Will you choose Greece or Croatia for a sailing holiday?

Thursday, 14 July 2011 2:09 PM

If you are fed up of the rain and need something to look forward to, you can be sure booking a Mediterranean sailing holiday will put the smile back on your face.

After spending hours upon end sitting behind a computer, or being forced to stay inside at the weekend due to the unpredictable British weather, you might be keen to do more than just lie on a sun bed when you go on holidays.

So why not try your hand at a sailing holiday in the Mediterranean? Rather than getting up in the mornings to sit on a train or in the car to simply end up sat at your desk nine until five, try starting your days racing on to the vessel's deck and hoisting up the sails when the wind is just right.

You can enjoy your breakfast coffee and croissant on the go as your yacht blissfully glides its way through sparkling blue waves past the stunning scenery that this part of the world offers.

Chartering your own yacht is the complete opposite to a package holiday which can see you stuck in a resort with not much going on. Let your troubles drift away as you feel the warm rays on your face. But remember to pack lots of suncream, bottled water, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, as you don't want to get heat stroke while in the open elements!

Imagine stepping off your yacht to explore hidden islands and coves, or jumping from the deck into the crystal waters and heading out for a swim. If you choose to invite adventurous-minded friends and family, then you could have so many activities planned you won't know where to start.

However, a sailing holiday in Croatia should be one trip you consider, as there is plenty to see and do in this Mediterranean country.

There are more than 1,000 Croatian islands so you won't get bored on a sailing holiday here! Setting sail from Pula can provide you with the perfect opportunity to explore deserted islands such as Krk, Cres and Silba.

Or, if you like to discover a number of different backdrops to a country at once, then Kremik might be the perfect destination for you to board a yacht. Here you will find waterfalls, mountains and forests, not to mention plenty of restaurants on the waterfront should you need to rehydrate and grab a bite to eat.

The city of Dubrovnik is a place where you are unlikely to get bored and can allow you to participate in plenty of walking to burn off the calories consumed by a pint or two of the local beer and some of the country's delicacies.

Why not challenge your friends and family to walk along the city's walls? Don't forget to stop off at the Old Town, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pound the pavements lined with gorgeous buildings and take in the architecture of sites such as the cathedral, which dates all the way back to 1673.

A sailing holiday can be great for those who don't mind enjoying a little bit of hard work. Once the wind picks up it is a race to hoist up the sail, watch out for the boom and head to the correct side of the deck should the yacht start to tip.

But you can also enjoy leisurely cruising if you so wish, as well as long lunches on the deck and a spot of sunbathing.

A sailing holiday in Greece can also keep you occupied, with an adventure never too far away.

The waters of Greece are ideal for a holiday by boat and a fun way to hop from island to island, sampling local dishes such as lamb kleftiko and moussaka along the route.

Milina is packed with sandy, golden beaches and quiet coves, giving you the perfect chance to hide out with loved ones against the stunning backdrop of the mountains.

The picturesque Ionian villages will no doubt prove welcoming, with friendly locals offering you a smile and some lovely food to try. Or, if hammering the historical and cultural sites is more your thing, then a sailing holiday from Athens is likely to be just what you are looking for.

Stretch those legs by discovering famous archaeological sites such as the Acropolis, which is flanked by the Propylaea gateway. Greece is well-known for its water sports and hilly inclines, so why not try your hand at some of the activities on offer?

If an activity holiday sounds just up your street, then what better way to combine the beautiful sights and climes of the Mediterranean with a little bit of action than a sailing holiday to Greece or Croatia?