Foodie Yacht Destinations

Does anything beat authentic cuisine, eaten fresh right at the source? We think not, especially after a day on the water!

Published January 4, 2024

Updated February 10, 2025

The Best Yachting Destinations for Foodies

Does anything beat authentic cuisine, eaten fresh right at the source? We think not, especially after a day on the water!

Exceptional food can really elevate a yachting holiday, adding richness and depth to unforgettable memories. That's true whether you shop locally and cook on board your yacht, dine ashore or hire a chef and let them create a masterpiece

Your HELM broker will be happy to build a charter and an itinerary based around the very best local delicacies.

To help start your planning, here are some of our favourite gastronomical boltholes, ripe with incredible ingredients and fabulous restaurants.

Best destinations for food:

Food, Glorious Food

Naples & Amalfi Coast

The home of pizza, and so much more!

Legend has it that after the unification of Italy in 1861, a Neapolitan pizzaiolo was tasked with creating a special topping for Queen Margherita, and he created one in the colours of the Italian flag: red (tomato) white (mozzarella) and green (basil).

But Naples' food is much deeper and broader than pizza. How about gnocchi alla sorrentina, or the wonderful San Marzano tomatoes, grown in volcanic soil in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius?

Naples and Italy are rightly world famous for cuisine, and you can't really go wrong when choosing a waterfront restaurant while on charter. Recipes are simple, using only a handful of ingredients, but pack punchy flavours.

Sardinia

Enriched by interactions with various other Mediterranean cuisines, Sardinian food involves the freshest fish, served with a deftness of touch and some classical Italian flair - Buon Apettito!

This unique island has developed a cuisine all its own, from cheesy pastries to sumptuous fresh lobster, grilled fish and spit-roasted meats.

Sardinian dishes tend to alter with the landscape - Olbia is famous for its legendary mussels and seafood, while inshore, the mountainous layout lends itself to big, hearty slow-cooked meats.

Thailand

Thai food is rightly world-famous, a fascinating and complex intersection of spices helping to create vibrant dishes absolutely bursting with flavour and variety.

There's a reason why a CNN Travel survey put 7 Thai dishes in the World's top 50 Dishes.

From Tom Yam (hot, sour soup) to Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles) and Massaman (rich, mild curry) to Som Tam (green papaya salad) - Thai food is light, aromatic and spicy - utterly delicious.

Head to the Phuket night markets for a riotous feast for the senses!

South of France

Michelin-starred gastronomy, simple bistros and laid-back beach clubs - the French restaurant scene is second to none, and stretches from Monaco past Antibes, Cannes and St Tropez all the way to Toulon.

When it comes to dining out, there are very few places on earth that can compete with the depth and breadth of quality boasted by the Cote D'Azur or French Riviera yacht charter region.

From boeuf tartare to millefeuille, soufflé, escargot and everything in between, a Cote D'Azur sailing holiday caters to every foodie need and budget in chic, classic style.

Feeling Inspired?

Now you know our top picks for foodies, why not gather your crew and start planning your next yachting adventure?

Or check out our ultimate guide to provisioning for your charter.

Need some help?

If you are unsure about charter or boat selection, contact us at HELM to help you decide.

We only choose boats that are in excellent condition, and we are here to help you every step of the way and to make sure the whole process is as easy as possible.

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