This summer has been somewhat subdued for many hoping to have a holiday before the autumnal days arrive, with some countries off limits due to Coronavirus and travel restrictions causing widespread uncertainty. But the good news is that for those desperate to escape on luxury yacht charter, there are still a number of stunning safe holiday destinations to consider for a last minute getaway.
After a very difficult few months when the entire globe was locked down in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus, much of the Mediterranean opened for business at the beginning of July. However, a resurgence of cases in August has led to a number of restrictions being introduced once again, causing yet more travel mayhem.
Despite this, there are still a number of incredible and highly safe family holiday destinations that are happily welcoming guests. If you would like to make the most of an Indian summer this year, here are some safe holiday destinations in the Med, best explored by luxury yacht.
Safe family holiday destinations to enjoy this September
Generally speaking, countries in the East Mediterranean have fared much better in terms of keeping Covid-19 at bay than the rest of Europe, and this is largely still the case today. Whilst favourite yacht charter destinations such as the French Riviera and the Spanish Balearic islands are seeing a dramatic rise in the number of people testing positive for coronavirus, countries in the East Med seem to be generally keeping Covid-19 under better control.
Greece
One safe holiday haven for yacht charter clients are the hugely popular Greek Islands, which are bathed in sunshine until at least mid October, with warm sea temperatures to match. It’s worth noting that Greece is currently seeing a slight rise in new Covid-19 infections, but this is not too dramatic at the moment, with 14.9 new cases per 100,000 population over the last seven days. Only countries with more than 20 new cases per 100,000 face travel restrictions such as quarantine on departure, which is currently an obligation for UK holidaymakers returning home from France, Spain and Malta. Yacht charter clients entering Greece could be asked to take a random coronavirus test at the airport, and subsequently be forced to quarantine for two weeks if found positive, but these are the only restrictions being enforced at time of writing.
Turkey
Likewise, the wonderful and exotic Turkish coastline is also welcoming tourists with open arms as it remains a ‘green zone’, with relatively few cases of coronavirus detected. Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey offers endless possibilities for yacht charter clients with sunny skies, warm turquoise waters and deserted anchorages in abundance. The country has recorded just 9.5 new cases per 100,000 over the last seven days. Holiday makers arriving in Turkey can expect to have coronavirus checks at the airport, but there are currently no other entry requirements.
Montenegro
Another destination still to consider for a safe holiday this September is the tiny country of Montenegro. Whilst neighbouring Croatia has seen cases rise dramatically over recent weeks resulting in new travel restrictions, Montenegro is still very much open for business. Visitors on luxury yacht charters will be amazed at this beautiful gem of a country with white sandy beaches, tiny uninhabited islands and unique charm.
Italy
Initially the sick relative of Europe in terms of Covid-19 numbers, Italy has managed to avoid a second wave for the moment and is therefore an excellent choice for a late summer charter. While cases have started to go up in recent weeks, new cases still only remain at 9 per 100,000, meaning that it remains one of the lowest in Europe. Explore the stunning Italian Riviera, sail across to the beautiful island of Sardinia and forget the worries of the world on a luxury yacht charter in this stunning Mediterranean country.
