Sail Italy for the sheer variety of archipelagos that will enthral any sailor. Enjoy its diverse scenery with a rich palette of colours from cobalt seas, golden beaches, ochre houses, fiery volcanoes and the greens of the citrus groves.
Italian food is famous worldwide and for good reason. Sailing Italy is perfect for foodie sailors who want to feast on delicious fresh seafood, the softest ice cream, zesty limoncello, light pizza and antipasti.
The best time to visit Italy is between spring and autumn when temperatures are typically Mediterranean and warm. August tends to be when Italians take their summer break, so you might want to consider outside this month if you want fewer crowds. For itinerary ideas, read our blog, Where to sail in Italy.
Sail the Bay of Naples to discover the active volcano, Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii and the glittering Tyrrhenian Sea. Add the beautiful Pontine Islands to your Naples yacht charter itinerary, where you can find excellent swimming on Ponza, explore Zannone’s nature reserve and stroll Ventotene’s old Roman port. You can also sail the Phlegraean Islands, part of the Campanian archipelago. The volcanic island of Ischia is popular for its thermal spas and hot mud, while Procida offers a colourful waterfront and lemon groves. Don’t miss the wildlife oasis of Vivara and Nisida.
Head to the other side of the bay to visit Sorrento with its historic centre, houses snaking up limestone cliffs and magnificent views. Taste the limoncello on the glamourous island of Capri and visit the blue grotto, or continue sailing Italy’s Amalfi coast. Positano is a highlight with its famous pastel buildings piled high up the hillside and you can head onwards to Amalfi and Salerno.
Carry on south for the Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily and one of Italy’s best snorkelling spots. Within the archipelago you can explore Vulcano’s hot springs and grottos, Stromboli’s active volcano and black beaches, Filicudi’s hiking trails, Salina’s views and Lipari’s vineyards. Check out our blog, Sail the Aeolian Islands for a magical yacht charter.
Hop ashore on Sicily to see Mount Etna, Catania’s port, Taormina, Palermo and Siracusa, or head to the Egadi Islands. Swim off Favignana’s coast or explore Marettimo’s panoramas and Levanzo’s Grotta del Genovese with its prehistoric rock paintings. Read our blog, Delve into Italy’s Pontine, Aeolian and Egadi Islands.
For the Maddalana archipelago, sail off Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda coast and visit La Maddalana, Caprera, Spargi, Santo Stefano, Santa Maria, Budelli’s pink sands and Razzoli. You’ll enjoy an impressive rocky coast, sandy coves and beautifully clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Or in the south, sail the archipelago of Sulcis and the islands of Sant’Antioco, San Pietro and Piana Island, as well as many islets. You’ll also be able to explore the scented isle of Corsica from Sardinia and the straits of Bonifacio too. Read our blog, Island hopping 7-day charter in Sardinia.
Plan a yacht charter in Tuscany and its relatively wild archipelago of seven magical islands. Discover Elba’s 70 beaches, Giglio’s castle, Giannutri, Capraia’s dramatic cliffs, Gorgona, Pianosa’s secluded beaches and Montecristo, now a protected reserve closed to visitors. For inspiration, read our blog, Discover the magic of Elba by yacht charter.
Sail Venice and feel the romance of its main islands of San Marco and San Polo. From here you can head to Croatia, along the Istria peninsula, the Kornati Islands and onto Hvar and Dubrovnik if you’ve got two weeks to spare.