Portofino

Motor Yacht Charter
Italy

Italy is renowned for its rich history, world class food and stunning landscapes, making it a fantastic place for a motor yacht charter.

Whether sailing along the Italian Riviera, exploring the picturesque Amalfi Coast, or discovering the enchanting Aeolian islands, Sicily or Sardinia, Italy offers an unforgettable experience on the water.

In addition to its natural beauty, sailing anywhere on the Italian coast allows you to combine a slice of culture with your sailing adventures.

The freedom of the open sea combines with the country's renowned art, history, and world-class cuisine. Whether you're an experienced sailor or a first-time charterer, Italy's diverse coastline delivers an unforgettable Mediterranean experience.

Areas

Sicily

Sail around the Mediterranean's largest island and explore all she has to offer

Read more about Sicily

Sardinia

Explore the glamorous Costa Smeralda, or venture to the wilder shores of this stunning island

Read more about Sardinia

Naples

Sail along the gorgeous coastline of Naples and soak up the rich history of the area

Read more about Naples

Amalfi

Explore the pastel-coloured fishing villages and the rugged shoreline of one of Italy's most memorable destinations

Read more about Amalfi

Portorosa

Explore the Aeolian Islands and Sicily from this well appointed all in one location

Read more about Portorosa

Aeolian Islands

Visit this magnificent group of volcanic islands for an unforgettable charter experience

Read more about Aeolian Islands

What Makes Italy Special?

Diverse Coastal Landscapes

Italy's coastline is incredibly diverse, from the rugged cliffs and turquoise waters of the Amalfi Coast to the secluded beaches and crystal-clear bays of Sardinia, each region boasts its own unique beauty and charm.

World-Class Cuisine

Italian food is celebrated worldwide and is a central part of daily life. Italy's food scene celebrates fresh, simple ingredients, regional specialities, and a passion for culinary excellence.

Variety of Cruising Options

Italy offers diverse cruising options, from the glamorous Amalfi Coast and colourful Cinque Terre to the rugged beauty of Sardinia and the delights of the Aeolian Islands.

Art Galleries and Museums

Visit world-renowned galleries and museums en route to your charter. Cities like Florence, Rome, and Venice are treasure troves for art enthusiasts, foodies and history junkies alike.

Incredible Architecture

Italian architecture is a testament to the country's rich and storied past, showcasing a vast array of styles and influences that span thousands of years.

Mediterranean Climate

The Mediterranean climate of Italy is pleasant for a motor yacht charter much of the year, with warm temperatures and sunny skies from spring through to Autumn

Italy - Naples - After being buiried by volacnic ash in 79AD. Pompeii was rediscovered and unearthed in the 19th century and gives a glimpse into Italian life 2000 years ago. - iStock-182181496

Rich Cultural Heritage

Italy is known for its rich history and culture, and has a staggering 54 UNESCO World Heritage sites to choose from.

Not To Be Missed

Amalfi Coast

This picturesque stretch of coastline along the southern side of the Sorrentine Peninsula is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, pastel-coloured villages, and stunning vistas. Must-see stops include Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.

Cinque Terre

This string of five fishing villages along the rugged Italian Riviera is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sail between the colourful towns and hike the scenic coastal trails.

Sardinia Region

Italy's second-largest island offers a diverse landscape, from the striking Costa Smeralda to the remote Maddalena archipelago. Don't miss the opportunity to discover serene anchorages, impressive rock formations, and local Sardinian cuisine.

Capri

The glamorous island of Capri is a highlight for many motor yacht charters. Explore the famous Blue Grotto, visit the chic Piazzetta, and soak up the island's vibrant atmosphere.

Tuscan Archipelago

Explore islands like Elba and Giglio off the coast of Tuscany. With history, fantastic food and plenty of small bays and beaches to anchor, it's a great location for a charter.

Aeolian Islands

These islands named after the demigod of the winds, Aeolus, are known for the volcanic activity of Stomboli but also as being some of the Meds most perfect cruising destinations.

Italy - Sicily - Scopello - one of the most beautiful places in Sicily, Italy. Visit card of the Mediterranean with crystal clear sea and amazing rock formations. - AdobeStock_510578815

The Island of Sicily

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily, is home to ancient Greek and Roman ruins, active volcanoes, and a unique cultural heritage.

Best Time To Visit Italy

The season runs from April to October, with July and August being the peak months with the highest temperatures and most visitors. April to June and September to October are much quieter, and the temperatures are lower, but they are perfect for those looking to get away for a quieter experience.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 9.6°C (49°F) 3.0°C (37°F) wind direction 151degSSE
FEB 10.8°C (51°F) 1.6°C (35°F) wind direction 154degSSE
MAR 14.8°C (59°F) 5.8°C (43°F) wind direction 158degSSE
APR 16.7°C (62°F) 6.5°C (44°F) wind direction 162degSSE
MAY 21.1°C (70°F) 12.0°C (54°F) wind direction 212degSSW
JUN 27.0°C (81°F) 16.8°C (62°F) wind direction 178degS
JUL 33.0°C (91°F) 21.4°C (71°F) wind direction 223degSW
AUG 31.2°C (88°F) 19.0°C (66°F) wind direction 179degS
SEP 26.7°C (80°F) 16.1°C (61°F) wind direction 129degSE
OCT 23.2°C (74°F) 14.6°C (58°F) wind direction 166degSSE
NOV 15.2°C (59°F) 8.2°C (47°F) wind direction 165degSSE
DEC 11.8°C (53°F) 5.0°C (41°F) wind direction 140degSE
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Language

The official language of Italy is Italian, and English is also widely spoken.

Currency

The official currency of Italy is the Euro (€)

Tipping

Tipping is generally not obligatory in Italy, and a service charge is often added to a bill, but it is appreciated for good service to give something.

Is A Motor Yacht Right For You

Speed and Range

Motor yachts have powerful engines, so typically offer higher speeds and can cover greater distances than sailing yachts.

Stability

Motor yachts generally provide a more stable platform than the average sailing yacht, both while cruising and at anchor.

Propulsion

Motor yachts rely exclusively on engine power, whereas a sailing yacht typically uses wind and sail as their primary source.

Fuel Consumption

While they can cover more range in shorter times than sailing yachts, this means motor yachts consume more fuel which can affect your final costs for the charter.

Itinerary Flexibility

Motor yachts are less dependent on wind conditions, allowing for more predictable and potentially wide-ranging itineraries and schedules.

Onboard Experience

The experience on a motor yacht is often more akin to a luxury hotel, with the emphasis on comfort and amenities.

Draft and Boat Hull Depth

Many motor yachts have a relatively shallow draft or hull depth, allowing them to access areas that deeper-keeled sailing yachts cannot.

Crew Specialisation

Crews on motor yachts focus more on navigation, hospitality, and maintaining complex systems, rather than sailing skills.

Target Audience

Motor yacht charters are likely to appeal to those seeking luxury, comfort, and efficiency of travel, rather than the sailing experience itself.

4 PLAY

Layout and Space

Motor yachts often feature more expansive interior spaces and amenities as the design isn't constrained by sailing requirements.

Charter Types In Italy

Bareboat Motor Yacht Charters

A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Italy and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.

We select our motor yacht fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a motor yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.

Skippered Motor Yacht Charters

With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Italy and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.

However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.

On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.

Crewed Motor Yacht Charters

A crewed Gulet charter from Italy offers a unique way to explore the stunning Mediterranean coastline. These traditional wooden sailing boats combine the charm of old-world craftsmanship with modern world amenities, and all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.

Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.

How To Book

How To Book Your Motor Yacht Charter From Italy.

Greece is one of the most popular charter destinations in the Mediterranean. Therefore, it is best to book your dream boat in advance, typically six months ahead, to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.

You can search for your dream motor yacht via the the link, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the build your trip link to get them working on creating the perfect trip.

Pure Thoughts

Italy is a popular destination for motor yacht charters because of its diverse and beautiful coastline, rich history and culinary delights.

The Italian Riviera, stretching between the French border and Tuscany, is famous for its charming fishing villages, glamorous resorts, and deep blue sea. Portofino, Cinque Terre, and Portovenere are some of the must-visit destinations along this stunning stretch of coastline.

The UNESCO World Heritage area of the Amalfi Coast is another winner, with its dramatic cliffs and iconic colourful towns like Positano and Amalfi.

Italy's islands, including Sicily, Sardinia and the Aeolian Islands, offer a different kind of charm. Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, boasts beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and a unique blend of cultures, from the vibrant city of Palermo to the picturesque towns of Taormina and Siracusa.

The UNESCO World Heritage listed Aeolian Islands offer a unique blend of pretty towns and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Each of these seven diverse islands are unique in their own way but united by their beauty and their close proximity which allows for easy island-hopping.

Sardinia is the second largest Island in the Med with over 2,000 kilometres of coastline. The Costa Smeralda in the North is a must-see, and sailing around the Maddalena Archipelago offers pristine beauty and tranquillity that is hard to find elsewhere.

With its perfect climate, gorgeous water, and abundance of attractions, an Italian yacht charter provides the freedom to explore this beautiful country at your own pace, while creating fabulous memories.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Motor Yacht?

If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.

How Do I Choose The Right Motor Yacht?

When chartering a yacht from Italy, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.

When Are The Best Times To Charter A Motor Yacht From Italy?

For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, and September are genuinely the golden months, but the summer months are also popular, though the anchorages are busier.

What Type Of Yachts Can I Charter From Italy?

There are typically five main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Italy, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, Gulets and Luxury Yachts (including Superyachts)

How Long Does A Motor Yacht Charter Typically Last?

The typical times for a motor yacht charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.

How Do Charter Fees Work When Chartering A Motor Yacht?

Once you've found your perfect motor yacht, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.

What Happens If There Is A Problem With My Motor Yacht Charter?

The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.