Sailing the Italian Coasts

Epic 7-Day Itineraries for Every Kind of Sailor

There’s nothing quite like Italy from the water. The coastlines shimmer, the harbors pulse with life, and every island stop feels like a discovery waiting to happen. Whether you’re a first-time sailor or a seasoned sea nomad, Italy’s coasts offer a perfect mix of nature, culture, and culinary joy — best explored by boat.

Here’s how three different types of travelers might experience a 7-day sailing trip, from the calm waters of the Tuscan archipelago to the jet-set energy of the Amalfi Coast and the wild, wind-whipped edges of Sardinia.

Tuscan Islands Adventure

For Families with Curious Kids and a Taste for Discovery

The Tuscan Archipelago is a dream for families. With short distances between ports, protected marine areas, and safe swimming coves, it’s ideal for younger sailors and first-time cruisers.

Day 1: Start your journey in San Vincenzo or Piombino on the mainland. After a safety briefing and provisioning, set sail for Elba, the crown jewel of the archipelago. Dock at Portoferraio, a pretty pastel town with Napoleon’s former residence and several shallow beaches perfect for splashy afternoons.

Day 2–3: Sail south around Elba, stopping at Marina di Campo, where the beach stretches long and flat — ideal for sandcastle builders and paddleboarders. Don’t miss Spiaggia di Cavoli, where teens can snorkel in crystal-clear water.

Day 4: Anchor overnight near Giglio Island, known for its slow pace and wild hiking trails. Kids love the car-free village of Giglio Castello, where gelato shops line narrow lanes.

Day 5–6: Drop anchor at Giannutri, a marine park with limited access — giving your family the rare feeling of having an island all to themselves. Jump off the boat and explore Roman villa ruins tucked into pine groves.

Day 7: Return to the mainland via Porto Santo Stefano, stopping for lunch at a seaside trattoria. Fresh catch, handmade pasta, and sleepy sun-kissed kids? The perfect finale.

Family Tip: Choose a catamaran for extra space and comfort. Winds are light in summer (5–10 knots), and the waters stay warm into early October.

Amalfi Coast Escape

For Stylish Explorers and Sunset Seekers

This itinerary is all about postcard beauty, elegant harbors, and vibrant cultural stops — with a good dose of indulgence. Expect short hops, dramatic scenery, and aperitifs with a view.

Day 1: Embark from Salerno, a more relaxed alternative to busy Naples. Cruise west along towering cliffs to Cetara, a tiny fishing village famous for anchovy sauce and lemon groves. Dine dockside with your feet nearly in the water.

Day 2–3: Anchor off Amalfi, walk the stone steps to the Duomo, and browse artisan paper shops. Next, glide into Positano, arriving early to secure a buoy. Explore chic boutiques, enjoy a long lunch at Da Adolfo, and watch the sunset with prosecco in hand.

Day 4–5: Sail to Capri, where dramatic cliffs rise straight out of the sea. Swim through the Blue Grotto, dock in Marina Grande, or anchor in a secluded southern bay. Visit Villa Jovis at sunrise for near-private views of the island waking up.

Day 6: Overnight near Nerano, known for its zucchini spaghetti and secret coves. You’ll eat some of the best seafood of your life here, often under grapevine pergolas.

Day 7: Cruise back along the coast to Salerno, stopping for a final swim in Vietri sul Mare, where colorful ceramic tiles mirror the sky.

Pro Tip: Sail in late May, early June, or September for warm seas and smaller crowds. Book marina slips ahead — Amalfi and Capri can fill up by midday.

Wild Sardinia

For the Adventurer Who Craves Raw Beauty

Rugged, untamed, and breathtaking — Sardinia’s northern coast is the ultimate playground for confident sailors. The winds are stronger, the distances longer, and the rewards greater.

Day 1: Set sail from Olbia, then head straight for the Maddalena Archipelago, a protected cluster of granite islands with electric-blue waters. Spend the night anchored near Cala Corsara on Spargi Island, waking up to nothing but sea breeze and silence.

Day 2–3: Explore Budelli’s Pink Beach, dive into natural lagoons, and hike barefoot trails through aromatic scrub. At night, grill fresh calamari on deck under star-drenched skies.

Day 4: Cross the infamous Bocche di Bonifacio — a narrow strait with fast winds — to reach Santa Teresa Gallura. Spend the afternoon recovering with a beach picnic and a local Vermentino wine.

Day 5: Turn south toward Costa Paradiso, where steep red cliffs drop into deep turquoise. The coastline here feels prehistoric. Anchor near Li Cossi beach for swimming in quiet seclusion.

Day 6–7: Stop at Castelsardo, a medieval village clinging to a cliff, before your final return to Olbia. Don’t skip the handmade basket workshops and the stunning views from the old fortress.

Adventure Note: Expect 15–25 knot winds in July and August. Ideal for intermediate to advanced sailors who want freedom, challenge, and very few neighbors.

⚓ Tips for the Perfect Italian Sailing Trip

  • Book early. Marinas in Amalfi and Capri fill quickly in peak months.
  • Choose your boat wisely. Catamarans are perfect for families; monohulls offer better performance for adventurers.
  • Let someone else plan. Navigating port regulations, fuel stops, and route restrictions can be overwhelming — a professionally organized itinerary ensures a smooth, safe, and unforgettable journey.
  • Go shoulder season. May–June and September–October offer warm seas, fewer crowds, and better prices.
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen and deck shoes. Many harbors enforce eco rules to protect marine life.

Your Sailing Story Starts Here

Every coast of Italy tells a different story. Whether you’re dreaming of pasta dinners beneath the cliffs of Positano, pink-sand swims in Sardinia, or family time under the Elban sun, we create bespoke sailing itineraries tailored to your style, budget, and experience level.

Let our team chart your perfect course. We’ll handle the boat, the planning, the insider stops — all you have to do is show up, take the helm, and fall in love with Italy all over again.