The majestic waters surrounded by the beautiful landscapes ensure an enthralling adventure awaits the lucky soul who has the opportunity to charter on the Italian Riviera.
The Italian Riviera is not shy of luxury, with Portofino and the five fabulous towns of Cinque Terre being home to countless restaurants and boutiques. We would recommend chartering yachts of smaller sizes so as to not fall victim to the smaller ports which limit where the larger yachts can access.
Day 1: Portofino – The Jewel of the Riviera
You could not find a better place than Portofino to embark on your charter of a lifetime. Fly into Genoa airport and get ready to be amazed by the beauty that surrounds the Italian Riviera. Feast your eyes on the glamour on display in the harbour of Portofino. You might even spot your favourite celebrity! A must-visit in Portofino is ‘Costello Brown’, perched above the town, which offers a panoramic view of the entirety of Portofino and the coast. Make sure to bring your camera! It’s important to note that due to Portofino’s renowned glory, it is highly advisable to book berths well in advance. These may be pricey based on the season, so be sure to get planning quickly!
Day 2: Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo
Sail to the neighbouring towns of Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo. These are home to elegant 19th-century villas and a fantastic selection of the finest seafood available in Italy. Towns such as Rapello offer some unique attractions, such as the Castello sul Mare. Try some delicious local lingurian delicacies such as pesto or ravioli. There are anchoring restrictions which do not favour the larger yachts. Tenders should be used to access land, or if looking to enjoy a luxury day yacht charter.
Day 3: Sestri Levante – The Bay of Silence
Set sail down the coast to the Baia del Silenzio (The bay of Silence). This bay is by far one of the most photogenic locations on this adventure and should not be missed. It is important to know that due to the bay’s shape and the smaller size of the port that many of the bigger yachts won’t be able to access the port. Many charterers must use the tenders to access the shore. The pastel-hued streets of Sestri are a unique feature of Sestri. These are accompanied by the artisanal shops, which create a very tranquil vibe. There are activities for all in Sestri. Whether you’re an art fanatic or perhaps you would love to paddleboard in the turquoise water, Sestri is a must-visit.
Yes you can, but this is weather permitting, as the waters can get rather rough at times. Monterosso and Vernazza are the best locations to anchor overnight.
The ideal time to charter is May- September but it is important to note that July and August are peak times and may be more pricey and also the prices and quantity of berths would differ to the lower season. We would recommend booking the non-peak times and early to avoid issues with finding berths and avail of the lower pricing. See our website for more details and plan your perfect Italy yacht charter.
Day 4: Monterosso al Mare – Gateway to Cinque Terre
As we venture just past the halfway mark of this adventure growing ever so close to Cinque terre, we enter the first and most accessible of the five towns, Monterosso al Mare. This being a town steeped with medieval history, there are some really cool things to see. The old town which hosts a vibrant town square that should not be missed. You can also venture to the sheer cliff edge to get a view of the lingurian coast in its full might. We would recommend going for a hike on the cliff edge to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Day 5: Vernazza and Corniglia – Cliffside Wonders
Vernazza is a peak destination for many people. Due to the harbour being so picturesque, many refer to it as a postcard harbour and rightly so. After Vernaza, soak in the once-in-a-lifetime views of the cliffs in Corniglia, which are accessible by some scenic hillside paths. This is a must for all you Instagrammers out there! Some anchoring restrictions to be aware of are that Vernazza is only accessible by tender, and that is weather permitting. Your captain will be aware of this and will be able to adapt if it turns out that the weather is an issue. The best way to travel between the two locations is by bike. These can be rented locally, but transportation can be organised for those who may prefer that option.
Day 6: Manarola and Riomaggiore – Romantic Retreats
For those on honeymoons, Manarola and Riomaggiore will for sure be a highlight. Both towns are home to some fabulous vineyards where you get the opportunity to taste some delicious Italian wine. The path that connects both towns, known as the Via Dell’amore, is an ideal location for romantic strolls whilst embracing the glorious sunset. Unfortunately, there are more anchoring restrictions present in this area. We would recommend travelling by tender to Riomaggiore and starting and finishing the day there. It is the safest and most accessible for tenders.
You could for sure do a day trip from Portofino to Cinque Terre, based on your preference of towns, it is feasible. We would advise longer charters to fully take in the endless beauty of the Italian Riviera.
Due to our vast experience in charters on the Riviera, we have developed relationships with highly sought-after Captains and local experts. Be sure to let us know your interests, and we can find the perfect guided tour for you.
Day 7: Porto Venere – The Hidden Gem
The final location, Porto Venere. Your trip from Portofino to Cinque Terre has met its final location. Porto Venere, many refer to it as a hidden gem and overall an underappreciated location for charter. Porto Venere is accessible for yachts of small to medium size. Yachts of larger stature must once again anchor offshore. Porto Venere features a pastel waterfront and some ancient churches with views that inspired the great Lord Byron himself. This promises to end the charter on an almighty high!
Sail the Riviera in Style with 212 Yachts
Portofino to Cinque Terre has something to cater to everyone’s desires with no exceptions. This is a route commonly used by our clients. We have limitless experience in dealing with this and constantly adapt charters based on client feedback. Due to our experience, we can ensure the restrictions with ports would not be an issue. We are always working to find the best possible itinerary for our charterers. Trust that our team here at 212 Yachts will work to the extra degree.