What It’s Like to Sail the Mediterranean Islands on Wind Star
There is something eternally seductive about the islands of the Mediterranean, rising from sapphire waters with their intoxicating aromas of pine, citrus, salt and sun-warmed stone. Sailing between them feels like slipping through the chapters of a beautifully illustrated novel, each stop a new vignette of history, culture and stunning scenery.
Our Mediterranean Island Mosaic voyage begins in Rome, embarking from Civitavecchia, where the Eternal City’s ancient grandeur slowly softens into open sea. Almost immediately, we settle into Wind Star’s deliciously unhurried rhythm – there’s something rather special about life aboard. She carries just 148 guests which creates an intimate and happy atmosphere where faces easily become familiar and crew soon greet you by name.
The journey is a graceful blend of sailing and motoring and when the great white sails unfurl, a sense of contentment washes across the wide teak decks. We spend a lot of time on those decks, lined with loungers and comfortable chairs perfectly positioned for sunbathing or watching the horizon glide by.
A petite pool and its cheerful bar quickly become social hubs, while below deck the spa offers a blissful retreat. The food is equally exquisite, with dinner menus changing daily in the main Amphora restaurant. A mix of buffet and a la carte is served for breakfast (superb eggs benedict) and lunch (sublime burgers) at Veranda which transforms into fine-dining restaurant, Candles, at night.
When the sea is calm, and the yacht drops anchor, the marina platform opens at the stern, transforming the ship into a private nautical playground with swimming in the crystalline waters, paddleboarding, bouncing on water trampolines or simply drifting on giant inflatables under that Mediterranean sun. It spreads a special and rather unique kind of magic.
Rather like the destinations we’re visiting. Our first island jewel is Portoferraio on Elba, where stories of Napolean Boneparte linger and where the honey-coloured beaches, warm, translucent sea, picturesque harbour and architecture truly captivate us.
From Italian elan we embrace French chic in Bastia, the principal port of Corsica, wandering through narrow lanes and lively squares, before driving over the San Stefano Pass towards Patrimonio. Vineyards unfurl in the distance, chestnut forests deepen and the mountainous spine of Cape Corse rises dramatically ahead. It’s a setting as intoxicating as the island’s celebrated wines – which of course we have to sample. We don’t want to leave this gorgeous place, so it’s fortunate that our next stop is also on Corsica.
Calvi only deepens our love for this enchanting island. The crescent-shaped bay is lined with inviting bars and discreetly glamorous restaurants, cradles golden beaches, all watched over by the butterscotch-hued citadel whose fortified walls guard the Old Town. We wander through stylish boutiques tucked within ancient stone lanes, before surrendering to a cafe terrace to linger over a cool drink. It’s hard to tear ourselves away.
But Balearic beauty awaits, after a chilled day at sea, complete with massages and pool-time. The next morning, latte in hand, we watch from the deck as we glide into Mahon on Menorca, one of the deepest natural harbours in the world, and one of the . most staggeringly beautiful, too. We spend our day exploring the corners of this little island, a wonderful combination of blissful white-sand beaches, quaint villages and bustling shops.
And then it’s on to Palma – the capital of Mallorca. Steep green hills tumble toward more than 200 beaches and hidden covers and the tree-shaded Paseo del Born beckons for an afternoon spent wandering in search of tapas and a glass of chilled local wine. It’s the perfect last stop to prepare us for the vibrance of Barcelona, where we sadly have to leave our Wind Star home behind.
It’s not simply the memories of these beautiful places that stays with us, but the way each destination was threaded together by life aboard Wind Star. Days of discovery melt into convivial evenings on board with attentive service, shared laughter beneath starlit skies and impeccable cuisine and wine. It’s the perfect pairing of Mediterranean splendour and the ship’s gracious hospitality that elevates our voyage from a simple cruise to an unforgettable sailing escape.
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith
Find out more at www.windstarcruises.com
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