The Beautiful Country, or Il Bel Paese, is a gem situated on the Mediterranean Sea. Italy has a unique and long coastline and that’s why is among the top European sailing destinations. Italy and Greece were the cradle of culture, history, and archaeology in the past. Apart from that, Italy has an exceptional natural world and is home to many natural parks and shelters. The Mediterranean climate and sea, the islands, secluded anchorages, and the food, promise to all sailors a remarkable sailing trip around Italy. In this article, I’m going to give you some information about the country and propose different sailing trips around Italy for you to choose from. Keep reading!

Useful Information for Italy

The country consists of 20 regions, most of them characterized by their endless coast and sunny Mediterranean climate. These are some of the characteristics that make Italy a paradise for sailing. Italy’s archipelagos, mountains, coastline, and lakes offer isolation and tranquility, far away from the cosmopolitan Italian cities. Of course, these cities are a must-see as they combine the history, archaeology, and elegant glamour of today’s modern life. Let’s see Italy’s regions in which you can sail to:

• Northwest Italy: Liguria is one small region that lines the Ligurian Sea. Cinque Terre is one of Liguria’s most famous coastal areas. The largest port in Northwest Italy is Genoa and a dominating part of the Alps is also located there. The coastal strip of the Italian Riviera is also in the region. Moreover, the landscape here is a combination of mountains and sea, with villages on the mountainside and stimulating cliffs and plains overlook the ocean.
• Northeast Italy: The historic cities of Venice, Verona, and Bologna, and the Alpine mountain range of Dolomites are located in this part of Italy. This is the favorite region of winter sports enthusiasts but is also great for sailing. Trieste, Grado, and the Marano Lagoon have great marinas where you can moor at. In the Marano Lagoon, there’s an exceptional Natural Reserve, Foci dello Stella, which is definitely worth visiting.
• Central Italy: This region is the most populated and touristic region of Italy. It includes Tuscany, Rome, and Florence. There are two sailing areas on the west coast of the mainland; Tuscany, and the island of Elba, and the Bay of Naples, with Capri. Winds typically blow here at F3-4 and there’s less chance of sudden weather changes. The Mistral wind might reach Naples, but with less force than further west. There are plenty of marinas and anchorages for an overnight stop on the mainland coast. Bays are either buoyed off, designated as nature reserves, or just exposed. 
• Southern Italy: Amalfi Coast and Calabria are the most well-known areas in this region. These areas are among the most popular sailing areas in Italy. Also, Catania, Bari, and Naples including the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Naples; places that attract many boaters due to their rich natural and cultural heritage and favorable climate.
• Sicily: Sicily is the larger of the two islands and is home to Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe. It has numerous well-established marinas although they can be very expensive during the summer. There are anchorages at Cefalu and either side of Palermo. At the western end of Sicily, there’s San Vito lo Capo. The marina and numerous anchorages can be a great shelter in case of a Mistral wind. Off the western end of Sicily lie the Egadi Islands, a paradise for those that look for secluded anchorages. You can also drop anchor and explore the Aeolian Islands.
• Sardinia: The island of Sardinia is among the best international sailing destinations. It has everything; safe marinas, numerous anchorages, great food, elegance, luxury, but also simplicity and isolation. The east side is more protected than the west. It also has a spectacular coastline with white sand pebbled beaches with crystal clear waters. If you’re choosing sailing in the South part of Italy then don’t miss mooring and exploring both Sardinia and Sicily Islands.

The sailing season is between April and October/ November. Italy has a typical Mediterranean climate along the coastline and is blessed with many natural wonders and golden sand bays. The coastal regions of Italy have mild winters and hot, dry summers. In general, the length and intensity of the summer months increase the further you’re heading south. Subject to strong winds across the Adriatic, particularly at the north of Italy in Pescara, the sailing conditions can be tricky for non-experienced sailors. The warmest months in Italy are July and August. Some locations might even reach an average of 30°C per day, particularly in the south.

The varied landscape of Italy ranges from the sandy and rugged coastline to mountains, lakes, and ancient monuments. The traditional coastal towns and villages of Italy retain their culture. For this reason, authenticity in both people and landscapes is what governs the atmosphere there.
Due to all the aforementioned characteristics, sailing is an increasing activity of touring Italy. So, the government invests a lot of money in the sailing infrastructures of Italy. And I honestly believe that with sailing you can explore anything; from the far remote corners and coves along the coastline to the luxurious and touristic Italian cities and sites.

>>Also Read: Sailing Along the Amalfi Coast: Info and Itinerary

Moorings and Marinas in Italy

1. Marina di Loano: The marina is located in the Riviera di Ponente in a small Ligurian village. This village is a part of Liguria that consists of a varied combination of landscapes. Lush Mediterranean vegetation, olive trees, vines, sandy beaches, and valleys with traditional villages. The marina can host more than 900 sailboats 6 to 77m long and forms a great shelter from the strong winds. Furthermore, the marina offers 24/7 mooring assistance, watersport activities, and all basic services and amenities.
2. Porto San Vito: If you’re sailing in the Gulf of Trieste then just ten miles from the coast of Istria, Porto San Vito is a great marina for anyone wishing to explore the Friulan and Venetian Lagoons. Porto San Vito is situated in the traditional town of Grado on the Italian coast near the spectacular Grado Lagoon. The Grado Lagoon is a charming natural sight for nature enthusiasts and great for bird watching and other ecotouristic activities. The marina is in the province of Gorizia and the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Grado has a fine reputation for its fishing activities and its tourist attractions and that’s why they call it the Sunny Island.
3. Marina di San Lorenzo: Again on the Ligurian coast, the marina of San Lorenzo al Mare is just southwest of Genoa. It’s a small and picturesque village just perfect for those looking for relaxation and getting away from the bustling. The marina has berths for boats up to 40 meters and guarantees 24/7 mooring assistance. Furthermore, the marina offers water and electricity sockets, lighting docks, etc, as well as friendly personnel that will welcome you upon your arrival.
4. Marina Di Nettuno: Marina di Nettuno is also known as Porto di Nettuno; located in the coastal municipality with the same name, in the province of Rome and in the region of Lazio. This touristic port offers a wide range of recreational activities and has easy access to golden sandy beaches and charming villages by the Tyrrhenian Sea. The natural harbor has good protection from strong winds and adds a touch of beauty to the overall scenery.
5. Marina di Portofino: One of the most popular marinas in the Mediterranean which is surrounded by a natural cove and a spectacular mountainous landscape. The marina is situated in the center of Portofino village; one of the most elegant locations in Italy. The marina has 16 mooring places for sailboats and mega-yachts and provides water, fuel, electricity, among others.
6. Marina di Punta Ala, Tuscany: The marina is located in the Italian town of Castiglione Della Pescaia. It’s in the province of Grosseto, in Tuscany, a very touristic but also picturesque location that it’s worth visiting. If you’re a watersport enthusiast, this will be your paradise as there’s the possibility of scuba diving, canoe, kayak, and others. In addition, Punta Ala is one of the most elegant touristic centers in Tuscany’s Maremma and has many restaurants, resorts and shops.
7. Marina Villa Igiea: This marina is situated in the main port of Palermo. It has a strategic location as it’s in the heart of the Mediterranean. For this reason, it’s a great starting point for many routes or just a stopover to explore the surroundings. Located in the picturesque district Acquasanta, just north of the port, Marina Villa Igiea is surrounded by the mountains around Palermo and by two breakwaters.
8. Marina Di Riposto: A modern marina also located in a strategic position. Everyone that wants to sail in the southern basin of the Mediterranean will certainly pass by or moor in Marina Di Riposto. It’s a modern and well-equipped marina with 380 mooring places and offers all basic amenities. It’s inside the existing structure of the Port of Riposto and just 6 nautical miles from Taormina and at the foot of Mount Etna.

>>Also Read: Best Marinas in Europe

Sailing Routes in Italy

There are many sailing routes that you can choose to sail around Italy. Let’s see the most popular ones:

• Sardinia: Sardinia has 9 marinas and 5 ports and is by far the most popular sailing area in Italy. The island is popular for its upscale destinations, stunning scenery, and delectable cuisine. Sailing along Sardinia’s coastline to the magnificent La Maddalena Islands is one of the most common routes. These islands have been classified as a National Marine Park, and they are a must-see for anyone sailing in Sardinia. The Gennargentu and Asinara National Parks, the famed pink beach of Spiaggia Rosa, the ancient ruins on Santa Maria, and the beaches in Baunei are all must-visit places in this part of Italy.
• Tuscany: Porto Santo Stefano, a coastal resort town in Tuscany, is the gateway to a sailor’s paradise. The Tuscan archipelago, which is made up of seven main islands and hundreds of islets, offers a fascinating combination of the crystal sea and unique geology created by glaciation dating back to the Triassic period. Elba’s Ligurian and Tyrrhenian shores have excellent terrain for mountain biking and trekking, as well as sandy and pebbled beaches. Don’t omit sailing to the Tuscan islands; the islands of Capraia, Elba, Giglio, and Giannutri; the natural gems in the Tuscan archipelago. On the mainland south of Livorno, the harbors of Cala di Medici, Punta Ala, and the Argentario promontory are located there. The ports of Santo Stefano, Porto Ercole, and Cala Galera are large and great for mooring and form a great starting point in order to explore the surroundings.
• Sicily and the Aeolian Islands: A scenic and rugged coastline, as well as stark volcanic landscapes, make up this UNESCO site. Although the sailing routes there might be tricky and varied, if you’re well-prepared and have checked the weather forecast beforehand you’ll be good to go! Palermo, Portorosa, and Sant Agata are the three main places where you can start your voyage. All three marinas have great facilities where you can stock up provisions and set sail for exploring the islands. Must-see destinations include Stromboli, Catania, Filicudi, Alicudi and Panarea. During your sailing adventure in this area, you will admire the beautiful coastlines, volcanic landscapes, and the vast deep blue sea. Keep in mind that depending on how much you want to see and how much time you have available, you can spend as little as five days or as much as two weeks exploring this incredible destination.
• Trieste: Every October, one of the world’s largest sailing regattas takes place in the Gulf of Trieste on Italy’s Adriatic coast. It’s also a great starting point for sailing along Slovenia’s coast. Former Venetian settlements with picturesque old towns make up the four major harbors along the Slovene Riviera. In addition, the most important commercial port on the coast is Koper and is just 3 miles from the Italian border. The Praetorian Palace, a Venetian Gothic structure in the old town, is the marina’s main attraction.
• The Italian Riviera – Portofino and the Cinque Terre: The Italian Riviera extends from the French border to Cinque Terre seaside village. Its main port, Genoa, is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. For this reason, it has one of the most illustrious maritime histories in the world. Moreover, Genoa is Italy’s largest seaport. That’s why it’s a perfect starting point for sailing to Portofino and Camogli, two small elegant fishing villages. Sailing around the Cinque Terre, a 5-mile-long seafront consisting of five towns made up of small traditional homes is one of the area’s highlights. Don’t omit to stroll around through the alleys in search of a quaint restaurant serving pesto linguine!

The Bottom Line

Sailing in Italy is a must-do thing in one’s sailing life. Italy is one of Europe’s most diverse and appealing travel destinations. Some of the finest sailing grounds in the Mediterranean can be found here. Furthermore, with many marinas and plenty of secluded anchorages as well as a varied and rich landscape, Italy covers everyone’s demands. The sailing experience there will be undoubtedly wonderful as people are friendly and most of the time the weather is warm and sunny. The amount of wind varies greatly depending on the place and time of year. For example, the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, in comparison to the Bay of Naples and the Riviera, tend to have more wind. I hope that this article will give you some more ideas about your sailing trip to Italy and Buon Viaggio!