Yacht Charter Sailing Holidays in Italy

We all think we know Italy, but a sailing holiday in Italy offers a whole new way to experience the most of what this fabulous country has to offer. In fact, many argue (me being one of them) that a bareboat charter is the best and most comfortable way to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the beautiful country of Italy.

Stop, smell and listen to the sights and sounds...

This is a secret that Italians know well, and many British sailors are beginning to find out.

Think of the rustic charms and raw beauty of Tuscany, the glamour and style of Capri and the Amalfi Coast and then the history and diversity of Sicily. Underpin this with fabulous Italian food and wine, unrivalled lifestyle and glamour and then your very own yacht, which opens all of these up to sailors with the added relief of being able to get away from the hustle-bustle of many Italian attractions.

Italy's best sailing areas

Sailing in Italy is split into four areas covered in this Italy bareboat charter section. They are the Tuscan Islands, Naples and the Amalfi Coast, Sicily (including the Aeolian Islands) and Sardinia. Each of these sailing areas have their own unique attractions and colour; you can read more about each area in our Rough Guides.

But it's not all about the sailing...

Foodies will of course love Italian cuisine, based mainly on fish and seafood. Do not forget to try the sburita, an excellent fish soup, and the onion gurguglione. The mild climate favours an excellent cultivation of vineyards. Elba is famous for its wines: Rosso, Procanico, Aleatico and Moscato. "Ansonico" is an amber-coloured scented wine well-known by the Romans and produced today in limited quantity. It is a rarity for gourmets only.

Travelling to Italy

A bareboat charter in Italy is readily accessible with regular flights to Pisa, Naples, Sicily and Sardinia from many British airports. Transfer times of up to 90 minutes actually add to the holiday experience, as you wind your way through Italian scenery such as the Tuscan or Sicilian countryside or the typically Italian cityscape of Naples.

Italy's sailing season

The sailing holiday season in Italy stretches from the beginning of May to the end of October. Peak period months of July and August are the hottest, but also have the lightest winds and the largest crowds. As mentioned above, the benefits of sailing in Italy is well known to Italians so bays and moorings can get crowded throughout these periods. Do also be aware that you can be paying up to €200 per night for mooring fees!