Italian Riviera Yacht Charter

Along the Ligurian coast, the Italian Riviera unfolds with cliffs and hidden coves, where history settles into every stone and the landscape shifts between wild green hills and sun-warmed villages. The journey begins in Portofino, its polished charm a quiet invitation, and then drifts toward Cinque Terre, where colors cascade down terraced cliffs like melting paint. Each bend reveals a new scene, almost too perfect to believe. A versatile fleet of sleek superyachts and graceful sailing vessels accommodates a range of experiences, from quiet indulgence to adventurous exploration. From May through October, the Riviera occupies a unique position where sea, light, and luxury converge.

Along the Italian Riviera, cliffs rise sharply from turquoise waters, villages cling to the hillsides, and the sea stretches wide for cruising. The season runs from spring to autumn, when the air carries warmth and possibility. Yachts slip into marinas like Portofino and Porto Lotti, where sleek yachts dock beside historic harbors. Days might pass between tasting refined local dishes, chasing waves on a paddleboard, or wandering ancient streets. Here, charterers, thrill-seekers, families, and those drawn by culture all find something to claim as their own.

The Italian Riviera is a region full of contrasts—here ancient port cities sit beside quiet fishing villages and sharp cliffs give way to sheltered bays. The Gulf of Genoa holds the region together—wide and deep, edged by the weight of Genoa itself, where history clings to the stone and rises with the hills. Portofino appears almost unreal in its elegance, a small stage set in perfection. Santa Margherita Ligure follows, slower, softer, content to stay in the background. Then the land breaks into fragments—Cinque Terre’s villages clinging to cliffs, color bleeding into the sea. La Spezia crouches behind its breakwaters, while Portovenere faces the open water, steady. Out past them, islands drift in and out of view. To the west, the Riviera Ponente wakes with the rhythm of Sanremo, then unwinds through Imperia and Alassio, places where time doesn’t rush. The Ligurian Islands—Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto—add quiet refuge to this mosaic

The Italian Riviera’s coastline is dotted with marinas that blend utility with a touch of luxury.

Porto Lotti in La Spezia is functional and composed—over 500 berths for yachts up to 100 meters, with all the essentials handled: fuel, food, security.

Across the bay lies Porto Mirabello, with more than 1,100 berths, built for those who want comfort wrapped in design—wellness suites, restaurants, events unfolding on the waterfront.

Portofino’s marina is different—smaller, cloistered, with just enough room for around 200 boats. What it offers isn’t size, but privacy, and a kind of ease that doesn’t try too hard.

Further west, Marina degli Aregai stretches out along Andora’s coast—nearly 1,000 berths, a practical hub where yachts up to 50 meters are serviced, refueled, and sent on their way.

Then there’s Portosole in Sanremo: over 700 berths, big enough for serious tonnage, but alive with the rhythm of a city that’s half marina, half theatre.

Prices along the Italian Riviera shift with the season, the yacht, and duration of the charter. July and August demand the highest rates—sun, crowds, and competition all peaking at once. But step outside the rush—April, even October—and the coast feels different: quieter, looser, and often less expensive. Those who commit to longer charters usually find better value, though the classic one-week trip still holds its place. Early booking tends to unlock the best rates and gives space to negotiate. Last-minute deals exist, but choice narrows fast.

A 22% VAT is standard on top of the base rate. Then there’s the APA—Advance Provisioning Allowance—typically 35 to 40% of the charter fee, set aside for fuel, provisioning, berths, and any extras that come up along the way. What’s not spent is returned. What goes over is billed. The system keeps the experience flexible, tailored, and mostly seamless.

From May to October, the Italian Riviera opens itself to the rhythm of the sea—this is the charter season, stretched between spring light and autumn gold. April kicks things off with the Genoa International Boat Show. By June, sails catch wind off Portofino during the Rolex Trophy.  Also in June, the Cinque Terre Film Festival celebrates film and culture in one of Italy’s most breathtaking landscapes. As summer arrives, La Mille Miglia in June—a classic car rally passing through the scenic Italian Riviera—adds a touch of vintage glamour to the region.

August brings a different kind of energy—San Remo Yacht Week turns the harbor into a swirl of champagne, hulls, and polished decks, all played out against a backdrop of music and motion. Then comes September, and with it, Le Vele d’Epoca di Imperia: a graceful show of historic yachts, wood gleaming under late-summer sun. Inland, the Festival della Filosofia in Modena shifts the tone—slower, more cerebral, ideas shared under porticoes and in quiet piazzas. October closes the season with the Chestnut Festival in Lavagna’s hills, where smoke rises, folk music plays, and the Riviera eases gently into fall.

Cliffs, quiet coves, and pastel villages—the Italian Riviera unfolds like a moving painting. From Portofino’s elegance to Cinque Terre’s wild edges, every stop feels unreal. Sail May to October, when sea and sky blur into gold. World-class marinas, local flavors, and timeless views await. Step aboard, and let the coast reshape your sense of time.

Contact us for the ultimate private luxury yacht experience on the Italian Riviera. Yacht Hunter’s expert charter consultants will craft a bespoke itinerary, seamlessly aligning your desires with insider recommendations to indulge in this enchanting destination.