The best places to sail in Italy are the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, Sicily and the Adriatic Coast. The sailing season runs from April to late October, with May to September the prime window, and May and September offering warm weather at lower prices than peak summer. You can charter a sailing yacht, catamaran, motorboat or RIB, with or without a skipper.
Italy is a dream destination, not least for its incredible coastline. If you want to experience La Dolce Vita, a sailing holiday in Italy delivers delicious dining, beautiful beaches, historic sites and a warm welcome. This guide covers when to go, the best destinations, a seven-day itinerary, what it costs, and practical tips for chartering a boat in Italy.
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When is the best time to sail in Italy?
Sailing season in Italy tends to start in April and lasts until late October, and 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 pushes 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.
The best places to sail in Italy
Italy has four standout cruising grounds. Here is what makes each one worth the trip, with a favourite bar, restaurant and beach for each.
Adriatic Coast
The Adriatic Coast is a hidden gem compared to the famous Amalfi Coast. It is an ideal destination for a sailing trip, with wonderful beaches for sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling, plus appealing coastal cities and resorts to discover. Local specialities to sample include seafood dishes such as spaghetti alle vongole, made with clams.
Highlights of the Adriatic Coast include historic, fairytale Otranto, which offers lively nightlife; Polignano a Mare, with a charming clifftop old town; and the city of Bari, with baroque architecture and many beautiful buildings. It is also a great place to shop for handcrafted goods.
Best bar: Nassau Pub and Pirates, a fun venue with a vibrant atmosphere and a great range of drinks, including cocktails.
Best restaurant: Spizzipizza, an extremely friendly and welcoming place serving the best pizza in Bari.
Best beach: Pane e Pomodoro, a clean, sandy beach with calm, clear water, close to Bari old town.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is world famous and UNESCO-listed as an outstanding Mediterranean landscape. It runs for 50 kilometres (about 30 miles) along the south of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Expect rolling vineyards, citrus groves, rugged cliffs, pretty fishing villages and gorgeous beaches.
Amalfi is the biggest of the 13 Amalfi Coast towns, a lively, bustling resort with a busy main square and the famous Spiaggia Grande beach.
Best bar: Cafe Mirante, a Praiano bar with great cocktails, delicious homemade snacks and incredible views.
Best restaurant: Baglia Bistro, with mind-blowingly good food and helpful service, plus sweeping sea views.
Best beach: Spiaggia Grande, the famous, photogenic Positano beach backed by colourful, cliff-hanging buildings.
Sardinia
Sardinia is the second-largest Mediterranean island. Highlights include pretty fishing harbours, modern marinas, Roman remains, upmarket resorts, smart restaurants, Italian trattorias, and untouched, uninhabited islands rich in 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, a free-to-enter lounge bar in Alghero with live music, cocktails and an outdoor terrace.
Best restaurant: Oasi Blu, a Calasetta restaurant offering a one-off culinary experience in a lush Mediterranean setting.
Best beach: Spiaggia Su Portu, a curving, family-friendly beach with white sands, calm waters and a flamingo lagoon.
Sicily
Sicily is the biggest Mediterranean island of all, perfectly sized for a week-long sailing adventure or longer. It sits offshore from the toe of boot-shaped Italy and offers a rich history, balmy weather, a fabulous food scene and plenty of 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 the Cappella Palatina, with its Byzantine mosaics, in the capital, Palermo.
Best bar: Boheme Mixology, a cocktail bar where expert staff match the drink to your personality and preferences.
Best restaurant: Apud Jatum Panormus, a 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.
What boats can you charter in Italy?
Italy’s charter fleet covers every style of trip. The main options:
- Sailing yachts: the most popular and best-value choice, from around 60 euros per day for a small boat.
- Catamarans: more space and stability, ideal for families and groups, at a higher daily rate.
- Motorboats: faster passages and day trips, with RIBs available from around 40 euros per day.
You can charter most boats bareboat, if you hold a recognised licence, or with a professional skipper. If you would rather relax and leave the navigation to someone else, hiring a skipper is the easy option.
7-day Italy sailing itinerary: round trip from Naples
Day 1, Naples: begin in Naples, the historic heart of southern Italy. Check in to your boat, explore the vibrant streets, and enjoy an authentic Neapolitan pizza before setting sail the next morning.
Day 2, Procida: sail to the colourful island of Procida, known for its pastel houses and peaceful harbours. Spend the day swimming in secluded coves and strolling 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, 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 a hidden bay 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 centre, 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 at sites like the Piazza del Plebiscito, Naples Cathedral or the National Archaeological Museum, then celebrate with a sunset aperitivo on board.
Tips for sailing in Italy
Book ahead
Summer is the busiest season for sailing in Italy. If you can, consider sailing in April, May, September or October for better value. Secure the best boat and skipper as early as you can, which also improves your chance of a lower rate. When booking, check what is included and what is not, so there are no unpleasant surprises.
Rent a skipper
If you would rather not take on the responsibility of being in charge, or simply want to unwind and have fun, hire an experienced skipper. It costs more, but it increases your enjoyment and keeps everyone safe. You can add a skipper to most boats when you browse boats in Italy.
Be aware of the weather and hazards
Wherever you set sail, the weather is the most important thing to consider. If you are in charge, keep a close eye on the shipping forecasts yourself. If you hire a skipper, you can leave this to them.
Take extra care when sailing in rocky regions, as concealed rocks can be dangerous. Check nautical charts carefully, heed any local warnings, and be especially vigilant along rugged coastline.
Pack the right luggage
Soft luggage is the best choice for sailing, as storage space on board is limited. It squeezes into compact lockers, cupboards and corners far more easily than a hard suitcase. Pack only what you will really need, for the same reason.
Frequently asked questions about sailing in Italy
What is the best place to sail in Italy?
The best places to sail in Italy are the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, Sicily and the Adriatic Coast. The Amalfi Coast offers dramatic cliffs and famous villages, Sardinia has the La Maddalena archipelago and Costa Smeralda, Sicily suits a week-long island loop, and the Adriatic Coast is the quieter, less crowded alternative.
When is the best time to sail in Italy?
The best time to sail in Italy is May to September. June, July and August are the warmest and busiest months, which pushes boat-hire prices up. May and September give you warm weather and good sailing conditions at lower prices, while April and October are cooler, quieter and often cheaper still.
How much does it cost to rent a boat in Italy?
The cost to rent a boat in Italy depends on the boat type, size and dates. A sailing boat, the most popular choice, starts from around 60 euros per day. Small vessels such as RIBs can start from around 40 euros per day. Catamarans and motorboats usually cost more, and you also need to factor in fuel and any skipper fee.
How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Italy?
Chartering a yacht in Italy typically costs from several thousand euros per week. The price depends on your dates, the size and luxury level of the yacht, and the location. You pay more in peak summer, in popular spots, and for larger yachts with more amenities.
Do you need a licence to sail a boat in Italy?
To charter a bareboat yacht in Italy you need a recognised sailing licence, such as the ICC or an equivalent national certificate, usually alongside a VHF radio licence. If you hire a skipper, the skipper holds the qualifications, so you and your guests need no licence of your own.
What is the best area to sail in Italy for beginners?
The best areas to sail in Italy for beginners are the sheltered Bay of Naples and the La Maddalena archipelago off northern Sardinia, where distances between anchorages are short and the waters are relatively calm. Hiring a skipper for your first trip makes any Italian cruising ground beginner-friendly.
Can you take a chartered boat from Italy to Croatia?
Taking a chartered boat from Italy to Croatia is often not allowed, because many charter companies restrict boats to the country’s territorial waters and special permits may be required. If you want to cross, check with the charter company well in advance and have a back-up plan.
What boats can you charter in Italy?
In Italy you can charter sailing yachts, catamarans, motorboats and RIBs. Sailing yachts are the most popular and best-value option, catamarans offer the most space and stability for families and groups, and motorboats and RIBs suit faster day trips. Most boats are available bareboat or with a skipper.
Ready to plan your trip? Browse boat charters in Italy, or start with the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia or Sicily. Pick a boat, choose your dates, and set sail for La Dolce Vita.