Italian Riviera, Italy
Italian Riviera Catamaran Charter – Discover Liguria by Sea
An Italian Riviera catamaran charter is a relaxed way to explore Liguria, the curved stretch of coast between the French border and Tuscany. Here, steep green hills drop straight into the sea, and colourful harbour villages cling to the rocks. Instead of fighting for parking on narrow coastal roads, you can arrive by water, drop anchor in a quiet bay and go ashore whenever it suits you.
Moreover, the yacht on an Italian Riviera catamaran charter gives you room to spread out, with a wide cockpit, sunbathing nets and easy access to the water. The Ligurian coast also lies within the Pelagos Sanctuary, a protected marine area where dolphins are a common sight. In fact, part of the coastline, including Portovenere, the Cinque Terre and the nearby islands, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are planning a wider trip, you can also compare other catamaran charter destinations in Italy, from Sardinia to the Amalfi Coast and Sicily.
What Is Included in an Italian Riviera Catamaran Charter?
Of course, what your Italian Riviera catamaran charter includes depends on the yacht, the charter type and the extras you add. For example, the current fleet ranges from 40-foot cruising catamarans to luxury models of almost 60 feet, so you can choose anything from an active sailing week to a fully crewed holiday.
- Skipper or full crew, when your chosen charter includes them
- Comfortable cabins, bathrooms and shared lounge areas inside and out
- Swimming and snorkeling stops in clear Ligurian waters
- Tender, paddleboards or other water toys, depending on the yacht
- Galley and dining spaces for meals on board
- Optional services such as a hostess, private chef or provisioning
Therefore, read the yacht’s specifications carefully before booking, because equipment and crew options differ between catamarans.
Top Places to Visit Along the Ligurian Coast
In general, the eastern Riviera di Levante offers the best mix of famous villages and sheltered anchorages for a one-week Italian Riviera catamaran charter. However, the exact route depends on your departure marina, the length of the trip and the weather. Many itineraries start from marinas around Genoa or La Spezia.
| Destination | What to Expect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Portofino | An iconic harbour with pastel houses, luxury boutiques and a protected marine park | Glamour, dining and photos |
| San Fruttuoso | A medieval abbey in a small cove that you can only reach by sea or on foot | History and swimming |
| Santa Margherita Ligure / Camogli | Elegant seafront towns with fishing harbours and lively promenades | Strolls ashore and local food |
| Cinque Terre | Five cliffside villages linked by hiking trails, best seen from the water | Scenery and coastal walks |
| Portovenere / Palmaria | A historic harbour town facing an island with caves and quiet bays | Culture, swimming and sunset anchorages |
| Lerici / Gulf of Poets | A wide bay with castles, beaches and calmer water | Relaxed cruising and families |
Portofino and the Cinque Terre both sit inside marine protected areas, where special anchoring rules apply in some zones. As a result, during your Italian Riviera catamaran charter the skipper will choose permitted spots and use mooring buoys where available.
Bareboat, Skippered or Crewed Catamaran?
Above all, the right format depends on your sailing experience and how hands-on you want your holiday to be.
- Bareboat charter: suits qualified sailors who want complete freedom over the route; you need a valid licence and solid experience, and some yachts only sail with a skipper.
- Skippered charter: a professional skipper handles navigation, mooring and local rules, so your group can focus on swimming and sightseeing.
- Crewed charter: finally, the most comfortable option, with a captain and extra crew such as a hostess or chef taking care of daily life on board.
Similarly, formats vary by yacht and season, so check what your preferred catamaran offers before you confirm your Italian Riviera catamaran charter.
When Is the Best Time for an Italian Riviera Catamaran Charter?
Generally, the sailing season runs from late spring to early autumn. Since Liguria lies further north than Sicily or the Amalfi Coast, the sea warms up a little later in the year.
- April–May: mild weather, flowering hillsides and quiet villages; the water is still cool, so this period suits sightseeing more than swimming.
- June: pleasant heat, long evenings and rising sea temperatures before the summer crowds arrive.
- July–August: peak season, with warm water, lively harbours and high demand for yachts and berths; we recommend booking early.
- September–October: warm sea, golden light and fewer visitors, which makes early autumn ideal for relaxed cruising.
In addition, the wind can change direction quickly in the Ligurian Sea, so your skipper may adjust the daily plan to keep the trip safe and comfortable.
Packing Tips for Your Sailing Holiday in Liguria
First of all, pack light and use a soft bag that fits easily into cabin storage. For an Italian Riviera catamaran charter, bring:
- Swimwear and breathable summer clothing
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat
- A light jacket or jumper for cooler evenings
- Non-slip boat shoes and comfortable trainers for village walks
- A waterproof case for your phone and documents
- Personal medication and travel-size toiletries
In contrast, hard suitcases take up valuable space, since storage on a yacht is more limited than in a hotel.