Europe is an ideal playground for boaters. A cruise in Europe offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and opportunities, from the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Let me introduce you to the compelling reasons to set sail for European waterways and discover some of the most beautiful European cruises.
When When we think of cruises, we often think of faraway destinations. We imagine cross the Atlantic and sail to the Caribbean islands. The most Adventurers will even plan to swim in the lagoons of the Pacific. Yet, adventure is much closer to home. A cruise in Europe offers countless opportunities for sailing and discovery.
To sail far while remaining close.
France’s geographical location allows its boaters to be situated in the heart of one of the continents offering the most varied and often the most beautiful bodies of water. Europe offers an incredible diversity of landscapesresulting in a total change of scenery in just a few days of sailing.
At the same time, embarking on a grand cruise in Europe allows you to stay connected to reality and your home. Major European ports are all just a few hours’ flight from major European cities. Perfect for rent a sailboat with agencies like Globesailor. For example, this ease of use allows for extending and/or increasing cruise opportunities. A quick look at websites like l’officiel-des-vacances.com reveals the numerous cruise options available, many of which are inexpensive.
Renting a boat in Europe for the diversity of landscapes
As we mentioned earlier, Europe offers an incredible diversity of landscapes, atmospheres, and cultures. Indeed, from the Mediterranean to the Baltic Sea, via the Atlantic coasts and the English ChannelCruises offer a diverse range of experiences, from vibrant colors and exotic scents to breathtaking vistas. Sailing in the Mediterranean means discovering the Spanish coast, passing through the Balearic Islands and Palma de Mallorca, before perhaps continuing on to Marseille or Corsica. But it also means experiencing a change of scenery by cruising along the Italian coast.
Further east, you can navigate in Adriatic Sea and stop over in Albania, or further north, in Croatia, and discover Dubrovnik, Split, or Rovinj. And what about the Aegean Sea and its countless islands, passing through the Gulf of Corinth. Finally, sailing in RussiaIt’s about discovering mysterious and wild waters.
But Europe is also the Atlanticits islands, its long beaches and its Spanish and Breton riasHow can you resist the wild landscapes of Galicia and Asturias, which reveal a lesser-known side of Spain? The French coast will introduce you to its islands, their colors, and their atmospheres. From Oléron to the Îles du Ponant in Brittany, the reasons to stop over are countless. Further north, you’ll discover a new, Nordic Europe. After a stopover in Ireland, or PortsmouthIn England, you can set off to explore Viking lands and their fjords before you sink to the bottom of the Baltic Sea, towards the Slavic lands, the banks of the Neva and Saint Petersburg, in Russia.
From sea navigation to river navigation
Europe isn’t just discovered from the outside. Europe knows how to reveal itself to those who venture into its shores. Indeed, a cruise in Europe is also navigating on rivers, lakes and canals. A river cruise can take you places you never thought you’d go by boat. It’s possible to discover the south of France thanks to the Canal du MidiTo the west, Brittany offers its Celtic landscapes as you travel along the Nantes-Brest Canal and the Vilaine and Blavet rivers. A little further north, you can explore much of the Netherlands and Belgium via their numerous canals.
The most important inland waterway areas are undoubtedly Eastern Europe. Of course, one could also mention the Elbe or the Volga. The RhineIt is one of the most important waterways. You can discover southern Germany there, including cities like Frankfurt, Rothenburg, Nuremberg, and Regensburg.
But to discuss inland sailing without mentioning the many European lakes would be incomplete. Sailing in Europe is also possible with a transportable sailboat. The advantage of a small sailboat is its ability to navigate almost anywhere, including on lakes, wherever they may be. Europe offers magnificent bodies of water for exploring the mountains, such as Lake Geneva, of course, but also Lake Annecy.
Cruises for large and small sailboats
Do A cruise in Europe, or several cruises, is therefore a way to discover… Beautiful landscapes, diverse cultures, all close to home. The proximity, administrative facilities and the absence of borders is Obviously a plus. But at the same time, sailing in Europe allows you to sailing with any type of boat.
You don’t need an 18-meter sailboat to cross the English Channel, nor even a large aluminum catamaran to explore the Greek islands. A 10-meter sailboat is sufficient for sailing all over Europe. You’ll never have to endure a 10-day crossing before reaching land. In fact, a 7.5-meter sailboat, which is easily transportable, could be considered an excellent vessel for exploring all the seas of Europe with ease.
Selection of cruises in Europe
| Cruise Title | Description | Estimated Time | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean Cruise: French Riviera | Exploring the splendid French coasts, including Saint-Tropez, Cannes and the Hyères Islands. | 1 to 2 weeks | AVERAGE |
| Mediterranean Cruise: Greek Islands | Sail between the islands of the Cyclades, discover Santorini, Mykonos and their crystal clear waters. | 2 to 3 weeks | Medium to Difficult |
| Mediterranean Cruise: Corsica | Explore the wild coast of Corsica, with stops in Calvi, Ajaccio and the magnificent cliffs of Bonifacio. | 1 to 2 weeks | AVERAGE |
| Mediterranean Cruise: Croatian Islands | Explore the Dalmatian islands, including Hvar, Korčula and the Kornati islands, with their secluded coves and historic villages. | 1 to 2 weeks | AVERAGE |
| Northern Europe Cruise: Norwegian Fjords | Travel through the spectacular Norwegian fjords, admire the majestic landscapes and small towns like Bergen. | 2 to 3 weeks | Difficult |
| Northern Europe Cruise: Stockholm Archipelago | Navigate among the thousands of islands of the Stockholm archipelago, offering unspoiled nature and picturesque villages. | 1 to 2 weeks | Easy to Medium |
| Atlantic Coast Cruise: Brittany | Explore the wild coast of Brittany, with stops in Saint-Malo, the Glénan Islands and Belle-Île-en-Mer. | 1 to 2 weeks | Medium to Difficult |
| Atlantic Coast Cruise: Canary Islands | Discover the volcanic landscapes and beaches of the Canary Islands, with stops in Tenerife and Lanzarote. | 2 to 3 weeks | AVERAGE |
| Cruise on the Atlantic Coast: Islands of Southern Brittany and Charente Maritime | Discover the islands of Southern Brittany such as Groix, Belle-Île and the Charente islands such as Ré and Oléron, with their beaches, nature and discreet little ports. | 1 to 2 weeks | AVERAGE |
| Cruise on Lakes and Rivers: Canal du Midi | Enjoy a peaceful cruise on the famous Canal du Midi, crossing the south of France with its locks and charming villages. | 1 to 2 weeks | Easy |
| Lake and River Cruise: Lake Constance | Sail on Lake Constance, bordered by Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with alpine scenery and historic towns like Constance and Lindau. | 1 week | Easy |
| Lake and River Cruise: Douro River | Explore Portugal’s Douro Valley, famous for its vineyards and picturesque villages, starting in Porto. | 1 to 2 weeks | Easy to Medium |
For In conclusion, Europe is a wonderful cruising destination. The opportunities many will visit our continent. A week is enough to navigate many regions of the continent.