Plan your sailing trip in Italy now

All the information you need for your sailing trip in Italy

Your sailing trip in Italy is just a few clicks away. Cruise in a catamaran in Italy and enjoy breathtaking coastal panoramic views of the coast and islands. Or cruise on a sailboat in Italy and visit as much of the 7,600-kilometer coastline as you can. Italy has dozens of captivating coastal towns and spectacular natural landscapes so you can explore a personalized boating vacation. What makes your mind wonder? A trip completely planned by you and your group with the help of a skilled and experienced captain will surely do the trick!

Cruise around the Italian coastline with family and friends

A sailing trip in Italy is a great way to experience the country with your family and friends. This unique experience guarantees adventure and fun. You can choose to cruise on a catamaran in Italy to discover the dreamy coves, unique architecture and natural landscapes. Or choose to cruise on a sailboat in Italy and feel the adrenaline rush through your veins.

The best part about planning your personalised sailing trip in Italy is that you can choose where to go and find fun places for you and your group to go. From bustling cities to alluring islands, there is something to suit everyone. Enjoy a dreamy vacation full of incredible memories!

Book with a captain and crew to enhance your Italian sailing trip

Booking a boat with a captain and crew is an amazing choice if you and your family fantasize about the ultimate relaxing vacation! Whether it is your first time on the water or you have been sailing for years, a captain will definitely boost your experience. They will know the best sailing spots on the Italian Riviera and will be able to plan a trip based on your desires.

Similarly, your cruise in a catamaran or sailboat will only become more serene and relaxed with a crew onboard! The crew will take care of your every need, so you will not need to worry about household tasks such as cooking and cleaning. Depending on the size of your vessel, a crew consists of four or more members. This includes a hostess, a chef and several deckhands - all of whom are trained to provide you with first-class service.

Cruises in catamaran vs sailboat - which to choose?

If you suffer from seasickness, a catamaran is a perfect option for you! The double-hulled structure makes a catamaran much more stable, meaning that anyone can enjoy their sailing trip completely stress-free. On the bow of the catamaran, there is a large net, which is great for topping up tans, watching the shining turquoise waves and spotting new fauna. From sea turtles to octopi, there is such a wide variety of marine life that you are sure to find plenty of new and exciting sea creatures!

Sailboats are single-hulled vessels that are perfect for long cruises and use very little fuel, which often makes them a cheaper alternative. They are very spacious - normally comprising of bedrooms, bathrooms, a galley, a sitting area, and storage space for any belonging, so will have plenty of room for you and your family and friends! If you dream of a cruise on a sailboat, we recommend hiring a skipper, as due to their single-hulled nature, sailboats are more unsteady and harder to sail.

Destinations and routes for your sailing trip in Italy

You can’t explain the Italian coastline without talking about the dreamy cities, towns, and islands that it contains. Boating vacations are ideal for travelers who love freedom and excitement during their trip, or who like the freedom of last-minute changes. You can plan to sail through some of the most popular sailing destinations and change your sailing route along the way. Create your sailing trip in Italy visiting destinations such as Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, Puglia, the Amalfi Coast, and Lake Garda.

Sardinia

Cruise in a catamaran through Sardinia’s cactus-covered mountain ranges, characteristic coastal villages, and bright blue water! The beauty does not stop there, with fantastic food waiting for you throughout the island. Discover the romantic villages, luxurious harbors and beautiful coves from the water.

If you’re sailing through Sardinia, you won’t want to miss the luxurious Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena National Park and the French island of Corsica. On the Costa Smeralda or Emerald Coast, you can visit gorgeous white sand beaches and crystal clear water, as well as impressive marinas, hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. Visit the most famous harbors of Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo!

You can’t leave a trip in Sardinia without visiting the breathtaking La Maddalena archipelago! Located in front of the Costa Smeralda, this quiet place is filled with untouched nature, turquoise lagoons, lonely islands and islets and the most beautiful beaches of the island. A true gem in the Emerald Coast.

The capital of Sardinia, Cagliari, is also a popular travel destination. Located in the south, the food markets filled with fresh fish and seafood, delicious restaurants and a large selection of bars with terraces will amaze you.

If you love water sports, then this is the place for you. A wide range of boats are available for you to try depending on the listing including jet skiing, flyboarding, scuba diving, snorkeling and water skiing. Speak to the boat owner about the possibilities to rent your desired equipment while aboard. What a great way to explore the diverse and colorful underwater world!

Sicily and the Aeolian Islands

Another great place for a sailing trip in Italy is Sicily. You have the opportunity to explore the largest island in the Mediterranean aboard a delightful boat. Pristine beaches and delicious food awaits your arrival! Sailing in Sicily is a unique and incredible vacation plan. Visit unique places such as Palermo, Monreale, Catania, Messina and Trapani. The islands of this area are especially perfect for a boating holiday in southern Italy.

You can sail further than the north coast of Sicily and find the idyllic island group, the Aeolian Islands. This group of seven volcanic islands with jaw-dropping natural backdrops, rich culture and an inspiring aquatic world are a dream destination. Lipari, the largest Aeolian island, is home to a large number of amenities including supermarkets, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and more. Looking for some great nightlife? Sail for Panarea. Likewise, if you’re looking for a nature lover then you might want to sail in the green island of Salina, Filicudi and Alcudi. Vulcano and Stromboli offer breathtaking views of active volcanoes that erupt from time to time, offering a unique spectacle.

Capri & Campania

In the Gulf of Naples overlooked by the amazing Amalfi Coast, you will find Capri. The island guarantees everything you could want from a boating holiday, with the perfect mix of Mediterranean warm weather, a gentle sea breeze and crystal clear water. Capri is known for its gorgeous natural landscapes and diverse chic shopping opportunities.

 On a cruise in a sailboat or catamaran in Capri, you can sail further and 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

One of the most charming, romantic and beautiful regions of Italy with its historic cities and natural landscapes is the region of Tuscany. The rugged mountains towering over the paradisiacal beaches are a sight to behold. The Tuscan Riviera is popular among experienced sailers and holidaymakers who return to the Italian coast every year.

Elba is a great sailing destination during your Tuscany private cruise. Home to crystalline beaches, varied landscapes and delicious seafood dishes, there is plenty to discover on land and in the water. The underwater world also should be taken into consideration! You can head to Elba for a week-long relaxing trip. A great way to get the boating experience of a lifetime!

You can also visit the volcanic islands of Giglio are a real paradise for snorkelers and divers. Escape into the aquatic world and forget about the everyday hustle and bustle on your sailing trip in Italy. What is stopping you from spending a few days relaxing on the islands of Tuscany?

Salento & Puglia

Puglia’s captivating coastline and rich historical heritage is not something to ignore when planning your cruise on a catamaran in Italy. Salento forms the ‘heel of the boot’ of Italy and is one of the most popular destinations in Puglia. Characterised by miles of beaches, swaying olive groves and a sun-drenched relaxed lifestyle.

A great sailing trip in Italy starts from Salento, taking you to the coastal town of Brindisi to Porto Cesario. Then you can go sailing through the Greek islands such as Corfu situated less than 100 nautical miles.

Lake Garda

Italy’s beauty does not stop at its coastlines! In the north of Italy, there are spectacular lakes waiting to be discovered. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and touches the regions of Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto. Lake Garda is another area with a beautiful and unique landscape where you can visit the charming villages lining the shores of the lake. You will love the green hills and mountains that create a picture-perfect setting. Windsurfers and sailors alike love this area because of the winds that come from the north of the lake.

If you are planning a diverse sailing trip in Italy, you can choose to do a 4-day weekend trip on Lake Garda. Explore enchanting port cities such as Desenzano, Sirmione, Bardolino and Torri del Benaco as you wander through the natural landscapes aboard your cruise.

How much does a cruise on a sailboat or catamaran in Italy cost?

A cruise on a catamaran in Italy can vary in price depending on the type of boat, the size, comfort, and equipment of the boat along with the season, duration of the rental and more. For large boats and sometimes smaller, private boats, renting with a captain may be requested to reduce any risks of damaging the boat. Each listing has different costs that are included in the rental price, ask the boat owner through the messaging service provided on the website.

The average price for a cruise in a sailboat in Italy is between $225 and $445 per week in the low season or between $335 and $560 per week during the high season.

The average price for a cruise in a catamaran in Italy can range from $670 and $900 per week in the low season and between $781 and $1200 per week during the high season.

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

Cruising in Italy on a sailboat or catamaran is a great idea during the summer, spring and autumn time. Italy follows the Mediterranean climate which means Italian summers are long, warm and sunny. Perfect for a cruise through the Italian coast.

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 fewer tourists crowding the beaches.