favouriteplacesSPRING-SUMMER 2012Isea&iI49ANNE STERRINGA CAMPER & NICHOLSONS PALMACharter choice The Balearics, Spain"Spain's Balearic islands are well known for their sunny climate, beautifulbeaches and fun nightlife, but what many people don't realise is that it isalso possible to find stunning deserted anchorages away from the crowds. "The three main islands are Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca, and it's worthspending several days on each. You could anchor in Cala Tuent on the westcoast of Mallorca, where you can stretch out a towel on virgin sandssurrounded by a landscape of mountains and pine trees. There are alsoplenty of intriguing spots along the coast here to explore by kayak. It'scompletely deserted, so don't expect any beach clubs or nightlife. However,if you arrive at just the right time you may get to feast on fresh fish straightfrom the grill of a local farmer, Toni, who cooks up a treat when he's in themood. Other spots to see in Mallorca include Palma, Valldemossa andSóller. "In Ibiza, beach clubs are the epitome of barefoot-chic - try the BlueMarlin or Malibu, and don't miss a trip to Ibiza Town, which has huge appealday and night. Head inland to find beautiful scenery, great shops and theIbiza Golf Club. For spa treatments, try Atzaró."Menorca gets fewer visitors than its sister islands but has museums,beaches, restaurants and scenic coastlines aplenty. The lazy Balearic islandof Formentera is also fun to visit."nMOLLY BROWNE CAMPER & NICHOLSONS LONDONCharter choice Amalfi Coast, Italy"For a Mediterranean charter that ticks all the boxes for culture, good food andfabulous scenery, I would suggest Italy's Amalfi Coast. Ischia is the largest islandin the bay of Naples and is well known for its thermal springs -the product of theisland's natural volcanic activity. Relaxed and rejuvenated after a dip in the healingwaters, you can then visit ever-chic Capri, an island that boasts glamour andculture in equal measure. While you're there, a trip to the Blue Grotto is a must.It's a cave that's been known since Roman times and you can swim in the darkand gaze at the incredible blue waters. "Then head ever upwards to Anacapri where there is a chair-lift that willtransport you even higher to Monte Solaro, where you can take photographsof incredible views of the island. It is then just a short cruise back to themainland to the town of Sorrento where I'd highly recommend the MuseoCorreale di Terranova, an impressive building that houses a collection of 18thcentury paintings and antiques that once belonged to Sorrento's titledCorreale family. It's fascinating inside, but step outside and views of the Gulfof Sorrento are similarly impressive. "Finally, your yacht can steer a course to beautiful Amalfi, a colourful andcharming town traditionally famed for its production of beautiful handmadepaper and Limoncello liqueur - so be sure to have a glass to toast your cruisewhile you're there." THE EXPERTScruising destinations

50Isea&iISPRING-SUMMER 2012OLD FAVOURITESmediterranean highlightsSuperyachts have been exploring the varied and distinct coastlines of the West Mediterranean for decades. sea&ireviews the best theseidyllic waters have to offer charterersByMiriam Cain