Hiring a yacht in Italy is the ideal way to explore the unique coastline and beautiful islands that rest between the Ligurian and the Tyrrhenian Sea. At any moment while sailing, you will be desperate to drop anchor to enjoy the Italian seafood, shop within ita narrow streets, or visit famous sites. A yachting experience in Italy is the perfect opportunity for both sea lovers and explorers to combine sailing and on-land experiences. Italy has various marinas that extend along its immense coastline, so you will never have trouble finding the ideal yacht of your choice. You can directly contact the owners for the ideal yacht you desire or simply allow a BednBlue travel expert to guide you with some recommendations.
You have plenty of options:
You can hire a yacht with a skipper--or without one, if you have a license--and enjoy a one-day cruise along the Italian Riviera or the Amalfi coast. If you have a limited amount of time and want to visit many places, we recommend you to hire a motor yacht and visit the isles of Capri and Positano, since they are both known for their unique sea caves and coves. Alternatively, you can hire a luxury yacht for a romantic couple’s trip; an engagement proposal is also possible on board, underneath the buzzing canal bridge of Venice. Lastly, for week-long charters we recommend you to explore Sicily and the Aeolian Islands with a luxury motor yacht.
Italy is bounded by the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian seas to the west and the Adriatic Sea to the east. The Ligurian Sea is like an arm of the Mediterranean Sea that extends towards Tuscany and the island of Elba, which offers an introduction to the history dating back to Napoleon Bonaparte. The islands in Tuscany boast luxurious quarters and resorts starting from the center of the Riviera, Genoa, which today hosts the most important port for cruising and tourism. Millions of visitors descend to Italy to enjoy the pastel-colored seaside villages, the rugged coastlines, and to be part of the modern luxury that extends from the Italian Riviera to the Amalfi Coast.
A yacht charter in Italy guarantees a life-changing experience, whether you are visiting the Italian Riviera from the north or south of Sicily. If you have decided to cruise along the Italian Riviera, you have the option to spend multiple days in Portovenere, around the area of La Spezia, or enjoy your time in the fishing village of Portofino in Genoa, home to one of the prettiest superyacht marinas in the world. For the perfect one-day cruise, your yacht can follow the dramatic coastline and head to Cinque Terre, known for its authentic shining villages, which have been inaccessible by land for centuries. Cinque Terre is also known for its spectacular restaurants, so you will not miss out on the Ligurian specialties of Pesto, anchovies, and a fantastic bowl of condiglione on a sun-kissed afternoon.
For a two- or three-day charter experience in Italy, you can head to Tuscany. This town can easily be reached from Cinque Terre, where you can immerse yourself in complete isolation in the small beaches of Viareggio and Livorno. Isola d’Elba (Elba island) is also within your reach and marks a fantastic cruise around the Tuscan Archipelago. Do not miss the chance to visit Portoferraio and Capa Bianco beaches, which are perfect for families and children. 50km south of Elba and 15km from the mainland, you have the option to go swimming and snorkeling in Giglio island, where you explore underwater shipwrecks. By paying a visit to Pianosa island, you will be able to jump off your catamaran and swim in some great diving spots. The whole archipelago of Tuscany can be yours where you can create your own routes and visit all 7 different islands that it’s composed of. You also have the option to sail between Maddalena national park and the Costa Smeralda, which is another one of Italy’s gems. You can even make a crossing to Corsica and create your own week-long itineraries.
With a luxury yacht rental in Italy you can explore the dramatic coast of Amalfi. This coast is in close proximity to the Bay of Naples, giving you the option to make multiple stops in various ports, beaches, and scenic villages built on steep rock. From Positano, you can cruise into the isle of Capri. The towering rock formations of the Faraglioni are one of the most romantic spots in Italy, where you can propose to your significant other on board a luxury yacht. If you begin a yacht charter in Italy from Naples, you will then have the option to enjoy a gentle cruise to Ischia and Procida. You can spend time at the port of Procida, known for its private beaches, perfect for a family on holiday. The main town, Piazzetta, provides excellent shopping opportunities, some of the finest sections of eateries, and hosts multiple events during the summer. For a multi-day experience, you can combine your itineraries with Naples and Amalfi and even go island-hopping to Sicily and the Aeolian islands.
A yacht charter in Sardinia is a top choice for travelers who want to enjoy a luxury experience in the Mediterranean. The island of Sardinia has three airports, making it easy for many travelers to hire a yacht of their choice and explore Costa Smeralda’s captivating views as well as the rich diversity of landscapes in Olbia. Some of the most beautiful islets you cannot miss include La Maddalena, Tavolara, Budelli, Spargi, and Caprera, all offering various amenities, opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, as well as powdery white beaches that are always dotted with sailboats, catamarans, and luxury motor yachts, during the summer months. Costa Smeralda is a glittery playground for yachts and celebrities and a place one can enjoy the music in some of its glamorous nightclubs. Areas in northern Sardinia, including Alghero and Dorgali, can get very windy since the mistral wind is dominant most of the year. In this case, better hire a yacht with a skipper who knows how to get around the jagged coastline.
A yacht charter in Sicily will ensure you have a relaxing getaway in Italy. Sicily is the biggest island in the Mediterranean and often includes the Aeolian islands in week-long itineraries, as there is so much to explore. The 7 islands in the archipelago are Lipari, Panarea, Vulcano, Stromboli, Salina, Alicudi, and Filicudi. With the island’s active volcanoes in the background, you can enjoy the magnificent coastlines that radiate serenity. The mouthwatering Sicilian cuisine only makes your culinary journey even more exciting. You can then head back to your yacht at any moment or relax at the spa-like beaches, in the sulphuric islands you choose. This side of Italy has locals who will invite you to their community with open arms and will definitely mark the end of an unforgettable experience during your sailing holidays in Italy.
We have categorized the top harbors, ports, and Marinas regarding your yacht charter in Italy.
Marinas:
Portovenere: The perfect place to access the Cinque Terre. It has steep, cobbled streets within its picturesque harbor. A great stopover spot when exploring the Italian Riviera. You can admire the view of the Bay of Poets from the castle.
Marina di Porto Cervo, Sardinia: It’s known for its beaches, fashion, and luxury. It has a berthing capacity of up to 700 yachts. Reservations for megayachts are also possible.
Marina di Porto Rotondo, Sardinia: Located on the east coast of Sardinia and in the province of Olbia. It provides very good mooring for yachts and an impressive surrounding landscape. It has 652 berths available for all types of yachts.
Marina Cala dei Sardi, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia: It has a berthing capacity of 140 yachts and also offers easy access to Corsica, in France. All provisions for yachts are available and top services are included.
Porto Azzurro, Elba island, Tuscany: It’s a picturesque harbor at the east coast of Elba, with 220 berths for boats up to 90 meters. Great shelter from winds. During the high season, it is best to book berths in advance.
Marina Genova, Genoa: It’s 5 minutes from the airport and is active 24 hours a day with surveillance. Mooring is completely under control the entire day and there is a berthing capacity for 500 yachts, as well as extra space for superyachts. Over 1000 car parking spaces are available, Wi-Fi, as well as other excellent services. Boats depart to Portofino, Portovenere, and Porto Cervo to other areas in the Mediterranean from here.
Porto Mirabello, La Spezia: It’s a modern Italian marina that can accommodate all types of yachts, including superyachts. A luxurious, efficient, and superb setting, with a great promenade in front of the historical district of the city.
The nearest airport to La-Spezia is Pisa Airport, which is 64.3 km away. Other nearby airports include Florence.
Marina Coppola, Amalfi: It offers easy access to Positano and Sorrento. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful houses and cliffs in a multi-colored scenery. There are also lovely restaurants, pizzerias, as well as great service and staff where you can dock your boat.
Capodichino airport: The closest international airport to the Amalfi coast is in Naples. Some people prefer to fly to Rome, as it's cheaper.
Marina Grande, Capri: It provides 300 berths for yachts up to 60m in length. It is a luxury marina and may be ranked as the top 10 world's most expensive marinas. It can get very busy during the summer months, especially since Capri is a great destination to many charterers, offering trips from Amalfi, Positano, or Naples.
Marina Maddalena: It’s a strategic marina for the islands in the Tuscany archipelago, with 130 berths available for all types of yachts.
Port of Messina, Sicily: It has 160 berths for yachts of up to 35 meters in length. The port is designed for cruise liners, ferries, and other fast boats.
Palermo, Naples, Sicily: They all have airports and are great access points to the Aeolian islands.
Marina Santelena, Venice: It has 110 berths with excellent staff offering professional mooring assistance. Free Wi-Fi, a beautiful view, and plenty of restaurants nearby.
Coming from the U.S you can fly directly to Naples or Rome and from there take a train to either Salerno (your gateway to the Italian riviera) or Sorrento (your gateway to the Amalfi coast).
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