For intrepid travellers looking for their own slice of paradise, the boat hire platform Click&Boat has revealed four hidden late summer European destinations accessible only by boat.
UK holidaymakers can avoid the busy beaches of the Mediterranean and sail to one of Europe’s lesser-known destinations, including Porquerolles island on the south coast of France, and the Cíes Islands in northern Spain. Further afield, hidden gems include the uninhabited Greek island of Kato Koufonisi and the island of Ponza in Italy, which is a popular destination for A-list celebrities but is relatively unknown by UK holidaymakers.
Known as the ‘Airbnb of the seas’*, the Click&Boat platform allows boat owners to hire out yachts with or without a skipper when not in use quickly and conveniently, with options including boat hire in Greece, Italy, Spain and France.
Kato Koufonisi in Greece: Within Reach Via A Lagoon 39 Catamaran from Paros
The uninhabited Greek island of Kato Koufonisi is one of the islands in the Small Cyclades and although there is no electricity or accommodation, free camping is permitted. The untouched beaches on the secret paradise island can be accessed by sailing from the nearby island of Paros, with available boats to hire via Click&Boat including a Lagoon 39 Catamaran.
The luxurious and comfortable boat is skippered by captain Nikos, who has been sailing the Aegean Sea for more than 30 years and is happy to provide guests with insider knowledge on the best locations located within the Cycladic Islands. Along with a full-equipped gallery and snorkelling equipment, the catamaran also boasts four cabins and can, therefore, sleep up to eight people. The luxurious Lagoon 39 catamaran is available to hire from £5,250 per week, based on travel in late September 2019.
Porquerolles in France: Explore for The Day with Boat Hire from Hyères
The crescent-shaped island of Porquerolles on France’s south coast is home to a charming village, hidden trails and nearby underwater shipwrecks. The island and surrounding sea can be explored for the day by hiring the Jeanneau Cap Camarat 625 boat from the nearby town of Hyères. The boat can accommodate up to seven people and can be hired with or without a skipper so is well-suited for those with previous sailing experience. The boat is ideal for sunbathing and also includes a dining table. The motorboat is available to hire from just £192 per day, based on travel from 1st September – 31st October 2019.
Ponza in Italy: Discover The Island By Catamaran From Naples
Although the low-key island of Ponza off the coast of central Italy is well-known by Italians and A-list celebrities, its beautiful and quiet beaches are relatively unknown to UK holidaymakers. The seaside towns and harbours of Ponza can be reached from Naples by hiring a boat such as Click&Boat’s Bali 4.1 catamaran, which has four comfortable cabins each equipped with a private bathroom and a double bed. The boat is ideal for those planning longer sailing trips, since it includes a large and comfortable dining area, plus a current generator and a marine dissalator, which provides unlimited fresh water to those onboard. After exploring Ponza, sailors can also visit the nearby island of Capri and onwards to the Amalfi Coast. The catamaran can be hired from £1,406 per day or from £5,438 per week, based on travel from 15th – 21st September 2019.
Cíes Islands in Spain: Reachable by Sailboat from Vigo
Declared as the ‘islands of the gods’ by the Romans, the Cíes Islands are a stunning collection of three islands off the north coast of Spain. The archipelago is home to beautiful beaches and a National Park, all of which can be accessed via the ELAN Performance 37 sailboat listed on Click&Boat’s website. The 11.34 metre sailboat has the capacity for eight people and consists of three double cabins and a living room. The boat is available to hire from £1,406 per week, based on travel in September 2019.
Both experienced and novice sailors, or those with no previous experience at all, can hire boats for the day or even longer via Click&Boat as many boats on the platform can be rented with an onboard crew or skipper.
*According to CNN in February 2018.