Cruise in Italy

Your cruise in Italy

Italy has become a prime destination in Europe for cruising on yachts, resulting in ample ports with excellent amenities to choose from during your sailing holiday.

Due to its justified popularity, Italy offers you a huge variety of yachts, making it easier to organize a perfect sailing holiday which fits your needs. You can hire sailing and motor yachts, catamarans or even bigger boats with many cabins to accommodate a bigger group (like a luxury yacht or a gulet). With ports offering many amenities to choose from in top destinations (Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Tuscany) and many others found throughout the coastline, you will have no issue finding somewhere on the shore to moor your catamaran or monohull. Many Italian islands offer tranquil and secluded mooring spots too, where you can relax and take in the exquisite scenery of Italy during the day and sleep peacefully during the night, free from noise on board your cruise in the comfortable and private luxury cabins.

These ports are equipped to deal with any issues you may have during your sailing holiday in the Mediterranean. Your skipper will know some hidden gems to discover during your week, which may make crewed boat trips more enticing for a group that has not spent much time on the Italian coast. 

Italy is home to some of the most beautiful destinations for sailing in the world, with breathtaking coastlines and crystal clear waters in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. From the Amalfi Coast to the islands of Sicily, there are plenty of options for a perfect sailing vacation on your catamaran or yacht. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, cultural and historical tours, or an action-packed adventure, there's something for everyone regarding sailing vacations in Italy. So explore this magical country from the sea and discover its hidden treasures!

Destinations: 

Italy is one of the most popular destinations in the world and offers a wealth of culture, history and beauty for your charter and travel. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the stunning architecture of Florence and Venice, there is something for everyone in this beautiful country. From exploring picturesque cities to sampling delicious cuisine to participating in outdoor excursions like hiking or skiing, there are many ways to make your holiday memorable. So, if you’re planning a trip to Italy, there are many popular destinations to choose from for your cruise on a catamaran or yacht:

Travel to Venice! This stunning city built on water is a popular starting or ending point for many cruises in Italy. Tour the canals, bridges, and hidden alleyways of Venice with a gondola ride or participate in one of the walking tours of the city's historic landmarks like St. Mark's Square and Doge's Palace, and enjoy the local cuisine. Enjoy breakfast from the deck of your yacht in Venice, overlooking the water and Italian architecture.

Rome, the country's capital, is a must-see for history buffs. Discover the ancient history and art of the Eternal City through guided tours of iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican Museums and the Roman Forum. For a night on the town, enjoy the vibrant clubs and bars to be found in the city of Rome. Rome is a breathtaking city steeped in history and culture and a must-visit destination for any traveller. 

Also worth visiting in Italy is the Amalfi Coast. The stunning Amalfi Coast is a popular destination for many cruises by catamaran or yacht. You can view picturesque villages like Positano and Ravello, explore the dramatic coastline, and enjoy delicious local cuisine during your cruise or tour.

Civitavecchia is a charming port town located on the Italian shore, just a short distance from Rome. With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and delicious seafood cuisine, Civitavecchia is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to the region. Civitavecchia has many things for you to see and do. You can explore the historic Forte Michelangelo, walk along the scenic promenade, visit the Civitavecchia local market for fresh produce, enjoy delicious seafood at one of the many restaurants, and relax at one of the nearby beaches.

Naples is a vibrant and historic city located on the shore of Italy, known for its delicious cuisine, rich culture, and stunning architecture. In Naples, you can discover the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, visit the iconic Mount Vesuvius volcano, admire the stunning architecture of the Royal Palace and the Castel dell'Ovo, and indulge in the delicious local cuisine, especially the famous Neapolitan pizza. You can also take a stroll through the historic centre of Naples, explore the vibrant street markets, and visit the many museums and art galleries to experience the city's rich cultural heritage.

We also recommend a trip to discover Cinque Terre during your vacation. This collection of five picturesque villages on the Ligurian coast is a popular stop on many cruises in Italy. Hike along the scenic trails and colourful seaside villages of the Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the Italian Riviera. You can walk along the coastal path, eat local seafood, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Island Hopping

Sardinia is one of our most popular destinations in Italy, and you’ll see why… with the translucent, glittering sea and impossibly white beaches fringed by lush forests of emerald pine, it really is a slice of paradise. Sardinia also has its own culinary character, with its very own variation on all the basic foods such as pasta, bread and dolci, even with two of its own locally produced wines that are definitely worth a try: Vermentino white and Cannonau Red. The island has endless appeal; with beaches like Spiaggia della Pelosa, world heritage sites like Nuraghe Su Nuraxi, and national parks such as Parco Nazionale dell'Asinara, there is a mesmerizing diversity of culture and scenery to make Sardinia the perfect destination for a charter to suit everyone on board!

While cruising around the seas of Sardinia, we suggest you take a day to view the archipelago of La Maddalena. The Archipelago off the shore of Sardinia consists of seven main islands: La Maddalena, Caprera, Santo Stefano, Spargi, Budelli, Santa Maria, and Razzoli, as well as numerous smaller islets and rocky outcrops.

Sardinia is also only a short sail away from the French island of Corsica. In Corsica, you can explore the charming coastal towns of Bonifacio and Calvi, relax on the beautiful beaches of Santa Giulia and Palombaggia, and visit historic sites such as the Citadel of Corte and the archaeological site of Filitosa. You can also indulge in the delicious local cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, charcuterie, and wines, and experience vibrant cultural events such as the Calvi Jazz Festival and the Corsica Sailing Week.

The shortest distance between the two islands is between Bonifacio in southern Corsica and Santa Teresa di Gallura in northern Sardinia, which is approximately 11 nautical miles (20 kilometres) across the Bonifacio Strait. The crossing can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

Capri is a stunning island located in the Bay of Naples, known for its crystal-clear waters, picturesque landscapes, and luxurious atmosphere. Whether you're interested in exploring the Blue Grotto, admiring the Faraglioni rocks, or indulging in traditional Italian cuisine, Capri is a must-visit destination for any traveller. In Capri, you can visit the Blue Grotto, take a tour of the Gardens of Augustus, hike to the top of Monte Solaro, relax on Marina Piccola, shop for high-end fashion, and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

Sicily, an island off the Italian shore, is a fascinating blend of cultures and landscapes. During your trip, you can explore ancient ruins like the Valley of the Temples, hike Mount Etna, and sample local wine and food. Experience a vacation filled with turquoise bays and sandy beaches, and enjoy your trip to the fullest! Sicily is a gorgeous island that offers breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities for adventure. Imagine sailing along the coast, stopping at secluded bays, discovering ancient ruins and historical landmarks, or indulging in local cuisine and culture. There are many ancient ruins on the island for you to explore, such as the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where you can view the remains of ancient Greek temples or the ruins of the Roman city of Syracuse if you choose to participate in the historical tours available on the island. For the adventurers, Mount Etna, Europe's tallest and most active volcano, resides here. Trek to the top for stunning views of the surrounding landscape. We also recommend you tour the streets of Palermo, a town with a rich history, where you can view architecture with Norman, Arab, and Byzantine influences.

How to get to your charter in Italy

How you get to your boat in Italy depends on several factors, including your starting point, the location of your catamaran or yacht, and your preferred mode of transportation. Here are some common ways to get to your cruise or charter in Italy on the Mediterranean:

If you are travelling from outside Italy, a flight, which you can book through GlobeSailor along with your charter, to the nearest airport may be the most convenient option. Major airports in Italy include Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, Venice Marco Polo and Naples International. You can take a cab, shuttle bus or public transportation from the airport to the port of the catamaran cruises.

Alternatively, book yourself a train ticket. Italy has an extensive rail network that connects the main cities and towns. If you are already in Italy or travelling from a nearby country, reaching the nearest train station can be a convenient option. From the station, you can take a cab or bus or walk to the location of your charter.

You can also travel by car if you are already in Italy or are arriving from a nearby country and want to rent a car. However, be aware that parking in many Italian cities can be limited and expensive, especially in tourist areas.

It is also possible to arrive at the port of your yacht by boat. If you are arriving by another ship, you can use nautical charts and GPS navigation to navigate you to your boat's location.

Once you arrive at your boat's location, you can usually board the ship at the designated dock or marina. Make sure you have discussed boarding instructions with the boat owner or operator in advance to ensure a smooth departure.

Sailing conditions and climate

Italy offers a variety of sailing conditions and weather patterns depending on the region and time of year.

Most regions of Italy have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters for your charter. During the summer months (June to August), temperatures in many coastal regions can reach 30°C or more, and there is little rainfall during your catamaran or yacht vacation. Summer is generally the best time for sailing, with calm seas and light winds.

The Tyrrhenian Sea, bordering the west shore of Italy, is generally calm and offers good sailing conditions all year round, with light winds and gentle swells.

The Adriatic Sea, bordering the east coast of Italy, can be more challenging with stronger winds and choppy seas, especially during the winter months (December through February).

Winds in Italy can be affected by local geography, including mountains and valleys. For example, the mistral, a strong, cold northwest wind, can blow along the west coast of Italy, especially during the winter months.

In the fall (September to November), temperatures begin to cool, and there may be more rain and occasional storms. However, this can also be a good time for sailing, with fewer crowds and pleasant weather conditions.

In the spring (March to May), temperatures rise, and the weather is generally mild, with occasional rain showers. This season can also be a good time to sail your catamaran or yacht, with fewer tourists and moderate winds.

Book your Cabin Cruise in Italy now!

We have many cruises available for your group: sailboat, catamaran or gulet in a private cabin with board and excursions included. A sailing trip along the coast of Italy is one of the most demanded cabin cruises and receives rave reviews yearly. Even if you are not an expert in navigation, a crewed cabin cruise includes the experience of living closely with the ins and outs of crewing the ship for the week.

If your ideal vacation day consists of relaxing on the deck of a ship in the sunny Mediterranean sea, then a GlobeSailor cruise in Italy is the thing for you! The cruise price may often seem higher than usual, but this includes a paid skipper and crew to take care of all your cruise needs. Under the care of a professional skipper, the yacht or catamaran will be managed expertly. Allowing cabin cruise passengers to fully focus on discovering Italy's seas. Cruises with a skipper are also an opportunity to visit their itinerary's many places of interest. Each stop at a port during the cruise offers many sightseeing activities and excursions, allowing you to make the most of your trip! So don't worry about how many days your cruise lasts because the itinerary is designed so that no places of interest are missed!

You will have all the comforts in your private cabin without worrying about anything. The crew will prepare the food (breakfast, lunch and/or dinner, depending on the cruise package) with traditional Italian flavours, which are included in the full board. You will also benefit from the luxury of the communal spaces being cleaned often. Our experienced staff on a crewed cruise can take care of all the details, leaving you to do all the relaxing in the sun! It's entirely up to you how you spend your holiday, and sometimes, there's nothing better than relaxing on your private deck or one of the cabins with an excellent book to read! Whether you're looking for a relaxing holiday or an action-packed adventure, sailing in Italy has something to offer everyone. 

The primary information is available in the description of each cruise, but do not hesitate to contact your cruise consultant with any queries you may have. As a travel agency, we are happy to advise you about life on board, the characteristics of the cabins, your flight, and the complete itinerary included in each crewed cruise offer.

A sailing holiday in Italy is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a lifetime of memories. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a first-timer, the combination of natural beauty, adventure, and culture will leave you with a deep appreciation for this remote corner of the world. It's an opportunity to disconnect from the fast-paced world and reconnect with nature and yourself, all while doing so on a luxurious yacht!
 

Book with GlobeSailor and help us maximise your sailing trip! We strive to offer you cruises at the best price and an unforgettable week on the water, with suggestions on how to spend your days and an experienced skipper to guide you through every step of your travel as you sail around the Italian coast. Contact us now!