My cruising experience has been mainly in the
Med, especially the Balearic islands where I live but also the coast of
Tunisia (very cheap) as well as
Sicily, the Eolian Islands, south of
Italy, Sardinia,
Corsica and the Riviera.
The number of sheltered coves and bays where you can safely
anchor for free is getting more reduced every year. There are several areas that used to be free but now it is obligatory to take up a buoy and pay for it.
Anchoring is limited to sandy patches where the Neptune
grass will not be damaged by the anchor and chain.
Greece with it's thousands of islands is certainly a huge cruising ground with quite chaotic
marinas at no cost. Best to go in the hight of summer and get to know the area well before
winter gales arrive.
The
west coast of
Italy is quite expensive, the Maddalena islands between Sardinia and
Corsica have some great areas to anchor but far from shops etc.
Although I was born and grew up in the
Caribbean, I would not recommend it for safe free
anchorages.
PERSONAL
safety is the prime matter, there are many places where you and your boat will be constantly being watched thieves, watching for a chance and there are beautiful areas around
Venezuela where your lives have no value at all.
In short, if you stick to the northern shore of the Mediterranian you can find many free anchorages with the
legal cover of European police, no tides, doctors and hospitals when needed. Some of the
ports in the Balearic islands offer special winter rates in the public marinas that are attractive and come with
water, 220,
wifi Internet and good public transport, plus a friendly bunch of ex-pats for social life.
Its a big subject, hope that I have been helpful.