Italy sailing itinerary
Map of the best ports and anchorages
Best anchorages in Italy
(Add an anchorage)Always choose the safest spot with a live ranking of your favorite anchorages in Italy. Try zooming in to avoid seaweed fields, then tick to start your list of favourites.
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This beach is the widest and best-equipped along this stretch of coast. Gravelly and fairly shielded… Read more about this listing
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Anchor in a tranquil lagoon surrounded by lush wetlands and golden sandy beaches. The shallow waters… Read more about this listing
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The sandy bottom made anchoring straightforward, and the water was wonderfully clear. There’s this p… Read more about this listing
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Cala Spido is a fantastic spot for anchoring! I dropped anchor here for a couple of nights and loved… Read more about this listing
Best ports and marinas in Italy
(Add a port)Find a berth for the night with a live ranking of your favorite harbors in Italy, keeping an eye on the tide and weather forecast. You can also participate by sharing a missing phone number or VHF channel when possible.
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Assistance with mooring by dinghy at the entrance of the harbor and with dockside mooring men availa… Read more about this listing
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The Roman dock in Civitavecchia is an ancient port initially designed by Apollodorus of Damascus und… Read more about this listing
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There’s a decent amount of space, and the facilities are well-maintained, nothing too fancy but more… Read more about this listing
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Stay well in the channel during the approach, the sand banks are constantly moving in this area.
Best time to sail in Italy
The best season to sail in Spain is typically late spring to early autumn, from May to September.
May and June are fantastic months, as the weather is warm but not excessively hot, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (around 24-28°C). The winds are generally stable and this period sees fewer tourists.
July and August can be quite hot, with temperatures soaring into the 90s Fahrenheit (over 32°C) in many regions, especially in southern parts of Italy. These months attract a lot of tourists, popular destinations can be crowded, but it’s also when you can enjoy most festivals and nightlife.
September and October marks a transition back to more pleasant temperatures, ideal for sailing. The summer crowds diminish and the sea remains warmer compared to spring.
18°C
Currency
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220VWater potability
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Arrival Formalities
Clearance
European vessels with only European nationals on board don’t need to take any action. Non-EU vessels and/or non-European nationals must report to Customs immediately upon arrival at the port of entry.
Visa & Immigration
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
Other ressources
Noonsite.com maintains an updated worldwide database of formalities for pleasure crafts. Click here for more details.Sailing holidays
Sailing in Italy is an incredible way to explore the country from a different angle, away from the crowded tourist areas. Italy is famous for its colourful seaside villages, but seeing them from the water makes the landscape feel even more dramatic, before anchoring in these small bays that the crowds never seem to reach.
Yacht charter
A charter is renting a boat with a captain, and occasionally a chef or steward, so you don’t need any sailing experience. The captain is familiar with the local waters and can take you to secluded coves that are off the beaten path. Catamarans are often favored for their wide, stable platforms and roomy living areas, making them ideal for families or groups of friends. If you’re not traveling with a large group, you can also opt to join a charter with other guests.
Boat rental
The feeling of independence and the ability to escape the beaten path make a bareboat rental a truly liberating experience. You will have the flexibility to chart your own course, discover secluded bays, and avoid crowded tourist spots. You’ll need to know how to sail, as you’re responsible for navigation and anchoring. This option is ideal for those who value privacy, full control, and a hands-on sailing experience.
Sailing conditions in Italy
Several local factors influence the wind system, currents, and weather surrounding Italy. By taking them into account you can better predict and understand its complex atmospheric and oceanic system.
Atmospheric pressure systems: The Azores High and the Icelandic Low pressure systems, along with their seasonal shifts, greatly influence the region’s climate and winds.
Regional climate factors: The Sahara’s heat, European cold fronts, and regional wind systems collectively contribute to the area’s complex weather phenomena.
Thermohaline circulation: Variations in temperature and salinity across the Mediterranean Sea create ocean currents that influence regional climate patterns.
Prevailing winds in the Tyrrhenian Sea
Mistral
Originating from the north, the Mistral is a strong, cold wind that sweeps down the Rhone Valley into the Mediterranean. Known for its gusty nature, it can reach speeds of up to 90 km/h (56 mph).
Tramontana
This northern wind flows down from the mountains of northern Italy, over the Ligurian Sea. The Tramontana is characterised by its dry, cool air and is often associated with clear skies. It typically blows during the winter months.
Levante
Originating from the east, the Levante is a humid wind that brings moisture to the Western Mediterranean. This wind can be gentle or strong and is known for its tendency to cause cloudy weather and occasional rain.
Sirocco
The Sirocco is a warm, dry wind that originates from the Sahara Desert, bringing with it dusty air. This wind typically appears in the spring and summer months, creating humid conditions and hazy skies.
Prevailing winds in the Adriatic Sea
Maestral (Mistral)
Originating from the north, the Mistral is a strong, cold wind that sweeps down the Rhone Valley. It makes its way across the Adriatic in a steady breeze. Typically, the Maestral picks up strength in the late morning and peaks in the afternoon, before dying down by evening.
Bora
The Bora is a famous wind of the Adriatic. It blows predominantly from the northeast, sweeping down the Dinaric Alps and racing from Trieste and the Dalmatian coast. This katabatic wind can reach speeds of up to 220 km/h (137 mph), often bringing clear skies and cooler temperatures.
Levante
Originating from the east, the Levante is a humid wind that brings moisture to the Western Mediterranean. This wind can be gentle or strong and is known for its tendency to cause cloudy weather and occasional rain.
Sirocco
The Sirocco is a warm, dry wind that originates from the Sahara Desert, bringing with it dusty air. This wind typically appears in the spring and summer months, creating humid conditions and hazy skies.
Prevailing winds in the Ionian Sea
Maistro
The Maistro is a pleasant northwesterly wind, typically found during the summer months, especially in the afternoons. The Maistro is generally mild, with speeds around 10-20 knots. It usually starts in the late morning and peaks in the afternoon before calming down in the evening.
Bora
The Bora is a cold, dry wind that blows from the northeast, originating from the Balkan Peninsula. It’s most common in winter and early spring. The Bora is known for its sudden gusts, which can reach up to 40-50 knots.
Sirocco
In contrast to the Maistro, the Sirocco is a warm, dry wind that originates from the Sahara Desert, bringing with it dusty air. This southerly wind typically appears in the spring and summer months, creating humid conditions and hazy skies.
Libeccio (Lodos)
The Libeccio, known as Lidos in Greece, is a southwesterly wind that brings moisture and unsettled weather, especially in the winter and autumn months. This wind can reach speeds of 15-25 knots, often accompanied by rain and sometimes thunderstorms.
A brief maritime history of Italy
From a verly early age the Italian peninsula has been home to diverse groups, like the Etruscans, who thrived in Tuscany. These enigmatic people left behind remarkable artefacts and tomb paintings, and advanced engineering of their sophisticated society.
As Rome rose to prominence, it transformed from a humble settlement along the Tiber into a vast empire stretching across continents. The Roman Republic, established in 509 BCE, marked a shift towards a system of governance that inspired modern democracies. The Senate and the assemblies offered citizens a voice, paving the way for centuries of political evolution.
In southern Italy, at the confluence of two great civilisations, the legacy of the Greeks thrives, particularly in the regions of Campania and Calabria. The art and philosophy of Greece seeped into the Roman worldview, giving rise to a culture that shaped literature, art, and politics.
The early Middle Ages introduced a wave of transformation as invasions and migrations reshaped the social fabric. In Lombardy the Lombards, a Germanic people, carved out kingdoms and left their mark on the architecture and language of the regions they inhabited. Meanwhile, the Byzantine influence lingered in the form of art and religious practices.
Cities along the coasts have always been vital points for maritime exchange. The maritime republics of Venice, Genoa, and Amalfi later emerged as powerful players, navigating trade routes that connected the Mediterranean with far-flung corners of the globe. This interconnection fostered economic growth and sparked cultural exchanges, enriching the Italian identity.
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