Italy is a dream destination for many people, not least when it comes to the country’s incredible coastline. If you want to experience La Dolce Vita, then a sailing holiday in Italy might be just what you’re looking for. Delicious dining, breathtaking beaches, historic sites and a warm Italian welcome await.
This complete Italy sailing guide shares all you need to know to start planning your boat trip around some of Europe’s most beautiful shores. From the sort of boats available and when to go sailing in Italy to FAQs and top tips, you can find all the practical information you require right here.
You can also get all the inspiration you need by checking out our list of must-see destinations, plus three suggested itineraries to get you started. Keep reading to discover Italy by boat!
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Best Time of Year to Sail in Italy
Sailing season in Italy tends to kick off in April, and lasts until late October. The best months to sail are between May and September. June, July and August are the busiest months, and offer the highest temperatures. High demand does push the price of boat hire up in summer.
If you can sail during May or September, you can expect warm temperatures, good sailing conditions, and lower prices. April and October are cooler, but also more peaceful and often cheaper still.
Top Boat Picks for Italy
The choice of charter boats for Italy includes catamarans, sailing boats, motorboats, and more. To whet your appetite, here are three examples of what you could hire for your Italian adventure.
Dufour 512 Grand Large · 2015 · Nirvana
- Type: Sailing boat
- Sleeps: up to 10
- Cabins: 4
- Location: La Maddalena
- Captain: Yourself (with a licence) or hire a captain
This modern 2015 sailing yacht offers luxurious and spacious accommodation for up to 10 guests across five comfortable cabins. Based in Turkey’s popular sailing hubs, it’s perfect for families, groups, or friends looking to explore the Turquoise Coast in style.
The Dufour 512 Grand Large comes fully equipped for safety, comfort, and entertainment, including air conditioning, a large saloon, outdoor dining area, and modern navigation systems. Optional extras include snorkeling gear, SUP boards, kayaks, and other water toys to enhance your sailing experience.
Catamaran Excess 11 · 2024 · PRES- E11-24-I
- Type: Catamaran
- Sleeps: up to 10
- Cabins: 6
- Location: Capo d’Orlando
- Captain: Yourself (with a licence) or hire a captain
This brand new catamaran can accommodate up to 10 guests, in six cabins. It’s located in Capo d’Orlando, a popular resort on Italy’s Tyrrhenian coast. You can rent it with or without a captain.
Bed linen and a dinghy are included with the hire charge, and you can add on kayak hire and a hostess service if you wish. This catamaran is very slick, clean, and modern, as you’d expect from a 2024 model.
Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1095 · 2022 · Dusar
- Type: Motorboat
- Sleeps: up to 8
- Cabins: 3
- Location: Cannigione, Sardinia
- Captain: Captain optional
Set sail along the Turkish coast with this modern 2022 motorboat, perfect for those who want a relaxed and effortless sailing experience. The boat comes with a professional captain and crew, so you can focus on enjoying the journey without worrying about navigation.
The Jeanneau Merry Fisher 1095 is fully equipped for comfort and convenience, including air conditioning, a spacious saloon, outdoor seating, a fridge, coffee machine, USB charging ports, a marine VHF radio, and a GPS chartplotter. For extra fun, optional extras include snorkeling gear, SUP boards, kayaks, or even a Seabob.
Must-See Sailing Destinations in Italy
Adriatic Coast
The Adriatic Coast is a hidden gem as compared to the famous Amalfi Coast. It’s an ideal destination for a sailing trip, with wonderful beaches ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling. There’s also appealing coastal cities and resorts to discover. Food-wise, local specialities to sample include seafood dishes, such as spaghetti alle vongole, made with clams.
Highlights of the Adriatic Coast include historic, fairytale-esque Otranto, which offers a lively nightlife; Polignano a Mare, with a charming, cliff top old town; and the city of Bari, offering baroque architecture, and many more beautiful buildings. It’s also the ideal place to shop for handcrafted goods.
Best bar: Nassau Pub & Pirates – fun venue with a vibrant atmosphere, offering a great range of drinks, including cocktails.
Best restaurant: Spizzipizza – extremely friendly and welcoming place serving the best pizza in Bari.
Best beach: Pane e Pomodoro – clean, sandy beach with calm, clear water, close to Bari old town.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is not only world famous, it’s also UNESCO-listed as an outstanding Mediterranean landscape. It comprises a 50 kilometre (or 30 mile) stretch of coastline in the south of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Expect rolling vineyards, citrus groves, rugged cliffs, pretty fishing villages, and of course gorgeous beaches.
Amalfi is the biggest of the 13 Amalfi Coast towns, and is a lively, bustling resort with a busy main square and the famous Spiaggia Grande beach.
Best bar: Cafe Mirante – Praiano bar offering great cocktails, delicious homemade snacks, and incredible views.
Best restaurant: Baglia Bistro – mind-blowingly good food and helpful service, with a side of sweeping sea views.
Best beach: Spiaggia Grande – famous, photogenic Positano beach backed by colourful, cliff-hanging buildings.
Sardinia
Sardinia is the second-largest Mediterranean island. Sardinia highlights include pretty fishing harbours, modern marinas, Roman remains, upmarket resorts, smart restaurants, Italian trattorias, and untouched, uninhabited islands abundant in local wildlife, particularly seabirds.
Some of the best places to visit include swish Porto Rotondo, historic Olbia, sleepy Cala di Volpe, smart Porto Cervo, protected Isola di Mortorio, and the seven islands of the La Maddalena archipelago.
Best bar: Agua – free to enter lounge bar in Alghero with live music, cocktails, and an outdoor terrace.
Best restaurant: Oasi Blu – Calasetta restaurant offering a one-off culinary experience in a lush Mediterranean setting.
Best beach: Spiaggia Su Portu – curving, family-friendly beach with white sands, calm waters, and a flamingo lagoon.
Sicily
The biggest Mediterranean island of all is perfectly sized for a week-long sailing adventure – or longer. It’s located offshore from the “toe” section of boot-shaped Italy. It offers a rich history, balmy weather, a fabulous foodie scene, and lots of lovely sandy beaches.
Sicily highlights include the historic Valley of the Temples, with the remnants of seven Greek temples; the still-active Mount Etna volcano, and Cappella Palatina with its Byzantine mosaics in Palermo, the capital.
Best bar: Boheme Mixology – cocktail bar where expert staff match the drink to your personality and preferences.
Best restaurant: Apud Jatum Panormus – Palermo eatery and brew pub serving amazing pizza, plus Sicilian fare.
Best beach: Cefalu – golden sands overlooked by whitewashed houses and a promenade lined with places to eat and drink.
7-Day Italy Sailing Itinerary – Round Trip from Naples
Day 1 – Naples
Begin your adventure in Naples, the historic heart of southern Italy. Check in to your sailing boat, explore the vibrant streets, and enjoy an authentic Neapolitan pizza before setting sail the next morning.
Day 2 – Procida
Sail to the colorful island of Procida, known for its pastel-hued houses and peaceful harbors. Spend the day swimming in secluded coves and strolling along the charming port.
Day 3 – Ischia
Head to Ischia, a volcanic island famous for thermal springs and lush gardens. Moor in Ischia Porto or Sant’Angelo and relax at a thermal spa, or explore the Aragonese Castle.
Day 4 – Capri
Set sail to the world-famous island of Capri. Visit the Blue Grotto, enjoy high-end dining, or wander the chic Piazzetta. Anchor at Marina Grande or in one of the island’s hidden bays for an unforgettable sunset.
Day 5 – Amalfi Coast
Cruise along the Amalfi Coast, stopping at Positano or Amalfi. Explore the cliffside villages, dine on fresh seafood, and sunbathe on picturesque beaches. Anchor overnight in a calm bay or a local marina.
Day 6 – Sorrento
Sail to Sorrento, with its panoramic views over the Bay of Naples. Wander the historic center, shop for limoncello, and enjoy local trattorias. Spend the night anchored near Marina Grande.
Day 7 – Return to Naples
Complete your loop by sailing back to Naples. Spend your last day visiting historic sites like the Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples Cathedral, or the National Archaeological Museum. Celebrate the end of your journey with a sunset aperitivo on board.
Tips for Sailing in Italy
Book ahead
Summer is the busiest season when it comes to sailing in Italy. If you can, consider sailing in April, May, September or October, when you’ll get better value for money.
You should also secure the best boat and skipper as early as you can. Doing this also gives you a better chance of paying a lower rate for your rental. When you are booking, do check what’s included and what isn’t, so there aren’t any unpleasant surprises.
Rent a captain
If you don’t really want the responsibility of being in charge, or would simply rather unwind and have fun, then think about hiring an experienced captain. While it costs more, this will increase your enjoyment and keep you all safe.
Be aware of the weather and hazards
Wherever in the world you set sail, the weather is the most important thing to consider. If you’re in charge, you’ll have to keep a close eye (or ear) on the shipping forecasts yourself.
If you hire a captain, however, you can leave this task to them.
Exercise extra caution when sailing in rocky regions, as concealed rocks can be very dangerous. Check nautical charts carefully, and be sure to heed any local warnings. Be especially vigilant when sailing along any rugged coastline.
The right luggage
Soft luggage is the best choice for sailing, as there will be limited storage space on board. Think about squeezing your luggage into compact lockers, cupboards, or corners. Also pack only what you’ll really need, for the same reason.
FAQs
How Much to Rent a Boat in Italy?
How much it costs to hire a boat in Italy depends on the type of vessel, the dates you’ll be visiting, and how big the boat is. The price per passenger is also important if you’ll be travelling as part of a group.
A sailing boat is the most popular kind, and this costs from around 60 euros per day upwards. Catamarans and motorboats are also very popular, and both types tend to cost more. Plus you need to factor in fuel and other additional costs, such as hiring a skipper.
Small vessels, such as RIBs, may be available from around 40 euros per day.
How Much to Charter a Yacht in Italy?
Hiring a yacht in Italy may cost anywhere from several thousand euros per week. The price will depend on your dates, the level of luxury, the size of the yacht, and the location. It’s all about supply and demand, so you’ll pay more during summer, in popular places, and for a larger yacht with more luxury amenities.
Can You Take a Boat from Italy to Croatia?
If you want to take a rented boat outside of the country you collected it from, then you need to check with the charter company. Many will not allow you to take a boat beyond territorial waters, not least because special permits may be required. It’s best to make your request in good time if this is something you’d like to do, and to have a back-up plan in place.