Liguria Sailing Itinerary
Colorful Towns and Beautiful Villages
Liguria Sailing Itinerary
Also known as the Italian Riviera, the Region of Liguria is well marked as a prominent tourist spot and sailing destination with famous resort towns positioned among the rocky coastline and fishing villages. It is the perfect place for a Liguria sailing itinerary.
Thanks to its unique location, the Region has the perfect climate for a summer, spring, or autumn yacht charter.
Being surrounded by the sea and the mountains, Liguria enjoys a climate and landscape not present in the other northern regions. The Ligurian Coast is the perfect place to enjoy unique scenarios both ashore and onboard and the best way to explore is on a Liguria sailing itinerary.
Ultimate Guide to Our Liguria Sailing Itinerary
It’s not just the fascinating beaches that make the area so famous. Liguria is an excellent destination for both Italian and international travelers with its villages, its multifaceted hinterland and the colorful towns on the sea.
The region is located in north-western Italy and boasts a long history and culture in this magical and enchanted place. Our Liguria sailing itinerary is ideal for a week, where you can explore the best spots by boat.
In addition to its natural treasures, this region is also known for its wine and cuisine, including the delicious Ligurian focaccia, pesto, olive oil, and fresh seafood like anchovies and mussels. Italian aperitifs are also recommended. Drinking the iconic Aperol Spritz is always a good idea. So, be sure to give them a try while sailing the Italian Riviera.
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Getting There
Our Liguria sailing itinerary and the region of Liguria can be accessed from many destinations worldwide. The Cristoforo Colombo Airport has direct daily flights from London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Madrid, Munich. These flights connect to destinations all around the world. Once you arrive at the Cristoforo Airport, you can take the train to the La Spezia Centrale railway station in 90 minutes and access the marina from there. Alternatively, you can reach the Liguria sailing itinerary starting point by car or by bus.
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Mooring
Our Liguria sailing itinerary has a variety of mooring options, from the world-class marina of Portofino to beautiful and secluded anchorages under the stars around the province of La Spezia.
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Weather
The climate in Liguria is generally mild, with warm summers and mild winters. In Liguria, the summer is a moderately warm season but somewhat humid. Wherever you sail in Liguria, this part of the Mediterranean has a long sailing season thanks to the warm weather between spring and fall.
Liguria Sailing Itinerary
Day 1
La Spezia
The first day of our Liguria sailing itinerary starts from La Spezia, the second-largest city in the region, after Genoa.
Walking landward, it is possible to see the partly hidden, but still evident, traces of history. Engraved stones, capitals, and portals in fourteenth-century sandstone, double lancet windows vaguely reminiscent of the future renaissance style of mannerism, baroque pediments.
We recommend visiting the Naval Museum and the archaeological collections preserved in the Castle of San Giorgio overlooking the city. Before leaving La Spezia, make sure to taste the local specialty “mes-ciua,” typical cereal soup.
Overnight Anchorage: The charter base is the perfect place to spend the night. Being located right in the city center, you can live in La Spezia at night.
Day 2
Lerici
Lerici is located on the east side of the Gulf of Poets, opposite Portovenere.
The pretty seaside town has a beautiful promenade, a harbor with fishing and sailing boats, a large square with several bars and restaurants, tiny alleyways in the old town and a towering castle.
For centuries, Lerici and its surroundings have inspired international and Italian artists. The poet Shelley and his wife Mary Shelley also lived in the town in 1822.
There is a bay as small and wild as suggestive in this beautiful stretch of coast that stretches from Lerici to Tellaro.
The Caletta di Lerici is a natural treasure, an inlet as narrow as a fjord, stretches gently towards the sea protected by caves and stacks.
After having anchored the boat in front of the Caletta, you can go snorkeling and enjoy the unique tranquility of this natural place.
Overnight Anchorage: The area of Lerici is very close to La Spezia. So, we recommend sailing back to the charter base or spending the night at anchor in front of Lerici.
Day 3
Portovenere
Start the third day of our Liguria sailing itinerary with a sail around the Spezzino Archipelago with the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto.
The coast of the Palmaria island offers perfect spots for swimming and snorkeling and a great place to watch the sunset. Then, you can head to Portovenere, a picturesque seaside village.
It accommodates the St.Peter church on the peninsula that you can reach by going through the village. Other stunning sights in Portovenere are the Byron cave, the castle and the church of St. Lawrence.
Overnight Anchorage: The small Marina di Portovenere is the best choice if you want to stay in town for dinner. In that case, you should try fresh fish at one of the Portovenere restaurants located on the “calata,” the esplanade next door to the berth. Otherwise, you can spend the night at the anchor in front of the village, enjoying the calm of the sea and the stunning lights of Portovenere.
Book it in advance: VHF Channel 9 or call +39 0187793042
Day 4
Cinque Terre
The UNESCO-protected Cinque Terre National Park is one of the most appreciated Ligurian heritage and our Liguria sailing itinerary day four location.
People worldwide come to Italy to see Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia Vernazza and Monterosso, the park’s five medieval villages (Cinque Terre towns) set into the rocks with colorful buildings snaking steeply up the cliff face.
You can sail this area of outstanding natural beauty, where peregrine falcons take flight and wild boar roam.
If you dock at the buoys of Vernazza, an old local man will bring you ashore with its little boat.
There, you can enjoy a walk through the town, where the houses sprayed on the hillsides are built one next to another and painted with the typical colors of Liguria.
Overnight Anchorage: Due to the total absence of coastal shelters and the low depth of sea bottoms, we don’t recommend you to spend a night at anchor. However, it’s worth staying over again in Portovenere, where you can experience the dolce vita atmosphere peculiar to the little village. Portovenere to Cinque Terre is seven nautical miles.
Day 5
Levanto
You can reach Levanto on day five of our Liguria sailing itinerary.
It is an agricultural village and boasts one of the most extensive beaches, which has recently become popular among surfers.
In Levanto, you can see the church of St Andrew, the medieval lodge, an ancient fortress surrounding the village and the clock tower. Before going back aboard try the famous “gattafin” and stock up on the beautiful local olive oil.
Hills covered with maritime pines, terraces with olive groves and vineyards close the landscape setting of this beautiful village.
The Church of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria is a beautiful baroque church located in the western part of the town, close to the sea.
Day 6
Santa Margherita Ligure
The resort of Santa Margherita Ligure is one of the most attractive and charming in the Riviera di Levante and the starting place for day six of our Liguria sailing itinerary.
Although the sea and the beaches are the main attractions, along with the numerous bars, restaurants and ice cream shops along the seafront, the rest of the town is also attractive, with pleasant shopping streets to explore in the old town behind the harbor.
Overnight Anchorage: You can reserve your berth at Marina di Santa. The harbor is in the center of the city so that you can spend your night on shore and enjoy Santa Margherita’s vibes.
Day 7
Portofino
There is no better way to end your Liguaria sailing itinerary than spending a day living in La Dolce Vita in the amazing Portofino bay.
With its luxury, Mediterranean personality, this splendid sea resort boasts an ancient marine culture, and of course, is another one of those spots beloved by artists, famous personages and writers that have long sung its praises.
Portofino became famous in the 60s, when actors, actresses, pop stars, and aristocrats frequently started visiting it for its nightlife, exclusive parties, and breathtaking views.
Today, the village still offers a unique atmosphere and landscape. So, you can drop the anchor at the side of the inlet and enjoy in peace the last day of your Ligurian sailing itinerary.
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