The best places & specific destinations to visit during your sailing holidays in Italy:
Italy is the perfect destination for a sailing holiday, with thousands of kilometres of coastline and hundreds of islands, many of which can only be reached by sea, it is a playground for sailors. Sailors in Italy have the fortune of 14 wonderful coastal regions to discover: from the colourful villages of Liguria and Tuscany to Sardinia, Il Giglio, the Pontine Islands, Campania, Sicily and beautiful Salento, Tremiti Islands, the Conero Coast, Venice, and much more. In addition to maritime landscapes, culture also changes every few kilometres - where each region has its own traditions and this is reflected in the cuisine. Enjoy unique and always different dishes after sailing and drink to an unforgettable sailing day.
Italy not only has (arguably) the best food in the world, with a fantastically charming coastline, but also the largest cultural heritage in the world with over 3,400 museums, around 2,100 archaeological treasures, numerous national parks, and 43 UNESCO sites. Your sailing holiday in Italy will be breathtaking not only at sea, but also on land. Find your dream adventure from thousands of sailing opportunities, in every region of the country, with something for each type of budget . From a two-week sailing holiday in Sicily to a sailing weekend in Tuscany, Italy offers a huge variety of sailing experiences.
Sailing along the coast of Sicily and the neighbouring islands of Balestrate, Favignana, Taormina and the Egadi Islands are just some of the destinations to discover in Sicily. It is important not to forget the Sicilian cuisine, including Arancini and Cannoli, which you can enjoy alongside the island’s crystal clear waters.
Discover the land of the Porceddu and the typical masks of the Mamoiada Carnival on a sailing holiday in Sardinia. However, it is not only an area steeped in tradition and culinary richness, The Costa Smeralda, Capo Coda Cavallo, the Rai-coast, and the Paradiso-coast are breathtaking sailing areas, which are among the most beautiful in the world.
Crystal clear waters, just a stone's throw from the Apulian coasts. The most famous island of San Nicola, which resembles an open-air museum is surrounded by coastal beauty - making it an ideal location for snorkelling.
The islands of Elba and Giglio are the most popular areas in Tuscany. They are ideal for those who want to spend a few days on a sailing boat. And, with a bit of luck you might come across some of the dolphins that are native to the area.
The Pontine Islands are a group of 6 beautiful islands, Ponza, Palmarola, Zannone, Gavi, Ventotene, and Santo Stefano. Each of them home to their unique charm, and well worth exploring for yourself.
The Aeolian Islands are among the most unique volcanic islands in the world - from Stromboli, where you can admire the lava flow to the sea, to the island of Vulcano, with only 300 inhabitants. You can also explore the other pretty Aeolians, Lipari, Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi and Panarea.
Tips to help you to better plan for your next sailing holidays in Italy:
All you need to know about your next cruise in Italy aboard a sailboat.
The best time for a sailing holiday in Italy
In Italy you can sail from May to September. The mild climate offers temperatures ideal for this type of holiday - ranging from 20 to 35 degrees, with August being the peak season. You might want to consider avoiding peak season if possible, and choose perhaps June or July instead for your sailing holiday. In these months it is warm, but the sailing areas and cities are much less crowded. You can also save money outside the high season. However, if you still travel in August, sailing in Italy offers the ability to find more secluded bays and coves, tucked away from the “beaten track”, where you can fully embrace the country’s natural beauty.
Sailing holidays in Italy as a family
A holiday in Italy on a sailboat can be suitable for everyone, with its unspoilt nature and crystal clear waters, it is suitable for everyone who longs for the sea and complete relaxation. Sailing in Italy is also ideal for families. In addition, a sailing holiday in Italy is also ideal for couples who want to take a unique break together in romantic locations such as the Aeolian Islands or the Sorrento Peninsula. For the curious culinaries sailing in Italy also has a lot to offer, discover different places where you can try different unique local dishes.
Transport options to and from your holiday
Italy has airports in every major city - Milan, Rome, Bologna, Ancona, Catania, Turin, etc, that are served by budget airlines. However, if you decide to go sailing in August, prices can rise considerably. Alternatively, thanks to the well-developed rail network, you can easily travel by train if you book it at least a few weeks in advance. Ferries also connect the main islands such as Sardinia and Sicily with the rest of Italy. Your skipper will advise you on the best way to reach the port of departure.
How much do sailing holidays in Italy cost?
Prices vary according to destination and duration. You can plan for around €100 per day with an aperitif at sunset. From €300 per person you are looking to sail for a long weekend. If you are looking for a longer experience, for example, you can book 6 nights on the island of Tavolara and the archipelago of La Maddalena for around €600. In short, there is the perfect sailing trip in Italy, with budget friendly options.
Sailing holidays in Italy - why you should travel with a local skipper
If you want to fully enjoy your sailing holiday in Italy in the best conditions, we recommend that you go choose a trip with a local skipper. Travelling with a skipper who has insider knowledge on the area, allows travellers to fully immerse in the pleasure and relaxation of the holiday. Where individuals on the trip wish to learn or practice their sailing skills, skippers will be there to integrate travellers into the responsibilities onboard.
