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Italy sailing itinerary

Map of the best ports and anchorages

Read the notes and warnings from sailors who have stopped in Italy and always choose the best port or anchorage for the night. If you found this map useful you can also leave a review, share your best photos of Italy, or add a new spot you discovered.

Best anchorages in Italy

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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.

Best ports and marinas in Italy

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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.

  • 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.

Rome
4:28 am, Oct 18, 2024
temperature icon 18°C
moderate rain
Pressure 1017 mb
Wind 13 mph
Sunrise Sunrise: 7:25 am
Sunset Sunset: 6:24 pm

Currency

EUR
Italy uses the euro (€) as its currency, like most countries in the European Union, making payments straightforward within the Eurozone.

Voltage

220V
In Italy, the standard voltage for electricity is 230 volts at 50 hertz (Hz), which is consistent with most European countries.

Water potability

Variable
The potability of water in Italy is generally reliable, especially in established marinas. In remote or less-developed areas, it’s a good idea to exercise caution and ask the locals.

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.

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Seagulls and fish swimming in the ocean.

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.

An Etruscan terracotta sarcophagus. 2nd century BCE, Near Chiusi, Italy. (Museo Archeologico Etrusco, Florence) Photo by Egisto Sani CC BY-SA 2.0

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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