosa di San Giacomo, Villa San Michele di Axel Munthe, and the uniquely shaped Faraglioni Rocks. The village of Anacapri, located high on the hills to the west, offers ample opportunity to take in museums and art galleries, and visitors can continue up to Mt. Solero, the island’s highest point, for breathtaking views. Ascend the infamous 921 Phoenician Steps, linking the port of Marina Grande with Anacapri, which for thousands of years provided the only means of reaching the village before the carriageway was completed in 1874.
On many itineraries, SeaDream yachts dock alongside in Capri until late at night, allowing guests to step off the yacht and into Capri with ease, without tendering ashore—a unique experience due to the intimate size of our yachts. This secret gem offers a sophisticated charm that comes alive in the evening. A guest favorite includes boarding the funicular that runs between the port in Marina Grande and the Piazzetta in Capri town above, where incredible views, buzzing bistros, and luxe boutiques await.
Positano, Italy
The celebrated writer John Steinbeck once said, “Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” One of the most charming villages along the UNESCO-awarded Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, undiscovered Positano is perched on the face of a hill and winds down toward the sea. Besides the incredibly romantic atmosphere, the seaside retreat offers excellent shopping, beautiful beaches, and secluded hiking trails.
Sorrento, Italy
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Sorrentine coast and set amid fragrant gardens of orange and lemon trees, Sorrento, quite simply, enchants. Looking out toward the Bay of Naples, the secluded town boasts incomparable views of the sea and mighty Mt. Vesuvius. The Old Town’s narrow, cobblestone streets lead to lovely cafés boasting abundant fresh seafood and traditional spaghetti alle vongole, market stalls, and ancient buildings and monuments. For the more active, the nearby Punta Campanella Natural Maritime Reserve provides scuba and snorkeling opportunities. Kayakers can paddle to nearby Leranto Bay, where hiking opportunities among olive groves abound.
Ponza, Italy
Part of the Pontine Island group and located in the region of Lazio, Ponza is a truly hidden island nestled in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Shaped like a crescent moon, its glistening blue coastline is varied and dramatic with several rocky coves and sandy beaches as well as numerous grottos, caves, and craggy cliffs. The island has crystal clear waters and is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, biking, snorkeling and scuba diving. From your yacht’s signature Marina, we offer full water sports activities while anchored off this Italian secret gem.
Portovenere, Italy
This tiny medieval town in Liguria is just minutes from the famous Cinque Terre yet still under the radar for those traveling to the Italina Riviera. Despite its seafront location, it is not an actual beach resort like other towns in Liguria, making it one of the most charming destinations along this secret stretch of the coast. Portovenere enjoys UNESCO World Heritage site status and a beauty seldom seen elsewhere along the Ligurian Coast. Visit the 12th-century castle and 13th-century church of San Pietro. Walk along the cliffs to discover narrow streets filled with cafés, gelaterias, and boutiques. Stroll one of its lovely beaches, accessible via pebbly coves, where you can sunbathe from either land or yacht.
YACHT THE MEDITERRANEAN’S HIDDEN GEMS
Hydra, Greece
According to the early Greek Poet Hesiod, Hydra is the offspring of Typhon and Echidna, a gigantic snake-like water creature with multiple heads, one of which is immortal. Despite, or perhaps because of its mythological history, Hydra enjoys a long reputation as the artists’ muse of the Greek Islands—although few travelers have heard of it. Car-free and protected by a preservation order, and built around a crescent-shaped harbor, Hydra centers on a strand of restaurants, shops, markets, and galleries that cater to visitors and locals alike. Hydra’s allure lies in her rich history and seaside waterfront, offering a rugged charm perfect for self-exploration. Next to Kaminia lies the untouched beach of Vlychos, with its black-pebbled shore and crystal-clear waters. Take a guided walk through the hidden paths of Hydra town and along the coastline that lead to Vlychos Beach and reward yourself with a refreshing swim in the clear blue sea.
Milos, Greece
Perhaps providing the most diverse and dramatic coastline of all the Greek islands, sheltered, horseshoe-shaped Milos boasts more than 70 beaches and is heralded as the location where Venus de Milo (the ancient Greek goddess Aphrodite) was discovered. While discovering your favorite sand upon which to relax, don’t overlook Sarakiniko’s volcanic white cliffs and Papafragas’s emerald-green swimming holes and caves—shaped by the island’s unique minerals, including obsidian, barite, and sulphur, which happily bubble up in abundant hot springs—a secret gem within a secret gem of an island!
At SeaDream, we believe our beautiful world beckons to be explored and experienced. This is why we offer complimentary shoreside activities—including hikes and a walk with our Club Director or crew, mountain bike rides, and Chef Walks through local farmers’ markets—on our Mediterranean itineraries. For those who want to dive deeper and linger longer, we have developed a wide array of engaging experiences with professional guides, our SeaDream Yachting Land Adventures (YLAs)—adventurous, culinary, and cultural—each designed to bring you closer to your destination.
Cassis, France
This small coastal village and wine-producing area in the Provence region of southeast France is truly off the beaten path. It is home to turquoise waters, dramatic seaside cliffs, and an abundance of sun-drenched days. As well as being one of the most beautiful towns in Provence, Cassis is most famous for being the gateway to the Massif des Calanques, a national park defined by its unusual rock formations and hiking trails that stretches between La Ciotat, Cassis, and the 9th district of Marseille.
Bonifacio, Corsica, France
A true hidden gem. The medieval Old Town of Bonifacio is the oldest town in Corsica, retaining many of its original homes that line the top of its white limestone peninsula cliffs. The town’s maze of narrow cobblestone streets, accented by medieval buildings, pretty squares, and tiny cafes, make this city more than worthy of a day of relaxation and discovery.
Sanary-sur-Mer, France
Chic boutiques, outdoor markets, cozy cafés, and long stretches of beach define this quiet next-door neighbor to Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer. Explore the fishing boat-dotted harbor and stroll its waterfront, lined with palm trees and pastel-colored houses. Pause in the Byzantine-style churches of the nineteenth century. Explore the historic center, completed with the small Chapel of the Penitents Blanc with its seventeenth-century pieta and busts of St. Nazaire and St. Peter. From there, perhaps walk to the west of Sanary-sur-Mer, which follows the Stations of the Cross up Oratory hill until you reach the Chapel of Notre-Dame de Pitié, a sixteenth-century chapel providing views of the coast and the small islands that lie offshore.
YACHT THE MEDITERRANEAN’S HIDDEN GEMS
Puerto Banus, Spain
Nicknamed “the Monte Carlo of Spain,” Puerto Banus sits pretty on the Spanish Riviera, in a sheltered harbor where private yachts drop anchor and your SeaDream yacht drops its signature Marina platform and water toys. Once an active fishing port, the Marina is defined by its beautiful beaches and upscale beach clubs, luxury boutiques, and upmarket bars and restaurants. From Puerto Banus, venture even farther off the beaten track to Ronda, one of Spain’s oldest cities, located high in the Andalusian mountains, for exclusive wine-tasting experiences.
Cadiz, Spain
This old walled city's history and charm have been inextricably linked with its maritime adventures since time immoral—though few travelers have heard of it. Dramatically situated on a slice of land surrounded on three sides by the sea, Cádiz launched two of Columbus’ four voyages to the New World. Reportedly the oldest city in Europe still standing, its many watchtowers stand guard over the Old Town, where stunning beaches and incredible natural parks are just a stroll or hike away. From Cádiz, travel to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art to spy the famed Andalusian horses.
Are you ready to experience the hidden gems of the Mediterranean on a luxury yacht cruise? SeaDream provides you with an intimate view of these destinations unlike any other boutique travel line. Click here to check availability and reserve your next voyage.