Italy Archives

Secret Islands in the Western Mediterranean

Missy Johnston2023-03-20T16:11:05-04:00

Written by Missy Johnston

Aeolian Islands, Italy

The Western Mediterranean is full of “secret” islands. These little-known and mostly untouched slices of paradise offer a great opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of mainland Europe while still staying in complete luxury aboard your private yacht.

Few airports and ferries in the surrounding areas means that the secret islands on this list are so off the beaten path and hard to access that they escape the attention of most European tourists. On a crewed yacht charter to the area, you’ll have the opportunity to sail right up, drop anchor, and go ashore for some relaxation in peace and quiet on glistening sandy shores.

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Secret Islands in the Western MediterraneanMissy Johnston2023-03-20T16:11:05-04:00

What To See on Lipari Island During an Italian Private Luxury Yacht Charter

Missy Johnston2023-03-02T15:35:49-05:00

Lipari, Italy

Lipari, Italy offers a fascinating look into history. Formed from volcanic eruptions, this Aeolian Island is the largest in the chain and bears remnants of many civilizations throughout history. In fact, all of the Aeolian Islands are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here are some of the interesting ways to enjoy this unique destination during your Italian luxury private yacht charter through cruising through the Aeolian Islands.

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What To See on Lipari Island During an Italian Private Luxury Yacht CharterMissy Johnston2023-03-02T15:35:49-05:00

What To See In Alghero, Sardinia On A Private Yacht Charter

Missy Johnston2023-01-26T16:28:55-05:00

Alghero Fortification Walls

Alghero is one of the five largest cities on the island of Sardinia. It is the perfect place to wrap up your Italian private yacht charter. This 11th century town is packed with beautiful architecture, mouthwatering local food, and a historical center. What is very unique about Alghero, is that the population is noted for having retained the language of the Catalan rulers from the end of the Middle Ages, when Sardinia was part of the Crown of Aragon. Therefore, Alguerese, a Catalan dialect, is still spoken in Alghero, and recognized as a minority language. Many of the buildings are still standing from the Calalan time period of rule, and the cuisine is influenced by the Calalan roots while still being Italian.

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What To See In Alghero, Sardinia On A Private Yacht CharterMissy Johnston2023-01-26T16:28:55-05:00

Ravello Offers Many Options for Visitors on Italian Luxury Yacht Charters

Missy Johnston2022-12-16T10:44:07-05:00

Written by Missy Johnston

Ravello View from Villa Rufolo Gardens, Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast of Italy is the type of place where visitors often want to turn a single day’s visit into a month-long getaway. It’s just that beautiful and charming. It’s no wonder artists, writers, and musicians have flocked to the city of Ravello over the centuries to find inspiration for their creative works.

Ravello is one of the fascinating stops on an Italian Amalfi Coast private yacht charter. Here are some of the sights and activities that this historic home of Italian nobility offers.

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Ravello Offers Many Options for Visitors on Italian Luxury Yacht ChartersMissy Johnston2022-12-16T10:44:07-05:00

What To Do In Genoa, Italy, During A Private Luxury Yacht Cruise

Missy Johnston2022-11-17T15:44:33-05:00

Written By: Missy Johnston

Genoa Harbor, Italy

If you’re taking a private luxury yacht cruise through the Italian Riviera, there is no better place to start your journey than in beautiful Genoa, Italy, with an international airport very close to the yacht marinas where your charter yacht awaits.. Load up on rich Italian food and immerse yourself in the unique history and culture of the city before beginning your luxury yacht charter.

Food and Drink

Genoa Old Town

Sample the fresh seafood and pesto Genoa is known for at the Ristorante Creuza de Ma in Boccadasse. Additionally, Eataly Genova and the Pizzeria 23 Febbraio are great lunch options, while the Blue Lounge Bar and Restaurant inside the Melia Genova hotel offers amazing cocktails and dinner fare.

History and Architecture

San Lorenzo Cathedral

There is no shortage of gorgeous, historical buildings in Genoa. One example is the San Lorenzo Cathedral, a lovely Roman and Gothic style cathedral built between the 12th and 14th centuries.

luxury yachts, mega yachts, super yachts, VIP yacht charter

Genoa Old Port

To see more medieval-era buildings, take a walking tour through the Old City. You’ll be able to see mansions, churches, and palazzos, built by Genoa’s wealthiest residents, in between stops at the boutiques and restaurants hidden in the winding, maze-like streets. Genoa is Europe’s largest medieval town, so plan to spend a few hours exploring all of the narrow alleyways and open squares. Your captain can arrange a private museum quality guide for a walking tour.

Scenery and Attractions

View of Genoa from Spianata di Castelletto

The best view in Genoa may be the one from the Spianata di Castelletto. Climb the cobblestone staircase all the way to the top, or take the elevator from Piazza Portello, and enjoy looking at Genoa’s old town and port laid out below..

If maritime history and tradition are your cup of tea, perhaps visit the Galata Museo del Mare, which is the largest of its kind in the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting is Genoa’s Aquarium.

Genoa is such a perfect place to begin your yacht trip of northern Italy that you will undoubtedly want to spend more time here. Several Italian yacht cruise itineraries include Genoa as a starting point or ending port for either the Ligurian Coast or a charter that includes Portofino and the Cinqueterre.

What To Do In Genoa, Italy, During A Private Luxury Yacht CruiseMissy Johnston2022-11-17T15:44:33-05:00

Best Things to Do On a Private Yacht Cruise to Sicily

Missy Johnston2022-04-05T17:37:17-04:00

Written by Missy Johnston

Beautiful old harbor with wooden fishing boat in Cefalu, Sicily, Italy.

Beautiful old harbor-Sicily, Italy

Exploring Sicily on a luxury private yacht tour lets you experience the area in a most memorable way. The largest island in the Mediterranean offers a coastal paradise for you to enjoy during your private yacht cruise. Pick your favorite themes among white sand beaches, stunning rocky cliffs, enthralling history and architecture, luxury shopping, and delectable Italian cuisine, and then use this guide to create your customized Sicilian luxury yacht cruise itinerary.

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Best Things to Do On a Private Yacht Cruise to SicilyMissy Johnston2022-04-05T17:37:17-04:00

What to Do On Your Private Luxury Yacht Cruise to La Maddalena, Sardinia

Missy Johnston2022-01-28T14:05:06-05:00

Written by Missy Johnston

Beautiful Waters of La Maddalena Islands

The National Park of the Archipelago of La Maddalena is a truly stunning place to visit. Because the area is a protected national park, most of the area is unspoiled and largely uninhabited.

There are roads from land leading to many of the popular beaches, but if things get too busy, you can always raise anchor and move to another spot, which is the beauty of being in these lovely islands on a yacht charter. The yacht can always move to a more private location.

Only on a private luxury yacht cruise can you visit each of La Maddalena’s 62 islands at your leisure.

Choose your ideal beach. Or, visit all of them.

La Cinta Beach

Only on a private yacht can you visit all of the locations you want to visit in the Maddalena Islands. Without a private yacht, those who drive or take the bus to the beach for the day have to stay right there, no matter whether overflowing with others or not. This is not a worry on your own private yacht charter, and since the Maddalena Islands overflow with variety, there are many beaches from which to choose, that others might not be able to access unless they too are on a private yacht.

Cruise from the golden crescent beach of Spiaggia di Monte di Rena to the rocky seaside overlook of Spiaggia di Tegge for a change of pace. Hit Cala Francese to relax on a private beach of white granite and to snorkel in the sparkling waters, and then visit Bassa Trinita Beach to watch the sunset as you sip a cocktail on the soft white sand.

Go off the beaten path.

The beach of Spalmatore, Sardinia Italy

While others visit the popular Spalmatore Beach for a day of snorkeling or canoeing, you can be adventuring on the isolated, hidden beach at Spiaggia del Cardellino, a place most vacationers never get to see.

Glimpse the military barracks at Teialone Tower from the sea without having to navigate the rocky ruins on foot. Then sail past the pink sand beaches of Budelli, a place the general public cannot access.

Other wonderful, secluded options include Garibaldi Beach, Cala Coticcio, and Capocchia du Purpu Beach. These areas are hard to access by land.

Enjoy the aquatic points of interest.

You can customize your La Maddalena, Sardinia yacht cruise to go where you want to go by sea in the cruising area. Visit beautiful beaches, and various anchorages. Spiaggia del Relitto has a shipwreck that enlivens a day of snorkeling and the calm waters of Cala Brigantina offer an inlet teeming with marine life.

Spend some time on land.

Caprera Island

The town of La Maddalena offers a charming look into the past of Sardinia’s history. If nature holds as much appeal for you as the island chain’s history, head to the island of Caprera, where you can find both in abundance. Almost all of La Maddalena’s unique islands offer great hiking options. Once you have finished your trip through the archipelago paradise, then it’s time to sail over to the Sardinian mainland for the next stop on your luxury yacht cruise itinerary of Sardinia.

What to Do On Your Private Luxury Yacht Cruise to La Maddalena, SardiniaMissy Johnston2022-01-28T14:05:06-05:00

A Luxury Experience Like No Other: Explore Cinque Terre on Your Own Personal Luxury Yacht Tour

Missy Johnston2021-08-31T10:37:47-04:00

Written by Missy Johnston

Cinque Terre, Italy

Discover the hidden beauty of the Cinque Terre in Italy from your private luxury yacht charter, complete with your own captain, crew, and chef. The Cinque Terre, meaning “Five Lands”, is a hidden gem located on the coast of northwest Italy. Made up of five villages—Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore—this destination is best explored by sea.

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A Luxury Experience Like No Other: Explore Cinque Terre on Your Own Personal Luxury Yacht TourMissy Johnston2021-08-31T10:37:47-04:00

Get Off the Beaten Path: A Private Yacht Charter Stop on Giglio Island

Missy Johnston2021-04-07T13:44:21-04:00

Written by Missy Johnston

Giglio Island Port and Village

The archipelago of Tuscany is a favorite destination of many of our private yacht charter clients. Comprised of seven major islands—Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Montecristo, Pianosa, Gorgona, and Giannutri—there are plenty of ways to customize your itinerary to create a unique and memorable experience as you cruise the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas. Today, we’re highlighting Giglio Island. The only way to reach the island is by ferry, private yacht, or private yacht charter, making it the perfect stop if you want to avoid crowds and take the more remote pathway.

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Get Off the Beaten Path: A Private Yacht Charter Stop on Giglio IslandMissy Johnston2021-04-07T13:44:21-04:00

Discover the Pearl of the Riviera on a Private Yacht Charter: Portofino, Italy

Missy Johnston2021-04-07T14:21:05-04:00

Written by Missy Johnston

Portofino, Italy

Known as the “Pearl of the Riviera,” Portofino, Italy is a popular port for those seeking a fashionable and chic spot to visit on a luxury yacht charter. Come into the small “downtown” Portofino Harbor either stern-to along the quay, find a slip in the small marina, or anchor just off the mouth of the harbor in the National Park. But plan ahead, as docking or anchoring requires early reservations in order to get a spot. It is well worth the planning, however. This traditional Italian fishing village is sure to impress with its beachside cliffs and Tuscan-colored villas when visiting Portofino on a private yacht charter. (more…)

Discover the Pearl of the Riviera on a Private Yacht Charter: Portofino, ItalyMissy Johnston2021-04-07T14:21:05-04:00