Italy
BoatPlanner is thrilled to invite you to a nautical adventure that brings together the best of Italy’s coastal treasures. First, let’s make a virtual tour together ahead of setting sail to the land of amore.
With BoatPlanner your Italian getaway is not just a cruise. Our tailored itineraries ensure that every day in Italian waters is filled with ‘la passione’. Come aboard and you will trace the beautiful shoreline of picturesque harbor villages hanging from the rugged slopes. Step ashore and you will be treated to the aroma of freshly baked focaccia, the vivacious chatters of the locals, and the carefree Italian lifestyle.
- Liguria / Toscana (Castiglioncello/ Marina Gala de Medici, Puntone / Marina di Scarlino, San Vincenzo / Marina di San Vincenzo)
- Sardinia / Corsica (Cannigione, Olbia/ Marina di Olbia, Portisco / Marina di Portisco)
- Sicily (Capo d’ Orlando Marina, Furnari / Marina Portorosa, Marsala Marina, Palermo / La Cala, (Porto Palermo), Palermo -Marina Villa Igiea)
- (Amalfi coast) Tyrrhenian Sea (Castellamare di Stabia / Marina di Stabia, Procida / Marina di Procida, Rome / Marina di Nettuno)
Moorings & Anchorages
Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, at the southwestern end of Europe, this boot-shaped peninsular country has a rich cultural background and a vivid tourist industry that extends to yachting and sailing with honors. Whether you cruise the Amalfi Coast or explore the beauty of Portofino, and all the way from Venice to Sardinia, Italy the heart of ‘dolce vita’, art and epicurean delights beckons seafarers with its magnetic charm.
The first dock to Genova; the main seaport and the busiest commercial center in Italy is also the ‘yacht capital of Italy’. The city has a long maritime history, is renowned for its shipyards, and hosts the annual Genoa International Boat Show, one of the most prestigious marine industry fairs in Europe. You may choose among a number of moorings in Genoa, from the picturesque Porto Antico and Molo Vecchio to Sestri Ponente in the western part and Marina di Cala del Forte in Ventimiglia, not far from Genoa.
Italian Riviera: A stunning stretch of coastline along the Ligurian Sea in NW Italy, the Italian Riviera boasts some of the major yachting hubs in Italy, namely la Riviera di Ponente and la Riviera di Levante.
Portofino: Part of the Italian Riviera, in Liguria, Portofino (lat. Portus Delphini) is a picturesque fishing village, known for its colorful buildings, and the famous ‘Amisani walk’, a scenic trail named after the painter Giuseppe Amisani, which offers breathtaking views of the charming town.
Cinque Terre: This beautiful sailing hotspot in Liguria is named after the five picturesque nearby villages; Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Elba, Tuscany: About 5 nautical miles from the Tuscan mainland, you may find Elba Island. Follow in the footsteps of Napoleon, in Portoferraio, the island’s capital, or sail along the shore and, if you get lucky, you may even find whales swimming by.
Amalfi Coast, Campania: Have you heard about Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello? Experienced sailors surely do, as this beautiful place offers an excellent site for anchorage with scenic beauty and cultural richness.
Gulf of Naples, Campania: Mooring in the city port of Naples is destined for fun-loving tourists, while nearby Sorrento is a more peaceful anchorage choice.
Marina Capri: One of the most famous names that comes to mind when it comes to Italian cosmopolitan yachting destinations is Capri. Anchor near the iconic Rafaglioni rock formations or explore the world-famous Blue Grotto.
Sardinia: Scouting the south coastal destinations in Italy, one may find that Sardinia offers a stunning coastline. Costa Smeralda is known for its crystal-clear waters and exclusive resorts. Porto Cervo is a hub for luxury yachts and an excellent base for shopping, culinary, and sports expeditions.
Sicily: The largest island in the Mediterranean and one of the most prolific colonies of the ancient Magna Grecia is a true sailor’s paradise. Palermo, Sicily’s capital is a vibrant port of call where you can dock your yacht and wander through its historic quarters.
Aeolian Islands: North of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands are a nature masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region’s winds and currents offer a challenging water terrain for seasoned sailors.
Weather & Climate
The mild climate conditions in Italy favor yachting and sailing expeditions all year round. Here’s an overview of the weather and climate along with some hints and tips. Spring and early autumn in Italy are a delightful time for sailing. The waters are warm and the beaches are less crowded in this season. Summer is the peak yachting period in Italy. The weather is warm and sunny, with high temperatures and a gentle sea breeze. This is the best time for swimming, water sports, and sailing lessons for the less experienced.
Please consult the maritime weather forecast, prior to any voyage. Italian coastal regions can experience rapid weather changes.
History & Places of Interest
Rome, the capital city of Italy, is located approximately 20 miles (32 km) inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea, on the western coast. While it is not a coastal city, the historical marvels to be found around every corner, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican City, are more than worth your stepping ashore. Anchoring in Palermo, Sicily you will be astonished with the Arab-Norman architecture, including the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. Be sure to treat yourselves to the view of the Valley of the Temples in nearby Agrigento and the ancient Greek theater in Taormina. In Campania, the ancient cities of Pompei and Herculaneum, buried by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius back in 79AD, await those sailing along the Amalfi Coast or the Bay of Naples. If you are sailing towards the Tuscan coast, Florence’s cultural gems such as the Uffizi Gallery, the Florence Cathedral, and the historic center are worth the visit. The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa is also close to the Tuscan coast at a 15’ distance from Marina Pisa by car. Venice is a romantic city, known for its festivals and its canals district. If you wish to glide through the canals, there are a lot of options, from the public vaporetto water buses to gondola rentals, or with your own dinghy, as long as it meets the provisions for leisure craft navigation in the district. Grand Canal, St Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge are the must-sees of Venice.
Beaches
Italy is blessed with numerous beaches, some of which are easily accessible by yacht and sailboat. Let’s take a virtual coastal Tour in Sardinia first. Spiaggia di Cala Luna, on the eastern coast of Sardinia, is a popular spot for sailors with a beach of white sand and crystal-clear waters, surrounded by limestone cliffs. Spiaggia di Mari Pintau in Southern Sardinia is a peaceful anchorage with a rugged coastline and Costa Smeralda near Porto Cervo offers a vibrant atmosphere. Tuerredda is a picturesque Sardinian Bay. La Pelosa Beach in NW Sardinia is famous for its scenic beauty thanks to the Torre, a 16th-century watchtower. La Cinta is a long sandy beach on the island of San Teodoro, Sardinia, an inviting spot for relaxation and water sports.
Visitors who dock at Capri will appreciate the clear waters of Marina Grande Beach, while near Positano, on the Amalfi Coast, Spiaggia di Fornillo is a secluded alternative to the busy main beach. Spiaggia di Gavitella boasts a charming beach bar underneath the beautiful cliffs of Praiano. You may have also heard of Porto Azzurro, in Elba, Tuscany, Lido Beach near Venice, and Spiaggia La Pelara on Salina Island, an excellent choice for anchoring and swimming while exploring the Aeolian Islands.
Activities
Italy offers a diverse range of water sports, cultural activities, and tourist experiences of every kind.
The volcanic archipelago is full of secluded coves, hidden caves, and crystal-clear waters that beckon visitors for snorkeling and scuba diving. Popular diving spots one may find in the Ligurian Sea, the Bay of Naples, and Sardinia. You can go sea kayaking along the coastlines of Cinque Terre, Sardinia, and the Amalfi Coast, while Lake Garda in Lombardy, Sardinia, and Sicily are popular destinations for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to their consistent winds.
Italy is also home to world-renowned art museums, such as Uffizi in Florence, the Vatican Museums in Rome, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice. For opera lovers, there are renowned venues like Teatro Alla Scala in Milan and Teatro di San Carlo in Naples. Italy’s rich tradition in culinary arts is to be savored in Emilia Romagna and Tuscany, with the latter being also famous for its wine regions, Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Montepulciano. Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily, and Campania are also popular spots for wine tasting.
Paperwork
Local regulations may vary by region, so it’s essential to stay informed. Your BoatPlanner consultant will fill you in on any paperwork you may need, such as a sailing license/cruising permit, passport, and/or Visa, while the rest of it goes with the vessel: proof of insurance, navigation charts, and publications, crew list (if needed), vessel registration, etc.
Now, while all this sounds fabulous, you are at a loss as to how to plan them. BoatPlanner and our special Holiday Planner feature of customized service are here for you to plan your next voyage up to the last detail!
Book now quickly and securely with top advice from our team of nautical experts and embark on the ultimate marine getaway, uniquely crafted for you!