Yacht Charter Italy
Enjoy warm Mediterranean weather between spring and fall, as you sail the coasts of Naples, Sicily and Sardinia when you yacht charter Italy. Tour of some of the world’s most famous locations, where you can sample amazing food and soak up the many cultural highlights.
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Sailing vacation Italy
There’s so much to see during your Italian yacht vacation that may want to consider sailing for more than one week. After all, you wouldn’t want to miss sights like the active volcanoes of Mount Etna and Stromboli in Sicily, or the breathtaking ruins and archaeological sites of Naples.
A yacht charter in Italy is your chance to sail archipelagos with colorful waterfronts and explore stunning marine parks as you journey along one of Europe’s most impressive coastlines, where tightly-packed buildings rise up from steep rock faces. You can even hop to Rome by train to wander the Vatican City and see the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Food lovers will not want to miss out on the culinary delights of Italy. Delight your taste buds with fresh mozzarella, delicious seafood and, of course, the most authentic of pizzas and pasta dishes. Sip fine wines, enjoy local liqueurs and a cooling Aperol spritz.
To sail Italy, you’ll need a sailing license recognized by the local port authorities, or you can hire a skipper. Read our guide to sailing qualifications for more information.
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Top things to do in Italy
Bay of Naples
From our base in Pozzuoli, discover the wonders of Ponza and Zannone in the Pontine Islands, or head to the Phlegraean Islands of Ischia and Procida. Ashore, climb the famous Mount Vesuvius volcano or see the ruins created by its major eruption at Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Amalfi coast
From Pozzuoli in Naples, you can sail the Tyrrhenian Sea and the impressive Amalfi coast with its high cliffs and charming towns set into the rocks. During your sailing vacation in Italy, mix with the jet set at Capri, take in the sunsets at Sorrento and visit the colorful village that snakes up the hillside at Positano.
La Maddalena National Park and Marine Reserve
Start your charter from our base in Olbia in Sardinia and explore the islands of La Maddalena, including Caprera, Spargi, Santa Maria and Budelli. Alternatively, sail the Emerald Coast around Porto Cervo for some of Sardinia’s best beaches.
Sicily’s archipelagos
Our base at Portorosa is perfect to explore the coast of Trapani with its Egadi islands of Favignana, Marettimo and Levanzo. You can also head to the Aeolian Islands of Lipari, Salina, Vulcano and Stromboli with its active volcano and black sand beaches.
When is the best time to visit Italy?
The best time to visit Italy is between May and October, with the hottest months in June, July and August. Temperatures can reach 90ºF with an average of 80ºF.
The climate in Italy is Mediterranean with hot, dry summers on the west coast (Naples), Sardinia and Sicily.
If you want to avoid the crowds, consider the shoulder seasons in spring and fall.
Sailing conditions for an Italy yacht charter
Sailing conditions in Italy differ depending on where you sail.
Wind systems in Italy
If you leave from Naples, you will find a SW or SE wind that gets stronger in the afternoon.
In Sardinia, there is a strong summer mistral wind from the north, while Sicily experiences dry NW winds.
What are the mooring fees in Italy?
The mooring fees in Italy vary depending on whether you are using marinas or town quays. In summer, it can get crowded and booking for berths in advance is important.
There are many anchorages available to keep mooring costs low in Italy, but these are popular in peak season so arrive early.
On the Emerald Coast, Sardinian mooring costs vary and depend on the season and popularity of the marina.
What are the national park fees in Italy?
When you’re on a yacht charter in Italy, you will have to pay fees to enter marine parks. The money collected is used for environmental initiatives to help preserve special areas.
The fees for La Maddalena National Park off the coast of Sardinia can be found on the park’s website, together with the park regulations.
Useful information for yacht charters in Italy
What language is spoken in Italy?
The official language of Italy is Italian.
What is the currency in Italy?
The currency in Italy is the Euro.
How do I get to Italy?
You can get to Italy by flying to Naples-Capodichino International Airport (NAP), Sardinia’s Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB), Sicily’s Reggio Calabria Airport (REG) or Palermo Airport (PMO). From some US cities, you can fly direct to Rome with Norwegian Air.
What is the Wi-Fi like in Italy?
The Wi-Fi in Italy is good and you should be able to find free connections in restaurants and bars.
Sailing around Italy with Dream Yacht Charter
Yacht rental Italy
Explore further with a yacht rental in Italy and take a look at our Italy bareboat charter fleet.
Sailing in Italy
If you aren’t a sailor, hire a skipper to sail Italy. Just relax while your skipper sails the boat for you.
Cabin cruises in Italy
Leave the planning, sailing and cooking to us. Reserve your own private cabin and bathroom on our by the cabin charters while we show you the best of Italy.
Crewed charters in Italy
Personalize your Italy sailing vacation and hire your own private luxury yacht. Let our captain and hostess look after you and your guests while you choose the itinerary and menu for an ultimate all-inclusive experience.
Italy sailing itinerary
If you are sailing in Italy, our teams have itinerary suggestions for you in Sicily, Sardinia, Naples.
Our itineraries are put together by destination experts to give you an insider guide and maximize your time while on an Italy yacht charter.
Downloads
Naples, Pozzuoli
Olbia
Sicily, Portorosa
FAQ
See all our FAQsWhy should I book with Dream Yacht?
Dream Yacht Worldwide is now the world’s leading yacht charter company and offers you:
- A diverse fleet of yachts with a wide variety of models and manufacturers to suit every type of sailor.
- We have 40+ exciting destinations and we’re a pioneer in finding new sailing grounds.
- You can be assured of our commitment to customer service excellence.
- You’ll receive a warm and friendly welcome from our base teams who will share regional tips, recommendations and advice.
- We’re also a trusted seller of new and used boats and an innovator in charter management options – sailing is our business.
What licenses do I need to hire a yacht and sail myself?
The skipper of a yacht has primary responsibility for the safety of the crew and yacht at all times. Many destinations require just relevant experience demonstrated by a sailing resume.
To charter in the Mediterranean, it is mandatory that you hold a sailing license recognized by the local port authorities for bareboat charters in Italy, Greece, Croatia, Spain, Malta, Montenegro and Turkey. Other destinations that require a license include Madagascar, Seychelles, Thailand, Brazil and Sweden. For Belize, the port authority will issue a certificate of competency and an application is made on arrival.
You must take your proof of competency and original certificate with you on your charter. We advise you to contact our team about your qualifications and destination requirements before booking.
By accepting the yacht contract you are confirming that you and/or members of your crew are capable and competent to sail the yacht in the conditions and cruising area of the charter. We reserve the right not to hand over the yacht if, after inspection, it is the opinion that the charterer is not, or may not be competent to be in charge of the vessel.
What is a skippered yacht charter?
A skippered yacht charter is when you rent one of our boats for you and your guests and a professional skipper sails it for you. No sailing experience is needed.
You will need to choose a yacht with a cabin for your skipper to sleep in as they are responsible for your yacht for the duration of your charter. We will find the skipper for you once you have found your perfect destination and yacht.
You will need to pay for your skipper’s food. You can invite the skipper to dine with you on board or out at a local restaurant.
What is the difference between crewed and by the cabin charters?
Our by the cabin charter charters offer exciting destination tours on a set itinerary crafted by our destination experts. You can book a double cabin and private bathroom and will share the boat with other guests who have booked the other available cabins. You will be looked after by a professional skipper and hostess with itineraries ranging from three to 11 nights. There is a set menu and included meals and drinks vary depending on location.
Can you tell me about your yachts?
Our super premier yachts are less than 12 months old from their first charter date, while premier yachts are less than three years old from their first charter date. Our yachts are well maintained and undergo regular, scheduled technical inspection.
In case of emergency, you can rely on our hotline, at any time, seven days a week. If you experience a technical failure affecting major and important parts of the yacht, we will repair the failure within four hours of receiving your call during working hours (8am to 5pm). If you lose more than four hours (during working hours), we will compensate you for one full day. If the repair takes more than one day, we will provide you with a similar boat or compensate you on a pro-rata basis. If restrictions to this guarantee apply in specific areas, this will be detailed during the charter check-in at the base.
Do I need insurance for my bareboat charter?
We highly recommend you arrange travel insurance in case you need to cancel for an unexpected reason to cover non-refundable deposits. Please make sure you have personal travel insurance that covers sailing.
We will insure the vessel throughout the charter with first-class insurers against all risks, to provide permission to charter as under contract terms and to cover third-party liability.
The following options are available in limited locations:
- Security Deposit: This varies on the size of the boat and when the boat is returned without damage it is refunded.
- Damage Waiver: The charterer agrees to pay a non-refundable damage waiver at the time of booking, as well as a reduced damage deposit on embarkation that is refundable upon completion of the charter should no damage occur.
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