Over the seasons, some anchorages become far more than simple stopovers. They turn into reference points, recommendations shared between sailors, places people keep talking about long after weighing anchor.
In 2025, the Navily community was more active than ever: over 7.5 million contribution points, thousands of reviews published each week, and a selection of more than 30,000 anchorages across 51 countries. Behind every comment, rating, and practical tip lie real experiences that gradually shape the map of must-visit anchorages.
THANK YOU FOR THIS YEAR OF SHARING!
Once again this year, certain spots stood out from the rest. More discussed, more saved, more recommended. From hidden coves to the Mediterranean’s most iconic bays, these anchorages sparked thousands of exchanges within an international community bringing together over 80 nationalities and five languages.
But beyond the numbers, one thing always stands out: these are the places boaters return to. For perfect shelter, for breathtaking scenery, for the atmosphere at sunset… or simply because they are where unforgettable moments happen.
Top 10: The moorings that defined the year
- Baie d'Alicastre - Plage Notre Dame (France)
- Cala di Roccapina (Corsica)
- Baia del Buon Dormire (Italy)
- Sóller (Balearic Islands)
- Sa Calobra (Balearic Islands)
- Rada di Marina di Campo (Italy)
- Isola Tavolara (Italy)
- Porto di Ponente (Italy)
- Vathy Ithaki (Greece)
- Sandy Island (Grenada - Caribbean)
Alicastre Bay has that kind of beauty that never tries to impress, yet leaves a lasting mark. From the moment you arrive, your gaze drifts between the long pine forests, the turquoise reflections on the water, and the distinctive light of Porquerolles: soft in the morning, almost dazzling at midday. Here, everything seems to slow down naturally, sounds soften, movements become more unhurried and the anchorage quickly takes on the feel of a timeless Mediterranean refuge.
Baie d'Alicastre - Plage Notre Dame (France)
Ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe, Notre-Dame Beach has managed to preserve its unspoiled atmosphere despite its reputation. The pale sand contrasts with the deep shades of pine and oak trees lining the bay, while the water, almost unreal in its clarity, reveals every detail of the seabed.
The anchorage is valued as much for its setting as for its comfort. When conditions are calm, the water becomes almost still by the end of the day, shifting from emerald green to deep blue depending on the light. Even in peak season, simply waiting until late afternoon is often enough to rediscover the sense of serenity that defines the place. Only the mistral can occasionally disrupt this calm, stirring up the water and making conditions more unsettled.
Once ashore, the island naturally extends the stopover. Paths lined with umbrella pines and eucalyptus invite you to walk or cycle without any real destination, simply to enjoy the scent of resin, the sound of cicadas, and the views that reveal themselves around each bend. Many boaters arrive planning to stay just one night at anchor, only to end up lingering longer, drawn in by the rare feeling of having found a part of the Mediterranean that remains truly untouched, where nature still takes center stage.
Cala di Roccapina (Corsica)
Cala di Roccapina is one of those rare anchorages that feels like discovering a wilder, almost untouched side of Corsica. As you approach, the contrast is striking: deep blue water, a long stretch of pale sand edged with fragrant maquis, and the imposing mineral silhouette of the Lion of Roccapina watching over the bay from above. Shaped by wind and time, this iconic rock formation seems to silently observe the boats seeking shelter below, giving the place an identity that is both instantly recognizable and truly spectacular.
The near-total absence of infrastructure only enhances this sense of escape. There is no bustling waterfront or construction to disrupt the harmony of the landscape, just the sound of the wind through the maquis, the cicadas in summer, and the gentle lapping of crystal-clear water. At certain times of day, the bay even takes on the appearance of a lagoon, with turquoise hues that feel more like a distant island than the western Mediterranean.
After going ashore, many naturally extend their stay to reach the famous Lion of Roccapina on foot. The trail crosses raw, fragrant maquis, swept by sea spray, before leading to this spectacular promontory overlooking the entire southern coast of Corsica. From the top, the view stretches across the beach, the granite formations, and the endless sea, offering one of the island’s most iconic panoramas. Between paddleboarding, snorkeling in crystal-clear water, repeated swims, and the hike up to the Lion, the days here unfold with remarkable ease.
At sunset, as the light turns golden and the last boats gradually leave the bay, Roccapina reveals perhaps its most precious quality: a rare sense of isolation and absolute freedom. It is precisely this atmosphere (both spectacular and deeply soothing) that makes this cala one of the most memorable and sought-after anchorages in Corsica today.
Baia del Buon Dormire (Italy)
Baia del Buon Dormire lives up perfectly to its name. It has an almost unreal atmosphere, as if this stretch of the Cilento coastline had deliberately escaped time and the bustle of the rest of the shore. Tall limestone cliffs encircle the bay with a raw elegance, revealing here and there small coves, sea caves, and pale beaches that are accessible almost exclusively by boat.
Water plays a central role here. Depending on the light, it shifts between deep blue, turquoise, and near-crystalline clarity along the rocks. Many crews spend hours simply swimming, exploring the caves by paddleboard, or following the cliffs while snorkeling, as the seabed and the play of light make every corner feel alive. Despite the summer crowds, the bay retains a welcome sense of space, with everyone generally able to find their spot without ever feeling confined in an overcrowded anchorage.
When the day boats leave in the late afternoon, the atmosphere changes completely. The noise gradually fades, the sea becomes smooth again, and the cliffs catch the last colors of the setting sun. It is precisely at this moment that the bay reveals its most captivating side. What emerges is a deep, almost enveloping sense of calm that often turns a simple stopover into a truly disconnecting overnight stay.
Sheltered from northern and western winds in normal conditions, the bay offers a comfortable and well-appreciated anchorage for spending the night in front of one of the most spectacular landscapes along the Tyrrhenian coast. Many sailors leave with the feeling of having discovered a place that remains genuinely authentic, where nature still dominates and where each evening seems to slow the rhythm of the journey.
Sóller (Balearic Islands)
Nestled in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, Port de Sóller offers a distinctive atmosphere that few Mediterranean stopovers truly manage to capture. As you approach the bay, the scenery gradually transforms. Steep cliffs give way to orange groves, pastel-colored houses appear among the palm trees, and the old tram still seems to set the rhythm of life in the port, just as it once did. Everything here evokes a softer, more authentic Mediterranean, where time seems to slow down naturally.
From the anchorage, the mountains plunge straight into the sea, creating a striking landscape. In the morning, the light illuminates the heights of the Tramuntana while the first terraces slowly come to life along the promenade. Then come the aromas of coffee, the gentle sound of the historic tram, and that calm, easy-going atmosphere that defines the charm of Sóller.
Once ashore, everyone quickly finds their own rhythm. Some hop on the tram to reach Sóller’s historic center, wandering among modernist façades and the Church of Sant Bartomeu, while others prefer the small cafés by the port, local markets, or the hiking trails leading into the GR221. At dusk, when the lights begin to reflect on the calm water and the mountains take on a violet hue under the setting sun, Port de Sóller reveals all the quiet poetry that makes it one of the most endearing stopovers in the Balearics today.
Sa Calobra (Balearic Islands)
Along a coastline already known for its dramatic beauty, Sa Calobra still manages to surprise. Approaching the cala feels truly unique: the bay gradually reveals itself in a raw yet luminous setting, where turquoise waters contrast with the rugged relief of Mallorca’s coastline. From the very first moments, the place gives the rare impression of being cut off from the rest of the island, like a secluded refuge accessible only by sea. Few anchorages in the Balearics offer such a strong sense of mineral isolation.
The scenery evolves throughout the day. In the morning, the rocky walls still cast wide shadows over the calm water; then, as the sun moves into the cala, the colors intensify and the clarity of the sea reveals fish, rocks, and patches of sand with remarkable sharpness. Many come here as much for the anchorage as for what lies beneath the surface: snorkeling at the foot of the cliffs, exploring small rocky cavities, or simply swimming in water that feels almost unreal.
Ashore, the atmosphere remains simple and unmistakably Mediterranean. A few restaurants set near the beach naturally extend the stopover, whether over a late lunch or a dinner facing the rugged relief of the Tramuntana. Despite this, the place retains a very raw character: the mountains constantly dominate the landscape, the trails starting from the cala highlight the wild nature of the area, and even the summer bustle seems to fade away once visitors leave at the end of the day.
The anchorage does require a bit of attention, but when conditions remain stable, an evening at Sa Calobra becomes truly memorable. The cliffs take on copper tones, silence gradually returns, and the bay regains that almost unreal atmosphere that makes it one of the most fascinating landscapes in Mallorca.
Rada di Marina di Campo (Italy)
At Marina di Campo, the stopover immediately feels more lively and convivial than in many other anchorages on Elba Island. From the boat, the bay opens onto a wide and animated waterfront, punctuated by cafés, small local boats, and the gentle rhythm of village life throughout the day. With the beach stretching along the entire bay, pastel-colored façades, and the relaxed atmosphere of summer evenings, the setting fully captures that Mediterranean dolce vita so many sailors seek.
Unlike more secluded anchorages, this one offers a particularly pleasant balance between nature and local life. During the day, many alternate between swimming, paddleboarding, or snorkeling in clear, shallow water, before heading ashore to enjoy the village on foot. The streets are filled with small shops, artisan gelaterias, cafés, and restaurants where it is easy to linger over a plate of fresh fish or an aperitivo by the sea. In summer, the atmosphere becomes livelier without ever losing the laid-back charm that defines the place.
The stopover is also highly appreciated for everything there is to explore around the bay. Some rent scooters or bicycles to venture inland, while others set off along coastal trails or head to small coves accessible only by sea. Marina di Campo thus becomes as much a starting point as a place where you simply enjoy slowing down the pace of the journey.
As evening falls, the bay gradually returns to a much calmer atmosphere. The village lights reflect on the water, conversations linger softly from the cockpits, and it quickly becomes clear why so many sailors still consider Marina di Campo one of the most endearing stopovers on Elba Island.
Isola Tavolara (Italy)
Off the northeast coast of Sardinia, a monumental silhouette rises straight from the sea, immediately drawing the attention of passing sailors. It is no coincidence that this striking presence gives the stopover a unique dimension, as if the entire landscape had been shaped around a single central element. From the very first hours at anchor, the sense of isolation is strong, enhanced by remarkably clear water that shifts between turquoise and deep blue depending on the light.
The stopover also lends itself well to exploring ashore. A few dining spots offer the chance to enjoy a simple, authentic lunch in an exceptional setting, while trails crossing the unspoiled surroundings reveal superb views over the Sardinian coastline. Altogether, it creates the feeling of a place that remains largely untouched, where sea and land exist in seamless harmony.
Despite the summer crowds, the area retains a natural sense of balance, especially as visiting boats gradually depart in the late afternoon, giving way to a much calmer atmosphere.
This is why crews often find themselves structuring their day around the bay without even realizing it. Some take advantage of the quieter morning conditions to explore nearby coves, while others simply remain at anchor, alternating between swims and short dinghy trips to the shore. The island becomes a constant landmark in the scenery, almost a presence accompanying every movement of the boat. Little by little, the stopover shifts from a simple destination into a temporary way of life where you end up extending your stay for no particular reason other than the simple pleasure of being there.
Porto di Ponente (Italy)
Reviews tend to converge on the same impression: Porto di Ponente stands out as much for its setting as for its distinctive identity. Here, geology quite literally shapes the experience. The dark beach, the striking color contrasts, and the feeling of being surrounded by a landscape in constant transformation immediately set the tone. What many remember most is the sense of being in a place apart, where every activity seems to unfold within an almost unreal environment, balanced between calm waters and volcanic energy.
Life here extends well beyond anchoring. The stopover naturally unfolds between land and sea, with no clear boundary between the two. Some spend the day alternating between swimming and exploring the coastline, while others head inland toward higher ground to follow trails leading up to the crater, offering sweeping views over the entire Aeolian archipelago. The experience is often described as particularly complete, as it effortlessly combines relaxation, discovery, and physical activity within a compact area.
Dominated by the volcanic relief of Vulcano and the dark tones of its ancient lava flows, this bay has a distinctly different atmosphere from the rest of the Aeolian Islands. From the anchorage, the eye moves between crystal-clear waters, the slopes of the crater, and the long Spiaggia delle Sabbie Nere, famous for its extremely fine black volcanic sand.
Another recurring theme in visitor feedback is the simplicity of daily life once there. Everything feels easy and unstructured, whether it’s heading ashore on a whim, enjoying a casual meal, or setting off on a more active excursion. The village, with its essential services, supports the stopover without ever dominating it, allowing the landscape to remain at center stage.
Vathy Ithaki (Greece)
In Vathy, you get the feeling of entering a place that has lost none of its maritime soul, as if time had chosen to slow down right here, between the hills and the sea. Houses in soft tones cling naturally to the slopes, while the harbor, always lively yet never truly chaotic at its core, welcomes boats as if they were long-expected guests.
Many arrive expecting nothing more than a brief stopover, only to find themselves lingering, drawn in by this rare balance between vitality and serenity. The days unfold slowly, between strolls along the waterfront and the inviting aromas of small tavernas, where local life blends effortlessly and authentically with that of passing travelers. The overall feeling is one of a welcoming refuge, sheltered and almost embraced by the surrounding nature. It is also possible to venture inland, along quiet roads and ever-changing landscapes that reveal themselves gradually, as if the island were choosing how and when to unfold.
And then comes the evening, which in Vathy has a character all its own: lights shimmer on the water, voices mingle with music drifting from nearby establishments, and the harbor continues to live on in a softer, more subdued rhythm. Even at its liveliest, there remains a constant sense of being in a place that knows how to welcome, without ever losing its deeply Greek identity.
Sandy Island (Grenada - Caribbean)
Sandy Island is one of those places that feels like stepping into a living postcard. The only anchorage in this ranking located outside Europe, this small paradise in the Grenadines brings an added sense of faraway escape to the selection. As you approach, the scenery carries a quiet sense of inevitability. A bright, almost radiant stretch of sand seems to capture the light and reflect it with unexpected softness, while the deep, crystal-clear blue of the water creates a hypnotic contrast that effortlessly draws the eye.
You swim endlessly, drift for long stretches, and even time itself seems to lose some of its urgency. The atmosphere is both minimal and precious, as if nature had chosen to express itself here in its most peaceful form. Sandy Island holds something deeply moving: a sense of beauty still in the making, fragile yet vibrant, like a promise that continues to unfold. This feeling gives the place a more human, almost emotional dimension.
Then there is the sea, inviting calm exploration of the underwater world. Simply putting your head beneath the surface is enough to turn the stopover into a silent spectacle, filled with movement and color. Ashore, time stretches out between moments of relaxation on the sand, leisurely meals, and easy conversations in a simple, welcoming atmosphere. In the end, Sandy Island leaves the impression of a place that is both delicate and radiant, remembered above all for its pure light and for a stopover that feels more like a breath than a pause.
