Where to Sail in Italy
Italy’s coastlines offer something for every sailor – from quiet coves to vibrant towns and everything in between.
If you have your heart set on a sailing charter in Italy but are struggling to plan an itinerary, you need a simple guide on the best places to visit. This, of course, will be dependent on how you like to spend your holidays – are you the type to see and do as much as possible, or more inclined towards a relaxed and leisurely charter?
There’s something for everyone in our Portorosa, Procida and Sardinia charters, so we’ve organised this blog to cover:
Join us to get inspired and discover where your ideal sailing destinations in Italy are.
Where to Sail in Italy for Relaxation
Italy is a fantastic place to unwind, especially on a yacht charter. There are many hidden coves and private beaches where you swim in the crystal-clear waters and soak up the sunshine, and slow-paced towns where you can indulge in incredible food and explore at a leisurely place.
One of the best places to sail in Italy for relaxation is Sardinia.
Why do we think this? Well:
- Sardinia’s northern coast, including Costa Smeralda, is perfect for sailors looking to relax with quiet beaches and stunning scenery.
- It offers some of the most fabulous beaches in the world – you could sail around the entire island and find over 200 beaches with gentle, shallow waters and soft golden sand, some of which are only accessible by yacht.
- The sights are incredible, wherever you are. Even if you just fancy relaxing aboard, reading or eating lunch on deck, the experience is enriched by the tranquil atmosphere.
Here are a few of our favourite spots in Sardinia:
Villasimius
This commune in the south of Sardinia – not far from Cagliari, the capital city – is a paradise for people looking to escape from the everyday. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to “Caribbean” beaches with powdery white sand and deep blue waters perfect for snorkelling.
The Cala Giunco and Spiaggia del Riso are firm favourites. We also highly recommend visiting the Porto Giunco tower, an old Spanish defence tower that now offers breathtaking views of the island.
Maddalena Island
The Maddalena Archipelago offers a number of fantastic islands to explore on your Italy yacht charter, but we suggest starting with La Maddalena itself. Set down your anchor in the port and explore the town where Napoleon famously met his defeat. There’s plenty to do in the town – it’s home to cinemas, bars, bookshops, restaurants and more – but make sure you also take some long walks around the coastal areas to really soak up the island’s natural beauty.
Golfo Aranci
This lovely fishing village moves at a gentle pace, so it’s a great spot to visit for a relaxed afternoon. Shop along the promenade, wander along spectacular coves and beaches, or visit the MuMart, an underwater museum of contemporary art! Perhaps best of all, Golfo Aranci is home to an international research centre for dolphins, and there are many viewpoints where you can spot dolphins dancing off the shore.
Where to Sail in Italy for Culture
If you’re looking for culture in spades – from museums and historical landmarks, to local traditions and specialities – we recommend visiting Procida and the other islands and towns around the Gulf of Naples.
Why is Procida one of the best places to sail in Italy for culture?
- There are a myriad of islands within this area, and each possesses its own charm and attraction. From vibrant Procida to sweeping Capri, your experience in every destination will be completely unique and unforgettable.
- Unlike many of our other destinations – where larger cities and towns might be hard to come by – you can feel the buzz of a richly populated area without losing the island-hopping charm of a yacht charter.
- The area is steeped in history and natural beauty alike, with historical landmarks and attractions around every corner.
Don’t miss the rich history of Procida or the bustling streets of Capri, each offering unique insights into Italy’s cultural heritage:
Ischia
Only 10km wide from east to west, you could walk across Ischia and get a feel for the island in its entirety in only a few hours. From the famous Aragonese Castle, connected to the main island by a stone bridge, that gives Ischia a sense of mystique and romance, to lively main port that comes alive in the evenings, Ischia is fantastically atmospheric. Make sure you take full advantage of the islands’ natural thermal baths if you visit – we recommend the Baia di Sorgeto in our blog on the best beaches in Italy.
Capri
Capri is a feast for the eyes – most of the houses and buildings are built into the towering hillsides, offering incredible views of the island and expansive Bay of Naples wherever you go.
Visit Capri’s Piazzetta, the gorgeous clock tower in the town’s main square, and settle in one of the surrounding cafes for a coffee. Walk through the breathtaking Gardens of Augustus, observe the Faraglioni rock formations, and hike up to the remains of Villa Jovis to admire a crucial landmark from the Roman Empire.
Sorrento
Positioned up on the cliffs, overlooking the marina below, Sorrento is a wonderful seaside town on the mainland. This town is steeped in history – marking the old watermills that line Piazza Tazzo’s gorge, the majesty of Sorrento’s cathedral, and the lanes of the historic old town leading to Sedil Dominova (which was once a gathering place for the town’s high society). If you happen to sail to Italy around Christmas time, Sorrento is an absolute must, as the town really comes alive in December with holiday events and concerts happening every day.
Learn more about the Best Time to Sail in the Mediterranean.
Where to Sail in Italy for Adventure
If what you really want from your sailing charter is to immerse yourself in nature, taking on new landscapes and feeling the wind in your hair as you venture out alone, then adventure sailing is for you.
Portorosa is a prestigious touristic harbour located among Milazzo and Tindari Gulfs, the biggest of its kind in Sicily, and one of the most exclusive harbours in the Mediterranean. This is the perfect place to start a true adventure.
But why is Portorosa one of the best places to sail in Italy for an adventure? After you’ve seen everything there is to see in Portorosa, you have the rest of Sicily at your disposal – with incredible summits, national parks, and volcanic islands nearby, there’s no end to the fascinating landscapes that are yours to explore around this port.
Here are a few places to consider visiting:
Tindari
Tindari offers the passing sailor a lot of Roman history and archeological interest – discover the ruins of the ancient city, and a well-preserved hilltop Greek theatre overlooking the sea. Explore the Oliveri-Tindari lagoon, and climb the rocks to the Donna Villa Grotto, a land cave with an interesting Sicilian legend behind it about an enchantress who would enthrall and devour sailors. After all this, follow the Cala di Volpe nature trail to see the best the town has to offer.
Palermo
As the capital city of Sicily, Palermo naturally has a lot of things to do and selling points for sailors in Italy. Far less visited but no less historic, there are plenty of spots you have to visit, like the Fontana Pretoria or the Capuchin Catacombs. The main point of interest for an adventurer, however, is Mount Pellegrino – this incredible hill is 606m tall and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Vulcano
The answer is in the same – Vulcano is a small volcanic island with plenty for adventurers to explore. The volcano is dormant and has not erupted since 1890, so you can venture along the volcanic craters for a completely one-of-a-kind hiking experience (please make sure to stick to the designated paths). You can also visit The Valley of Monsters – where volcanic rock has cooled into the shapes of uncanny creatures and beasts – or lounge in hot mud baths.
Enna
This is a bonus destination: If you have a longer yacht charter and don’t mind a little inconvenience, we also really recommend a visit to Enna, a city built on the summit of an enormous hill in the centre of Sicily, with history dating back to the prehistoric times. It takes about two hours to drive here from the nearest port, but it’s completely worth it – Enna is like nowhere else in the entire world.
Create Your Dream Holiday with Sunsail
Ready to set sail around Italy? We offer bareboat, skippered and flotilla charters in Italy for people looking to escape from the stresses of the everyday.
To get more insight into the rest of the Mediterranean, read our Where to Sail in the Mediterranean, in Croatia and in Greece blogs. Our range of fantastic destinations doesn’t stop there – from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia, the entire world is at your fingertips with Sunsail.
Ready to sail Italy? Start planning today with our easy quote builder.
Contributor
hannah
Step Aboard Here
Start your experience with Sunsail on land and sign up to receive e-mails from us about yachts, offers and destinations.
By clicking 'Sign up' you confirm that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy and consent to our use of your information.