Italy Sailing Guide: Top Destinations, Itineraries & Tips

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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!

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. 

Sailboat Hanse 445 · 2011 · Luna dei Mari

  • Type: Sailing boat 
  • Sleeps: up to 8
  • Cabins: 4
  • Location: Salerno
  • Captain: Yourself (with a licence) or hire a captain
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This 2011 sailing boat is available for hire with or without a skipper, and offers spacious accommodation for up to eight guests, in four cabins. It’s based in the port city of Salerno, an ideal starting point for setting sail around southwestern Italy. 

Equipment for your safety, comfort, and entertainment is supplied, including a CD player and outdoor speakers. There’s also a list of add-ons available at an additional fee, from beach towels and bed linen to snorkelling kit, a SUP board, or a Seabob.  

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
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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. 

Motorboat Azimut 50 · 2009 · Azimut

  • Type: Motorboat
  • Sleeps: up to 6
  • Cabins: 3
  • Location: Cannigione, Sardinia
  • Captain: Captain and crew included
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Set sail from Cannigione in Sardinia with this modern motorboat. It comes complete with a captain and crew, so you don’t need to worry about navigation. The boat is air conditioned, so you can keep your cool, even during hot midsummer weather. 

As well as safety equipment, the vessel comes with a generator, a fridge, a coffee machine, a USB charger, a marine VHF radio, a GPS chartplotter, and a whole lot more. You can also ramp up the fun factor by hiring a Seabob, a SUP board, or even a jet ski. 

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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

Italy Sailing Itineraries & Routes

Rome to Naples 7-Day Itinerary

This one-week Italian sailing itinerary takes you from Rome to Naples via rocky and volcanic islands, and renowned coastal resort towns. Enjoy authentic local charm and cuisine, fresh seafood, upmarket restaurants, thermal waters, tranquil bays, historic sites, and stunning views. 

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Day 1 

  • Rome: The Italian capital and home to the Vatican City, with historic sights like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Trevi Fountain.

Day 2

  • Ponza: A rocky island offering authentic Italian charm, beautiful bays, laid-back restaurants, and superlative sunsets.

Day 3

  • Ischia: Volcanic island in the Bay of Naples with bubbling thermal waters, historic remains, vineyards, shopping, and dining.

Day 4

  • Capri: Well-heeled Italian destination home to the famous Blue Grotto, plus plenty of upmarket accommodation, dining, and shopping options.

Day 5

  • Amalfi: The Amalfi Coast’s largest town has a bustling, busy air, and you can find the famous Spiaggia Grande beach in Positano.

Day 6

  • Sorrento: Renowned resort offering panoramic views, fresh seafood restaurants, a string of sandy beaches and proximity to Pompeii.

Day 7

  • Naples: Bayside city rich in history, culinary traditions, and coastal walks, where margherita pizza originated.

Bari 8-Day Itinerary

Begin your Italian odyssey in beautiful Bari before discovering Mediterranean resorts, sea caves, Art Nouveau architecture, fairytale towns, secluded coves, and cliff top castles. You can also experience delectable dining, fishing ports, rock formations, natural pools, marine life, and of course sweeping coastal views. 

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Day 1 

  • Bari: Adriatic Coast city offering culture, history, a charming old town, and beautiful beaches with clear water and soft sand.

Day 2

  • Brindisi: City in coastal Puglia steeped in Mediterranean history and boasting a busy harbour, lovely beaches, and breathtaking views.

Day 3

  • Otranto: Fairytale, flower-draped Adriatic town featuring Castello Aragonese, local cuisine, beaches, and a natural swimming pool.

Day 4

  • Santa Maria di Leuca: Expect sea caves, secluded coves, Art Nouveau architecture, stunning sunsets and Castro close by.

Day 5

  • Gallipoli: Discover Greek and Roman heritage, plus a 13th century castle, market-fresh fish, a seafront promenade, and superb beaches.

Day 6

  • Porto Cesareo: Pretty port with pristine beaches, a marine reserve, lovely scenery, seafood eateries and a colourful old town.

Day 7

  • San Cataldo di Lecce: Mediterranean style resort with Art Nouveau villas, Torre San Cataldo, fishing boats, and sundowner bars.

Day 8

  • Polignano a Mare: The Pearl of the Adriatic with an intriguing heritage, unique rock formations, Lama Monachile beach, and a famous cave restaurant.

Sardinia 7-Day Itinerary

Spend a week sailing around Sardinia and you can see many of the island’s highlights. These include Roman remains, picturesque harbours, smart resorts and restaurants, traditional trattorias, unspoiled islands, slick marinas, and even an uninhabited spot that’s a breeding ground for many birds. 

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Day 1 

  • Olbia: Harbour town with a Roman aqueduct, charming churches, and traditional trattorias and bars overlooking the ocean.

Day 2

  • Porto Rotondo: Upmarket Emerald Coast resort offering smart hotels, lovely beaches, swish restaurants, and a yacht-lined marina.

Day 3

  • Cala di Volpe: Expect pastel-painted cottages clustered around a pretty harbour, perfect snorkelling conditions, and fresh seafood.

Day 4

  • Porto Cervo: Sardinian seaside resort favoured by celebrities, with elegant beach clubs, bars, hotels, and restaurants.

Day 5

  • La Maddalena: Seven-island archipelago offering coastal villages, local cuisine, granite cliffs, old forts, and azure waters.

Day 6

  • Isola di Mortorio: Protected, uninhabited bird watcher’s paradise with a unique ecosystem, only accessible by boat.

Day 7

  • Return to Olbia.

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.

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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. 

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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.