Italy
Few countries combine sailing, food, history and natural beauty quite like Italy. An Italy yacht charter can take you from the volcanic islands of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands to the dramatic coastline of the Amalfi Coast, the glamorous harbours of Sardinia and the quiet coves of Tuscany. Sail between ancient towns and fishing villages, swim in crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, and enjoy long lunches overlooking the sea, with exceptional food and wine never far away. Whether you are drawn to the glamour of the Costa Smeralda, the character of Sicily or the wild beauty of the Pontine Islands, sailing in Italy offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes and experiences, all with that unmistakable Italian sense of style and la dolce vita.
Amalfi Coast & The Gulf of Naples
From the beautiful islands of the Gulf of Naples to the pastel-coloured villages of the Amalfi Coast, this corner of Italy is rich in character and contrast. An Amalfi Coast and Gulf of Naples yacht charter combines dramatic coastal scenery with historic harbours and vibrant Italian culture, from Capri, Ischia and Procida to Positano and Amalfi. Explore the lively streets and extraordinary food of Naples, swim beneath towering cliffs, discover Ischia’s thermal springs or enjoy a long lunch overlooking a picturesque harbour. With fascinating history, exceptional cuisine and beautiful cruising between islands and coastline, sailing the Amalfi Coast and Gulf of Naples is a quintessential Italian escape, full of flavour, culture and la dolce vita.
Sailing season: May through October
Ask me for my top restaurant recommendation on the island of Ischia once you’ve booked your trip.
Tuscany
Wild islands, turquoise coves and historic coastal towns make Tuscany a wonderfully understated sailing destination. A Tuscany yacht charter takes you into the Tuscan Archipelago, where Elba, Capraia, Giglio and Giannutri offer a contrasting mix of rugged landscapes, secluded beaches and charming harbour towns. Sail between quiet anchorages, explore the historic streets of Portoferraio, hike through Mediterranean hills or head ashore for fresh seafood and local wine. With the vineyards and hill towns of mainland Tuscany never far away, sailing in Tuscany offers an appealing combination of relaxed island cruising, exceptional food and the distinctive landscapes and culture of one of Italy’s most celebrated regions.
Sailing season: April through October
Sardinia
From the polished glamour of the Costa Smeralda to wild coastlines and secluded turquoise bays, Sardinia offers some of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular cruising. A Sardinia yacht charter takes you through a landscape of granite islands, white-sand beaches and remarkably clear water, with the Maddalena Archipelago providing some of the finest sailing in the Mediterranean. Explore the chic harbour of Porto Cervo, anchor off La Maddalena and Caprera, or head south towards quieter beaches and traditional coastal towns. With excellent restaurants, beautiful anchorages and a distinctly Sardinian character, sailing in Sardinia combines sophisticated Mediterranean living with the freedom to escape into nature.
Sailing season: May through October
Sicily - The Aeolian Islands
Volcanic islands, ancient towns and a wonderfully untamed Mediterranean landscape make Sicily and the Aeolian Islands an unforgettable sailing destination. A Sicily yacht charter takes you between the seven Aeolian Islands, each with its own character, from the lively waterfront of Lipari to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Stromboli and Vulcano. Swim in clear waters, anchor beneath rugged cliffs, explore fishing villages and enjoy long evenings over fresh seafood and Sicilian wine. With Mount Etna looming on the horizon and the islands offering some of the Mediterranean’s most atmospheric scenery, sailing in Sicily and the Aeolian Islands combines adventure, culture and the unmistakable flavours of southern Italy.
Sailing season: May through October
Sicily - The Egadi Islands
Turquoise water, rugged coastlines and a wonderfully unhurried pace make the Egadi Islands one of Sicily’s most rewarding sailing destinations. A Sicily yacht charter in the Egadi Islands takes you between Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo, where secluded coves, dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear bays provide a beautiful backdrop for life on the water. Swim and snorkel in protected marine waters, explore Favignana’s old tuna-fishing heritage, or wander the quiet lanes and fishing villages of Levanzo and Marettimo. With fewer crowds than Sicily’s better-known islands and a strong connection to the sea, sailing in the Egadi Islands offers a relaxed taste of authentic island life, surrounded by some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean.
Sailing season: May through October