Publication date: 08/01/2024
The Mediterranean, a pleasant destination all year round
First, let's talk about the pleasant Mediterranean climate, which is particularly suitable for sailing from the beginning to the end of the year. While the destinations enjoy plenty of sunshine from June to September - and sometimes, on land, the temperatures are even hard to bear - in winter, most Mediterranean destinations still offer a mild, very pleasant climate. In Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, the Balearic Islands, Tunisia, Greece, Cyprus... In low season, the nights can be a little chilly, but the days are still largely sunny and it's often still possible to swim. It's not for nothing that many boaters choose this sailing area to spend the winter!
While Mediterranean destinations have a reputation for being sunny, even at the end of the year, the Mediterranean Sea is also known for being difficult to navigate. Conditions can be complicated, and above all, they can change very quickly. Whether you're on a motorboat or a sailboat, as is the case when sailing around the globe, it's essential to check the weather forecasts and be prepared for any sudden changes in the situation. In the end, it's an inescapable rule of sailing, whatever the area and time of year...
The Mediterranean Sea in winter, less frequented
Aside from the slightly cooler climate, which can be discouraging, the short end-of-year vacations and Christmas festivities, which are conducive to family reunions, mean that few boaters actually decide to take to the water. Winter sailing in the Mediterranean offers the promise of less-visited destinations. In the off-season, you're likely to find yourself alone in the world's most beautiful Mediterranean coves, far from the hustle and bustle of summer tourism...
Whether in winter or summer, the Mediterranean is always a quality destination. The area nicknamed "La Grande Bleue" offers a wide variety of territories, where you're sure to find many charming anchorages and ports.
Have you ever sailed the Mediterranean during the summer months? You'll be surprised to rediscover the different destinations at a different time of year, when the vegetation has changed, and the colors and light have evolved. The welcome you'll receive from the locals, too, is likely to be different from what you've encountered before, at a time when most Mediterranean destinations are swarming with visitors...
➡️ See also: Sailing the Mediterranean: a unique experience
On a Mediterranean stopover, easy access to activities
Heritage and cultural visits, gastronomic discoveries and activities always add unforgettable memories to a boating holiday. When you come ashore from your anchorage or the port of your destination in the Mediterranean low season, you'll be able to enjoy your stopover and all the attractions and activities on offer, almost all by yourself.
You'll also be pleasantly surprised to find that prices are lower than in high season: overnight stays in marinas and anchorages are often less expensive, and in low season many tourist activities are offered at preferential rate.
The best Mediterranean harbours for winter sailing
Have we convinced you to visit the Mediterranean by motorboat or sailboat during the winter months? We'd be delighted to welcome you to one of our three Mediterranean harbours: Port Adhoc Leucate, Port Barcarès or Port Napoléon.
Port Adhoc Leucate, a Mediterranean dry-stack marina in Occitania
In Leucate, 30 minutes from Perpignan and close to the Narbonnaise Regional Nature Park, Port Adhoc Leucate is a renowned Mediterranean dry-stack marina. Its location is ideal for easy access to the Grande Bleue! Port Adhoc Leucate will be the ideal solution for you if you want to park your boat under 9 meters long ashore, and set sail in the Mediterranean whenever you like. With unlimited handlings in record time and no need to make an appointment beforehand, you'll be delighted you chose our port of Leucate.
Port Barcarès, our closest marina to Perpignan
Also on the Amethyst Coast, in the town of the same name, Port Barcarès is also a marina of choice for visiting the Mediterranean. Port Barcarès will appeal to you if you want to moor in a harbour close to Perpignan (just 20 minutes away), close to all services and numerous activities.
Port Napoléon, to moor your boat in Marseille, either afloat or afloat
The Port Adhoc group's third Mediterranean marina is located in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, just a stone's throw from Marseille. Named Port Napoléon, it's the ideal place from which to discover all the destinations along the French Mediterranean coast. From the marina, heading west or east, you'll have easy access to a host of ports of call! To reach Spain, Italy or other foreign coasts and islands, Port Napoléon is also very well located. In this ashore and afloat marina of the Port Adhoc group, you'll have the choice of parking your unit afloat, on land outside, or on land in a hangar.
➡️ Also read: 18 beautiful French ports of call to discover from Port Napoléon
Whether you're looking for a stopover for a few hours or an all-year-round mooring, the Port Adhoc group can accommodate your boat in a calm, friendly environment, with all the services you may need: for maintenance, repair, provisioning or wintering your boat, as well as for eating out or staying comfortably ashore. In Port Leucate, in Port Barcarès or Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône and at Port Napoléon you'll find all the facilities and services you need for pleasure boating. From our top-quality facilities, you're sure to enjoy some great sailing in the Mediterranean.
Would you like to know more about parking or mooring, whether temporary or permanent? Contact the Port Adhoc team today! We'll be delighted to work with you to find the best solution for you and your boat.