Portofino & Ligurian Coast Yacht Charter

For decades, luxury yacht charter groups to the Ligurian Coast - also known as the Italian Riviera - have adored the tiny and beautiful port of Portofino in Italy. As a commune of Genoa that has welcomed aristocrats, artists and celebrities over the centuries, Portofino provides a taste of the finer things in life, evolving with the times from a small fishing village on the rugged east coast and embracing its popularity while preserving its myriad charms.

Colourful buildings and quaint cobblestone streets meander away from the port that attracts sailing yachts and motor yachts alike. Cafes, boutique shops and gelatarias spill out into the harbour piazza from where you can watch the superyachts come and go, or take in the breath-taking views from on top of the hill.

The surrounding region is also a delight to culture-seekers, wine tasters, water sports fans and those looking to do nothing more than take life at their leisure and make the most of the services on board: The Cinque-Terre villages are carefully preserved UNESCO World Heritage Sites best accessed by water. Sperm whales and dolphins are regular visitors to the area that will be a magical encounter during any swim.

In Genoa, immerse yourself in the 16th Century palaces and residences of Via Garibaldi and at Forte dei Marmi guests can spoil themselves with lavish spas, Michelin-starred restaurants, high-end shops and a spectacular beach that stretches for miles.

5 quick reasons to visit Portofino & the Ligurian Coast:

Sensational UNESCO World Heritage Sites, fantastic snorkel and dive sites, delicious cuisine and wine tasting tours, golden sand beaches, incredible shopping

Portofino & the Ligurian Coast Yacht Charter Experiences

The Ligurian coastline is scenic and spectacular, combining colourful buildings with historic alleyways spilling over with vivid bougainvillea. At night, lantern-style electric lights create a romantic ambiance that makes the country of passion the perfect place to propose, have a honeymoon or celebrate an anniversary.

Sanremo or Genoa is the perfect place to begin, end or extend your luxury yacht charter due to its proximity to the French Riviera yacht charter grounds - another fantastic region to explore. In addition to Via Garibaldi, there are numerous theatres and residences to visit around Piazza Raffaele de Ferrari, including the Doge's Palace and Christopher Columbus's house.

Follow the curve of the coast to the empty beaches of Punta Chiappa on the cape, then on to Cala dell'Oro and most importantly the Portofino Marine reserve where the Christ of the Abyss statue is located: Snorkellers will be able to see the statue through the clear water, whereas Scuba divers can get up close and descend the 40m/131ft to see the marine life swimming around its base. On dry land there is also the historic abbey and museum Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, which discusses the lives of the prisoners held there and the graffiti that they left behind.

Further down the Italian coast you'll sail upon 'Cinque Terre' - A succession of five coastal villages, all with the same spectacular views of the seas. These villages are less expensive and less sophisticated than their more popular sister, Portofino, yet they are a spectacular sight from your luxury yacht and each has its own unique charms to accompany its clean and clear beaches. Hikers looking to spend extra time on land can take the famous and stunning walk along this coastal route that links the five towns.

From Cinque Terre, guests can choose whether to indulge in some contemporary delights in Forte dei Marmi and Livorno with its top quality restaurants, beach clubs and bars, or immerse yourselves further in nature at Porto Venere and Palmaria. Caparia and Elba are both situated within the Tuscany National Park and are perfect for water sports above and below the water: Octopus, starfish and a massive variety of fish can be found around the vivid sea corals, walls and caves. Further south is Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome and her splendid architectural and historical gems.

The types of yacht charter available in Portofino & Cinque Terre Italy include all the main types such as large crewed motor yachts, sailing yachts, catamaran, sailboats, luxury yachts and off-course the ever increasing super yacht charter. Like most of the Mediterranean, the Italian yacht chartering season generally runs from April to the end of October. Just like the favourite hideaways of the rich and famous, Portofino and the Italian Riveria is enjoying ever increasing popularity and success as a destination for Western Mediterranean luxury yacht charters.

Things to Consider:

Yachting Seasons & Climate:

Portofino and the Ligurian Coast in the summer has that perfect balance between summer sunshine and cool breezes, with temperatures sitting around a comfortable 24°C/75°F and winter temperatures around 9°C/48°F. October tends to be the wettest month with June through to August the driest period, and from June until September, the sea temperature sits at a warm 20°C/68°F and above.

Clothing to Pack For Your Charter

Although beachwear is acceptable along the coast, smart-casual is the usual dress code for restaurants and bars with elegant eveningwear for concerts and casinos in the larger destinations.

Light layers are perfect for the summer months and a jacket will stave off the chill in the evening. When visiting religious sites, clothing should cover shoulders and thighs.

Main Ports and Marinas:

Porto Antico (Genoa), Marina di Portofino, Porto di Portovenere, Porto Mirabello, Porto di Livorno, Portoferraio

Famous Restaurants & Clubs:

Paolo e Barbara restaurant (Sanremo), Winterose Wine Bar (Portofino), Ristorante Puny(Portofino), La Peranza (Santa Margherita), Babicio (Portovenere), La Pia (La Spezia),

A Must See Attraction:

Via Garibaldi (Sanremo) Christ of the Abyss, Cinque Terre villages, Tuscany Natural Reserve

Best beaches to visit in your yacht:

Punta Chiappa, Cala dell'Oro, San Fruttuoso, La Grotta Di Moneglia, Porto Pidocchio, Spiaggia Levanto, Vernazza Beach, Guvano Beach, Riomaggiore Beach, Punta del Persico, Pozzale Beach, Groppolo Beach, The White Beach Rosignano, Cala della Mortola, Viticcio Beach, Samson Beach, Nisporto Beach

Local Yacht Events:

Italian Music Festival (Sanremo), Euro Flora (Sanremo), Festival of Fire (Recco

Best time to go:

The weather is driest and warmest from May until September, resulting in the most outdoor events during this period. Due to the school summer holidays from July until the end of August and therefore making it the busiest season. Autumn is a great time to go while the weather is still warm and dry and the popular locations are not as crowded.

Further Charter Information

Yacht Rentals Available: Go here for the current list of yacht rentals in Portofino and the Ligurian Coast.

Full Italy Yacht Charter Guide: Go here for the essential Italy yacht charter guide.

Italy Itineraries: Here is a selection of broker itineraries for Italy.

News: Read the latest superyacht news about Portofino and the Ligurian Coast.