Italian Dolce Vita

Between Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, the Cilento Coast and the Aeolian Islands, just choose your point of departure and enjoy the beauty of Italy's islands and coasts.

In brief

Italy is a magnificent destination for combining sailing, cultural visits, the discovery of legendary gastronomy and Mediterranean landscapes.

Live to the rhythm of intense Italian culture, to the sound of lilting intonations and indulge in the evening ritual of the passeggiata.

You'll have a choice of beautiful sailing areas: Cabot around the volcanic islands of the Aeolian Islands, between wild nature and black sand beaches.
Sail along the Amalfi Coast, between colorful villages, coves and wonderful islands such as Ischia, Capri, Procida...
Discover the islands of Tuscany: Elba, Capria, Montecristo... between ancient monuments, crystal-clear seas and pebbled coves.

When you charter a catamaran in Italy, come and discover the variety that Italy's nature and culture have to offer, and experience the Dolce vita as you wander through its narrow streets.

Information before you leave

The climate

Although there are nuances, there are two main climatic zones in Italy. Northern Italy has a continental climate on the plains and a mountain climate in the hills. Winters are harsh and foggy, summers hot and humid.

And then there's central and southern Italy, which is Mediterranean in character, with mild temperatures despite cold snaps and rain in winter. Summers here are torrid and dry, with shoulder seasons marked by heavy rain and thunderstorms.

The west coast, bathed by the Tyrrhenian Sea, is wetter than the east coast, bordered by the Adriatic Sea.

Average temperatures on the island of Elba in the Tuscan archipelago between June and September range from 22 to 27°C.

The climate of the Aeolian Islands is characterized by low rainfall. Temperatures are mixed in winter, but remain decent in summer thanks to the pleasant coolness of the sea breeze. Average temperatures range from 13°C in winter (January) to 20°C in spring (May), 27°C in summer (July) and 21°C in autumn (October).

In the south, Sicily is the country's hottest region. Temperatures on the island range from 17 to 34°C throughout the year.

Prevailing winds

In the Tyrrhenian Sea, and especially in Sicily, you'll encounter the Sirocco, a strong, hot, dry Saharan wind.

In the Aeolian Islands north of Sicily, the prevailing winds in spring and autumn are from the northwest-southeast. In summer, they come from the north-west-north.

On the islands of Tuscany, the Mistral (north-westerly) is the main wind, making the days less stifling. In summer, it alternates with the Sirocco. The Libeccio (south-west) and Ponant (west), although much less frequent, blow more steadily and can make the sea very rough.

Geography and vegetation

Geography: Italy is divided into four main regions: the Alps, the Po plain, the Apennines and the islands. Italy is a mountainous and hilly country, with plains accounting for only a quarter of its territory. Italy is bathed by the Mediterranean Sea: the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, the Ionian Sea to the south and the Adriatic Sea to the east. The Apennine chain runs through the country, forming its backbone.

Even the Italian islands have rocky, indented coasts and hinterlands of hills and mountains.

And let's not forget the volcanic nature of the regions between Naples and Sicily. Among the volcanoes still active, the most famous are Vesuvius (Naples), Stromboli (Aeolian Islands) and Etna (Sicily).

Italy's largest island is Sicily, followed by Sardinia and Elba.

Vegetation: The coast is dominated by holm oak, cork oak, domestic pine, maritime pine and Aleppo pine, along with many hardy shrubs such as eucalyptus, myrtle and cypress. The foothills of the Apennines are ideal for growing vines, olives and almonds. On the southern coasts, only yellow primroses, myrtles and eucalyptus can bloom due to the very dry climate. Sicily is the land of vineyards and citrus orchards.

Gofe de Baratti, Tuscany, Italy - Ralf Rosenschild Wirestock Creators -

Swimming

The ideal time to go swimming in Italy is from June to September or October.

In August, the beaches are crowded with Italians on their summer vacations.

The average water temperature between April and October in Sicily's Aeolian Islands varies between 22°C (October) and 27°C (August). In the Bay of Naples, the average water temperature is between 21°C (October) and 26°C (August). On the islands of Tuscany, it's between 20°C (October) and 25°C (August).

Formalities

For stays of up to 3 months, French nationals must be in possession of a valid identity document (national identity card or passport). This also applies to minors.

For nationals of other countries, please contact the relevant authorities.

National identity cards issued to adults between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013 will still be valid 5 years after the expiry date shown on the back.

Please note that identification is required to embark with one of our rental partners.

Administrative formalities France Côte d'Azur

Sailing in Italy

A license is required in Italy to sail any category of yacht.

A boating license is also required to drive a motorboat with a power rating of 20 hp or more.

To discover the Bay of Naples, the Amalfi Coast and the Cilento Coast, take a catamaran from the Naples or Salerno areas, including the Marina d'Arechi.

To sail around the islands of Tuscany, you'll leave from the ports of Punta Ala, Di Scarlino, San Vincenzo or Castiglioncello.

To reach the Aeolian Islands, you'll have to set sail from the Sicilian ports of Capo Orlando and Portorosa, or from other smaller ports.

To know more

Currency and exchange rates : The Euro.

Time difference: No time difference with France. Time zone: GMT+1.

Important contacts: European emergency number: 112, Police: 113, First aid: 115

Language: Italian.

Getting to Italy: Pisa airport is a good starting point for nautical bases on the Tuscan coast, Naples for the Amalfi coast, and Catania or Palermo for the Aeolian Islands.

At restaurants: Pane e coperto is often added to the bill (bread and cutlery 1-3 € per person).

Porto Azzurro, Elba Island, Tuscany, Italy - Balate Dorin -

Italy in pictures

Cala dello Smeraldo, Giglio island, Tuscany, Italy - arkanto -

Marina di campo, Elba Island, Italy - Jovannig -

Marciana Marina, Elba Island, Italy, UwalthiePic Project

Island of Capraia, Tuscany, Italy - ericasar -

The itineraries and anchorages we suggest are given for information only.

They can be adapted to suit your desires, weather and anchorage conditions (crowds, accessibility) and your departure base.

In the case of a skippered charter, the skipper, who is responsible for the smooth running of your cruise, will decide on the best navigation options in exchange with you.