Top 10 sailing holidays

Clear blue skies juxtaposed against white painted windmills make sailing in Greece an absolutely legendary prospect. The Greek Cyclades, from Santorini to Syros, promise epic Aegean adventures packed with sensational sunsets, crystal clear coves and sand dusted seaside tavernas.

When to go: May to September
Our top selling trip: Cyclades Islands sailing holiday, Greece
See all our trips: Sailing holidays in the Cyclades
Read more: Cyclades travel guide

Join Captain Jock aboard his stylish sailing yacht ‘Yemaya’ to explore the magnificent River Clyde, and islands such as Arran and Bute. The days are kept free as a bird, so that you can walk, visit distilleries, tour castles and gardens, golf or kayak, returning for sundowners on deck in the evening before meals of locally caught seafood and meat from Scotland’s great ‘natural larder’. And do bring binoculars: on a typical six-day cruise you might encounter eagles, dolphins, seals, otters or basking sharks.

When to go: May to September
Our top selling trip: River Clyde Sailing Holiday
See all our trips: Sailing holidays in Scotland
Read more: Scotland travel guide

Italy's Amalfi Coast has long attracted sailors searching for shimmering shorelines around the islands of Capri, Procida and Ischia. Leave the glitz and glamour for the paparazzi as you sail into an infinite blue Bay of Naples before anchoring for limoncello aperitifs and freshly fried calamari at sunset.

When to go: May to September
Our top selling trip: Amalfi Coast sailing holiday, Italy
See all our trips: Amalfi coast holidays
Read more: Amalfi Coast travel guide

Situated between Santorini and Mykonos, the Small Cyclades offer some superb sailing. The buzzing nightlife on the larger islands of Ios and Naxos combines with traditional tavernas and archeological sites on Amorgos to create a flexible and varied sailing itinerary.

When to go: May to September
Our top selling trip: Greek Islands sailing holiday, Santorini to Mykonos
See all our trips: Sailing holidays in Greece
Read more: Greek Islands travel guide

Sailing around Croatia's Elaphiti Archipelago, as you make the voyage north from Dubrovnik to Split, puts a whole new perspective on the islands' pristine pine forests and salt water lakes. Discover the Dalmatian Coast where Mljet, Korcula, Hvar and Brac supply sublime scenic shelter for sailors.

When to go: May to September
Our top selling trip: Croatia sailing holiday, Dubrovnik to Split
See all our trips: Sailing holidays in Croatia
Read more: Croatia travel guide

Step on board a beautiful sailing boat for an Arctic adventure around the islands of the Svalbard archipelago in the far north of Norway. This is a sailing holiday to occupy all your senses with access to dramatic fjords, guided wildlife walks and on-board talks with polar experts – plus the ever-present chance of seeing a polar bear peek over the horizon.

When to go: May to July
Our top selling trip: Arctic sailing voyage in North Spitsbergen
See all our trips: Spitsbergen cruising holidays
Read more: Spitsbergen micro cruising travel guide

Whisky galore and wildlife aplenty make Scotland's Hebrides a real joy, with the chance to set sail on a traditional tall ship about as atmospheric an experience as you could wish for. Explore sea lochs and open estuaries overlooked by castles and lighthouses on wild and woolly headlands.

When to go: May to August
Our top selling trip: Whisky and wildlife sailing holiday in Scotland
See all our trips: Sailing holidays in Scotland and Inner Hebrides holidays
Read more: Scotland travel guide

The Ligurian Sea stretches from Tuscany to the French Riviera and provides a safe haven for fin whales, striped dolphins and numerous other marine mammals. Known as the Pelagos Sanctuary, this area offers outstanding opportunities for volunteers interested in sailing and watching cetaceans.

When to go: May to September
Our top selling trip: Whale & dolphin research in Ligurian Sea, Italy
See all our trips: Marine conservation holidays
Read more: Marine conservation travel guide

Families can explore Turkey’s idyllic Turquoise Coast on a traditional gulet on a trip designed for parents and kids (and grandparents too of course). Shore excursions range from gentle hikes to mud baths, ancient ruins and sandy beaches, while kids will love jumping off the side of the wooden gulet, and the thrill of sleeping on deck beneath the stars.

When to go: July to August
Our top selling trip: Family sailing holiday in Turkey
See all our trips: Gulet cruising holidays and Family sailing holidays
Read more: Gulet cruising travel guide