The best sailing destinations in Italy

Traveling in Italy is something we all love to hear about and do. Like a recently opened history book, Italy is bordered by the Ionian Sea to the south, the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, and the Adriatic Sea to the east, brimming with historic monuments and buildings with classical facades that will transport you to another time.

The best time to sail the Italian coast is from April to September, offering warm temperatures and incredible scenery, far from the tourist crowds thanks to its long coastline. And don't forget that discovering this country on the other side of the Alps by boat is the most picturesque and relaxing way to do so. With so many reasons to visit, you can do it with family, friends, as a couple, or even alone.

You'll discover majestic bays, deserted islands, and captivating mountain ranges dotted with picturesque coastal towns. Whether in Liguria , Sardinia , or Sicily , Italy is a great option for sailing close to home and enjoying an unforgettable experience.

Discover the 5 most interesting destinations for a sailing adventure on the Italian coast !

Sardinia by boat

A sailing holiday in Sardinia is the perfect blend of nature, sea, culture, and freedom, ideal for both those seeking relaxation and those who want to experience the sea in an active and authentic way. Sardinia is one of the most iconic sailing destinations in the Mediterranean, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and one of the most spectacular coastlines in Europe.

The Costa Smeralda , with its approximately 55 kilometers of coastline, is famous for its coves and bays with turquoise waters. Places like Porto Istana, Cala del Principe, and Porto Giunco offer Caribbean-like scenery, ideal for anchoring and swimming in the open sea.


But Sardinia isn't just about the sea. The island boasts a millennia-old history, evidenced by the nuraghe, ancient megalithic structures scattered throughout the island and recognized as a unique cultural heritage site in the Mediterranean. The inland areas and rocky coastlines, such as those of the Gulf of Orosei or Pan di Zucchero, also offer wild and unspoiled landscapes.

One of the most fascinating sailing itineraries is the one between Sardinia and Corsica, with a stop in the Strait of Bonifacio and a visit to the seaside village of Bonifacio, perched on the cliffs.

The Sardinian experience is rounded out with local cuisine and gastronomic traditions: from porceddu (a type of pork roast) to traditional cheeses, and wines like Cannonau and Vermentino, perfect for accompanying evenings on board or in port.

Sicily by sailboat: volcanoes, history, and crystal-clear waters

Sicily is one of the most fascinating destinations for a sailing holiday in the Mediterranean, thanks to its mild climate all year round, the variety of its landscapes and a unique historical and cultural heritage.

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, it is Europe's largest island and offers a perfect balance of unspoiled nature, crystal-clear sea, and ancient traditions. Sailing along its coasts means discovering pristine bays, nature reserves, and villages steeped in history.

Sicilian gastronomy is an integral part of the experience: arancini, fish couscous, cannoli, and other local specialties speak to the cultural fusion that has made the island unique.



From a historical and cultural perspective, Sicily offers sites of great value such as the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Syracuse, and the necropolis of Pantalica, as well as the spectacular landscapes of the Etna Park and the wild beaches of the southwest coast.

Among the most popular destinations for a sailing holiday in Sicily are the Aeolian Islands , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique volcanic archipelago, where the sea alternates with landscapes dominated by active volcanoes and authentic villages such as Lipari, Vulcano and Stromboli.

The Egadi Islands are also an ideal destination for a sailing holiday in Sicily, nestled among volcanoes and UNESCO sites. They are ideal for a relaxing cruise between Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo, perfect for those seeking nature, clear waters, and tranquility.

For those seeking more authentic and less touristy itineraries, northwest Sicily offers unspoiled coastlines, perfect for a sailing cruise off the beaten track.

Sailing in Campania

Southern Italy offers spectacular landscapes and beaches that are hard to find anywhere else in the world. The Campania region is a perfect blend of culture and leisure, good food and history.

Besides the cities of Naples , Salerno, and Caserta, this land boasts architectural treasures and breathtaking seaside balconies within its borders. Cilento , with its charming mountain villages; the stunning Amalfi Coast , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the enchanting towns of Positano and Amalfi; the colorful Sorrento Peninsula; and the famous islands of Capri and Ischia .

Ultimately, who hasn't dreamed of sailing through the crystal-clear waters of Capri , feeling like Sophia Loren in the American film "Capri"?

There are many ways to experience this aboard a comfortable boat, sailing among the Faraglioni rocks of the Bay of Naples , the Blue Grotto, and the Punta Campanella Channel. Your only task will be to enjoy the day and take lots of photos; the professional skipper will take you to all the most magical spots on the island.

If, on the other hand, you're thinking of a slightly longer and more rejuvenating holiday, why not sail a little further north and spend a week cruising between the Phlegraean Islands and the nearby Pontine Islands ?

As you can see, there are thousands of ways to fully experience the beauty of Campania and its sea, just like the experiences we offer at Saliwiz!

Sailing in Tuscany: Tuscan Archipelago, Elba, and the Etruscan Coast

Tuscany is one of the most complete destinations for a sailing holiday in Italy, thanks to its extraordinary artistic heritage, historic cities, and a coastline that extends along the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea . Here, the sea alternates with natural landscapes, seaside villages, and one of the richest cultural traditions in the Mediterranean.

The Tuscan coast begins in the north with the Apuan Riviera and Versilia, home to iconic resorts such as Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, famous for its elegant beaches and celebrated carnival. Heading south, you'll encounter the Etruscan Coast, a stretch of coastline steeped in history, linked to the ancient Etruscan civilization and characterized by beaches, pine forests, and seaside villages. Further south lies the Maremma Regional Park, a protected natural area preserving wild landscapes, dunes, and a rich biodiversity typical of the Mediterranean.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Tuscany is the opportunity to discover it from the sea, sailing among the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. Elba, Capraia, Giglio , and northern Corsica offer perfect itineraries for a sailing cruise among bays, coves, and crystal-clear waters.


A boating holiday in Tuscany allows you to combine relaxation, sailing, and discovery, with the opportunity to experience the sea in an authentic and dynamic way.
The local cuisine completes the experience with typical dishes such as Livorno cacciucco, boiled octopus and wines produced on the islands of Giglio and Capraia, perfect to accompany evenings on board or in ports.

Liguria by sailboat: the Eastern and Western Rivieras, and the Cinque Terre

Liguria is not only an excellent destination for enjoying a good Focaccia alla Genovese or savoring a delicious plate of trofie with pesto, it is also one of the most fascinating destinations for a sailing holiday in Italy, thanks to its rugged coastline, colorful villages and a sea that offers unique views of the mountains and the Mediterranean. It is a sailing holiday that allows you to experience the sea in an authentic way, alternating navigation, stops in ports and discovery of the territory, with short or longer itineraries along the entire Ligurian Sea.

In addition to its renowned local cuisine, with specialties such as focaccia genovese and trofie al pesto, Liguria offers a surprising sailing experience, ideal for those who want to discover the region directly from the sea.

The Ligurian Riviera is divided into two main areas: the Riviera di Ponente and the Riviera di Levante . To the west, towards the French border, lie towns like Alassio and Varazze, all the way to Sanremo, on the Riviera dei Fiori, perfect for port stops and relaxing coastal cruises.



Further east is Genoa , the historic capital and important port city, an ancient Maritime Republic, and today a strategic starting point for sailing itineraries along the entire Ligurian coast. From here, you can also take sailing and skipper training courses, ideal for both beginners and those wishing to improve their skills at sea.

The Riviera di Levante is famous for the Cinque Terre , one of the most iconic stretches of coast in Italy, and for the Gulf of Poets , a perfect area for a scenic cruise among villages, bays and deep waters.