Italian Riviera yacht charters

The Italian Riviera defines old-fashioned Italian glamour and elegance while remaining full of natural beauty and a perfect destination for romantic yacht charters.

On a yacht charter along the Italian coast you will find quaint seaside fishing villages, secluded beaches and modern luxury. Portofino, a small coastal town, is often mentioned as one of the most beautiful Mediterranean ports. On the west side of the Riviera, you’ll find San Remo, home to the San Remo Music Festival, and perpetual springtime weather. If it is hiking you are after, don’t miss the rugged coastline villages along the Cinque Terre. Genoa is the historical center of the Riviera, as medieval alleyways wind through former palaces, artisan’s workshops and fine restaurants.

Portofino is a small, well-known, coastal fishing village in the central region of the Italian Riviera. European royals, Hollywood stars and other celebrities flock to the town to relax and take in the warm weather and ocean views. Throughout the village, you will have access to the best in upscale shopping, sight-seeing, fine Italian restaurants, and people watching. Portofino is a must stop for most yacht charters in the Italian Riviera.

San Remo is an old-fashioned city that lies on the western coast of the Italian Riviera, and is host to the Riviera’s most famous casino after the one in Monte Carlo. The city still attracts European nobility to its ritzy hotels overlooking the sea and many luxury yacht charters start here.

The most famous event in San Remo is the annual Festival della Canzone (Music Festival), where singers compete to represent Italy in the Eurovision Song Contest.

The Cinque Terre is in on the eastern side of Italian Riviera and comprises five villages along rugged coastline. Its hillside natural beauty spans the five villages of Vernazza, Corniglia, Riomaggiore, Monterosso al Mare, and Manarola. Breathtaking hiking trails connecting the five villages take you through luscious vineyards, 14 th century buildings, and garden terraces. You won’t want to miss the views from 11 th century Castello Doria in Vernazza, you’ll take in the entire Cinque Terre region.

Portovenere (“Venus’ Port”) is both a town and municipality, comprising the three islands of Palmaria, Tinetto and Tino, and the three villages of Fezzano, Le Grazie and Portovenere. Within the town you will find buildings dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, including the Gothing church of St. Peter and the Romanesque church of St. Lawrence.

Rapallo is a resort town, the largest on the Italian Riviera, located a little over 10 miles east of Genoa. The town teems with fancy restaurants and upscale hotels, all clustered around the picturesque bay. When visiting, don’t miss Rapallo Castle, build in 1551 to guard against pirate attacks. You’ll also want to stroll along the seaside Promenade (Lungomare Vittorio Veneto), taking in the art nouveau architecture and summertime music. The funivia (cable railway) ride from Rapallo takes you up to beautiful views of the hills and water in Montallegro.

Genoa is Italy's main seaport and economic centers. Said to be the largest medieval area in Europe, it makes it home to many landmarks, including the Piazza De Ferrari, Strada Nuova, and the Aquarium of Genoa. The city also calls Christopher Columbus its native son; you can visit the house where he was born. As you walk through the streets of Genoa, you will pass by many famous churches, palaces, and museums, including the St. Lawrence Cathedral, the cemetery of Staglieno and the Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art. The Renaissance and Baroque Rolli Palaces were recently added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sample Yacht Charter Itinerary in the Italian Riviera

1: Rustic and elegant, provincial and chic, cosmopolitan and small-town are blended together in the coastal villages dotting the rocky shores of the Ligurian Sea. Begin your yacht charter in elegant Portofino.

4: Cruise on to Portovenere where the Grotto Arpaia was the starting point for poet Lord Bryon's courageous swim across the gulf to the village of San Terenzo to visit his friend Shelley. The 13th century Gothic church of San Pietro is easily recognized from your yacht.

5: Dramatic scenery amid isolation characterizes the five coastal villages known as the Cinque Terre. Your yacht allows access to their secluded beaches. Walk the most famous of the trails, Via del l'Amore (Lover's Lane), which links Riomaggiore with Manarola by a flat path cut into the cliff side.

6: Enroute north, stop at Rapallo and anchor among the other charter yachts in the harbor. Head ashore to the town center, highlighted by the cathedral of Santi Gervasio, founded in the 6th century. That evening, dine aboard your yacht as you cruise to Genoa.

7: Exploring Genoa could take up much more than a day, but don't miss the ancient town center between the port and Piazza de Ferrari. Visit the 17th century Palazzo Reale palace and the impressive Via Garibaldi prior to your flight out of Genoa's airport.

Italian Riviera has it all – from romantic to extravagant and luxury - no wonder Italian Riviera is one of the most popular destinations for yacht charters in the world.