Sailing in Italy

Italy is a popular destination for sailors, with resorts like Portofino in Liguria’s northwestern region and the Amalfi Coast’s soaring cliffs. The volcanic landscapes of Sicily to the south have also attracted them. Tuscany is known for its beautiful rolling hills and excellent wines. But there’s a seven-island archipelago that is worth exploring. We will show you how to navigate this beautiful corner of the globe by boat.

SamBoat allows you to charter a boat and sail around the Italian coast. Dream Yacht Charter offers a multi-day sailing adventure in the region.

What to do and see
Tuscany’s coast is a great place to start your sailing vacation in Italy. You can easily hop between the island of Elba and Giglio, Giannutri or Capraia, Pianosa. Montecristo, Montecristo, Capraia and Pianosa. You can choose from beaches between Forno, Scaglieri, and Biodola by heading to Portoferraio.

The Tyrrhenian Sea is the perfect place to take a dip in the cobalt waters if you have always wanted to visit the Amalfi Coast. Unesco has recognized the beauty of the Mediterranean landscape as a Unesco World Heritage Site. The local communities work hard to preserve this traditional character. This is best illustrated by pastel-colored homes that cling to rugged hillsides. There are many terraced citrus orchards. Here is where limoncello was born.

The island of Sardinia lies west of Naples. Its glamorous towns of Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo and other places attract superyacht owners. Nature-lovers can sail northeast to the turquoise waters at Maddalena Archipelago National Park & Marine Reserve. The main islands here are Maddalena and Caprera as well as Santo Stefano and Spargi.

The best mooring spots
Marinatour Carloforte, VHF channel 9, tel. +39 330 43 091, is a marina on San Pietro Island at the southwest tip of Sardinia. Although mooring fees are often high, it is one of the most value marinas. It is divided between two marinas. It has 350 berths that can accommodate vessels up to 50m (164ft), as well as showers and toilets. There’s also a travel information desk, a clubhouse, and a bathroom. The pink sand beaches of Sardinia are the most popular, but the coves and remains from Phoenician settlements on the western coast of the island remain less well-known. Anchor in Zimasi Bay on the Aeolian Island of Panarea to snorkel in crystal clear waters and marvel at geological formations.

Where to eat, drink and where to go
It is no accident that Slow Food was founded in Italy. Italians are not only passionate about conserving centuries-old methods to make cheese, cure meats, and produce wine, but they also insist that every meal be a time to relax with loved ones and friends. Enjoy regional specialties such as Cinque Terre’s sweet Sciacchetra and Catalan-style lobsters in Sardinia’s Alghero, or Ligurian pasta dish Trofie al Pesto.

For creative Italian cuisine, book a table at L’Olivo, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Anacapri. Da Kasai in Praiano, Amalfi Coast offers innovative take on traditional dishes at affordable prices.

The best charter options
When it comes to charter vessels in Italy, boating enthusiasts have a lot of options. SamBoat, Dream Yacht Charter and other charter companies have a wide selection of motorboats, sailing boats, and catamarans, including some head-turning models by Riva and Ferretti, the legendary Italian boat builders. You can start your journey from Sardinia or the Amalfi Coast, where you will find plenty of yachts.

Where can I get groceries?
Italy is home to one of the largest networks of farmers’ markets in the world. The quality and variety available in Italy’s fruit, vegetables and pulses, as well as meats and fish, cheeses, and herbs, are unbeatable. Don’t miss local varieties like cuore di bue tomatoes. Supermarkets can be found near marinas. Lidl, a well-known chain in the country, is easy to locate on the outskirts or larger cities. Yacht provisioning companies can help you ensure that you have everything you need for your arrival.

Important sailing events each year
Trieste, a port in northeastern Italy hosts one of Europe’s most spectacular sailing events each October. Barcolana hosts a variety of sailing races for both casual cruisers as well as professional crews. It culminates in its namesake, which takes place in the Gulf of Trieste.

Climate and weather
The boating season in Italy runs from April to October. It is characterized by warm and sunny weather. July and August are the hottest months of the year, and they also tend to be the busiest. Therefore, it is more difficult to find a berth in either a marina or quiet anchorage. In the shoulder seasons of Spring or Autumn, unpredictable weather conditions may arise. Don’t leave your marina. Strong winds are common in the Adriatic and are therefore best suited for more experienced sailors.

How do you get there?
Italy is well connected to international airports from major destinations. However, it is important to include taxi transfers to marinas. The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples, while Palermo is better suited for Sicily. Three main airports serve Sardinia, with Pisa being the best for Tuscany.

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