If you want to take a sailing cruise there are certainly a lot of options to choose from. However, if you want to see excellent sites or enjoy an adventure then there are only a few top destinations to choose from. Next time you are planning the ultimate sailing vacation make sure the following five destinations are at the top of your short list of places to visit.

First would be Britain. This island nation offers a wide variety of sailing opportunities. There is everything from the picturesque west-country ports of Dartmouth and Fowey. Then in the south you can enjoy a variety of inlets and fishing harbors such as Devon and the Cornwall coast. On the Isles of Scilly you can enjoy a warm and relaxing environment.

On the Channel Islands the slow-paced atmosphere is truly the best way to have a relaxing vacation away from your busy life. In the north you can enjoy the rugged beauty of the wild Hebrides and Scotland’s west coast. Or if you are traveling in late July and early August you can spend your time on the Isle of Wright enjoying the Cowes Week which features a variety of yachting events.

Second are the British Virgin Islands. Although these islands are only a few miles from the United States they have a vastly different character. The government of these islands has gone to great lengths in order to minimize the effects of tourism. So you won’t find any high-rise buildings, but you can explore several marine parks around the island that help to protect the reefs and wrecks. At these parks you will find excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling, often better than any other location in the world. You can also find a lot of secluded beaches that overlook stunningly beautiful islands.

Third is the Greek Islands. Here you will see the fusion of three seas, five millennia of ancient civilizations and nearly a thousand islands for you to explore. What’s better is these islands have nearly three hundred days of sun a year, so nearly any time you travel will have excellent weather.

The beaches here offer postcard views and a number of historical sites. In fact the only problem with this destination is choosing where you want to visit first: the olive groves, the medieval fortresses, volcanoes or the crystal clear waters of the Cyclades. There is no shortage of sights to see and destinations to visit in the Greek Islands.

Fourth is the Lamu Archipelago in Kenya. Here you can take a break from your boat by chartering a small fishing dhow to take you on a trip around the archipelago to see the views the traditional way. On this trip around the area you will see a variety of historic towns and ruins, beautiful reefs and mangrove forests. This area offers tranquility, snorkeling and cultural sites.

Lastly there is Croatia. Here you can combine beautiful coastlines with marvelous medieval cities. Most of the islands and towns on the Adriatic coast of this country have marinas, nearly forty locations to dock your boat. There is no shortage of excellent historic sites to see as well as pristine waters to enjoy.