Where should I go on an Italy yacht charter?

Portofino

Framed by apricot buildings and shrouded in the scent of honeysuckle, Portofino is one of Italy’s most iconic destinations. Once a drowsy fishing village, the cobbled streets are now lined with high-end boutiques jostling for space alongside lively seafood restaurants, elegant wine bars and chic cafes serving homemade gelato.

The famous Belmond Hotel Splendido clings to the hills around Portofino, and provides a blissful backdrop for lazy lunches overlooking this slice of the Italian Riviera.

Off shore, there is a hidden side to Portofino that few people are lucky enough to discover, and it’s perfect for yacht charter vacations. Portofino’s marine park is home to some of the most diverse coral gardens and fish species in the Mediterranean, promising a kaleidoscope of marine life for divers to enjoy. The towering underwater statue of the Christ of the Abyss is a must-do for diving pros, as is the algae-encrusted skeleton of the Mohawk Deer shipwreck.

• Hotel Splendido

  Hotel

Amalfi Coast

The ideal candidate for a honeymoon charter, the Amalfi Coast has become a symbol of Italy’s enduring allure and beguiling charm. First discovered by the Hollywood elite, the region’s craggy coasts are still strewn with the evidence of celebrity pilgrimages- from elegant eateries to secluded coves only accessible by boat. 

One of the most popular towns along the Amalif Coast is Ravello, where charterers can spend the day traversing the manicured gardens of Vila Rufolo and dining at dizzying heights above the sea at Palazzo Avino. 

• Palazzo Avino

  Restaurant

Sorrento is another popular superyacht destination on the Amalfi Coast, with its wealth of lemon groves creating a heady scent in the air. For the ultimate dining experience, be sure to head to the small town of Nerano, home of the celebrity-approved La Conca del Sogno and Lo Scoglio.

• Lo Scoglio da Tommaso

  Restaurant

Sardinia

Set adrift from mainland Italy, Sardinia has long been a popular island for those looking to indulge in some retail therapy. Porto Cervo is the hub of luxury, with ateliers from some of the biggest names in fashion enticingly situated opposite the marina.

From branches of Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton to smaller designers offering bespoke goods, Porto Cervo is a one-stop destination for the fashion-conscious SuperyachtSet. After a day of shopping, take your yacht around to Phi Beach, where you will be welcomed on shore with cocktails in a laid-back beachfront setting. 

• Phi Beach

  Beach Club

Heading out of Porto Cervo, the famous Costa Smeralda runs around the north of Sardinia, with its miles of powder-sand beaches lapped by turquoise sea.

This beautiful stretch of coast is the perfect stop on a Sardinia yacht charter itinerary, allowing you to drop anchor and spend the day snorkelling in the crystal-clear sea. While this region is usually busy during superyacht season, there are plenty of quiet beaches down the east coast of Sardinia, such as Cala Mariolu, in the Gulf of Orosei.

• Cala Mariolu

  Beach

Rome

The beating heart of Italy, no yachting vacation would be complete without a visit to the country’s captivating capital. Steeped in history, the sights of Rome are plentiful; head to the centre to see the crumbling remains of the Colosseum, then visit the Vatican City to admire the Michelangelo frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. When the sun goes down, be sure to soak up the glow of the majestic Trevi Fountain.

Gourmands will find themselves perfectly at home in Rome, with a wealth of restaurants serving everything from authentic Italian fare to upscale Tuscan cuisine, which traditionally borrows inspiration from Greek and Israeli dishes.

Coffee is another staple of the Roman diet, and is best enjoyed sitting in one of the city’s many squares admiring the ornate Baroque architecture that carves out the city.

• La Pergola

  Restaurant

Positano

The darling of the Amalfi Coast, Positano is a staple on any Italy charter itinerary. Carved into the hills, the towering stacks of sun-bleached buildings in shades of tangerine orange and peach pink make an impressive sight to behold for those arriving by crewed motor yacht.

Those looking for an authentic dose of Italian living will find it in Positano, where family-run restaurants dominate the dining scene and slender streets supply prized views at every twist and turn. Off the coast, the string of islands known as Sirenuse, or Li Gali make the perfect stop-off for a day of snorkelling and admiring the scenery. 

• Sirenuses

  Landmark

Just outside the town, a sliver of beach plays host to the uber-exclusive TreVille beach club, which is only accessible by boat and has welcomed the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Moss in recent years. For dining with a view, yacht-goers should head along the coast to Il San Pietro Di Positano, with its unbeatable views and superb gastronomic creations. 

• TreVille Beach Club

  Beach Club

Capri

Follow in the footsteps of stars on the island of Capri, one of this summer’s most in-demand destinations for luxury yacht charters. Sip chilled sangria in Fontelina, the beach club made famous by Sophia Loren and Bridget Bardot, then head to Da Paolino to dine alongside celebrities under a thick canopy of lemon trees. 

If you are looking for a dose of culture, then be sure to head to Villa San Michele, a museum of art and antiques, surrounded by flower-filled gardens.

On the opposite side of the island,  Villa Lysis and Villa Jovis make a great way to spend an afternoon. Visitors can explore the ruins of the former emperor's palace in Villa Jovis, and take in the beauty of Villa Lysis, a palazzo dedicated to 'the youth of love'.

• Faraglioni

  Landmark

Not short of natural wonders, those visiting Capri should not miss the chance to cruise around Il Faraglioni, the rock formation that can be seen rising up from the water and towers off the south-eastern coast of Capri. Legend says that if you sail below the arches and kiss your loved one, your love will be true forever.

Equally beautiful is the Blue Grotto, a naturally-occurring phenomenon over on Anacapri where yacht-goers can experience a submerged cave that is illuminated by sapphire-blue seawater. A mesmerizing sight that is worthy of exploration when adventuring around Capri by boat.

• La Fontelina

  Beach Club

Venice

Situated in the crook of the lesser-travelled East coast of Italy, Venice is a city is worth visiting if you have a charter yacht in the region. Particularly popular for Venice Film Festival yacht charters, superyachts are able to drop anchor at either Venice Yacht Pier, Marina Santelena or Venezia Certosa Marina, all of which are within close proximity of St Mark’s Square, putting them right in the heart of the city.

Striking the balance between elegance and extravagance,  Venetian architecture can be admired along the canals of the city, and are best enjoyed on a traditional gondola ride.

Prepare to be blown away by the gilded domes of the Basilica, glide below the Rialto Bridge and step inside the Gothic Doge's palace for a fascinating museum experience.

• Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square)

  Landmark

Cinque Terre

Set against the backdrop of rugged cliffs and sheer precipices, the Cinque Terre region of the Italian Riviera is veined with ancient architecture and settlements dating back to the 11th century. Comprising five villages with limited on-land routes, the area is primed for exploration on a private yacht charter.

Those visiting the area should take the time to walk the hilly terrain, where they will be rewarded with dramatic views of the Mediterranean around every corner.

After an amble along the coast, settle into one of the region’s numerous restaurants and sample doughy focaccia and fresh pesto, for which the region is famed, paired with wine from local vineyards.