Is Italy good for sailing? Where are the best places to sail in Italy? Can you sail around Italy? Why choose sailing in Italy? Discover everything you need to know about sailing in Italy, including itineraries, ports, yacht rental options, and other valuable information. We’re here to help! Italy’s natural beauty captivates every visitor, so it’s time to find the ideal sailing season. Check out our tips for planning a one-week itinerary to make your experience truly unforgettable.
The main points are the following:
- What is the best month to sail in Italy? – the weather
- Where is the best place to sail in Italy? – ports and islands
- Sail in Italy! Italy sailing tours
- A one-week Amalfi Coast sailing itinerary
- 7 days Sardinia sailing trip
- A week Costa Smeralda sailing plan (North – long)
- Sailing in Italy: 7 days Puglia sailing plan
- Liguria sailing itinerary from Genova
- Garda sailing: 7 days sailing tour
What is the best month to sail in Italy? – the weather.
The prime sailing season in Italy spans from March to November. In summer, South Italian waters can reach temperatures of up to 26°C. Additionally, the wide expanse of open water toward Sardinia and Sicily means that even gentle winds can create significant waves. The tidal range remains modest at a maximum of half a meter, though wind patterns can strongly influence water levels. For example, the sirocco wind can drive Adriatic waters toward the Venetian Gulf. Check the sailing conditions and wind rose diagram of Italy.
Where is the best place to sail in Italy? – ports and islands
As a matter of fact, Italy is one of the most popular sailing destinations. Therefore, embarking on Sicily or Sardinia could be an unforgettable experience.
Sicily
Did you know it’s the largest island in the Mediterranean? Are you planning an active holiday here? The best months are May, June, September, and October when daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 24–26°C. For a longer, more relaxed beach holiday, July and August are ideal, with daytime highs around 30°C and sea temperatures up to 26°C. If you’d prefer to avoid the hottest months, Sicily is still wonderfully inviting from May to October, with warm seas perfect for swimming. The cooler season runs from October to April, with winters that are mild and brief. Sicily sailing holidays, yacht rental Sicily 
Capo d’Orlando Marina
The port spans approximately 183,000 square meters, including both quays and indoor facilities. It offers 553 berths accommodating yachts from 7.5 to 40 meters in length. This modern, multifunctional complex provides comprehensive services, creating a welcoming atmosphere for crew members. Upon arrival, visitors can enjoy a range of amenities, from Wi-Fi bars and restaurants to charming boutiques.Milazzo yacht charters
Port of Marsala
Marsala, an Italian town in Sicily’s westernmost province of Trapani, is a popular stop for yachts en route to Tunisia. The port has a depth of 3–3.5 meters and offers water and electricity supplies. Occasionally, the port experiences the marrobio, a tidal phenomenon that can raise or lower the water level by up to a meter within 10–15 minutes. This occurrence is most common during the winter months when strong westerly winds prevail.Marsala yacht charter
Sicily sailing holidays, yacht rental Sicily
Sardinia
As the Mediterranean’s second-largest island it awaits tourists with countless attractions. It has a real Mediterranean climate; long hot summer and cool, rainy winter. The highest level of precipitation is in November and December, though the most pleasant seasons are summer and autumn. This excellent climate makes it an ideal place for travelling or hiking. When it comes to swimming, choose a week between the end of May and the end of September. In July, for example, the average temperature is 24 degrees, and the temperature of the sea reaches 25 degrees. Sardinia sailing experiences, boat rental Sardinia
Port of Cagliari
Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, is one of the Mediterranean’s most impressive port cities, conveniently accessible from its international airport. Thanks to its prime location, it has become one of Italy’s largest and best-equipped ports. For luxurious yachts, it serves as an idyllic destination, offering a wide range of services, including water and electricity supply, deck cleaning, provisions, and medical assistance. Regular ferries leave towards Civitavecchia, Palermo, and Naples. sailing in Cagliari, Cagliari yacht charters
Port of Carloforte
Carloforte is Sardinia’s most beautiful town that enchants tourists at any time of the year. The marina of Marine Sifredi has 250 berths for sailing yachts and boats up to the length of 60 meters. Carloforte sailing
Porto di Santa Teresa Gallura
The port can be found on the famous Costa Smeralda in the Santa Teresa Gallura holiday resort. They have 700 moorings for yachts with a maximum length of 45 metres. The depth of the water is 5 metres. It is a protected port with several great services offered, and there is also a bar and a restaurant here. Santa Teresa Gallura sailing, Boat rental Santa Teresa Gallura
sailing Sardinia, boat rental Sardinia
Puglia
Owing to its superb Mediterranean climate, Puglia is a perfect sailing holiday destination all year round. Temperatures exceed 20°C in April already and you can also count on sunny weather. Summer is long, hot and dry with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. They only drop below 20°C at the end of October. Most of the precipitation falls throughout the winter months, however, they’re mild, temperatures mostly vary between 10-12°C.
The winds blowing from Africa bring hot temperatures and create huge waves on the Salento coast, facing the Ionian Sea. The word ‘Salento’ means: ‘sun, sea and wind’; it’s therefore not hard to guess that winds are constantly present in Puglia, even if only of moderate strength. Puglia is a flat area, surrounded by the sea on each side and far away from the mountain ranges, therefore, the winds simply blow through this region.
Gallipoli
Gallipoli town consists of two parts: the new and the old town. Its port is located where the two parts meet. Every morning dozens of fishermen set sail to supply visitors with fresh fish. The port has 200 berths, lined with colourful trawlers, yachts and boats.
Otranto
If you fancy a great sailing experience with some fascinating ports, choose Otranto. The port is located 1.5 km from the city centre and accommodates dozens of boats, yachts and freighter yachts. The port is also home to the fleet of vessels of the Italian Coast Guard and the Customs Agency.
Stazione Marittima, the Maritime Station is also by the port. It provides various services for mooring boats and their owners. The water depth of the berths is 6.4-6.7 m and they’re capable of accommodating boats up to 150 m lengths. Puglia sailing, boat rental Puglia
Amalfi coast
The Amalfi Coast boasts favourable wind conditions and microclimate. It means that it’s not surprising at all to have the rain pouring down in one second followed by bright sunlight in the next. The average temperature in the summer varies between 26 and 29 °C. The best sailing period to explore the Amalfi Coast is between April and June. This time it is warm and you can plunge into the sea too.
Port of Agropoli
The port, situated near both Naples and Salerno, offers excellent connections and primarily serves private boats and yachts. It boasts a selection of upscale bars, restaurants, and fine hotels. Adjacent to the docks, a spacious, easily accessible parking area provides convenience for visiting boaters. Agropoli sailing, Agropoli yacht charter
Port of Salerno
Situated in the Gulf bearing the identical name, Salerno is a city as well as the capital of the Salerno province in the Campania region. Port of Salerno is one of the busiest ports of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It covers a huge area with a total territory of 1.7 million square metres. The entrance of the port is 280 m wide and the sea depth is 13 m. Salerno sailing, yacht charter Salerno, 
Amalfi coast sailing tours,bareboat yacht charter Amalfi coast
Liguria
Liguria’s coastline is sheltered by the Apennines. Light breezes are present in the area from spring to autumn. In the touristy summer months, light winds are dominant, whereas the northerly winds blow in the nights and early mornings from the coast. The other two prevailing winds are Libeccio–a westerly or southwesterly breeze and the Tramontana, a stronger, sometimes tempestuous wind.
San Remo
The city has two ports, one new and one old.
Portosole
One of the largest and most elegant marinas in the Mediterranean is Portosole. It is newly built and fully equipped. The water is 2.5-7 meters deep; vessels with a length of up to 90 meters are welcome. There is 24-hour service, first aid, piped water, electricity, fuel, and technical assistance. Right by the harbour, there is a hotel, a restaurant, and shopping facilities.
Porto Vecchio San Remo
Porto Vecchio is the old port, much smaller than Portoso. Here the water is 1-4.5 meters deep and it offers berths for 50 yachts. There are mainly fishing boats here. In front of the Santa Tecla fortress, life begins on the pier early in the day. The fishermen offer fresh catch and those who are open-eyed snap up the goods soon. San Remo sailing, San Remo yacht charter
Port of Genova
The Port of Genoa consists of several parts, including container and passenger terminals, whereas the Old Port (Porto Antico) is a beloved mooring place for yachts and sailing boats. Porto Antico is able to accommodate 280 boats, up to the 60m length. The coast is lined with entertainment facilities to ensure the joy and relaxation of visitors. Comprehensive administration services, yacht yards, 24/7 security service, and restaurants await visitors. Genoa sailing, rent a boat Genoa
Liguria sailing, boat rental Liguria
Lake Garda
Italy’s largest lake is located between the Alps and the Po Valley, at the border of 3 provinces, Trentino-Alto Adige, Lombardy and Veneto. It has a length of 55 km and width of 18 km. The Mediterranean climate attracts both passive and active tourists, especially in summer. The average temperature hovers around 25°C. For water sports enthusiasts, options include sailing, surfing, hiking, trekking, and mountain climbing. Discover more about sailing on Lake Garda or explore boat rental options in the area.
Marina di Navene
Over 200 berths await motorboats at Marina di Navene. Two cranes are responsible for launching and hauling out and rigging boats. Regarding free-time activities, there are restaurants, bars, a small exercise room and a private beach in the neighbourhood. 
Marina of Moniga Porto
Moniga Porto is one of the most modern and well-equipped marinas of Lake Garda. It was built-in 2005 according to the highest architectural standards and by using environment-friendly methods. The depth of the quay is 3, 20 meter. There are 280 berths at your disposal for even longer yachts of up to 18 meters. Freshwater supply, electricity, Wi-Fi and TV are provided. Not to mention the open and covered parking areas.
Sail in Italy! Italy sailing tours
A one-week Amalfi Coast sailing itinerary
A circle tour departing from Naples
Day 1. Naples – Torre del Greco
11.09 km (6.89 nm)
Our first stop is Torre del Greco. The city has been reconstructed several times after the eruptions of Vesuvius, that is why the oldest buildings were built-in the 18th and 19th centuries. The most beautiful villas, churches of the settlement were also built-in these centuries.You should definitely visit the Villa delle Ginestre, the Basilica di Santa Croce and the church of St. Alfonso.
Day 2. Torre del Greco – Sorrento
17.47 km (10.86 nm)
Set sail from Torre del Greco toward Sorrento’s charming beaches, renowned for their unique mix of black sand, pebbles, and rocky shores that are sure to captivate you. While you’re there, indulge in the local gastronomy, featuring delights like authentic pizza, the sweet pastiera cake, and the fa-mous Italian lemon liqueur, limoncello. Regarding nightlife, the port offers tremendous facilities.
Day 3. Sorrento – Praiano – Conca dei Marini
40.06 km (24.89 nm)
The next destination after Sorrento is the Amalfi Coast. Are you a nature lover? Complete its best hiking called Path of the Gods. On the top, you can enjoy an impressive view of the coastline or when the weather is nice even island of Capri. To explore the architecture, walk along its promenade, the Corso Repubblica Marinara. Beaches can be found not just in the city, but around it too. The most popular one is Spiaggia Fornillo.
Nestled in the heart of the Amalfi Coast between Positano and Amalfi, Praiano is celebrated as a warm and elegant resort destination. Known for its pristine waters, it has received recognition for exceptional water quality. The stunning Marina di Praia beach, a picturesque pebbled shore, lies tucked between two cliffs near the historic Torre a Mare, an ancient Saracen watchtower. During your visit, be sure to explore the charming village cafes and restaurants that offer outstanding sea-food. For nightlife, don’t miss ‘Africana,’ one of the Amalfi Coast’s most iconic clubs.
Conca dei Marini is located 5 km away from Amalfi town. Its port is located in a small bay. The unique sight of the town’s coastline is the Grotta dello Smeraldo, which means Emerald Cave. The name stems from the emerald colour the sunlight tints the inside of the cave and its water. The 60 m long cove is accessible by boat, by lift or by the staircase carved into the cliff.
Day 4. Conca dei Marini – Salerno
12.58 km (7.82 nm)
Here you can find one of Italy’s most wonderful promenades with a length of 5miles and palm trees on both sides. Furthermore, one of Italy’s largest parks is located here, the Mercatello Park, in the eastern part of the city. It was inaugurated in 1998; its total size is 10 hectares. Finally, Hortus Sanitatis, one of Europe’s first botanical garden should be mentioned by the fringes of the castle hill.
Day 5. Salerno – Amalfi
15.42 km (9.58 nm)
Amalfi owing to its profuse natural surroundings and mild climate, is a beloved holiday destination. You can find gorgeous beaches in the town and its vicinity, the most famous of which is Marina Grande. If you have a bit more time on your hands, climb the hill towering above the town or use the walking trail that is winding along the Valle dei Mulini.
Day 6. Amalfi – Capri
32.27 km (20.05 nm)
The next destination is Capri, awaiting us with pebble-stoned beaches and crystal-clear water. Its main attraction is Grotta Azzurra, the Blue Grotto cave. Sunlight, passing through an underwater cavity, creates a blue reflection that illuminates the cave. The cave is relatively small, 60 m high, 25 m wide; therefore, just small boats can enter it. Capri provides expensive accommodation; so for cheaper ones book a room in Anacapri on the South.
Day 7. Capri – Ischia – Naples
63.58 km (39.51 nm)
Before going back to Naples, we take a short detour in Ischia. The island is as popular as Capri among tourists and it awaits you with a lot of sights, even enough for one week. You can choose from several botanic gardens, churches, thermal spas, museums, beautiful beaches, and dozens of other sights in nature if you visit this breathtaking island of Italy.
Again you have come back to Naples. There are still some adventures to go on here like visiting awe-inspiring castles by the shore, and booking convenient accommodation among villas and yacht marinas. When you are full of pizza, try other dishes like Naples fried pasta, fried rice, or pasta filled with different flavours. After Rome and Milano Naples, the birthplace of pizza is the third-largest city of Italy. You really must try the original pizza here, believe me. The most delicious one is served at the popular L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. What about a fine dessert afterwards? Yum… Try Baba, a small yeast cake saturated in syrup made with hard liquor. Thereafter take a relaxing swim on one of its two sandy beaches by Via Posilippo.
7 days Sardinia sailing trip
Day 1. Cagliari – Pula 27.73 km (17.23 nm), Day 2. Pula – Nora – Chia 16.97 km (10.55 nm), Day 3. Chia – Sant’Antioco 65.29 km (40.57 nm), Day 4. Sant’Antioco – Portocuso 16.58 km (10.30 nm), Day 5. Portocuso- Carloforte 9.73 km (6.04 nm), Day 6. Carloforte – Porto Pino 41.05 km (25.51 nm), Day 7. Porto Pino – Perda Longa – Cagliari 79.40 km (49.34 nm)
A week Costa Smeralda sailing plan (North – long)
Day 1. Carloforte – Portoscuso 9.62 km (5.98 nm), Day 2. Portoscuso – Marceddì 76.80 km (47.72 nm), Day 3. Marceddì – Oristano 20.84 km (12.95 nm), Day 4. Oristano – Porto Mandriola 29.25 km (18.18 nm), Day 5. Porto Mandriola – Alghero 61.70 km (38.34 nm) , Day 6. Alghero – S’Archittu 58.01 km (36.05 nm), Day 7. S’Archittu – Portixeddu – Carloforte 111.75 km (69.44 nm)
Sailing in Italy: 7 days Puglia sailing plan
Day 1. Gallipoli – Santa Maria al Bagno 9, 53 km (5, 92 nm), Day 2. Santa Maria al Bagno – Sant’Isidoro 13, 17 km (8, 18 nm) Day 3. Sant’Isidoro – Porto Cesareo 5, 71 km (3, 55 nm) Day 4. Porto Cesareo – Torre Colimena 13, 34 km (8, 29 nm), Day 5. Torre Colimena – Lido di Silvana 34, 15 km (21, 22 nm), Day 6. Lido di Silvana – Lido Bruno 15, 29 km (9, 50 nm), Day 7. Lido Bruno – Parco naturale regionale Porto Selvaggio e Palude del Capitano – Gallipoli 83, 77 km (52, 05 nm)
Liguria sailing itinerary from Genova
Day 1. Genova – Arenzano 21.39 km (13.29 nm), Day 2. Arenzano – Varazze 11.54 km (7.17 nm), Day 3. Varazze – Savona 9.61 km (5.97 nm), Day 4. Savona – Albenga 34.69 km (21.55 nm), Day 5. Albenga – Imperia 25.67 km (15.95 nm), Day 6. Imperia – Vado Ligure 60.45 km (37.56 nm), Day 7. Vado Ligure – Cogoleto – Genoa 46.87 km (29.12 nm)
Garda sailing: 7 days sailing tour
Day 1. Moniga del Garda – Maderno 14.48 km (9.00 nm), Day 2. Maderno – Limone Sul Garda 25.85 km (16.06 nm), Day 3. Limone Sul Garda – Riva del Garda 9.32 km (5.79 nm), Day 4. Riva del Garda – Val di Sogno 17.68 km (10.98 nm), Day 5. Val di Sogno – Torri del Benaco 18.67 km (11.60 nm), Day 6. Torri del Benaco – Sirmione 14.07 km (8.75 nm), Day 7. Sirmione – Desenzano del Garda – Moniga del Garda 13.17 km (8.18 nm)
More Mediterranean sailboat cruises.
In sum, Italy is an excellent destination for sailing. Wherever you drop your anchor, unforgettable adventures are waiting you. luxury yacht charter Italy, Italy luxury yacht charter, skippered yacht charter Italy, bareboat yacht charter Italy ,catamaran charter Italy, rent a gulet in Italy ,last minute yacht charter Italy, rent sailboat Italy, motor yacht rental Italy, luxury catamaran charter Italy, crewed motor yacht charter Italy,
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