Destination

Italy

Amalfi, Sardinia & Sicily — La Dolce Vita, On the Water

Why Italy?

Italy from the water is a different country entirely. Pastel villages clinging to cliffs, the scent of lemon groves drifting across the anchorage, and a private chef preparing cacio e pepe in the galley while Capri glows pink at sunset. From the Amalfi Coast's drama to Sardinia's emerald bays, this is the pinnacle of Mediterranean sailing.

The cliffside village of Positano, Italy

Best Season

May through October. Thermal breezes 8–15 knots along the Amalfi Coast. Sardinia's Mistral can blow stronger (15–25 knots) from the northwest. Summer water temps reach 78–82°F.

Perfect For

Foodies, romantics, anyone who likes the finer things, and travelers who want their sailing vacation to feel like a film. Italy's anchorages can be crowded in peak summer — a crewed charter with a captain who knows the secret spots makes all the difference.

Must-Visit Spots

Where to Drop Anchor

Capri — Marina Piccola

The Blue Grotto gets the fame, but the real Capri is Marina Piccola — a sheltered bay beneath the Faraglioni rocks. Anchor, dinghy to the beach club, and take the funicular to Capri Town for the views and the limoncello.

Positano

The most photographed village on the Amalfi Coast. Pastel buildings cascade down to a volcanic beach. Anchor off the beach, dinghy ashore for lunch at Da Adolfo — they'll send a red-fish-flagged boat to collect you.

La Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia

A national park of pink granite islands and transparent turquoise water in northeast Sardinia. Budelli's Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach), Spargi's Cala Corsara, and the sheltered anchorage at Cala Gavetta — it's the Caribbean with better pasta.

Stromboli, Aeolian Islands

An active volcano that erupts every 15 minutes — visible from the sea at night as orange lava arcs against the stars. Anchor off Stromboli village, have dinner, and watch nature's fireworks from the cockpit.

Cala Luna, Sardinia's East Coast

A half-moon beach beneath towering limestone cliffs, accessible only by sea or a demanding hike. The caves at each end of the beach are worth exploring by dinghy.

Sample Itinerary

7 days in Italy

Day 1: Naples → Procida

Depart Naples marina. Short sail to Procida — the smallest and most authentic island in the Bay of Naples. Pastel houses, fishing boats, and no tour buses. Dinner at La Lampara on the harbor.

Day 2: Procida → Capri

Sail to Capri. Morning visit to the Blue Grotto (arrive early to beat the line). Anchor at Marina Piccola, take the funicular to Capri Town, sunset cocktails at Hotel Punta Tragara's terrace.

Day 3: Capri → Positano

Cross to the Amalfi Coast. Anchor off Positano's beach. Dinghy to Da Adolfo for grilled mozzarella on lemon leaves. Walk up through the village — every turn is a photo.

Day 4: Positano → Amalfi → Ravello

Sail east along the coast to Amalfi. Visit the 9th-century cathedral, then take a taxi up to Ravello's Villa Rufolo gardens — clifftop views that inspired Wagner.

Day 5: Amalfi → Li Galli Islands → Capri

Sail past the Li Galli Islands (once owned by Rudolf Nureyev). Circle back to Capri's south side for a quiet anchorage at the Faraglioni rocks.

Day 6: Capri → Ischia

Sail to Ischia — the volcanic spa island. Anchor at Sant'Angelo and soak in the Poseidon thermal gardens, where hot springs flow directly into the sea.

Day 7: Ischia → Naples

Final morning swim. Easy sail back to Naples. Pick up sfogliatella pastries at the port for the journey home.

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