Book the perfect cruise in Italy now

Custom Cruises in Italy: Top Tips for the Best Experiences

Breathtaking coastal panoramas, crystal clear water and a plethora of idyllic islands…a cruise in a catamaran or sailboat in Italy is a truly unique experience. With a coastline of 7,600 kilometres, Italy stretches across three different seas: the Adriatic Sea in the east, the Tyrrhenian Sea in the west, and the Ionian Sea in the south. Discover the captivating coastal towns and spectacular natural landscapes of the Italian Riviera on your nautical adventure!

Create unforgettable memories with family and friends on your cruise around Italy!

Italy is home to a plethora of beautiful islands and gorgeous cities, all of which are rich in history and culture. Whether on a trip with your family, children, or friends, there is truly something here for everyone. Visit Rome and marvel at the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the other incredible works of Roman architecture, and then make your way to Via del Corso for some well-deserved shopping - from the old to the new there is so much to explore!

The sheer amount of culture makes Italy an ideal holiday destination, so why not make your experience even more unforgettable and explore this country from the sea as well as the shore? The multitude of islands and beaches make Italy the perfect cruise destination. With so many wonderful options, you are bound to make heaps of cherishable memories with those closest to you.

Set sail with a skipper and crew for the ultimate relaxing holiday

If you want to have the most relaxing cruise in a catamaran or sailboat possible, a boat charter with a skipper is perfect for you! Even if you are an experienced sailor, you can learn a lot from a skipper who really knows the area and can therefore take you to all the most beautiful places in the Italian Riviera, while you just have to sit back and relax and enjoy the view.

Likewise, a sailing trip with a crew can provide you with an even more carefree experience. Depending on the size of the boat, a crew normally consists of at least four members - a hostess, a chef, and several deckhands. Whilst this does, of course, come at an extra cost, renting a crew will allow you to have an incredibly luxurious experience. From organising boat parties to making your bed in the morning, with a crew onboard you will not have a single care in the world!

Should you cruise on a catamaran or sailboat?

As Italy is Europe’s third most popular sailing ground for charter boats, there is clearly so much for you to explore as you jet off on the waves. However, one question remains: do you set sail on a catamaran or a sailboat? To help you with this decision, we have provided you with some of the important benefits of each type of vessel. However, whether you choose a cruise on a catamaran or sailboat, we are sure that the choice you make will provide you with a fantastic holiday experience and unforgettable memories!

Top up your tan on the iconic net of the catamaran and revel in the beautiful views that pass you by. Situated on the bow, the nets are perfect for relaxing or for watching the water below you as you cruise over the waves. In addition, the nets can be a great place for observing the beautiful fauna living in the Italian waters! Another attractive feature of a catamaran is undoubtedly its stability on the water. Therefore, this double-hulled vessel can be a great choice for someone prone to seasickness, as they will be able to have a stress-free, yet exhilarating experience.

Today, sailboats are often used for cruising as they can easily navigate long sailing routes using little to no fuel. They normally contain bedrooms, bathrooms, a galley, a sitting area, and storage space for any belongings, meaning that you, your family, and friends will have plenty of space to relax and gaze out at the sparkling turquoise ocean. Sailboats are also single-hulled vessels and so are generally less stable than catamarans. If you dream of a cruise on a sailboat, we recommend that you rent a skipper to help you navigate your Italian adventure.

Destinations and sailing routes for your cruise in a sailboat or catamaran

The list of dream destinations along the Italian coast is endless. There are countless possibilities for a boating holiday, both along the coast, and also in the great inland lakes. The most popular sailing destinations include the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, Tuscany and the Tuscan Archipelago, Salento in Puglia, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast in Campania and Lake Garda in northern Italy.

Sardinia

On a sailing trip in Sardinia, you can expect cactus-covered mountain ranges, charming coastal villages, Caribbeanesque beaches, bright blue water, and fantastic food! Discover the romantic villages, luxurious harbours, and beautiful bays of the island from the water!

One of the most popular sailing routes in Sardinia takes you from the luxurious Costa Smeralda via the La Maddalena National Park to the south of the French island of Corsica.

The Costa Smeralda in the north of the island is one of the most exclusive destinations in Italy. On the 'Emerald Coast', you can expect glorious white sand beaches and crystal clear water, as well as impressive marinas, luxurious hotels, expensive restaurants, and nightclubs. Pay a visit to the famous ports of Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo!

Don't miss the breathtaking La Maddalena archipelago on your Italian sailing excursion or catamaran! The archipelago in front of the Costa Smeralda is a quiet place with untouched nature, turquoise lagoons, lonely islands and islets, and the most beautiful beaches in Sardinia.

Cagliari is also a popular travel destination in Sardinia. The capital of the island is located in the south and offers everything you could wish for on a holiday in Italy: food markets with fresh fish and seafood, fantastic restaurants, and a large selection of bars in sunny places.

Sardinia is also the place to go if you love water sports, with a wide range available to try, including jet-skiing, flyboarding, scuba diving, snorkelling, and water skiing. All you have to do is ask the boat owner if it’s possible to add your water sport of choice on as an extra! A diving adventure will be especially fascinating, as it will give you the opportunity to explore the colourful, diverse underwater world of Sardinia.

From June to September you can expect good weather and great sailing conditions on your cruise in a catamaran or sailboat in Sardinia. In the north of the island, it can occasionally get windy in summer, so beginners may feel more comfortable in the south of the island.

Sicily and the Aeolian Islands

On a boating holiday in Sicily, you have the opportunity to explore the largest island in the Mediterranean. With pristine beaches and delicious food, Sicily offers an incredible holiday experience. Sail along the Sicilian coast and discover beautiful cities such as Palermo, Monreale, Catania, Messina, and Trapani. The islands of this area are an especially perfect destination for a boating holiday in southern Italy.

Not far from the north coast of Sicily, you will find an idyllic island group known as the Aeolian Islands. This group of seven volcanic islands, with their jaw-dropping natural backdrops, rich culture, and awe-inspiring underwater world are a dream destination in Italy. Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands and is home to a large number of amenities, including supermarkets, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and much more. Nocturnal sailors should set sail for Panarea, a lively island known for its swinging nightlife. Salina, another of the Aeolian Islands is known as the green island and has a lot to offer nature lovers, and on Filicudi and Alcudi, you can also expect untouched nature and typical Mediterranean vegetation. The views on Vulcano and Stromboli offer breathtaking views and even today, are home to active volcanoes that can erupt from time to time, offering a unique natural spectacle. The best way to reach the Aeolian Islands is from different ports along the north coast of Sicily: Milazzo, Capo d'Orlando, Palermo. The port of Tropea in southern Calabria is also a good starting point for a trip to the islands.

You will experience near perfect sailing conditions in Sicily as early as May, and the weather remains warm and sunny with pleasant water temperatures until October. The wind conditions at this time are also ideal for your cruise in a sailboat or catamaran. If you are going for a cruise in a catamaran and want to anchor in a port, you should try to reserve a berth in advance, as the ports are quite small, especially on the islands. Otherwise, you can also moor outside the harbours along the coasts.

Capri in Campania

You will find Capri in the Gulf of Naples, overlooked by the amazing Amalfi Coast. The island guarantees everything you could possibly want from a boating holiday, with a perfect blend of warm Mediterranean weather, a gentle sea breeze, crystal clear water, and delicious food. Capri is known principally for its gorgeous natural landscapes, chic hotels, and diverse shopping opportunities. Whether you’re looking for designer fashion, limoncello, or handcrafted leather sandals, there is something for every type of shopper on this island.

You can access Capri easily from many mainland ports, such as the port of Naples. On a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran around Capri, you can visit the surrounding islands of Ischia and Procida, before setting sail for Sorrento, Positano, and a variety of other places on the coast of Campania.

Tuscany

Tuscany is one of the most charming, romantic and beautiful regions in Italy with historic cities and beautiful natural landscapes, from rugged mountains to paradisiacal beaches. The Tuscan Riviera is extremely popular with experienced sailors and many holidaymakers return to the Italian coast every year.

One particularly beautiful sailing destination on the coast of Tuscany is Elba. This island is home to delicious seafood dishes, crystalline beaches, and varied natural landscapes. The underwater world also has a lot to offer here. If you head to Elba for a relaxing cruise, you can do a complete round of the island in about a week.

A trip to the Tuscan Archipelago is also extremely worthwhile. The volcanic islands of Giglio are a real paradise for divers and snorkelers alike. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend a few days relaxing on the islands of Tuscany!

The best way to reach the Tuscan coast is via the motorway from Florence. However, the southern part of the coast can also be reached in around 90 minutes from Rome.

Salento in Puglia

A captivating coastline, fantastic food, and a rich historical heritage…these are just some of the treasures that await you in Puglia. Salento forms the ‘heel of the boot’ of Italy and is one of the most popular destinations in Puglia. The peninsula is characterised by miles of beaches, swaying olive groves, and its sun-drenched, relaxed lifestyle.

A typical sailing route in Salento will take you from the beautiful coastal town of Brindisi, around the peninsula, until you reach Porto Cesario. From Salento, you are also perfectly placed to sail to Greece, with the Greek island of Corfu situated less than 100 nautical miles from Salento.

Lake Garda

In the north of Italy, you will encounter beautiful lakes which are perfect for nautical exploration. Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, borders the regions of Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Veneto. With its beautiful and unique landscapes, it has secured its place as one of the most popular travel destinations in southern Europe, where you can look forward to charming villages, lining the shores of the lake, surrounded by green hills and mountains that create a picture-perfect setting. Thanks to the winds in the north of the lake, the area is especially popular with people who like water sports, such as windsurfers and sailors.

It is particularly common to take a day or weekend trip on Lake Garda. On a short trip, you can explore enchanting port cities, such as Desenzano, Sirmione, Bardolino, and Torri del Benaco, at the same time as discovering the wonderful natural landscapes of Lake Garda.

How much does an Italian cruise in a sailboat or catamaran cost?

The price of a sailing holiday in Italy can vary depending on many different factors, such as the season, the duration of the charter, and the size, comfort, and equipment of the boat. For large boats and sometimes also smaller, private boats, you may need to charter with a skipper to reduce the risk of damage. You should also look into which costs are included before booking, something you can check directly with the owner via the messaging service on our website.

As a rough guide, the average price for a cruise in a sailboat is between €200 and €400 per week in low season or between €300 and €500 per week in high season, while a cruise in a catamaran will cost between €600 and €800 per week in low season, or between €700 and €1000 per week in high season.

Which services are included and which come at an additional charge?

Usually, the price you see on the website only covers the basic charter costs of the boat. Therefore, you must make sure you are completely aware of any additional costs that may come up before you set sail. You can do this by asking the boat owner directly using our messaging service on the website. With most professional charter companies, you may have to pay for a number of extras, such as a final clean of the boat, fuel, bed clothes, cutlery and dishes, etc. In Italy, if you want a boat charter with a skipper, you should expect to pay an extra €1200 per week on average. The price of the final clean will usually cost somewhere between €200 and €300 and the fuel will typically cost somewhere between €100 and €200 per week, depending on the size of the boat.

Depending on the boat type, there are some additional features that you may be able to book for your cruise. Sailing boats and catamarans usually offer services such as the provision of regional food and drinks, and sometimes you may even be able to request water sports equipment to enrich your trip further. Snorkelling equipment is already included with many of the boats. Many ports will pick you up from your boat on request and bring you to the coast but this service will usually cost you somewhere between €100 and €150. With private rental companies, the skipper, fuel, and final cleaning are usually included in the charter price.

When is the best time for a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran in Italy?

Due to the Mediterranean climate on the Italian coast, the Italian summers are long, warm, and sunny. High season in Italy typically runs from late June until early September, but in some of the southern regions, you can even sail from May until October. During these months, the charters are usually cheaper and there are less tourists crowding the beaches.