Its largely jagged coastline and its wealth of history, architecture and gourmet food<\/strong> make Italy a true paradise for nautical tourism. It also boasts a vast number of UNESCO World Heritage sites – more than any other nation in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Italy’s main islands, archipelagos and coastal areas are rich in natural bays and inlets, sheltered from the wind<\/strong>, alongside well-equipped harbours and marinas where you can berth if the weather conditions aren’t suitable for sailing. These are ideal places for winding down on shore, perhaps enjoying a hike in the countryside, a visit to a museum or archaeological site. Alternatively, you can browse around boutiques, sample some local cuisine or enjoy an ‘aperitivo’ at a bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plus, there are never too many nautical miles between one gorgeous spot and the next<\/strong>! The result is a holiday that’s packed full of excitement and new things to discover daily. It will leave you with an unforgettable set of experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In short, Italy has everything it takes to be an ideal cruising ground. In this article, we want to give you some tips on the most beautiful islands and coastlines to explore on a yacht cruise. <\/strong>So take your pick, and happy sailing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Its east coast, the Riviera di Levante, offers natural and marine landscapes that are the envy of the world<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Setting off from the Bay of Poets<\/strong>, the deep gulf at La Spezia, set between two headlands, we discover romantic Portovenere<\/strong> and, beneath the castle, Byron’s cave<\/strong> with its sheer white cliff. Then we come to the Cinque Terre<\/strong> (on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1997). Straight out of a fairytale, this string of colourful fishing villages <\/strong>(with houses painted red, yellow, pink, green, blue) stands perched high above the rocky coastline. Over the centuries the local people have built terraced vineyards and olive groves, and carved out hillside paths with a sheer drop to the sea – it’s a hiker’s dream come true!<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we gradually sail westwards, a veritable “film set” unfurls before our eyes, evocative of ancient seafaring traditions and modern vacationing alike, particularly the jet set’s most beloved spots. One such resort is Portofino<\/strong>, loved by Guy de Maupassant, Guglielmo Marconi, Arnoldo Mondadori and Walt Disney, not to mention hordes of screen idols, popstars, athletes and politicians, past and present. This elegant village is proud of its solid maritime tradition. It stands upon a picturesque half-moon bay within the Regional Natural Park and Marine Reserve of Portofino<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then there\u2019s Camogli<\/strong>, which gazes out onto the Golfo Paradiso, or ‘Bay of Paradise’, a name that speaks for itself. One good reason to take the tender and step ashore is to get a closer look at the town’s striking buildings painted in sunny colours, with their trompe l\u2019oeil <\/em>decorations of pedestals, cornices and closed shutters. The other, excellent reason is to sample the town’s famous ‘focaccia camoglina<\/strong>‘, in various flavours \u2013 with cheese, onion, or olives and oregano. A taste of this local delicacy is the perfect way to end your cruise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Colourful, magical, elegant. Liguria is a must-see. As she rose out of the Tyrrhenian sea to reach her beloved Eros, Aphrodite lost the pearl necklace that Paris had given her. According to the myth, the goddess’s pearls floated on the surface and turned into the islands<\/strong> in the Tuscan Archipelago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The islands of Elba<\/strong>, Giglio<\/strong>, Capraia<\/strong>, Montecristo<\/strong>, Pianosa<\/strong>, Giannutri<\/strong> and Gorgona<\/strong> (all protected within the Tuscan Archipelago National Park) are surrounded by ‘satellites’ of sea stacks and islets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The largest is Elba<\/strong>, a lush island in the shape of a fish that seems to be heading for Corsica. A sailing holiday is the ultimate way to discover this gem. With its 150 km of jagged coastline, it is an endlessly fascinating cruising ground<\/strong>, even if you decide to spend one or two weeks touring its crystal-clear waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is large enough to offer plenty of variety, and a wide range of natural, historic and architectural beauty spots<\/strong>. At the same time, it’s small enough to sail around in just a few days, with safe havens in case of winds from any direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Tuscany you can admire beaches of every type and colour (white pebbles, or sandy beaches in shades of white, gold, grey, black or red), such as Sansone, Procchio, Fetovaia, Marina di Campo and Sant\u2019Andrea. Then there are inlets, bays and little harbours to safely moor overnight, or natural pools for crowd-free swimming. Once on dry land, you can choose from around twenty towns and picturesque villages (by the sea or in the hills) to visit, such as Portoferraio, Marciana Marina, Marina di Campo, Porto Azzurro, Capoliveri and Rio nell\u2019Elba<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This multi-faceted island has been blessed by nature, and was made famous by various historical figures including the Etruscans, the Medici dynasty, and Napoleon, to name a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Elba is a good base for setting off towards three of the other ‘pearls’ in the archipelago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heading north, we come to the volcanic island of Capraia<\/strong>, a small yet bewitching island covered in heather and myrtle. From Cala Mortola on the north-east side to Cala Rossa in the south, its coastline reveals a series of bays that are ideal for snorkelling and scuba-diving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the southern part of the archipelago, Giglio<\/strong> welcomes seafarers with its colourful houses clustered around the harbour, alongside fish restaurants, caf\u00e9s and bars and its most scenic bays: Cala Cannelle and Cala Caldane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, Giannutri<\/strong> is a small island with steep, rocky cliffs, dotted with caves. It doesn’t have many anchorages so we recommend visiting only when the weather conditions are good. But when the wind does make it possible to drop anchor at Cala Spalmatoio, a large, crescent-shaped bay on the southeastern side, it’s time to don some hiking boots and set off for an interesting guided excursion to the Roman villa, dating from the 2nd century AD. It’s a truly unmissable experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you yearn to discover the beauty of Tuscany? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nature – and the human hand – have crafted some spectacular special effects, right here in Sardinia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pink or pearly-white granite sculpted by the wind, glassy water where yachts seem to float upon a liquid sky, icing-sugar beaches, the night-life of Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo<\/strong>, dream villas, the scented Mediterranean scrub… then there’s the galaxy of islands in the Maddalena Archipelago<\/strong> and the Strait of Bonifacio where the winds rule supreme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your constant companion will be the Mistral wind<\/strong>, which cools the island and dries out the air in summer; it will fill your sails and allow you to glide swiftly over the waves. When you need a break from the wind, there are plenty of bays sheltered by natural barriers (dunes, hills or pine forests) and inlets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Setting sail for the Costa Smeralda<\/strong> from the main bases on the coast – Olbia or Portisco – you cruise northwards, passing rocky headlands, deep coves and beaches to rival the Caribbean<\/strong>. After Porto Rotondo – Sardinia’s second ‘VIP capital’ – you’ll encounter the famous bays of Cala di Volpe<\/strong>, Capriccioli<\/strong>, Romazzino<\/strong>, Pevero<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Landing in Porto Cervo<\/strong> one is immediately, pleasantly plunged into the international jet set\u2019s summer playground<\/strong>. The luxury superyachts moored there speak for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The coastal area is packed with stunning spots. They include Poltu Quatu<\/strong> and the exquisite village of Liscia di Vacca, Porto Pollo and the beaches at Liscia Ruia, Razza di Giunco and the beach and the mouth of the River Liscia: in spring, the sand dunes burst into bloom with pink clouds of sea thrift<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Palau<\/strong> you can admire the ‘Tomb of the Giants<\/strong>‘ archaeological site and the Roccia dell’Orso (‘Bear Rock’), a granite hill moulded by the wind and rain. In olden times, sailors used it as a natural reference point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With its sixty-two islands and islets (including La Maddalena<\/strong>, Caprera<\/strong>, Santo Stefano<\/strong>, Budelli<\/strong>, Spargi<\/strong>), the Maddalena Archipelago is a must-see for sailors<\/strong>, offering plenty of fun along its 180 km of coasts, and a choice of three hundred beaches<\/strong> bathed by emerald-green water<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From here, you can head to the north-west and face the challenge of the Strait of Bonifacio<\/strong>. The Strait separates Sardinia from Corsica and must always be approached with respect, as it is scattered with rocks and crossed by strong currents. Your ‘reward’ will be the splendid Lavezzi islands<\/strong>: a scenic array of wind-hewn rocks rising from the turquoise sea, which is teeming with fish, starfish and sea urchins – a snorkeller’s paradise<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the gleaming white cliffs on the Strait of Bonifacio are a sight to behold, with pastel-coloured houses clinging above the precipice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thinking of untamed, glamorous Sardinia for your next holiday? Southern Sardinia<\/strong> will charm sailors, with its calm, unspoilt coasts, fragrant with juniper, mastic, myrtle, broom and olive trees. The rugged granite rocks in the north give way to a softer, verdant coastline dotted with watchtowers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whereas the Costa Smeralda is known for its jet-set glamour, here in the south the greatest luxury is silence – even at the height of the summer season. Golden sands are lapped by water in a palette from deep blue to turquoise<\/strong>. It’s not uncommon to come across placid cows foraging for grass on the edges of deserted beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ideal route for a sailing holiday would be along the coast from Carloforte to Cagliari <\/strong>– it’s easy to cover on a week-long charter. The Mistral is the wind that blows most frequently here, buffing the coast and pushing the waves, but the area is also exposed to the Libeccio (southwesterly) and Sirocco (southeasterly) winds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The southern coast can be divided in two. The first section includes the Sulcis Islands: San Pietro and Sant\u2019 Antioco<\/strong> (to the southwest of Sardinia), then from Porto Scudo<\/strong> as far as Porto Teulada<\/strong>. The second section is in the far south. It includes the mainly sandy stretch of coast from Capo Malfatano<\/strong> to Cagliari<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n San Pietro has dizzyingly high, craggy cliffs (a nesting place for peregrine falcons, Corsican seagulls and the rare Eleonora’s falcon). The rough cliff face plunges into the crystal-clear sea, which is fantastic for diving, snorkelling and fishing<\/strong>. The island is fringed with enchanting bays, with fragrant rosemary, strawberry trees, dwarf palms and Aleppo pines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The island is jam-packed with beautiful places to see and experience. From romantic Cala Vinagra (a pebble beach with emerald-green water) to the Le Colonne sea stacks; from colourful Carloforte<\/strong>, with its Ligurian cultural influences, to the seventeenth-century Tonnara<\/strong> (tuna processing plant) at La Punta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another snorkeller’s paradise with crystal water is Sant\u2019Antioco<\/strong>, which is connected to Sardinia by a narrow causeway and a bridge. Cruising southwards we come to Porto Pino<\/strong>, with its pink sand and windswept dunes<\/strong>; and Cala Zafferano<\/strong>, a crescent of dazzling white shingle and shell fragments, with shallow water that reflects every nuance of the sky above. Meanwhile, Porto Scudo and Porto Teulada are remarkable for their imposing cliffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Continuing towards the southernmost part of the route, we encounter the rocky headland of Capo Malfatano<\/strong>, overlooked by a Spanish tower<\/strong>. The cape was chosen as a safe port by the Phoenicians, back in the 6th century BC. Immediately beyond it you can catch a glimpse of the ‘Caribbean’ beach of Tuerreda<\/strong>, a picture-perfect bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An exciting place to drop anchor is the bay of Chia<\/strong>, which is famous for its pink flamingo lagoon<\/strong>, amongst other things. The Mistral blows regularly here making it a mecca for surfers, who show off their spectacular acrobatics on the waves. In ancient times Chia was the site of first a Phoenician village, and later a Roman settlement called Bithia<\/strong>. The tower was built by the Spanish in the 17th century to keep lookout for corsairs. Beyond it is a strip of white sand, dotted with small inlets bordered by thick scrub and surrounded by jade-green water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a good place to disembark and explore on dry land, including the archaeological site of Nora<\/strong>. This was Sardinia’s first Phoenician city (8th c. BC) and was a trading hub and a port that had an enviable position on the isthmus of Cape Pula, from where ships could sail no matter what the wind conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, the harbour at Cagliari<\/strong>, the regional capital of Sardinia and a major hub for Mediterranean cruise ships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This colourful, multi-ethnic city<\/strong> has a buzzing Mediterranean vibe. It overlooks the Golfo degli Angeli, or Bay of Angels, and is built on seven hills, just like Rome or Lisbon. It, too, was founded upon an ancient Phoenician settlement. Its four old quarters witnessed a chequered history of events, from pre-historic times to the period under Savoy rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLiguria: a poetic seascape and charming colourful villages<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/italycharter.it\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/portofino_1200-1024x576-1.jpeg\")
Look at our fleet of yachts and catamarans and set sail!
Discover the boat rentals available in Liguria<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTuscan Archipelago: a sailor’s paradise with nature, history and culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/italycharter.it\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/forno_01_c-1-1024x575-2.jpg\")
On ItalyCharter you\u2019ll find the best boats and itineraries.
See our Tuscany charter catalogue.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNorth Sardinia: Caribbean-style beaches and glamour<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/italycharter.it\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/cala_granara-1024x576-2.jpg\")
Choose the right yacht or catamaran and prepare to set sail.
Browse our catalogue of boat charters in Sardinia<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSouth Sardinia: remote bays, watchtowers and turquoise waters<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Questa](\"https:\/\/italycharter.it\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/sardegna-sud-1024x572.jpg\")
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/italycharter.it\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/chiaia_luna-1024x576-2.jpg\")