European School Holiday Calendar & Top Holiday Destinations for 2026

Are you ready to make your yacht charter dreams a reality in 2026? Aligning your travel plans with school holidays and other key dates throughout the year can help you choose the perfect time to set sail for you and your party. 

For more sociable crowds, community celebrations and family-friendly activities, exploring the open waters during holidays creates a sensational experience. However, if you want to reduce costs, enjoy tranquility without crowds and spend more time with locals, you may prefer to book your yacht charter outside of these dates.

To help make planning your next holiday as easy and stress-free as possible, we have put together a European School Holiday Calendar for 2025/26. This detailed calendar covers major holidays for the UK, Ireland, Croatia, Greece, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Italy. We have also shared other key dates to keep in mind, as they may increase booking demand, costs and crowds.

We’re here to support you with every step of booking your 2026 yacht charter, which is why our expert holiday planners and Katrina Lawson, Head of Brand and Acquisitions at Sunsail, have also revealed their top sailing destinations for 2026, including the British Virgin Islands, Lefkas and St Lucia, as well as top tips for booking your next holiday. 

Whether you’re dreaming of peaceful sandy shores and idyllic waters, or the hustle and bustle of busy towns steeped in history, there’s a sailing route to suit everyone.

European School Holiday Calendar for 2025/2026

Whether you’re a family looking to align your next sailing charter with school holiday dates, or a couple wanting to avoid these dates so that you can enjoy a quiet, private holiday, we’ve put together a useful European School Holiday Calendar for 2025/26.

Where to Sail in Autumn?

Autumn is one of the best times of year to set sail around the Mediterranean if you want to avoid crowds without compromising on beautiful weather and fantastic sailing conditions. Embark on an off-season adventure with Sunsail and marvel at the spectacular coastlines of Lefkas, uninhabited islands near Dubrovnik, and the historical richness of the Amalfi Coast.

Want to explore further afield? The Seychelles and Thailand also make idyllic sailing destinations this time of year. Soak up the sun on pristine beaches, enjoy world-class snorkelling and scuba diving, and come face-to-face with beautiful wildlife.

Winter School Holidays 2025/26

Exact school holiday dates may differ by specific school or area, but this is a general guide.

Where to Sail in Winter?

Are you looking to feel your cares melt away as you revel in some well-deserved winter sun? Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of spending Christmas abroad, or ringing in the New Year on a palm-fringed beach. Escape the chill of Europe and welcome a Caribbean adventure with Sunsail.

With steady trade winds, calm seas, and warm temperatures, the BVI is one of the best places to sail in Winter. Spend your holiday island hopping and discovering the BVI’s best treasures, from The Baths on Virgin Gorda to the beach bars of Jost Van Dyke.
Renowned for its incredible snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities, Belize is also a fantastic sailing destination for winter yacht charters.

Spring School Holidays 2025/26

Exact school holiday dates may differ by specific school or area, but this is a general guide.

Where to Sail in Spring?

Warmer days, fewer crowds and off-peak prices make spring a fantastic season for sailing. Marking the end of the sailing season in the Caribbean and the shoulder season in the Mediterranean, you have the choice of so many incredible destinations.

Stay closer to home and sail against the backdrop of the Aeolian Islands and their dramatic scenery, as you uncover the treasures of Sardinia. Or, for an unforgettable long-haul experience, visit The Whitsundays. Snorkelling in The Whitsundays is a magical experience, as you’ll meet vibrant marine life, from angelfish to reef sharks and parrotfish.

Summer School Holidays 2025/26

Exact school holiday dates may differ by specific school or area, but this is a general guide.

Where to Sail in Summer?

If you’re looking for a bustling, lively yacht charter with great weather and steady cruising conditions, you’ll love sailing around Europe in the Summer. June-August is the peak sailing season in the Mediterranean and UK, and with students off school for their summer holidays, there’s a buzzing atmosphere everywhere you visit.

Explore the scenic coastlines of the UK, immerse yourself in local culture as you wander around Old Town in Dubrovnik, discover ancient ruins that tell stories you’ll never forget in Athens, or enjoy the incredible cuisine in Sicily and let the flavours make your tastebuds dance.

Other key dates to look out for when planning a holiday in 2026

As well as the European school holidays, there are also other dates, events and celebrations throughout the year that you need to be aware of when planning your 2026 sailing holiday.

You may choose to centre your sailing charter around a particular holiday, so that you can immerse yourself in local cultures and take part in festivities. However, with crowds and costs likely to be increased when key events and celebrations occur, you may also choose to book your sailing holiday outside of these times.

Take a look at some of the biggest, and most celebrated cultural events happening in 2026.

Top Holiday Destinations for 2026

Are you ready to set sail on an extraordinary sailing charter with Sunsail in 2026?

With so many amazing sailing destinations to choose from, each one boasting unique landscapes, incredible sailing conditions and rich cultures, it can be difficult to decide where to book your next holiday. That’s why we are here to help.

With online searches for ‘catamaran holidays in the Caribbean’ and ‘boat holidays in the Mediterranean’ both surging by 200% year-on-year, our expert holiday planners and Katrina Lawson, Head of Brand and Acquisitions at Sunsail, have named the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Lefkas, Croatia, Grenada and St Lucia as the top sailing destinations for 2026.

1. British Virgin Islands

With blue health escapes being named among the top travel trends of 2026, marking a rise in people looking to swap the noise of daily life for the soothing stillness of nature, the BVI is being hailed as one of the must-visit Caribbean destinations for sailors, families and everyone in between in 2026. 

Relax, unwind and switch off as you discover the treasures of the BVI, including:

• Sandy Spit – Sandy Spit is a tiny island with nothing but powdery white sand and a pretty little cluster of palm trees. Time it right, and you just might get to enjoy this dot of paradise without another soul in sight.
  
• Josiah’s Bay – An emerging hotspot that is set to soar in popularity in 2026 and beyond. It’s a haven for nature lovers and families. The bay even has a dedicated surfing school, ideal for anyone wanting to learn a new skill on holiday.
  
• Anegada -The BVI’s only coral island, protected by the fourth largest barrier reef in the world. With just 450 locals, it’s a slice of paradise that often flies under the radar. Uncrowded and tranquil, with pristine beaches, it’s the perfect destination for those craving barefoot luxury off the beaten track.

Offering exceptional year-round weather, incredible water visibility and smooth sailing conditions, the best time to sail the BVI is between December-April, where you’ll experience the laid-back Caribbean culture to its fullest.
For more useful insights into this enchanting Caribbean jewel, discover our ultimate guide to sailing the BVI, and take a look at our BVI sailing itineraries for more hotspots and hidden gems that need to be seen to be believed.

2. Lefkas, Greece

Greece has experienced a tourism boom in 2025, with visitor numbers increasing by 4%, which is set to continue to rise in 2026. However, online searches for ‘secluded Greek islands’ have risen by 100% year-on-year, while ‘quiet Greek islands to visit’ has increased by 67% in that same time, suggesting people are moving away from the bustling hotspots and searching for serene, peaceful Greek islands to explore.

Offering a less crowded experience compared to Corfu and Athens, Lefkas is an under-the-radar destination ideal for cultural immersion and water-based activities, including kayaking and snorkelling. Discover what makes Lefkas stand out as one of the best places to sail in Greece:

• Ithaca – According to research, 49% of travellers have booked, or would consider, a trip inspired by literature in 2026. Join in on the ‘Bookbound’ trend and step into the pages of Homer’s Odyssey as you sail from Lefkas to Ithaca, world renowned as the home of Odysseus. Ithaca symbolises the return to the haven, the discovery and the fulfillment.
  
• Paxos – One of the least commercial Greek Islands set in the Ionian Sea, this island is truly beautiful, with scenery that makes it an artist’s paradise.The local people are so welcoming you feel at home straight away.
   
• Egremni Beach – This remote, tranquil haven is one of the best beaches in Greece. Egremni Beach is most easily accessed by boat, offering an exclusive and private experience unmatched elsewhere. With deep seabeds ideal for snorkelling, and picturesque views of Lefkas’ rugged coastline, Egremni Beach is second to none. 

Find out more about the best time to sail in Greece and take a look at our Lefkas itineraries for planning inspiration.

3. Croatia

Whether you want a lively city experience in Dubrovnik, or an off-the-beaten-track adventure around the Adriatic, Croatia offers the best of both worlds, which is why it’s one of the best destinations for 2026.

Learn about Croatia’s rich history, taste mouthwatering local cuisine, spend hours snorkelling and discover the very best of this sailor’s playground:

• Lastovo Island – Lastovo Island is one of the best hidden gems in Croatia for nature lovers, and a must-add to any itinerary in 2026. It is known as the ‘island of crystal stars’, so star gazing is a must. The whole archipelago is under protection as a nature park, and the water is seethrough-clean.
  
• Mljet – A national park covers the entire northwest side of the island, if you’re a lover of nature, hiking and swimming, you might never want to leave. Mljet National Park has several saltwater lakes and one of them, Veliko Jezero, has a vibrant coral reef that’s perfect for snorkelling as it’s teeming with marine life.
  
• Agana – Step away from the crowds and sunbathe on beautiful, unspoiled beaches near Agana. One of the must-visit beaches in Croatia is Prališće Beach, with crystal-clear waters, a mixture of deep and shallow water, and brilliant facilities such as a cafe bar, showers and parking.

Find out more about the best time to set sail in Croatia and start planning your Dubrovnik or Agana sailing itinerary today.

4. Grenada

Another Caribbean jewel gaining popularity, and offering a scenic backdrop for your next yacht charter, is Grenada. Online searches for ‘Grenada yacht charter’ have risen by 50% over the last three months alone, and 120% year-on-year.

World-renowned as the ‘Spice Isle of the Caribbean’, your visit to Grenada will be perfumed by the rich aromas of nutmeg and cinnamon. If you’re looking for a culinary delight, cultural experience or island-hopping adventure in 2026, add Grenada to your list:

• Magazine Beach – Sunbathe on the beautiful 500-yard-long pink-hued sands of one of the best beaches in Grenada. Just off the shore, you can snorkel in the sheltered waters and explore the vibrant coral reef, where you may catch a glimpse of trunkfish, sea urchins and more.
  
• Underwater Sculpture Park – One of Grenada’s must-see attractions is the exquisite Underwater Sculpture Park in Moliniere Bay. Grab your scuba diving gear and dive down to witness the magnificent life-size artwork, created by Jason deCaires Taylor.
  
• Tobago Cays – Set sail around the deserted isles of the Tobago Cays, known for being one of the best scuba diving spots in the Caribbean. With dazzling natural beauty, Caribbean charm and turquoise waters, the Tobago Cays simply have to be seen to be believed. For nature lovers, visit Baradal Turtle Sanctuary, a protected area where green and hawksbill turtles can be observed foraging freely.

All that’s left to do is choose the best time to sail the Caribbean, build a quote and start thinking about your Grenada sailing itinerary. 

Need some more inspiration? Take a look at our blog on the best things to do in Grenada. 

5. St Lucia

According to Skyscanner, mountain and hiking holidays are seeing a peak in popularity, with 71% of travellers considering a mountain escape in 2026.

St Lucia offers lush, mountainous landscapes as well as exceptional wildlife and world-class sailing grounds. Explore the Windward Islands by water and visit lesser-known gems, before mooring up and challenging yourself to some of the most incredible hiking trails in the Caribbean:

• The Pitons – Hike up the iconic Pitons, two mountainous volcanic spires, and experience the world from new heights. Gros Piton is generally considered easier to hike, but for experienced hikers, Petit Piton is a welcome challenge. One TripAdvisor review says: “You cannot truly appreciate the magnificence of these volcanic peaks until you visit St Lucia. The lush colours of the peak towering over the beautiful colours of the Caribbean are so unique.”
  
• Tet Paul Nature Trail – For anyone looking for a shorter hike, the stunning Tet Paul Nature Trail takes around 45 minutes and showcases St Lucia’s incredible landscapes, lush vegetation and beautiful plants. Continue your hike up the Stairway to Heaven to experience some of the best views of the Pitons.
  
• Toraille Waterfall – For nature lovers, take a break from hiking to witness the beauty of one of the biggest and most popular waterfalls in St. Lucia. Toraille Waterfall is around 50 ft tall and even has a nearby watering hole where you can swim in the gorgeous waters, making it one of the best things to do and see in St Lucia.

Whether you want to spend your sailing charter island hopping around the Windwards, switching off on sun-soaked beaches, or hiking up the world-famous Pitons, build your quote and plan your St Lucia sailing itinerary today.

Tips for booking your next sailing holiday

1. Budget – Determine your budget and be clear about what’s included in the package. Sailing holidays vary widely in price, so ensure you have a clear understanding of what’s covered, from accommodations and meals to activities and excursions.
2. Book in advance – It’s not just the yacht you need to think about booking. Book flights as soon as the airlines release them (normally about 11 months in advance to get the best prices). Where possible, use air miles to save on flights and try to be flexible with dates as changing by just a few days can make a huge difference to prices.
3. Shoulder season – To keep costs down, book your sailing holiday during the shoulder season where you’ll experience less crowds and costs but still get to enjoy the same beautiful destination.
4. Research destinations and experiences thoroughly – This includes not checking weather conditions properly which can dampen experiences, and also forgetting to factor travel time (such as flights and transfers) into itineraries which may mean you miss out on planned activities.
5. Consult experts – Consult our Holiday Planners to receive expert advice ahead of booking your sailing holiday. You can ask any questions you have and they can advise on how to make the most of any given destination.

Explore the best holiday destinations of 2026 with Sunsail

From the incredible snorkelling spots of the BVI, to the breathtaking beaches of St Lucia and majestic landscapes of Croatia, each of Sunsail’s top destinations for 2026 offers a unique experience.

Whether you’re planning an idyllic winter sun escape to the Caribbean or a fun-filled family adventure in the summer, there’s a destination to suit everyone. All that’s left to do is choose your favourite sailing hotspot, book your charter and start planning your itinerary.Explore our worldwide sailing destinations below and book your bareboat, skippered or flotilla holiday today.

The United Kingdom

Portsmouth

Southeast Asia

Phuket

South Pacific

French Polynesia

Mediterranean

Lefkas

Mediterranean

Corfu

Mediterranean

Athens

Indian Ocean

Seychelles

Caribbean

St. Lucia

Caribbean

Antigua

Caribbean

St. Martin

Caribbean

Grenada

Caribbean

Belize

Mediterranean

Agana

Caribbean

British Virgin Islands (BVI)

Caribbean

Martinique

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