West Mediterranean Cruising Regions
Introducing the West Mediterranean
This page very briefly lists differences between the cruising regions from the Straits of Gibraltar to the Heel of Italy, and leads to region pages giving far more detail. Sophistication, with seasonal crowds and expense, and a lively cafe culture, summarises the northern cruising regions. These contrast markedly with the undeveloped north Africa coastline. Throughout the area there are excellent fresh food markets. The detailed region pages, reached from the left menu, are available to members only. Further Information sources covering the whole area are listed at the bottom of this page.
The Weather
Weather follows the the general Mediterranean pattern with the exception of the notorious tramontana/mistral, blowing off the French mainland coast, and the easterlies/westerlies which blast though the Gibraltar Straits. Both winds can be reliably forecast, often some days ahead, although the onset may be sudden.
Tramontana/Mistral. These strong winds can blow down the valleys of the Rhone (Mistral) and the Ebro (Tramontana), sometimes out of a clear blue sky, and interrupt the settled weather pattern. A well developed Mistral can extend as far as the Bonifacio Strait, where it will give very strong winds, up to force 9 or 10. It can curve northwards to give equally strong winds off Cap Corse or head southeastwards, to the south of Sicily. During winter these winds are a frequent and serious threat to safe sailing, producing large breaking seas. For this reason, winter sailing in affected areas is too limited to be useful.
Gibraltar Straits. Winds through the straits blow either W (Poniente) or E (Levanter), often days at a time, and quite strongly. Direction depends on the pressure difference between east and west.You may have to wait for a change.
The Cruising Regions
SE Spain. From Gibraltar to Denia (jumping off point for the Balearics) is a 350nm coast of passage, including some of the most densely developed tourism complexes in Europe. Marinas are conveniently spaced a short day sail apart, but in peak season frequently fill early, and some are expensive. There are few sheltered anchorages. Larger towns with good flight connections offer less expensive berths and make attractive wintering spots with an exceptionally dry climate. Visits to Cartagena, Seville and Granada are recommended. Enjoy the tapas and seafood. More . . .
NE Spain. From Denia northwards is a more attractive coast of passage - about 250nm to the French border. Valencia and Barcelona are great cities well worth a visit, attractive for wintering, if slightly soured by the nuisance of petty theft in busy areas, and a shortage of nearby anchorages. Further north, the Costa Brava is attractive, with many small anchorages, some lovely beaches and a pleasant open air cafe life.
Balearics. Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera form a busy holiday playground with some beautiful spots for a cruiser to visit. It's easy to occupy 4 weeks or more working through the islands. Patches are very noisy in season, but around Ibiza and Formentera there are some otherwise sublime anchorages. The major town centres are very attractive. Chartering is well developed. Harbours and marinas are crowded in high season, sometimes very expensive. There are plenty of winter layup options, with excellent yacht support around Palma, and year round flights from the airport. Winter cruising is feasible in settled weather, limited by the north quadrant mistral or tramontana winds.
French Mainland. Best thought of as having two halves; east or west of Marseilles. The coast from the Spanish border to Marseille, blasted by regular northerly mistral winds, is one of windiest parts of the Mediterranean, especially in winter. However, there are good value marinas here suitable for winter layup. East of Marseille the scenery becomes striking, the coast is thoroughly developed, and the winds are lighter. There are plenty of anchorages, attractive offshore islets, and some incredibly high value real estate, culminating in in the statelet of Monaco. St Tropez is worth a night in the new marina just to see the jetset in full cry in the old harbour and to visit the old town, which has retained its Provencal flavour. All types of chartering are possible. Motor yachts in high season create uncomfortable lumpy seas in some anchorages.
West Italy. From the French border to La Spezia the Italian coast has a similar style to neighbouring France; smart and busy. South of La Spezia the list of inland 'must visit' places is long; including Florence, Siena, Pisa, Roma, and Napoli. Offshore, small offshore islands from Elba to Capri ad interest. South of Naples, cruising is less crowded, even in high season. Great sites to visit are Pompeii, the crater of Vesuvius and Herculaneum. Add Italian food, and it's easy to see why many motor cruisers choose these coasts, however busy the northern parts are in high season. Lighter winds put some sailboat cruisers off; they prefer brisker sailing around Sardinia and Corsica.
Corsica and Sardinia. Corsica and Sardinia, compared with the Balearics, are lightly populated and thinly developed. Excellent silver sand beaches and some cosy coves offer good day anchorages. West Corsica has some of the most dramatic scenery in the Mediterranean. Smaller towns have developed to serve the holiday trade, but keep a strong local character. The larger towns offer good winter layup options. The wind-swept straits between the two islands are dotted with many islands which create a splendid cruising area, badly over-crowded with yachts and water craft during an expensive six week peak season, and busy at other times. Chartering is possible. The high fashion Costa Smeralda (at the centre of this lot) is a place to gawp at the super-rich in their super yachts. The east coasts, by contrast, are rather plain, but good value. Allow at least 4 weeks only to skim the best of both islands.
Sicily, Malta, S Italy. Many cruisers stage through this area, en route to or from the east Mediterranean. This is a shame, because Sicily, easily circumnavigated in four weeks day sailing, offers some fine highlights. The greatest spots - the Aeolian Islands, the ancient towns and ruins along the east coast, Etna and Taormina - must not be missed, but they are very crowded in high season. Nearby Malta offers excellent yacht support services and is a favourite wintering spot. Those seeking even cheaper wintering costs take a step outside the EU to Tunisia. Southern Italy is thinly populated and has few ports, so is effectively just a coast of passage, often passed at night.
North Africa Coast. The UK Foreign Office recommends avoiding many regions in Algeria for all except essential purposes due to the high risk of terrorist activity directed against northern Europeans. Morocco (non-EU, excepting the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla) and Tunisia (non-EU) offer friendly welcomes to a very different way of life. Both are useful for lower cost wintering and experiencing a completely different culture. Their coastlines are sparsely populated, English is rarely spoken (French is more common) and anchoring outside harbours generally not permitted. Arrival and departure from every port has to be recorded with the authorities.
Further Information
- Pilot Books and Charts
- Bloc Marine Mediterranee is the French equivalent of Reeds Almanac, written in French and English. It covers much of the West Mediterranean (though a little sparse on Africa) giving marina details such as phone numbers, prices and chartlets. Local French regulations are covered, with a short dictionary.
- For waters around Italy, the online Pagine D'Azzuro guide gives detailed port descriptions
- The 2008 West Mediterranean Cruising Guide booklet is an abbreviated version of this Web Cruising Guide. It can be downloaded free of charge by members as a .pdf fle, together with corrections to bring the file up to date.
- Check the CA Discount Shop for other local pilot books.
- Pilot Book updates for various Mediterranean regions can be downoaded. Use your back button to return to this page.
