Liguria is an ideal charter destination if you want to combine sailing with charming Italian port towns, manageable daily legs, and spectacular coastline scenery. The region works especially well for families, couples, and less experienced crews thanks to its many accessible marinas and varied stopovers. From La Spezia and Cinque Terre to the coast around Genoa, the area offers routes where time at sea and time ashore balance beautifully. The plans below help you decide whether you want a more relaxed sightseeing week or a broader Ligurian coastal circuit.
Let’s see some ‘must-moor’ places!
- Which month is best for sailing in Liguria?
- Ports in Liguria
- Sail in Liguria! Liguria sailing trips
- Sailing in Liguria: one week at sea
- Liguria sailing trip:7 days Genova sailing plan
Which month is best for sailing in Liguria?
The best time for sailing in Liguria is generally from May to September, with May–June and September offering the sweetest balance of reliable weather, pleasant winds and a more relaxed marina atmosphere.
Spring: From March to May, Liguria feels fresh, bright and wonderfully open. Daytime temperatures usually range from 15 to 24 °C, while the sea is still cooler at the start of the season, typically around 15–18 °C. During spring, the Ligurian Sea is still more exposed to the northerly Tramontana and the westerly to southwesterly Libeccio, so breezier spells of around 15–25 knots are not unusual. Many days are beautifully clear, but after a frontal passage the sea can build quite quickly. The reward is space: marinas and anchorages around Portofino, the Gulf of Tigullio and Cinque Terre feel calmer, more elegant and far less crowded than in high summer.
Summer: From June to August, Liguria moves into its classic Italian Riviera rhythm. Air temperatures are usually around 25–30 °C, and by July and August the sea often reaches 24–26 °C, making swim stops part of the natural flow of the day. Winds are often lighter, commonly 8–15 knots, with thermal and coastal breezes creating relaxed, scenic passages between Genoa, Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino and La Spezia. The sea is often more orderly overall, with smoother mornings and a little more texture later in the day. This is also the busiest charter period, so popular marinas fill faster, anchorages feel livelier, and July and August bring the biggest crowds along the coast.
Autumn: From September to November, Liguria takes on a softer, more atmospheric beauty. Early autumn still feels very inviting, with daytime temperatures typically between 18 and 27 °C and sea temperatures often staying around 21–24 °C through September and sometimes into early October. September is especially attractive for yacht charter: the peak-summer crowds begin to fade, yet the water remains warm and the coastline still feels vibrant. Later in the season, especially in October and November, Mediterranean fronts become more frequent and the Libeccio can raise rougher seas in a short time. Even so, the light becomes richer, the towns feel more spacious, and the overall experience often feels more refined than hurried.
Winter: From December to February, Liguria is not severe so much as quieter and more demanding. Daytime temperatures usually sit between 7 and 15 °C, while the sea is around 14–15 °C, so this season suits experienced crews more than casual holiday sailing. Northerly and northwesterly winds, including Tramontana and Mistral-related influences, are more likely to strengthen, and the Ligurian Sea can respond with shorter, steeper waves after frontal systems. Marinas are far calmer and some seasonal services operate on a reduced rhythm, yet the atmosphere has its own appeal: crisp air, sharp light, dramatic coastal scenery and Riviera towns that feel more local than theatrical.
Ports in Liguria
Sailing in Liguria is ideal for those who would like to enjoy sailing, as well as explore towns and go sightseeing.
In this part of Italy, there’re several romantic small towns with their ports alluring the tired sailors. We have collected some of these ports and some islands. Rent a boat in Liguria and experience what it feels like when everything is perfectly timed – the sunset, the sea, and freedom.
Portofino
A real gem on the Italian Riviera, Portofino boasts what is believed by many to be the most picturesque port on the continent. However, it surely costs a pretty penny. Although the ports are very well-equipped with everything a sailor might need, prices are extremely high. Peak season is around May with huge crowds.
San Remo
When sailing in Liguria, make sure to visit San Remo, the famous old resort town. The town used to be a typical fishing village back in time, but is now famed for its flowers and casino and both the port and the coast is dominated by luxury and sumptuousness. The port is encircled by atmospheric restaurants and bars, so you definitely won’t get bored if you spend a night here. Enquire about their capacity before your arrival; the port is fairly small and shady spots are scarce.
Genoa
Genoa hosts the second-largest port of the Mediterranean Sea. Its original Old Port only provided 10 berths, which didn’t seem to be enough to satisfy the city’s needs. Therefore a new port has been built, stretching for 11.9 nm, with 4 entrances, encompassing several smaller marinas, offering thousands of berths.
Genoa is also a perfect place for beginner sailors as the waters aren’t particularly shallow and there aren’t any obstacles alongside the coastline either. In addition, the infrastructure, supporting nautical purposes is also very developed.
Bocca di Magra
Bocca di Magra is located at the mouth of the river Magra and its Marina offers 256 mooring places. Apart from the professional assistance provided, sailors can also access free Wi-Fi and their peace of mind is granted by the security services; all provided for a carefree holiday.
Sail in Liguria! Liguria sailing trips
Sailing in Liguria: one week at sea
This one-week Ligurian itinerary is built around short daily legs, frequent stops, and scenic coastal towns, making it a great option for a comfortable and easy-paced charter. In peak season, it’s wise to arrive early at the most popular stops and expect busier marinas around the Cinque Terre area. Recommended level: beginner Open sea passages: no
Day 1: La Spezia – Portovenere (3.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
Spend the first day of your sailing holiday in Portovenere, in the Gulf of Poets. Portovenere is a perfect place to prepare your boat for the trip and to fetch everything you might need on the sea. That done, free some time to explore this fantastic, little town! Visit the Church of St. Peter and spend a lovely dinner in one of the many restaurants in the port.
Day 2: Portovenere – Palmaria (0.5 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
On the second day, set sail to reach the nearby island: Palmaria. Have a dip on the island’s splendid beach and visit the unique Blue Grotto. Later, if you’re still not too exhausted, take a walk on the trail winding around the island.
Day 3: Palmaria – Tino and Tinetto (2.3 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
On day 3, visit the islands of Tino and Tinetto. Both islands are fairly tiny, in addition, the former is only open for the public on a certain day of the year. However, it’s still worth sailing around here and admires the San Verino Abbey and the ruins of a 6th-century monastery.
Day 4: Tino and Tinetto – Riomaggiore (6.8 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
Explore Riomaggiore on the 4th day. It’s your ‘day off’ whilst sailing in Liguria. All you have to do is take in the awe-inspiring scenery. Immerse yourself in the sight of the rows of multicoloured houses, in the floating boats and spend a delightful meal in one of the restaurants lining the beach.
Day 5: Riomaggiore – Monterosso (4.6 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
Set sail to Monterosso in the morning. Monterosso is a beloved holiday resort and is therefore quite crowded. If you happened to be running short on the food that you picked up in Portovenere, you can restock here. There are several attractions in the town that are worth visiting, including the gothic Church of San Giovanni Battista, the Torra Aurora and the ruins of an old fortress.
Day 6: Monterosso – Levanto (3.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
On the last day of sightseeing, visit Levanto. The unique town is famed for its painted street walls, depicting realistic windows. Make sure you visit the local market, or if you’re up for some shopping, there’re several shops around too. Visit the most stunning villas as well, such as the one of the Agnelli family, the founders of Fiat.
Day 7: Levanto – La Grazie – La Spezia (17.4 nm – Sailing time*: about 3 hours)
Set off early in the morning! You’ll spend most of the day at sea, and the destination is your starting point: La Spezia.
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.
Liguria sailing trip:7 days Genova sailing plan
The Genoa round trip links together longer daily runs and several larger port towns, making it a strong choice if you want to cover more of the Ligurian coastline in one week. Because of the longer legs, daily timing and berth planning matter more, especially on busier stretches. Recommended level: intermediate Open sea passages: no
Day 1: Genova – Arenzano (11.5 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours), Day 2: Arenzano – Varazze (6.2 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour), Day 3: Varazze – Savona (5.2 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour), Day 4: Savona – Albenga (18.7 nm – Sailing time*: about 3 hours), Day 5: Albenga – Imperia (13.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 2.5 hours), Day 6: Imperia – Vado Ligure (32.6 nm – Sailing time*: about 5.5 hours), Day 7: Vado Ligure – Cogoleto – Genova (25.3 nm – Sailing time*: about 4 hours)
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.
Italy is a real boating paradise for those who like romantic small towns, delicious seafood and pleasant boat rides. Just be open, and take in everything Liguria has to offer! More Italy sailing tours, or boat rental in Liguria.
How to choose a Ligurian sailing route?
- If you want a relaxed week with sightseeing ashore: choose the 1-week itinerary around La Spezia with shorter daily passages.
- If you want more port towns and a wider coastal circuit: the 7-day Genoa round trip offers a more varied and active experience.
- If you’re sailing with a less experienced crew or family: the shorter-leg itinerary is the safer and more comfortable option.
- If flexibility matters most: follow a route with ports close to one another so you can adapt more easily to weather and crew pace.
Request a quote for a Ligurian charter and choose the route that best matches your crew and sailing style. Set off with a yacht and itinerary ready for a memorable week on the Italian coast.
