The Best Ports in the Mediterranean for Windstar’s Watersports Platform

Windstar’s Mediterranean cruise itineraries combine enchanting towns, stunning scenery, delicious food, and historical sites — plus the chance to explore secluded beaches and tranquil bays. Windstar’s Watersports Platform is available at a dozen ports on our Mediterranean cruises, offering guests ample opportunities to kayak, stand-up paddle board, swim from the yacht, and enjoy floating mats and a trampoline. Guests can also check out complimentary snorkeling gear for the week to use on excursions.  

 

Our Mediterranean cruises with several days of Watersports Platform access include Enchanting Greece & the Amalfi Coast, Romance on the Rivieras, Yachtsman’s Harbors of the Rivieras,  Star Collector: Cruising on the Rivieras,  Star Collector: Italian Trio,  Star Collector: Riviera Rhapsody and Star Collector: Croatia to the Cote d’Azur.  

These are our favorite places in the Mediterranean to enjoy the Watersports Platform:  

Giardini Naxos (Sicily, Italy) 

Giardini Naxos is just a mile south of Taormina, offering access to medieval castles, wineries and jaw-dropping views of Mt. Etna, plus gorgeous stretches of the Sicilian coastline. Isola Bella, also known as the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea,” sits in a protected cove, and the sparkling aqua waters are the perfect place to swim and snorkel. Check out the grottoes on either side of the islet, and venture around the tiny peninsula to Mazzaro cove, which is just as calm.  

Portoferraio (Elba, Italy) 

Located on the northern side of Elba Island, Portoferraio is tucked in a calm bay with easy access to the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.Kayak on crystal clear waters from Enfola along the north coast of the island, and you’ll marvel at the abundance of marine life. If you’re more interested in relaxing, there are plenty of secluded coves and secret beaches, like Spiaggia della Biodola and Spiaggia di Proccio.  

Ponza (Ponza, Italy) 

Ponza is the largest of Italy’s Pontine Islands, most famous for its picturesque coastline and many grottoes. Small, sandy beaches are tucked among the steep cliffs, and these tranquil bays are the perfect place to lounge on a floating mat near your Windstar yacht. Kayaking is a great way to explore the grottoes, sea arches and coves, and a private boat tour is another option. Cala Cecata and Cala Gaetano are considered some of the most stunning beaches on the island.  

Sorrento (Campania, Italy) 

Situated on the Sorrentine peninsula south of Naples, Sorrento has exceptional views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Hop on a stand-up paddleboard and admire the scenery, or take a kayak into Bagni Regina Giovanna, a secluded cove with scenic ruins of a Roman villa and a sandy beach. If you’d rather take in the views with someone else at the helm, consider a scenic boat tour on the south side of the peninsula to Positano, which overlooks the Gulf of Salerno.  

Amalfi (Salerno, Italy) 

The Amalfi Coast is considered one of the most picturesque regions of Italy, with colorful architecture meeting the vibrant blue water of the Gulf of Salerno. While the Amalfi Coast has a number of beaches situated next to cafes and hotels, there are plenty of coves between Amalfi and Positano accessible only by boat, making these ideal spots for snorkeling and swimming. Kayaking is another great way to experience the area’s natural wonders, like the stunning Runghetiello Grotto.  

Calvi (Corsica, France) 

The Citadel may be the most famous landmark, but the coves around Calvi are the definition of Mediterranean paradise. Located on the French island of Corsica, the calm, aqua water in the bay and beyond provides excellent opportunities for snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Plage de Saint Restitude and Plage Oscelluccia are some of the most secluded and scenic beaches.  

Sanary-sur-Mer (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France) 

Considered the birthplace of modern diving (legendary French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau had a home here), Sanary-sur-Mer is a charming seaside town with a laid-back vibe. The Plage de Portissol is tucked in a cove with glassy blue water, making this beach a wonderful spot for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. Plage de la Coudoulière is another visitor favorite. 

Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes, France) 

Located on the world-famous Cote d’Azur, this resort town boasts an impressive number of sandy beaches surrounded by shimmering blue waters. The entire length of the La Croisette waterfront promenade is next to the beach, and the nearby Lérins Islands (Îles de Lérins) are a phenomenal place to snorkel, kayak or paddleboard. Pointe de l’Aiguille Park is another hotspot for snorkeling, and the red rock cliffs around the park are especially stunning.   

Antibes (Alpes-Maritimes, France) 

Antibes is one of the oldest cities in France, and beyond the pastel buildings and seaside cafes are a wealth of opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. Cap d’Antibes has an endless number of coves to explore by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, and the crystal-clear waters at the Pelagos Sanctuary are some of the best in the area for snorkeling. The soft, white sand at the Plage De Salis beach is another highlight for visitors. 

Gythion (Laconia, Greece) 

Gythion is a fishing town on the southern side of the Peloponnese, and from shipwrecks to sea turtles, there is plenty to see along the coast. Selinitsa Beach is home to the remains of the rusted Dimitrios shipwreck, and just south of the city is the white marble Gythion Lighthouse, built in 1873. Of course, one of the main highlights is snorkeling in the calm waters around Mavrovouni Beach, which is a nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles. 

Monemvasia (Laconia, Greece) 

The tiny island of Monemvasia is only accessible via a short bridge connected to the Peloponnese Peninsula, and the castle town seems like something out of a fairy tale. Wander along the cobblestone streets and snorkel near the rocky shoreline of Portello Beach, which is right next to the fortress. The fortress, which is located on the south side of the island, is only visible from the water, so kayaking along the coast offers a unique perspective of the castle city as well.  

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