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After traveling by van for years, and in the wake of the world re-opening post-COVID, Kelli and I embarked on one of the biggest adventures on our bucket list. Buying and living on a boat in the Mediterranean. Neither of us had much experience with large, live-aboard boats, although I sailed small dinghies growing up. But both of us, even before meeting one another, had long dreamt about learning how to sail and living aboard a boat. Having seen so many of our other plans go out the window as we were confined to Australia during the COVID pandemic, this was the one thing we most wanted to get done. In fact, we told ourselves it would be our last hurrah. One more trip, one season sailing the med, before we moved somewhere permanently to settle down. Now, moored in a marina in Montenegro, about to put the boat up following our second season, we are not sure when this adventure will end. We have fallen in love with sailing, particularly in the beautiful Mediterranean. This is the guide we wished we’d had starting out. Everything we have learned living on a boat in the Mediterranean.
Contents showOf course! Since antiquity, the Mediterranean has been the backdrop for mythological sailing adventures. While the allure of sailing the beautiful coastline and stunning archipelagos of this fabled sea hasn’t changed, many things have changed and sailing and living on a boat in the Mediterranean is now far less treacherous than it was in the past. Many sailors live here on a permanent or seasonal basis. The Med is one of the most recognizable and popular sailing grounds in the world, and for good reason. Naturally beautiful, culturally rich, and with excellent sailing conditions, the Mediterranean attracts sailors from all over the world. As such, the strong sailing and boating culture means that the infrastructure, services, and legal framework for living aboard in the Mediterranean are readily available, accessible, and affordable.
For us, the Mediterranean was a great choice because of its great sailing, relative affordability, high level of boating infrastructure and services, and because it is a relatively calm and predictable region to learn to sail in. However, there are many reasons that make this one of the great sailing destinations. The Mediterranean has been recognized the world over as a premiere sailing destination, offering a great sailing experience backdropped by naturally stunning scenery and the rich cultural tapestry of Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. It is home to a huge number of popular coastal destinations, from the glamorous French Riviera to the tranquil Greek Islands. Whether your vibe is bars and nightlife of Hvar, Ibiza, and Mykonos, the serene natural anchorages of the outer Croatian Archipelagos, or the high level of service and friendly communities found in the marinas and yacht clubs of the Med, there’s something for everyone here. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including crystal-clear waters, dramatic coastlines, and idyllic islands, the Mediterranean is one of the most beautiful regions in the world to explore by boat. The scenery varies spectacularly from one area to another, offering an endlessly diverse range of environments to explore. Given the region’s historical and geographical importance at the confluence of Asia, Europe, and Africa, it should come as no surprise that sailing in the Med allows you to explore a wide assortment of cultures and ancient histories, including ruins, historic cities, and picturesque villages. The Mediterranean has some of the world’s most renowned cuisine. It includes celebrated Italian, Greek, Spanish, Turkish, and French as well as lesser-known fare such as Albanian, Tunisian, and more. The climate is also very attractive, characterized by warm summers and mild winters. This makes it possible to sail year-round, a big plus for many full-time sailors and liveaboards. The calm and consistent winds are another big advantage of the Mediterranean, especially during the summer months. The prevailing winds, such as the Meltemi in the Aegean or the Mistral of southern France, make for reliable sailing conditions. The compact, enclosed layout of the Mediterranean and its countries is a big plus allowing sailors to explore multiple destinations without undertaking long, open-water voyages, making it accessible for sailors of varying skill levels. Similarly, the Mediterranean offers excellent opportunities for island-hopping. Many islands are in close proximity to one another, again, making it easy to travel slowly and safely without having to make long, treacherous voyages. The region also has a well-developed sailing infrastructure, including numerous marinas, anchorages, and services for boaters. This makes it convenient for provisioning, repairs, and mooring. This high level of infrastructure and resources also means that the Mediterranean is generally considered a safe sailing destination with well-maintained navigational aids and rescue services. Additionally, the strong sailing culture here lends itself to the hosting of various sailing events and regattas throughout the year, providing opportunities for both competitive and leisurely sailing experiences. While the Mediterranean offers numerous advantages for sailors, it’s definitely not without its problems. The big one is the huge number of sailors who descend on the most popular sailing regions in summer. Additionally, some areas may have specific challenges to consider in terms of weather, regulations, navigation, or a lack of access to services. Ultimately, whether the Mediterranean is right for you depends on your personal preferences, interests, and the type of sailing experience you are looking for.
The Mediterranean has distinct sailing seasons, with summer being the most popular due to warm weather and consistent winds. However, some areas may be crowded during this time, so you might prefer to learn during the shoulder seasons (as we did) for a quieter experience. The Mediterranean refers to a large area, so knowledge of the specific region you are sailing in at any given time is essential, as is ongoing monitoring of the weather. However, we can provide a general overview of the weather conditions sailors might encounter:
Autumn (September to November):
Winter (December to February):
Spring (March to May):
The Mediterranean is known for its prevailing winds, such as the Mistral in the western Mediterranean and the Meltemi in the Aegean Sea. These winds can provide good sailing conditions but can also be strong and challenging. Sailors should familiarise themselves with the prevailing winds in the specific area of the Med they are navigating.
The most prevalent winds through the Mediterranean include:
Sailors should also be aware of local weather phenomena, such as coastal breezes, katabatic winds, and the influence of nearby landmasses on wind patterns.
When living on a boat in the Mediterranean, you should always check weather forecasts and be prepared to quickly adapt to changing conditions.
There have been numerous occasions when the weatherman didn’t quite nail the forecast, such as our overnight stay in Kakome Beach, Albania.
Here are some general tips to help you sail and navigate safely in the Mediterranean.
The Mediterranean has few reefs or shallow sand bars to worry about, however, shoals and rocks, especially near the coasts, can pose a threat to vessels. Pay attention to your depth sounder and charts.
Both are generally absent in the Mediterranean. Being an almost closed sea, there is almost no tidal effect. The effects of currents throughout the Mediterranean are also negligible. Some specific regions may experience strong currents, such as the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Med meets the Atlantic.
The qualifications you need to sail in the Mediterranean Sea can vary based on the specific country you are sailing from and the type of vessel you are operating. However, there are some general qualifications and considerations that you should keep in mind:
The requirements for certification vary between countries in the Mediterenean. Sailors are often asked to provide licenses or certifications when checking into a country with their boat or when renting a boat.
An equivalent certification issued by your own country may be accepted in lieu of an international license. In Croatia, I was able to use my basic state-issued (Queensland, Australia) marine license in conjunction with a VHF radio qualification to satisfy local requirements. (I had to look up the relevant information and provide it to the harbor master who was not aware of this particular equivalent license).
Some countries require a certain number of qualified crew members aboard the vessel, especially for larger boats. Make sure your crew members also have the necessary qualifications if required by local laws.
This is a list of resources and apps that we use while sailing and living on a boat in the Mediterranean. If we’ve missed a good one, please comment at the bottom of this post!
The Mediterranean Sea is an excellent place to learn how to sail.
The Mediterranean is a safe region to learn to sail thanks to its warm waters, lack of reefs, well-documented navigational charts, and well-documented sailing information.
Another benefit of learning to sail here is that the wind and weather in the Mediterranean are quite predictable, especially in the summer months. This makes it easier to plan suitable times and areas to learn to sail.
While winds are relatively predictable (compared to some other sailing regions) the Mediterranean still offers a range of sailing conditions and regional variety. This variability can be a valuable learning experience, exposing you to different scenarios and helping you become a more versatile sailor. What’s more the Mediterranean presents navigational challenges, including busy shipping lanes, and varying maritime regulations in different countries. These challenges allow learner sailors to gain experience as they sail the region.
Because the Mediterranean is so popular for sailing, many regions have well-established sailing schools and yacht clubs with experienced instructors who can provide sailing lessons and certifications. These instructors can help beginners build their skills in a safe environment. Throughout the Mediterranean, there are plenty of accredited sailing courses tailored to different skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and offer formal qualifications. For the same reason, there is good and affordable access to well-maintained boats and facilities for learners. Particularly if you’re enrolling in a sailing school.
Our personal experience learning to sail in Croatia was overwhelmingly positive and affordable. We paid a local family-run sailing school to teach us how to sail aboard our own boat. They focused heavily on docking and anchoring skills, making sure we could safely enter and exit ports and anchorages. We spent 10 days learning how to sail and operate our boat and then we were on our own. In the following season, we slowly developed most of the skills needed to feel confident sailing and living on a boat in the Mediterranean.
The Mediterranean Sea, at least in some areas, has several qualities that can make it a good choice for beginner sailors who have finished learning the basics and are ready to start sailing on their own.
Firstly, the predictable weather patterns already described can help create a stable and controlled environment for beginners to hone their skills. The warm and pleasant climate makes for comfortable conditions for novice sailors to practice and learn without the discomfort of extreme weather.
Some regions of the Mediterranean are particularly advantageous for novice sailors. Regions like the Dalmatian Coast, the Ionian Sea, and the Gulf of Fethiye offer calm predictable weather and ample anchorages and protection. As sailors grow in confidence they can develop their skills in more challenging sailing regions like the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands in Greece, the southern coast of Turkey, the Ligurian Sea in Italy, and the north coast of Corsica in France.
As we’ve mentioned, the Mediterranean has a well-developed infrastructure for sailing, including numerous marinas, sailing schools, and yacht clubs. These resources can be invaluable for beginner sailors in terms of education, support, and access to facilities. During our first season sailing, we had a hard and fast rule to go into the marina, quay, or mooring in winds above 20 knots, it was easy to stick to this rule in many parts of the Mediterranean where so many facilities exist (Albania being an exception).
The Mediterranean is also a wonderful place to spend the summer, surrounded by a diverse range of coastal destinations, each with its own unique charm and attractions. This allows beginner sailors to combine their learning experience with exploration and enjoyment of different cultures and landscapes.
In addition, coastal navigation in the Mediterranean is often straightforward, with easily identifiable landmarks and relatively short distances between ports. This simplicity can be reassuring for novice sailors who are just starting to learn navigation techniques.
The Mediterranean generally maintains high safety standards for boating and sailing. Marinas and charter companies often prioritize safety, and there are regulations in place to ensure safe practices. This can offer great peace of mind to the novice sailor.
And finally, the Mediterranean has a thriving sailing community, including both local and international sailors. This community can provide advice, camaraderie, and assistance when needed, making it easier for novice sailors to connect and seek guidance.
If you are planning to live on a boat in the Mediterranean, then buying a boat here can make sense. It is a reasonably straightforward process even if you are not a resident of a Mediterranean country.
With so many boats sailing the Med, it is little wonder that there is a busy marketplace for boats. The high transaction volume means that buyers should be able to find something perfect for their needs and budget. However, a large market can veil some bad actors and care should be taken to make sure you don’t end up with a lemon.
The accompanying costs of boat ownership are cheaper in the Mediterranean than in other places which helps to further offset the cost of buying a boat here.
Here are the steps to help you purchase a boat in the Mediterranean:
The boat buying process can vary depending on the country and specific regulations in the Mediterranean region where you’re making the purchase. It’s a good idea to consult with local professionals, including maritime lawyers and brokers, to ensure a smooth and compliant transaction.
The Mediterranean has an abundance of safe anchorages and well-serviced marinas. It is possible to sail many parts of the Mediterranean without ever having to go into a marina, as long as you can produce sufficient water and electricity, and can handle the weather. On the other hand, you are never far from a marina, if you prefer comfort, amenity, and safety.
Additionally, in some regions, quays or moorings are made available to sailors by the government or local businesses either for a small fee or in return for supporting local businesses.
Marinas are specially designed and equipped facilities that provide berthing and services for boats and yachts. Marinas typically offer amenities such as docks or moorings for boats to tie up, fuel stations, electricity, fresh water, and waste disposal, and often include toilets and showers, restaurants, shops, and other recreational facilities for boaters. They serve as safe harbors, offering boaters a place to dock, refuel, and access services while also providing a sense of community for boat owners and enthusiasts.
There are many marinas throughout the Mediterranean generally offering high levels of service and facilities. Prices range depending on the size of the boat, the quality of the marina, the region, and the time of year but prices in the Mediterranean generally range from €30 – €150 per night, with deep discounts for long-term, semi-permanent or permanent arrangements.
Additionally, some regions of the Med have quays, pontoons, or mooring buoys where boats can tie up for free or for a small fee (€10 – €20). Often services like water and electricity may be available for a nominal cost. In some instances, these services will be provided by the municipality, in others local businesses might provide these services free in return for patronage.
Shipyards and dry docks are also widely available as options to cheaply store your boat out of the water if you are sailing seasonally.
Some liveaboards choose to stay on their boat for the winter, but keep their boat in a marina. Many marinas in the Med cater to live-aboard communities that hunker down over the colder months.
Many regions of the Mediterranean are so popular that sailors must be particularly conscious of space on docks, pontoons and town quays, especially during the busy summer months. Due to the limited space as well as the layout of ports in the Med, stern-to-mooring is preferred.
Often, especially in private marinas, “lazy lines” are provided to make this process simpler.
Lazy lines, also known as lazy jacks or slime lines for the growth they invariably have, simplify the process of mooring a boat, especially in Mediterranean-style mooring. These lines run from a fixed point on the seabed and can be attached to the boat’s bow to secure the boat. When mooring, the boat backs into the dock space, a crew member grabs and secures the lazy line to the bow, and the stern lines are tied to the dock.
In situations where “lazy lines” are not available, sailors are required to utilize their anchor to complete a “Mediterranean mooring”.
When approaching the quay or dock, the boat moves slowly, stern-first, toward the desired spot along the quay. As the boat approaches the quay, the anchor is dropped from the bow (front) of the boat at a suitable distance from the quay usually around three times the length of the vessel. As the boat then backs up toward the quay the anchor chain is paid out. Once the boat’s stern is close to the quay, crew members on board or on the quay secure lines from the boat to bollards or cleats on the quay to hold the boat in place. Adjustments may be made to the lines, anchor, and fenders to keep the boat securely positioned against the quay and to prevent it from swinging or rubbing against other vessels.
Med mooring requires careful coordination and skill, as it involves maneuvering a boat in reverse and coordinating the timing of dropping anchor, backing in, and securing lines. It’s essential to be aware of wind and current conditions, as they can affect the maneuver. While the Med moor can be intimidating to begin with, if you are sailing in the Mediterranean for any length of time, you will quickly become proficient.
For those who prefer to anchor each night away from busy marinas and town quays, the Mediterranean offers no shortage of beautiful and protected anchorages.
In some areas, of the Mediterranean coast, especially in archipelagos of Greece and Croatia, it is possible to find protected anchorage in any weather. In other areas, anchorages may be open to weather and swell in some conditions making anchoring a riskier prospect. No matter where you sail in the Mediterranean, the potential to anchor each night is restricted only by your own level of self-sufficiency and appetite for risk and discomfort when the weather gets rough.
In most parts of the Mediterranean, the sea floor is suitable for anchoring although there are some areas where steep drop-offs or rocky or weedy bottoms may make anchoring more difficult. Having the proper navigational charts and depth-sounding instrumentation is essential for safe anchoring.
Yes, it is free to anchor throughout the Mediterranean.
Aside from fees and taxes paid upon entry to the waters of a Mediterranean country when you first enter, you should not have to pay fees to anchor.
In the isolated cases where enterprising locals demand payment they are likely not authorized to do so, and finding the next beautiful free anchorage is never an issue.
In busy Mediterranean anchorages, boats often anchor in a bay and use a line ashore to prevent swinging and conserve space. This method involves dropping an anchor off the stern at a sufficient distance from the shore, then reversing towards the shore while paying out the anchor line. Once close enough, crew members secure lines from the bow to fixed points on the shore, such as bollards or rocks. This setup stabilizes the boat, minimizing movement and maximizing the number of boats that can be safely moored in the bay. Regular adjustments and inspections ensure the lines remain secure, providing a stable and efficient mooring solution.
Many anchorages in the Mediterranean become very busy in the summer months it is very important to be aware of other boats.
We spend approximately $450 USD (€430) per week living on a boat in the Mediterranean.
These are our week-to-week living costs, exclusive of recurring annual costs like boat maintenance and storage, flights, insurance etc.
Here is how our weekly budget breaks down.
Mooring fees at marinas and anchorages can be a significant expense. Prices will vary based on how often you stay in marinas and which part of the Mediterranean you plan to sail. It goes without saying that you’ll find higher costs in popular tourist destinations.
Fees can range from €20 to €150 or more per night, depending on location, boat size, and time of year.
Fuel costs depend on your boat’s fuel efficiency, the speed at which you plan to travel, and how often you use the engine.
By way of example, we travel less than 50 nautical miles a week. Say we sail half of that time, that’s 25 nautical miles a week to motor (basically nothing). Our boat tops out at a little over 5 kn. This means we might motor for about 5 hours at top speed we are burning about 2 liters of diesel an hour. Our fuel consumption is a paltry 10 per week! In 2022 marine diesel costs $2 a liter which puts our fuel costs at $20 a week.
Boat insurance is essential to protect your investment and is also a requirement for sailing in the Mediterranean. The cost of insurance depends on factors like the boat’s value and the level of coverage you choose. Insurance is a recurring cost so make sure you factor this annual expense into your budget.
We pay $375 USD per year for insurance and this would probably represent close to the minimum.
Budget for groceries, food, beverages, and other supplies. Your expenses will vary based on your dietary preferences and how often you dine out versus preparing meals onboard. In many parts of the Mediterranean provisions are cheap.
If you want to keep costs down, make a point to stock up at supermarkets that the local people use and not the supermarkets in nearby marinas which are often much more expensive.
When traveling between Mediterranean countries, you will encounter customs and port entry fees. The fees and the fee structure change from country to country and are usually a function of the length of stay and size of the vessel. Research the regulations and fees for each country you plan to visit.
We pay on average around $30 USD per month in customs in port fees. Larger vessels or sailors changing countries more frequently might expect to pay more.
Ensure you have the necessary navigation and safety equipment on board, including charts, GPS, life jackets, flares, and communication devices.
The required safety gear will be dependent on how you use your boat. For example, if you plan to get more than 12 miles offshore extra safety equipment such as a life raft is mandatory.
This equipment can be expensive so budget carefully.
Factor in expenses for entertainment and activities such as dining out, visiting attractions, and participating in water sports or tours.
Our activities budget mostly gets spent at the pub or restaurants on weekends, we also spend a few euros at the gym, paying for our sins during the week.
Consider costs for utilities such as water and electricity when docked at a marina. If you’re at anchor, you may rely on alternative power sources like solar panels or wind generators.
Budget for communication expenses including mobile data, internet access, and satellite communication if needed.
We rely on local data sim cards which cost us around €10 – €15 euro per week depending on our data needs and where in the Mediterranean we are.
Ensure you have adequate health and travel insurance coverage for your needs. Consider the cost of medical care and prescription medications when planning your budget.
SafetyWing Insurance is a great solution for liveaboards. They offer comprehensive travel and health insurance solutions tailored to long-term or indefinite travelers and nomads. Perfect for sailors spending a season or more exploring the Mediterranean.
We have needed to use travel insurance once while sailing in the Mediteranean and were so grateful to have the right insurance when we needed it.
Some of the benefits of using a nomad insurer like SafetyWing rather than a traditional travel insurer are;
It’s wise to set aside a reserve fund for unexpected expenses or emergencies.
The cost of living on a boat in the Mediterranean can vary greatly from one person or family to another. It’s essential to create a detailed budget that reflects your specific circumstances and preferences. Keep in mind that the Mediterranean offers a range of destinations from more affordable options to high-end, luxury experiences, so your costs can be tailored to your desired lifestyle.
It is totally possible to sail the Mediterranean extremely cheaply. While it may not be possible to do it for free, as there are administration costs that are impossible to eliminate, if you have the right equipment and can be completely self-sufficient then you can anchor freely throughout the Med, keeping costs low.
Alternatively, there are opportunities to sail for free or even be paid if you are prepared to work as a skipper or crew in the Mediterranean.
The Mediterranean is renowned for its stunning sailing destinations, each offering its unique charm and appeal. The best sailing destination for you will depend on your preferences, interests, and experience level. Here are some of the top sailing destinations in the Mediterranean:
When deciding on an area, or areas to sail, consider your sailing experience, the level of difficulty, the level of services available, and the weather.
The Mediterranean offers a variety of excellent sailing destinations for beginners, with calm waters, favorable weather conditions, and well-established sailing infrastructure. Here are some of the best places for novice sailors in the Mediterranean:
If you are looking for more challenging sailing conditions, the Mediterranean has those too.
These are regions where skippers with a bit more experience might enjoy:
Sailing in the Mediterranean offers a wealth of popular routes that cater to different preferences, sailing durations, and interests. Here are some well-loved routes for sailing the Mediterranean.
Again, when planning a Mediterranean sailing route, consider factors like the duration of your journey, your sailing experience, and your interests. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
Because the Mediterranean is so populated around the coastline it is easy to take on provisions as you go.
However, different countries throughout the Med have different access to different ingredients and different qualities of ingredients. Forward planning will ensure you have the right provisions on board for a reasonable price.
Provisioning is an essential but often overlooked aspect of trip planning and sailing. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to be a drag in fact planning our meal is a great way to pass the time on long passages, and restocking the provisions makes for a nice outing off the boat (but that just might be us).
Joining local boating communities and connecting with other liveaboard boaters can be helpful for information, and support, as well as having a social outlet. There are lots of opportunities to network and build connections with other sailors when sailing the Mediterranean.
If you plan to use a marina as a ‘home base’ while living on a boat in the Mediterranean, you can start by connecting with other live-aboards at the marina. They can offer a wealth of experience and advice about sailing in the area.
There are lots of online forums and groups where you can connect with other sailors in the Mediterranean. Examples include the popular Facebook group Med Sailing and the Young Cruisers Association.
Sailors in the Mediterranean are, for the most part, a friendly group and very willing to strike up a conversation at anchor or in the marina.
Winter sailing in the Mediterranean can be a beautiful and peaceful experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. It is important to plan and prepare for winter sailing in the Mediterranean.
The Mediterranean has milder winters compared to many other sailing destinations, but the weather can still be unpredictable. You may encounter occasional storms and strong winds, so it’s crucial to monitor weather forecasts regularly.
Winter in the Mediterranean typically brings cooler temperatures, especially in northern areas. The southern and eastern parts of the Mediterranean tend to be milder.
Winter sailing in the Mediterranean offers a quieter atmosphere compared to the busy summer months. However, it’s crucial to be well-prepared, vigilant about weather conditions, and focused on safety to ensure a successful and enjoyable winter sailing adventure.
One of the most perplexing, challenging, and frustrating experiences of sailing the Mediterranean has to be organizing services in the Med.
Sailing and boating mean you will almost certainly need to get professional repairs or maintenance from time to time.
The good news is that marine services are widely available throughout the Mediterranean where you will find
And all manner of businesses servicing the busy yacht industry.
However, a combination of an overwhelming high season, lack of specialists, and the absence of a ‘service mentality’ in many of the Mediterranean countries can lead to a frustrating experience when you most need assistance.
If you come from a country outside the Med, the nature and culture of organizing such services may surprise you. The approach of professionals can be difficult to come to grips with. Expecting the same sort of sympathy, enthusiasm, or adherence to any timeline you might be used to will leave you frustrated.
Make sure you plan ahead to organize any work or marine services. If possible have these activities done during the winter or shoulder seasons. In many parts of the Med, especially those where there are charter boats, demand is sky-high for marine services over the busy summer months.
Leave yourself plenty of time to allow for delays, and line up several options for technicians, in case your preferred operator doesn’t come through.
Different countries in the Mediterranean have varying regulations regarding, sailing, boat ownership, visas and residency, and taxes.
Maritime laws will vary from country to country so it’s very important to understand the rules in each country. While forums, groups, and websites can be helpful to get ideas, always confirm shared information as there is a lot of misinformation out there (trust no one not even this blog). In general, the maritime authority for each country should provide the rules and regulations online.
Maritime laws govern issues including but in no way limited to:
Throughout the Mediterranean stringent safety regulations are enforced for sailors. These rules while subject to variation generally include:
Throughout the Mediterranean, the use of VHF communication is strictly regulated and enforced.
Sailors have a moral and legal responsibility to protect the environment they are sailing in. Environmental rules vary considerably from country to country but it is important to be a good guest and avoid damaging local environments.
Throughout the Med, it is a requirement to be properly prepared for emergencies
Your boat must be registered to sail in the Mediterranean. You may choose to register it in your home country or in a foreign country. The process and price for registration vary dramatically from country to country so investigate to find out which conditions suit you best.
We chose to register our boat in Poland because the fees were low and we could register the boat remotely without the need for a marine survey.
Another requirement for sailing in the Mediterranean is insurance. There are many insurers but finding the right insurer for your combination of boat, residency, and country of boat registration can be a bit of a headache. It might be worthwhile asking the sailing community what insurers people in a similar situation to you use.
We had trouble finding an insurer that wanted to work with our specific combination of an old boat, registered in Poland with American and Australian owners. Finally, we found SeaHelp Yacht Insurance who were able to insure us.
Depending on your nationality and how long you plan to stay, you may need a visa or residence permit to live on a boat in the Mediterranean. These requirements can differ from one country to another.
Many of the most popular sailing destinations in the Mediterranean are part of the Schengen Agreement. Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, and Malta all fall under this agreement.
If you are from a country not part of the Schengen agreement you are likely restricted from spending more than a combined 90 days in a given 180-day period in these countries on an ordinary tourist visa.
There are a variety of solutions if you plan to stay longer. They involve alternative long-term visas (such as Digital Nomad Visas), registering as working crew, or the most popular, doing the Schengen Shuffle.
The Schengen shuffle is the fine art of spending the right amount of time outside the Schengen area while sailing the Med. After spending your allotted, 90 days in the Schengen area, you can spend time exploring countries like Montenegro, Albania, Cyprus, Turkey, Tunisia, and more while you wait for your Schengen clock to reset.
Unfortunately, Croatia’s recent addition to the Schengen area has removed a wonderfully well-provisioned sailing region from the options of countries to run down the clock. Nevertheless, it is still possible to enjoy year-round sailing in the Mediterranean by carefully planning your itinerary.
With 22 countries sharing access to the Mediterranean, any long-term sailing in the region will likely include border crossing.
Crossing borders in the Mediterranean while sailing involves navigating the customs and immigration procedures of the countries you intend to visit. The process is usually a bit different (and more involved) than crossing borders overland or by air.
The process is different for each country but the are some general steps and considerations for crossing borders in the Mediterranean.
Make sure you are familiar with the navigation rules in the region of the Mediterranean you plan to sail. In particular, pay attention to any requirements for flying the correct flags. Hoist a courtesy flag, which is the national flag of the country you are sailing in on the starboard side. Don’t anchor or disembark, before you check-in to a new country properly and follow local navigation rules and regulations. Also, be aware of the requirements for safety gear and equipment. Failing to follow the local rules can result in fines and put your permission to enter the country at risk.
Crossing borders in the Mediterranean requires careful planning, compliance with local regulations, and a willingness to adapt to different customs and procedures in each country. Make sure you research ahead of time. Apps like Navily, Navionics, and No Foreign Land may have notes from other sailors providing up-to-date information on ports. Facebook groups like Med Sailing can also be a great source of information.
Something you might not have considered when thinking about living on a boat in the Mediterranean is exactly how you are going to send and receive mail.
We are sorry to report that our experiences with postal services throughout the Med have been less than stellar, with the exception of Croatia.
However, it’s still possible with some planning and the use of various methods and services. Here are several ways to send and receive packages when sailing in the Mediterranean:
When using any of these methods, it’s crucial to communicate with the sender and the recipient to ensure that the package arrives safely and to arrange for its collection. Keep in mind that package delivery times and reliability can vary from one region to another which can be a little bit of a logistical nightmare when sailing around the Mediterranean. Careful planning and patience are key, as is having a backup plan if you can’t connect with your mail.
Be aware of customs regulations and import duties that may apply when sending or receiving packages across international borders in the Mediterranean.
To avoid any issues with package deliveries, it’s essential to research and comply with the customs requirements of each country you visit.
We were forced to pay hundreds of dollars in import taxes to receive our own drone, which had been sent out of the country for repair, because we hadn’t filed the correct import paperwork when sending it.
It can be really hard to find the right information on which form or payment is required. One good way to begin is to ask others who have been in the same boat using some of the forums and communities we’ve mentioned, such as Facbook, Reddit, or Cruiser Forum.
Preparing a boat for winter storage in the Mediterranean is much the same as in other places, although in general, you won’t have to worry about the effects of cold winter temperatures.
Here is a quick guide:
Hopefully, you have found this information about living on a boat in the Mediterranean useful. If you have a question or a comment, please let us know below!
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In 2016, I had been dumped by my girlfriend, fired from my job, and the lease on my house was running out. Facing moving back in with my parents, 26, jobless and alone I decided to listen to the message the universe was trying to send me. I took off on my first solo backpacking trip, with a one-way ticket to Bangkok and a well-thumbed Lonely Planet guide. From there I wandered Southeast and Central Asia, traveled the Great Steppe, and made my way across Russia and throughout Europe. In Estonia I met Kelli, who, despite having a less frantic travel style, shared my my restless spirit and passion for exploration. Together, we embarked on a new journey, van life. Over four years we travelled across three different continents with three different vans. In 2022, as the world began to re-open post COVID we took an opportunity to realise a long held dream, to live aboard a sailboat. Since then we have spent two summers in the Mediterranean, sailing and living aboard our little sail boat Whisper. When we aren't sailing we continue to live our nomadic lifestyle, guided by a philosophy of slow travel and self directed adventure be it by van or backpacking. We find excitement through our journey into the unknown, stillness and content in the beauty of the places we discover and we find ourselves in the vastness of our world. Hopefully, we can help you find what you're looking for too. Get lost with us and find your own path.