Portofino Yacht Charter
Best time to visit:
MAY - SEPTEMBER
Portofino doesn’t need to prove anything. Tucked into a fold of the Ligurian coast, it’s long drawn the gaze of emperors, exiles, film stars. Pale facades spill toward the water, framed by green hills that haven’t changed much in centuries. Once a Roman outpost, later a pawn in the slow churn of European empires, the town bears the imprint of many — but speaks with its own quiet voice. Superyachts moor beneath Castello Brown; the larger ones drift further out, near Santa Margherita. Days stretch between hiking trails, café tables, and slow glides toward the Cinque Terre. May to September is the season. The yachts come and go. The place endures.
Portofino Yacht Charters: What You Need to Know
Portofino offers easy access to San Fruttuoso, Paraggi Beach, and the colorful fishing village of Camogli. The cruising season is long enough to accommodate both peak months and quieter escapes. Ashore, visitors find Michelin-starred restaurants, refined boutiques, and walking paths that wind toward Castello Brown and the Church of St. Martin. The marinas are modern, the infrastructure solid — well-suited to a range of yachts and itineraries along the Ligurian coast.
Popular Yacht Rental Destinations in Portofino
Yacht charters in Portofino revolve around its storied harbor — a compact, elegant stage framed by terraced facades, discreet luxury, and the steady arrival of superyachts. Just beyond, Santa Margherita Ligure offers a livelier contrast: a broad promenade, active marina, and a social scene that extends well into the evening. Eastward, Nervi blends manicured parks with the quiet grandeur of its seaside villas. Then comes Sestri Levante — calmer, more introspective — where the so-called Bay of Silence lives up to its name with still water and pale sand. The Tigullio Gulf binds it all together: dramatic coastline, deep anchorages, and pockets of solitude carved into the rock.
Renowned Marinas in Portofino
Portofino’s marinas operate with quiet precision. Discreet, efficient, tailored — built to serve without spectacle.
At the center, Portofino Marina accommodates yachts up to 70 meters. Space is limited, the setting unrivaled. Berths sit within steps of the village — boutiques, galleries, restaurants. Services are comprehensive: concierge, fuel, technical support, all delivered with minimal footprint.
Just beyond, Santa Margherita Ligure Marina offers greater capacity — around 450 berths for vessels up to 22 meters. The infrastructure is solid. Water, power, fuel, security — all in place. From here, the coastline opens. So does the pace.
Cost of Yacht Charters in Portofino
Charter rates in Portofino reflect the destination’s stature — shaped by yacht size, yacht type, and season. Peak summer months command the highest prices, when demand is at its strongest and berths in the harbor are at a premium. May and September offer a more discreet alternative: the same scenery, fewer crowds, and more favorable pricing.
A seven-day charter remains the standard. Longer bookings may secure preferential rates, particularly when arranged well in advance. Early reservations are not just advisable — they are essential for accessing top-tier yachts and negotiating optimal terms. For those with flexibility, select last-minute charters can offer value, though availability is limited.
All charters departing from Portofino are subject to Italy’s VAT, currently 22% on the base rate. In addition, an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) — typically 35–45% — is required to cover variable costs such as fuel, provisioning, berthing, and guest preferences. Any unused balance is refunded; any overage is settled post-charter. The result is a transparent, tailored experience along one of the most coveted coastlines in Europe.
Best Time for Yacht Charter in Portofino
The yachting season in Portofino runs from May through September — each month offering its own rhythm. July and August are high season: animated, sun-soaked, and socially charged, with the harbor alive from deck to shore. This is when Portofino plays to its glamorous reputation.
For a more measured pace, May and June are ideal. The sea is calm, the weather reliable, and the coastline still carries a sense of quiet elegance before the summer swell. September, meanwhile, offers a different kind of luxury — warm water, golden light, and a slower tempo. It’s a time for unhurried cruising and refined evenings, when the Riviera shows its softer side.
How to Charter a Yacht in Portofino
Portofino balances restraint and spectacle. Its harbor, though small, draws global attention — edged by fine dining, curated boutiques, and quietly efficient marinas. The setting is steep, green, and precise. Camogli lies just beyond the headland; the Cinque Terre a short cruise south. Spring brings clarity and calm. Summer, rhythm and display. Few places offer such density of experience within such a compact stretch of coast.
Contact Us for the ultimate private luxury yacht experience in Portofino. Yacht Hunter’s expert charter consultants will craft a bespoke itinerary, seamlessly aligning your desires with insider recommendations to indulge in this enchanting destination.
Reasons to visit:
Iconic Italian Riviera Destination
Stunning Coastal Cruising
Gateway to Cinque Terre and Beyond
Art, Culture, and Nature in One Stop
Effortless Elegance and Discretion
Can’t find the yacht you’re looking for?
Let us search for you.
Contact us for a personalized yacht selection!