Italy, a Mediterranean country rich in maritime traditions and history, boasts a unique outline and is easily recognizable on the geographical map. The long coastline of the Apennine Peninsula is washed by four seas, including the Ligurian Sea, the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Adriatic Sea, and the Ionian Sea. More than half of all European cultural values are concentrated in Italy, making it an open-air museum. The country is blessed with natural wonders such as the rocky coasts of the Gulf of Naples, the emerald coasts of the Costa Smeralda in Sardinia, and the granite monoliths of the La Madallena archipelago. Sailing in Italy is an excellent way to explore the coastline and its beautiful islands. Discover the most fascinating sailing routes in Italy, including the enchanting Greek islands in the Ionian Sea.
Sailing the Gulf of Naples: A 7-Day Yacht Route from Naples
Embark on a 7-day yacht itinerary from Naples and sail towards the breathtaking Gulf of Naples on the west coast of Italy. This route covers a distance of 120 nautical miles and includes stops at Ischia, Capri, Salerno, Amalfi, Sorrento, Procida, and finally Naples.
The Gulf of Naples is nestled in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and its area spans 870 km2. The bay’s coastline stretches for over 190 km, with a depth of 170 m. Ischia and Capri, the two enchanting islands in the gulf, add to its splendor. Throughout history, the most crucial trade routes of the Mediterranean have passed through here, and the Roman fleet once called it home. Emperor Octavian Augustus was known to be the first to appreciate Capri, which was once Ischia, but who would have thought that centuries later, Ischia would become a world-famous center for thermal tourism? Even the legendary Odysseus was not immune to the lure of the sirens’ enchanting song in these waters. Today, the Gulf of Naples is a beloved subject of songs, paintings, and literature. Its beauty attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists and bohemians each year. Naples, the biggest city in the bay, is both unkempt and arrogant yet insecure. Its charm lies in being situated in one of the most stunning bays in Europe, with the picturesque Vesuvius on one side and the fabulous islands of Ischia, Capri, and Procida on the other. Pompeii, the ancient Roman city destroyed by Vesuvius, is a mere half-hour from Naples. Covered in volcanic ash and pumice several meters thick, Pompeii’s atmosphere has been preserved since its sudden destruction. It is a vital source of information about life, culture, and art in the Roman Empire during the 1st century AD. For centuries, sailboats have been gently gliding across the bay, accompanied by seagulls, making life here seem free and beautiful.
Yacht Itinerary to Discover the Tuscan Archipelago from Scarlino
Description: Embark on a 7-day yacht trip to explore the beautiful islands of the Tuscan archipelago from Scarlino, Italy.
Distance: 163 nautical miles
Locations: Scarlino-Portoferraio-Capraia-Pianosa-Montecristo-Elba-Scarlino
Tuscany is renowned for its picturesque vineyards, charming ancient towns, and fields full of sunflowers and poppies. To the west of this exquisite Italian province lies the largest national park in the Mediterranean – the Tuscan archipelago. The park comprises seven main islands and numerous small islands and rocks in the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian seas. The geological past of the islands varies – five of them, namely Elba, Montecristo, Gorgona, Palmaiola, and Capraia, are of volcanic origin, while the islands of Giglio and Giannutri are made of granite. Each island has its unique geological, mineralogical, and natural characteristics. The archipelago was previously closed to the public, and the authorities exiled many famous rebels here. Nowadays, the islands attract adventurers, treasure hunters, divers, and yachtsmen. The Tuscan archipelago is home to several fashionable resorts, and its reputation is bolstered by its local wines and the natural beauty that motivates the inhabitants to implement eco-friendly management practices, including reducing their dependence on oil and coal.
Yacht Journey Along the Ligurian Coast from La Spezia
This itinerary is a seven-day sailing tour of the Ligurian coast of Italy that starts from La Spezia and covers a distance of 180 nautical miles. The coast of the Ligurian Sea is a breathtaking Italian Riviera that connects the beautiful French Riviera and forms part of Liguria, an administrative region in Italy. The Ligurian coast is around 30 km wide and stretches for approximately 200 km along the Gulf of Genoa of the Ligurian Sea. The coastline resembles a horseshoe and is divided into two parts, the western Riviera di Ponente – from the French border to Genoa and the eastern Riviera di Levante, which stretches from Genoa to Tuscany.
The region has always attracted various conquerors due to its fertility. Liguria changed hands many times until it became part of the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1814. Each ruler of Liguria has left a notable cultural and architectural mark on the region, resulting in a rich collection of monuments, tourist attractions and remarkable structures. Visitors will enjoy viewing Renaissance palaces, ancient amphitheaters, beautiful cathedrals, charming narrow streets, pastel-colored houses, and flower gardens.
Yacht Itinerary Along the Adriatic Coast from Caorle
Description: 7-day yacht trip itinerary along the Adriatic coast of Italy starting from Caorle.
Distance: 212 nautical miles
Stops: Caorle-Venice-Porto Tolle-Ravenna-Rimini-Porto Garibaldi-Chioggia-Caorle
The Adriatic coast of Italy stretches from Trieste on the border with Slovenia in the north to Otranto in the south on the “heel of the boot.” The coastline of the Adriatic sea in Italy is quite shallow and muddy, especially in the Gulf of Venice. Many marinas and ports are located at the mouths of rivers, and fairways often change and become silted up. The most popular place on the coast, which attracts over 20 million tourists annually, is, of course, Venice. The most famous and amazing city in the world is situated on the water and captivates at first sight. Majestic and beautiful palaces form a bizarre and mysterious world, where the aloof elegance of Gothic coexists with the opulent luxury of the Baroque. And almost everywhere, you can hear the splash of water, which, washing the plinths of buildings, reflects architectural masterpieces. The city arose on swampy, swampy islands, at first an ordinary small trading port, but later became one of the most powerful and vibrant states of the Middle Ages. Venice was founded in the 5th century by several groups of exiles who took refuge in the lagoon from the barbarian hordes. For a long time, Venice was an independent republic that owned possessions in Istria, Dalmatia, and Greece. In 1204, the Venetian crusaders captured Constantinople. Venice retained the status of great maritime power until the 16th century. With the advent of new trading powers – Spain, England, and Holland, the republic gradually lost its power, and finally, the star of Venice went down with the arrival of Napoleon’s troops.
Sailing Itinerary along the Costa Smeralda on the island of Sardinia from Portisco
Description: 7-day sailing itinerary from Portisco along the Costa Smeralda.
Distance: 93 nautical miles
Stops: Portisco-Porto Cervo-La Maddalena-Bonifacio-Capo Testa-Santa Maria-Cala Portudure-Portisco
The Costa Smeralda, also known as the “Emerald Coast,” extends along 55 km of the northeastern coast of the island of Sardinia. It is a trendy tourist destination, boasting sandy beaches, tranquil bays, and breathtaking mountain ranges. This region has the highest concentration of marinas, yacht clubs, and ports per square kilometer in the world, and they are always bustling with activity. Each modern hotel fits perfectly into the surrounding environment, as do the prestigious villas, residences, and villages. This luxurious naturalness makes Costa Smeralda a truly unique destination.
The resort’s history dates back to 1961 when the Arab sheikh and millionaire Aga Khan was captivated by the local nature while traveling in the area. Together with a group of financiers, the sheikh purchased 55 km of the coast from local farmers and invested significant funds to provide this virgin land with all the benefits of civilization while preserving its beauty.
Sailing route on the Island of Sicily from Marsala
Experience the magic of Sicily with this 7-day sailing itinerary from Marsala.
Distance: 133 nautical miles
Stops: Marsala-Favignana-San Vito-Terrasini-Castellammare-Trapani-Marsala
Sicily is shrouded in mysteries and legends, making it one of the most intriguing regions of Italy. As the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is also the only region of Italy with its own parliament located in the capital city of Palermo. Its triangular shape is formed by three capes, which the ancient Greeks called Trinacria. The island’s coastline is lapped by the Ionian, Mediterranean, and Tyrrhenian Seas, while Sicily’s territorial waters include three archipelagos: the Aeolian (Lipari) in the north, the Egadi in the west, and the Pelagian in the south. Separated from the Apennine Peninsula by the 3-kilometer-wide Strait of Messina, Sicily is also home to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Italy, which remains a mystery to scientists to this day.
Sicily is a treasure trove of historical and cultural artifacts, where ancient temples, medieval churches, grand palazzos, and somber catacombs coexist in harmony. While the mafia may be the most common association linked with Sicily, there is much more to explore on this fascinating island that is waiting to be discovered.
Yacht Itinerary in the Aeolian Islands from Portorosa
Description: This 7-day yacht itinerary takes you around the Aeolian Islands in Northern Sicily, starting from Portorosa.
Distance: 129 nautical miles
Stops: Portorosa – Vulcano – Panarea – Stromboli – Salina – Filicudi – Lipari – Portorosa
The Aeolian Islands, a group of tiny “droplets” lost in the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea just north of Sicily, form an arc stretching for 140 km. All the islands in this archipelago are products of volcanic activity that continues here to this day. The African tectonic plate rests against the Eurasian one, creating a zone of tension in the deep layers of the earth’s crust. For over 300 years, the islands have been one of the most important geological sites for studying volcanic eruptions and their consequences. The islands were known as the Aeolian before they were named the “Lipari” Islands a few decades ago, in honor of the largest island of the archipelago. In the sixth century BC, when the ancient Greeks arrived on the islands, they associated mythology with the god of the winds – Eol, who was visited by the main character in the famous “Odyssey” for a whole year. Archaeologists and historians claim that some of the Aeolian Islands were inhabited as early as the era of the Neanderthals. On the island of Lipari, one of the oldest known human settlements in Europe, a Stone Age settlement dating back over half a million years has been excavated.
