Italy is one of the most versatile and attractive destinations in Europe and considered to be home to some of the best sailing grounds in the Mediterranean.
It has over 5000 miles of coastline and is surrounded by other water bodies like the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, and Ligurian seas. While having the largest number of beaches in Europe, Italy is also special due to its having the highest number of UNESCO sites in the world. Itself listed as a UNESCO heritage site, the Amalfi Coast is a favourite sailing destination for sailors from all over the world, while the limitless sailing itinerary options extend from the mid coastline of western Italy to the island of Sardinia further to the west. Sailors can enjoy mooring up in town harbours with pastel-coloured houses, eating a variety of traditional Italian food, and plotting a route through the seas under the dominant gaze of Mounts Etna and Vesuvius. The picturesque seaside towns, sleepy islands, and clean, quiet beaches of this sprawling coastline provide tempting anchorages for sailors to explore.
Sicily
Some say, “When you see Sicily, you will see the whole world,” so it’s clear to all what Sicily has to offer. From its signature cuisine, excellent wines, and unique Sicilian red oranges, to the authentic smiles of the island’s welcoming hosts. That’s still not all that Sicily has to offer! Sicily carries on its back one of the most famous active volcanoes in the world—Mount Etna—which rises steeply to an incredible 3,250 meters above sea level. Besides historic monuments and buildings, Sicily also has one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, and you can find your perfect haven for relaxation on the beaches around Cefalu, the rocky Scala dei Turchi beach, or one of the many more spacious beaches of the Aeolian Islands.
Sardinia
The second largest island in the Mediterranean, one with exotic beaches and undiscovered beauty that’s an oasis for sailing enthusiasts, is Sardinia. Sardinia enchants tourists with its historical sights, cuisine, luxury shops, and beaches, as well as its modern marinas. The islands that are located near Sardinia and which you must be sure to visit are Aisnara, Maddalena, Carera, Tavolara, and Sant ‘Antioco. Another must-see is the pink beach of Spaggia Rosa on the islet of Budelli, which is picture-perfect in combination with the surrounding turquoise sea water makes you feel like you’re in a postcard.
Tuscan Archipelago
The National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago, which consists of seven islands located between the Tuscan Coast and Corsica, offers tourists and adventure-lovers countless attractions and experiences, with each of the islands being unique in what it has to offer. The nearby cities of Pisa and Florence have airports and are connected to the islands by regular sea transport. The islands of the Tuscan Archipelago—Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Giannutri, Gorgona, Montecristo, and Pianosa—preserve their historical, artistic and cultural heritage while the friendly locals build modern attitudes towards preserving tradition, developing environmental awareness, and building the reputation of the national park itself as a place where every visitor wants to return to.