YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO YACHTING IN ITALY

Italy remains one of the most captivating destinations in the world that belongs on every traveller’s bucket list. It’s a country that knows how to live, through art, food, design, and the sea. From the rhythm of its language to the beauty of its landscapes, Italy makes a lasting impression long after you leave.

Stretching across more than 7,600 kilometres of coastline, Italy offers one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating and varied cruising grounds. Chartering a luxury yacht here goes far beyond island-hopping. It’s an invitation to explore a country where history lines the shore—from ancient Roman ruins to Renaissance cities and medieval fortresses, many within reach by sea. Italy holds one of the world’s highest concentrations of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and each voyage brings you closer to the places that have shaped Mediterranean culture for centuries. From the volcanic Aeolian Islands to the elegance of Portofino, each anchorage is a chance to slow down and experience La Dolce Vita in its truest form.

What to expect in Italy?

Though Italy may be familiar, from the deck of a luxury yacht charter it reveals a new rhythm. One where each sunrise offers a different flavor, view, or coastal town to explore.

Amalfi Coast & Bay of Naples: The Classic Charter Route

A visual symphony of terraced lemon groves, pastel villas, and cobalt seas, this is Italy’s most iconic sailing route. Begin in Naples or Pompeii and cruise toward these unforgettable yachting destinations:

• Capri – Famous for the Blue Grotto, designer boutiques, and the Faraglioni rock formations. Anchor beneath cliffs or tender to hidden beach clubs.
• Ischia – Volcanic island offering natural hot springs, lush gardens, and a more relaxed pace.
• Procida – Italy’s 2022 Capital of Culture, where pastel facades and fishing heritage meet unspoiled charm.
• Positano, Ravello & Amalfi – Dramatic cliffside towns with panoramic dining, boutique hotels, and handcrafted ceramics.

Ideal for: Romantic charters, gastronomy, cultural exploration, and scenic cruising.

Sardinia & La Maddalena – Wild Elegance & Island Luxury

With over 1,800 kilometres of shoreline, Sardinia is a premier West Mediterranean yacht charter destination known for both its exclusivity and raw beauty.

• Costa Smeralda – Synonymous with ultra-luxury yachting, this glamorous stretch of coast is anchored by Porto Cervo, a world-famous marina developed by the Aga Khan. Expect designer boutiques, exclusive beach clubs like Phi Beach and Nikki Beach, and an electric summer nightlife scene.
• La Maddalena Archipelago – A UNESCO-listed national park of seven major islands and countless islets. Highlights include Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) on Budelli Island, hidden anchorages, and turquoise waters ideal for snorkelling, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
• Southern Sardinia – Quieter and less developed than the north, this region features historic towns like Cagliari, archaeological treasures such as the ancient Phoenician city of Nora, and diving spots with underwater caves and shipwrecks.

Ideal for: Island-hopping, luxury escapes, water sports, and secluded beaches.

Liguria & Cinque Terre – Postcard Villages & Seaside Romance

Italy’s northwest coast brings together Riviera elegance with Italian charm in yachting gems like:

• Portofino – A jewel-toned harbor flanked by luxury villas and chic cafés.
• Cinque Terre – Five pastel-hued villages clinging to steep cliffs. Explore on foot, by tender, or drop anchor for a seafood lunch with a view.

Ideal for: Short-hop cruising, boutique shopping, and cinematic landscapes.

Sicily & Aeolian Islands – Volcanoes, Ruins & Culinary Fire

Southern Italy offers bold flavours, active landscapes, and centuries-old seafaring traditions.

• Aeolian Islands – A legendary volcanic archipelago rising from cobalt waters, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stromboli delivers nightly eruptions that can be seen from the  deck, while Panarea draws yacht-set crowds with its chic boutiques, whitewashed villas, and lively aperitivo scene. Lipari and Salina offer more tranquil escapes, hiking trails, and family-run Malvasia vineyards.
• Taormina – Perched above the Ionian Sea, this glamorous town is famous for its clifftop Greek Theatre with Mount Etna views, and its nearby coves like Isola Bella, perfect for anchoring. A hotspot for summer events and luxury stays.
• Syracuse (Siracusa) – One of the Mediterranean’s oldest and most powerful Greek cities. Walk through the island of Ortigia, visit the Temple of Apollo, and enjoy fresh seafood at vibrant local markets and waterfront trattorias.

Ideal for: Volcanic island cruising, ancient Greek history, coastal glamour, and Sicilian gastronomy.

Ready to cruise Italy in style? Explore our handpicked Italy yacht charter options and design a bespoke Mediterranean itinerary that blends culture, comfort, and world-class experiences on the water.