Cruising the Med?

[Falshator]

We are contemplating taking some time out and cruising the Med next year. Is it still all its cracked up to be? I have read a bit lately about high Berthage/Anchoring charges and too many boats competing for the popular bays/destinations etc?

[boatman61]

Its well worth it... but why go to the crowded popular places.. they've been spoilt.. for those buy a plane ticket.
There's hundreds of other places as nice or nicer where you can anchor or tie up for free.. that's why you carry a dinghy..

[simonpickard]

Where are all these places? Trying to get ideas myself for the Med!

[chuckr]

no idea where you are from -- if in the UK or your boat is near the med it is good and you can anchor in a number of places - portugal, spain, italy, sardinia, tunisia ect
-- but if you are going to cross the pond i would wait -- the greeks just put in a huge tax on boats and it may make greece to expensive to cruise --

[robert sailor]

Depends how you define cruising.
If you compare it with the dreams of the South Pacific with drop dead beautiful tropical islands and a wonderful sub culture of like minded sailors that you socialize with plus world class diving, snorkeling and fishing....well the Med is not going to measure up.

However if you want to sail into areas that have a history spanning thousands of years, many of the original cities still somewhat intact as well as eat some of the freshest and best tasting food in the world then you can't beat the Med. Everyone in North America should make an effort to visit the area. The beauty of sailing it is that you can take in so may different countries and cultures while you're there. Can't say enough good things about the area but don't confuse it with the experiences you'll get in areas like the South Pacific because its not that type of sailing experience.

[JulianGullsway]

A bit late joining this thread, we leave mid June for the Med, I have heard all sorts of stories about cost of mooring, Spanish authorities driving boats from anchorages into marinas, and now the Cruising tax which is being issued in Greece, which I believe is for people who reside in Greece and or just keep the boats there like a river license! It hasn't put us off in the slightest we are just going to see for our selves, we plan on stopping in Greece for the winter or possibly Cypress. We plan to Anchor where possible, but are very realistic about marina fees for a 35ft boat depending on the time of year and where you are you can be from 35- 70 Euros per night, its not cheap however its far cheaper than a hotel and probably "not as good as it used to be" as we have heard so often. The coast of Northern Spain, Portugal etc. is cheaper but there are some lovely anchorages as well. When ever has boating been cheap!!! Good luck on your travels, and go for it!!!!! Just did some reading the tax is in force and will cost 400 Euros for a 12 month Sea Circulation Tax, oh well

[robert sailor]

There are very expensive areas in the Med and there are areas that are more than affordable. You can safely anchor most nights, we did, actually every night until we decided it was time to winter in a marina. Food in the local markets is beautiful and cheap. Once you get to Greece/Turkey the restaurants are even cheap. Doesn't cost you anything to explore and if you wish to use public transit the prices are very affordable.
The downside is that you either get too much wind or not enough, its not a great sailing area like the Caribbean plus anchorages are full of charter yachts, many that have had little training in proper anchoring skills but that's not much of a downside. Its a very safe area and we have never even considered locking our boat up. The locals are some of the nicest people we have had the pleasure to meet. You will really enjoy yourself.

[chuckr]

Originally Posted by Falshator

We are contemplating taking some time out and cruising the Med next year. Is it still all its cracked up to be? I have read a bit lately about high Berthage/Anchoring charges and too many boats competing for the popular bays/destinations etc?

Falshator -- you have not replied to any of this -- so not sure what you are up to - but if i had to do it again i would rent or buy a rv camper and drive around europe - assuming you are coming to the med to sight see - as some have said you rarely come to the med to sail as either there is too much wind or too little

you will spend a lot on dockage unless you feel comfortable leaving your boat on the hook while you take a few days to go inland (we do not) = and then you got to pay for transportation, hotel ect

so not sure what your intent is and that is the big question -- why do you want to sail the Med?