The biggest debate yacht charter clients face each year is deciding between the Italian Riviera vs the Amalfi Coast. Both locations offer unique experiences tailored to meet every charterer’s needs. Whether you’re a person who enjoys the hustle and bustle of ancient towns or perhaps you just want to relax by the sea, Italy promises to have something for you.
Scenic Beauty and Atmosphere
The Italian Riviera, the neighbour of the south coast of France, is esteemed with a unique charm. The traditional sense of life ensures that the towns retain their classy look. This aspect paired with the sensational coastline full of beaches creates a tranquil environment to which every charterer would enjoy.
A luxury Amalfi Coast private yacht charter, on the other hand, offers a different experience. It plays host to many different attractions which a more lively character would enjoy. It is full of different adventures to have, whether it be exploring the sheer cliff edges or maybe it is a visit to the vibrant towns.
The Italian Riviera is the better location for secluded anchorages, you can find docks such as San Fruttuoso, Lerici, and hidden coves near Portovenere. These are fantastic locations that can offer a more private charter, it’s important to note that the earlier the booking the better.
The Italian Riviera tends to be less pricey in total due to lower berth fees and lower restaurant costs than along the Amalfi Coast.
Cruising Logistics and Navigation
Although both coasts are of course accessible to yachts of all sizes, it is important to note these specifics:
Amalfi Coast Yacht Rental
- The Amalfi is host to much smaller ports with less berths thus it’s advisable to book early to avoid disappointment!
- The waters are known to be rather rugged in evenings this may be a factor to consider when booking as it can be influential on your selection of yachts.
- Some popular ports/locations are Positano, Capri, Ravello and so much more!
Italian Riviera Yacht Rental
- The Riviera has limited berths due to the smaller port capacity, so advanced booking is essential to avoid disappointment in the summer months.
- Some towns such as Portofino and Cinque terre have strict rules when it comes to noise/music after dark, make sure to check with your broker for details.
- Some popular ports are: Portofino, Cinque Terre, Sanremo, Genoa.
Seasonal Appeal and Best Times to Visit
When considering The Italian Riviera or the Amalfi Coast, it is important to know that both have seasonal appeals, the Mediterranean climate means that it can be a suitable location year round.
Best Times to Visit Amalfi Coast on a Yacht Charter
- Popular from May-September
- Peak times are July and August and non-peak times are May,June and September.
- Best to visit in Summer to make use of the better weather.
- Festival of San Giovanni in Praiano, popular fireworks display at the end of June.
Best Times to visit the Italian Riviera on a Yacht Charter
- Popular year round with the prime time to visit being July and August in the peak of summer.
- If you are in search of a relaxing getaway, then it may be advisable to book a charter in the non-peak times (any time outside of July and August) to avoid the huge crowds. This would also make for an easier charter booking as there would be no shortage of berths.
- Every February, Sanremo hosts one of the biggest music festivals in all of Italy. This event attracts a huge amount of visitors each year creating a fantastic atmosphere for music lovers.
- Portofino has become a popular destination for high-end visitors, mainly due to its discreet appeal and also its close proximity to towns such as Cinque Terre, must-see locations if deciding to charter a yacht Italian Riviera coast.
The Amalfi Coast is full of Roman history, religious heritage, and classical music (Pompeii, cathedrals, etc.). The Italian Riviera is renowned for its maritime presence, with ports spanning the entire coastline. It also plays host to Renaissance-style towns, which is quite a unique feature.
We are of the opinion that the Riviera is a better location for first-time charterers. The fact that it is cheaper and also a lot less demanding than a charter in the Amalfi is a huge positive. It would relieve a lot of pressure and be a far more enjoyable first experience. But that said, the Amalfi is not to be overlooked. The key to a successful charter is adequate planning with the help of a qualified yacht professional.
Standout Towns and Highlights
Key Yacht Locations along the Amalfi Coast
- Positano: Most popular destination, known for steep towns with iconic coloured houses and pebble beaches. Highly recommended place to visit.
- Capri-Famous spot for luxury travellers, has famous restaurants such as Da Paolino and the illustrious shopping centre ‘Blue Grotto’.
- Ravello: Fantastic town to visit, known for the wonderful coastal views. It is important to note it is difficult to access by water, but if you have time on land, it would be a great location to visit.
Key Yacht Locations along the Italian Riviera
- Portofino: As alluded to previously, Portofino is a classy location where many wealthy people go to escape their daily lives. It is host to famous restaurants such as Ristorante Puny.
- Cinque Terre: This is a UNESCO celebrated site, it is composed of 5 fishing villages and is known for its dramatic cliffs and colourful houses.
- Portovenere: This is quite close to the Cinque Terre, it is famous for the church of St Peter which is on the cliff edge.
- Genoa: This is a great location to embark/disembark for your charters, whilst of course a beautiful city with plenty of history, it also hosts a huge port allowing for ease with charters.
Culinary Experiences and Local Flavors
Italy is notorious for their amazing food, it’s certainly something to consider when looking at the Italian Riviera vs the Amalfi Coast.
The Amalfi coast is popular for lemon lovers, with it being the birthplace of Limoncello, a delicious lemon flavored liquor that is enjoyed worldwide. They have many local dishes, the best one being the famous cheese, pasta and seafood dish called Scialatielli ai Frutti di Mare.
The Italian Riviera is known for inventing Pesto, which is commonly accompanied by pasta dishes. Otherwise, they have great seafood options, including Buridda, which is Ligurian fish stew with garlic, tomatoes, and herbs.
Both locations have amazing wine so be sure to try some!
Ideal Charter for Different Traveler Profiles
Best Family Yacht Charter Location
For those embarking on a family voyage, either location would be highly enjoyable. There are many museums, excellent restaurants and plenty of beaches across both regions. These provide endless entertainment for families of all ages. We would recommend sticking with the bigger towns, such as Genoa or Positano, as these are filled with activities for all ages.
Best Luxury Yacht Charter Destination
It comes down to preference in regards to choosing one with the better luxury aspects. Whilst both are host to various luxurious areas, it is important to distinguish between them. Portofino in the Italian Riviera is a classy town fitted for individuals who prefer a low-key, more elegant character, whereas the Amalfi Coast in towns such as Capri is a hotspot for the outgoing individual who enjoys going to restaurants and shopping, and so much more.
Trending Yacht for Charter in Italy
Kenshō Yacht for Charter – 75.18 m (246′ 8″)
Kenshō is a breathtaking 75-meter (246 ft) superyacht, crafted by Admiral Yachts in 2022. Uniquely designed to embrace the ocean at every turn, this groundbreaking vessel challenges traditional layouts, creating an onboard atmosphere that is as fluid and inspiring as the sea itself.
Key Features:
- Accommodates up to 12 guests in 6 Zen-inspired staterooms
- Expert crew of 23 professionals ensuring elite service
- 6m glass-fronted pool, forward Jacuzzi, state-of-the-art gym
- Asian-inspired interiors by Jouin Manku – their first superyacht project
- Floor-to-ceiling windows, 2.7m ceilings, wide walkways for seamless flow
- Central elevator and signature staircase connecting all decks
- Innovative indoor-outdoor design for uninterrupted sea views and open-air living
Charter Locations:
- High Season: Western Mediterranean – South of France, Italy, Corsica
- Low Season: Caribbean – British Virgin Islands, St Barths, Bahamas
Weekly Charter Rates:
- High Season: From €1,100,000 per week + expenses
- Low Season: From €900,000 per week + expenses
Please note: VAT and APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) apply.
Conclusion: Crafting Your Perfect Italian Yacht Journey
Whether you like the timeless elegance of the italian riviera or the glitz and glamour of the Amalfi, there holds no bounds to the endless advantages of chartering in Italy. The amalfi coast has been a popular yachting destination for some time now and rightly so. With unique beautiful towns such as Positano how can one not be sold on a charter in the south west. The Amalfi is home to some fabulous beaches with crystal clear blue water, which offer endless fun and relaxation for everyone.
The Riviera, an underrated location in our opinion, is host to many different qualities that its counterpart down south does not possess. For one, as hinted previously, it promises a more authentic Italian experience. It is not as influenced by tourism as the south, thus it has retained many traditions that other areas may have lost. Often, when people charter, they envisage a break from their daily lives, and in our opinion, a charter to the Riviera will give them just that.