When you think about hiring a yacht, you might see yourself lounging on the deck or swimming in turquoise waters. But to truly experience the essence of a new destination, you won’t regret stepping ashore for a hike – the perfect activity for any sailing itinerary.
Like sailing, hiking allows you to access exclusive places and incredible views away from the hustle and bustle of tourist traps. Ready to drop your anchor and explore? Keep reading for a rundown of the top 10 hiking destinations you can visit from Dream Yacht Charter’s 35 locations.
1. Corsica, France
If you can’t choose between sweeping mountains or a coastal paradise, hiking in Corsica is for you. The island offers hikers an incredible combination of both terrains, many within easy reach of Dream Yacht’s Ajaccio marina base.
The island is home to Europe’s most challenging trail (the famous GR20), but it also features a diverse array of paths suitable for more casual day hikers. The La Cascade géante de la Piscia Di Gallu loop takes you through fragrant local vegetation, ending at a spectacular 70-metre waterfall. It takes just 90 minutes, making it perfect for a morning hike before returning to your yacht! More adventurous trekkers will love the panoramic Bocca di Cuccavera trail, a 3.5-hour climb with stunning views of the Mediterranean and Corsica’s rugged interior.
The sailing season runs from May through October, with spring and autumn offering ideal hiking temperatures and fewer crowds on the trails.
2. Martinique, Caribbean
Are you dreaming of hiking through a rainforest paradise? Martinique’s volcanic terrain features tropical trails that feel straight out of a storybook!
The island makes hiking easy with well-marked trails and accessible anchorages near Le Marin, Dream Yacht’s Martinique base. The 4.5-hour Sainte-Anne to Baie des Anglais loop offers one of the island’s most rewarding coastal hikes, taking you through pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and dramatic cliff paths – all with the turquoise Caribbean constantly at your side. Moor in Sainte-Anne’s protected bay, Grande Anse d’Arlet’s picturesque cove, or Saint-Pierre’s historic harbour.
With dryer conditions and clear views, December through April are ideal for hiking in Martinique.
3. French Polynesia, South Pacific
From coastal tropical forests to cloud-shrouded mountain peaks, hiking the Society Islands of French Polynesia is unlike anything else in the Pacific islands. With dramatic volcanic terrain, the island’s significant elevation gain offers hikers an array of ecosystems to explore in a single outing.
From Dream Yacht’s Raiatea base, the Tapioi Trail provides a perfect introduction to Polynesian hiking. It features a relatively easy ascent through lush rainforest, leading to spectacular views of Raiatea’s lagoon and neighbouring islands. For a more immersive (and advanced) experience, the Three Waterfalls Trail takes you deep into Raiatea’s jungle interior, where cascading natural pools provide refreshing swimming stops along your route.
Drive to the trail head from our base in Uturoa on Raiatea to gain access to these remarkable trails. For dry trails and crystal-clear visibility, plan your yacht charter between May and October.
4. Corfu, Greece
Since the time of the ancient Greeks, Corfu’s extensive network of footpaths has enchanted visitors. The island offers over 220km of marked trails through olive groves, coastal cliffs, and mountain viewpoints with unforgettable views of the Ionian Sea.
From Dream Yacht Charter’s Gouvia Marina base in Corfu, you can reach famous trails like the Gouviá to Liapádes route. This adventure takes you through traditional villages and rustic landscapes before descending to one of Corfu’s most beautiful beaches—perfect for a post-hike swim!
If you love history, the historic Monastery Vlacherna-Achilleion path combines cultural heritage with natural beauty. Along the way, you’ll pass impressive 19th-century architecture before climbing to viewpoints across the straits toward Albania.
April and May in Greece bring wildflowers that carpet the hillsides, while September and October offer warm seas for swimming, comfortable hiking temperatures, and reduced crowds.
5. New Caledonia, South Pacific
For an otherworldly outdoor adventure you can’t find anywhere else on earth, a yacht charter in New Caledonia is a must. This territory famously boasts the world’s largest lagoon system, many within reach from Dream Yacht’s Port Moselle base in Nouméa.
Juxtaposing the azure waters is the islands’ mountainous spine, which forms forest trails filled with plant species that evolved in isolation for millions of years. The Sentier du Ouen Toro provides a perfect introductory hike – it’s a 47-minute climb with sweeping views across the brilliant blue waters. For nature enthusiasts, hiking in Parc Zoologique et Forestier Michel Corbasson features rare flora and fauna that make this South Pacific destination truly special.
Hiking conditions are best between September and November, thanks to moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall.
6. Lefkas, Greece
Looking for untouched Greek nature? Just steps from our Lefkas base, hikers can find well-marked paths connecting picturesque villages, historic sites, and minimally-developed landscapes compared to other Greek destinations.
The 9km Nidri to Dimosari waterfall route takes you from a bustling harbour through olive groves and pine forests to cascades of cool mountain springs. More ambitious hikers will love the 5.2km Stavratos Mountains trek, where panoramic vistas encompass neighbouring islands, including Kefalonia, Ithaca, and mainland Greece.
Secure anchorages at Nidri Bay, Sivota Bay, and Vasiliki are ideal starting points for exploring nearby trails. The sailing season from April through October provides reliable access to trailheads around the island!
7. Grenada, Caribbean
From rainforest waterfall trails to dramatic volcanic peaks, Dream Yacht’s Port Louis Marina in Grenada is the perfect home base to reach a hiker’s paradise. This Caribbean gem’s compact size means most hiking opportunities remain within easy reach of your yacht, allowing you to maximise your land adventures during your charter.
The Seven Sisters Waterfall trail offers a moderate 2km journey through dense rainforest, ending in swimmable natural pools. More ambitious hikers should tackle Mount Qua Qua’s 4.5km path, where the elevation gain provides commanding views across the island’s verdant landscape.
St. George’s Harbor, Grand Anse Bay, and Prickly Bay all offer great anchorages for hiking-focused charters. For minimal rainfall, visit between January and May.
8.Thailand, Asia
Although Thailand is famous for its tranquil beaches, it’s also home to a network of hiking trails featuring dense jungles, hidden waterfalls, and spectacular viewpoints. With a mountainous interior accessible from our Phuket base, no Dream Yacht sailing holiday would be complete without an inland adventure!
Casual hikers can drive from Dream Yacht’s base location in Phuket to enjoy a 3.8km journey to Ton Chong Fa Waterfall, offering relatively gentle terrain through bamboo forests.
While on charter in Phang Nga Bay, there are countless opportunities for hiking. James Bond Island may be more famous for its beach and scenery, but it also has a short hiking trail that takes you to the top of the island, offering panoramic views of the bay. While sailing the Phi Phi Islands, explore Phi Phi Don (the largest island of the group) via several trails that crisscross the island, taking you through lush forests and offering stunning views of the surrounding waters and beaches. Or check out Phi Phi Viewpoint, a trail to the top of a hill for breathtaking 360-degree views.
For moderate humidity and less rain, visit between November and April.
9.Sicily, Italy
Ever dreamed of hiking on an active volcano? With Dream Yacht’s Portorosa base as your starting point, a Sicily charter offers the perfect opportunity to combine multiple volcanic hikes with sailing adventures.
A top adrenaline-boosting option is on the volcanic island of Stromboli, one of the most active volcanos in the world. You’ll need a guide for this hike, but you’ll be rewarded with views of red hot molten lava spewing hundreds of meters into the sky. For another truly unforgettable experience, plan a post-charter inland adventure and hike the challenging 5.5-km loop from Citelli Mountain Hut to Serracozzo Cave on Mount Etna. Walking across otherworldly lava landscapes offers a stark contrast to the lush coastal vegetation below.
The best conditions for both sailing and hiking come between May and September, though spring visits offer an added bonus—wildflower displays that transform the mountainsides into natural gardens.
10. British Virgin Islands, Caribbean
While the British Virgin Islands are world-famous for sailing, their volcanic terrain offers surprisingly diverse hiking opportunities, all accessible from Dream Yacht’s Hodges Creek Marina base. These mountainous islands provide elevated perspectives that completely transform how you see this Caribbean paradise!
From Hodges Creek Marina, sail to The Baths on Virgin Gorda, where giant granite boulders create a natural labyrinth perfect for exploration. Another option is nearby Gorda Peak is Virgin Gorda’s highest point (1370ft), accessed by a trail that winds through Caribbean dry forest and ends at a lookout tower that affords lovely views of Virgin Gorda’s North Sound.
Other excellent hiking opportunities can be found on the island of Jost Van Dyke, where you can walk an easy trail to the “Bubbly Pool” where ocean swells create a lively natural swimming hole.
The best hiking conditions come between December and April, with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures.
Add Hiking to Your Next Dream Yacht Charter Itinerary! Contact us today to learn more about planning your yacht charter and customising your sailing holiday itinerary!
