From rugged coastlines to glamorous ports, discover the magic of Italy by sea.
Where History, Style & Sailing Meet
Italy is a dream destination for many, and seeing it by yacht offers a completely different level of freedom, elegance, and immersion. Whether you want to explore the pastel villages of the Amalfi Coast, the secluded bays of Sardinia, or the volcanic charm of Sicily, Italy combines culture, cuisine, and coastline like nowhere else in the Mediterranean.
To help you plan your perfect itinerary, here’s a guide to the best seasons to visit, travel tips, and a breakdown of Italy’s four main sailing regions — each with its own unique flavor.
☀️ Best Time to Sail & When to Book
The charter season in Italy runs from May through October, with the peak months being July, and August.
During this time, expect:
- Warm, sunny days with temperatures between 75°F–90°F
- Crowds in July and August — ideal for people-watching, but book early because the great yachts get booked up fast.
Booking Tips:
- Book 6–12 months in advance for peak summer weeks
- Consider May, June, or September for quieter ports and milder weather
✈️ Getting to Italy’s Sailing Hubs
Italy is well-connected to the U.S. and Europe with direct flights to:
- Rome (FCO) – Best for Amalfi Coast
- Naples (NAP) – Also for Amalfi & Capri
- Olbia (OLB) or Cagliari (CAG) – For Sardinia charters
- Palermo (PMO) or Catania (CTA) – For Sicily itineraries
- Genoa (GOA) – For Northern Italy
We’ll help coordinate private transfers or domestic flights to ensure smooth boarding.
🧭 Italy’s 4 Main Sailing Areas
1. Amalfi Coast & Capri (Southern Italy)
Best for: Glamour, history, cliffside towns
Highlights:
- Visit Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi
- Swim in the Blue Grotto off Capri
- Dine in Michelin-starred restaurants overlooking the sea
2. Sardinia & La Maddalena (Northwest Coast)
Best for: Secluded beaches, turquoise water, luxury escapes
Highlights:
- Anchor off pink-sand beaches in the Maddalena Archipelago
- Discover Porto Cervo’s chic boutiques and beach clubs
- Enjoy windsurfing and snorkeling in protected marine parks
- Check out Corsica during your time in Sardinia. Just a short sail away with French influence and cuisine.
3. Sicily & Aeolian Islands
Best for: Volcanoes, ancient ruins, and dramatic landscapes
Highlights:
- Sail past Stromboli’s active volcano at night
- Explore Lipari, Salina, and the natural hot springs of Vulcano
- Sample bold Sicilian wines and street food
4. Northern Italy (Cinque Terre, Ligurian Coast & Venice)
Best for: Picture-perfect villages and culture lovers
Highlights:
- Cruise past the cliffside villages of Cinque Terre
- Stroll through Portofino’s pastel harborside
- Begin or end your charter with a gondola ride in Venice
📌 Looking for ideas? Browse our most popular Italy itineraries here for inspiration.
🌟 Why Italy Is a Sailor’s Paradise
- Varied Coastlines – From volcanic isles to dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches
- Incredible Cuisine – From fresh pasta to coastal seafood, every region has its own flavor
- Rich History – Ancient ruins, medieval castles, and renaissance towns
- Professional Crew & Local Knowledge – Your captain and chef handle every detail — you simply enjoy la dolce vita
⛵ Featured Yachts in Italy – check out the fleet here
Rates range from €25,000–€850,000+/week depending on yacht, group size, and travel dates.
💶 Understanding Mediterranean Charter Pricing
Base Charter Fee Includes:
- Private yacht & crew
- Use of all water toys and onboard amenities
Expenses
- APA (Advanced Provisioning Allowance) Covers: Fuel, food, beverages, dockage, and port fees and is typically 25–40% of the base charter rate, depending on the yacht type. Unused APA funds are refunded at the end of the trip
- VAT 22% in Italy
- Shore excursions or restaurant meals
- Crew gratuity (suggested 10–15% of base charter fee)
⚓ Plan Your Italian Sailing Escape
From sipping prosecco on the Amalfi Coast to swimming off Sardinia’s pink beaches or hiking volcanoes in the Aeolian Islands, Italy offers an unparalleled mix of elegance, adventure, and timeless beauty — best experienced by private yacht.
We’ll help you select the perfect boat and itinerary tailored to your group’s pace, interests, and style.
📧 erin@sandersonyachting.com
📞 401.338.6866