The Best Things To Do In Italy And Its Islands
The Best Things To Do In Italy And Its Islands
The diversity of cruising grounds in Italy and its islands is one of the many alluring reasons why luxury yacht charters return year after year. A perfect Mediterranean summer experience, and a feast for your senses, full of art, architecture, culture, history, cuisine, and adventure. Italy’s mainland and its islands are bordered by stunning coastlines where you can experience dolce vita in its truest form.
A yacht charter itinerary can feature chic glamour, unspoiled volcanic islets, quaint fishing villages, UNESCO-protected hotspots, and outdoor adventures in the marine parks and ashore. Alongside its experiences, Italy offers a warmth of hospitality and a world-class culinary scene hard to find elsewhere. And for 2026, the country and its surrounding islands continue to be a standout summer Mediterranean yachting spot. Here is our charter guide and recommendations for a yacht charter in Italy this summer:
Best Destinations To Visit Along Italy’s Coastline
Often overshadowed by its popular French neighbour, the Italian Riviera is well worth its place on any Mediterranean yacht charter itinerary. Stretching along the Ligurian coastline toward Tuscany, this stretch of northwest Italy offers Italian charm and beauty with fewer crowds. Explore the yachting hub of Portofino, discover the UNESCO-protected Cinque Terre villages, and the maritime history of Genoa.
Further south, on the must-visit Italy lists, running from Sorrento to Salerno, is the legendary Amalfi Coast. This dramatic region is a yacht charter playground, and for endless reasons. Postcard-perfect villages of Positano, Amalfi, and UNESCO-listed Ravello are the headline acts, then onwards to the luxurious enclave island of Capri. Cruise the coastline, swim in hidden coves, and head ashore to picturesque villages, clifftop vineyards, and savor some of the country’s best dining.
On the northeastern coastline is Venice, a unique yacht charter destination built on a lagoon and easily reached by yacht. Including this romantic city on an itinerary gives you the opportunity to explore its history and culture ashore, while also providing a gateway to Adriatic cruising and onward to Croatia.
Explore Italy’s Offshore Islands
Italy’s two main islands, with their own archipelagos, also deliver some of the most rewarding cruising in the Mediterranean. Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda provides the superyacht glamour and lifestyle, while the La Maddalena archipelago is home to stunning marine parks and pristine waters. For an extraordinary food scene and history, head to Sicily, and to the north, its volcanic, UNESCO-listed Aeolian islands open the door to endless adventures.
Lesser-visited and more unknown are the Pontine Islands, near the Amalfi Coast, offering quieter anchorages, barely inhabited, with turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations and caves to explore.
Where To Wine And Dine
Before any dinner in Italy, be sure to appreciate the Italian ritual of the aperitivo hour, whether onboard or ashore at a bar, which ends the daytime and begins the evening with a cocktail and snacks, and which should be honored no matter where you dine. Italy’s dining scene is one that cannot be rivalled elsewhere, full of family-run spots and some of the world’s most legendary restaurants.
The Amalfi Coast alone has nine Michelin-starred restaurants, and La Sponda at La Sirenuse in Positano is one to book a table at. For more relaxed dining, Naples is the undisputed home of pizza; try it ashore in one of the many pizzerias. In the Italian Riviera, Portofino offers an array of fine-dining options, including Cracco, which holds one star. For beach club dining, Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda is an excellent option, including Phi Beach as one of the most famous spots to enjoy a leisurely lunch at.
Activities And Adventures To Experience
An Italian yacht charter is full of things to see and do, both above and below the waterline. The waters around Italy and its islands are among the clearest in the Mediterranean; the sea caves and submerged grottos around Capri are ideal for swimming. And the La Maddalena archipelago in Sardinia has some of the best diving.
Italy’s coastline is also perfect for those who want to stretch their legs. The famous clifftop trails along the Amalfi Coast, connecting Cinque Terre, offer panoramic views and charming experiences. Visiting the volcanoes of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands which provide adventurous experiences for those cruising here.
Italy’s Art, History, and Heritage Experiences
Italy holds the title of having more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country, and a yacht charter puts many of them within easy reach. Exploring the history and culture throughout the villages of the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre should feature on any itinerary. And the UNESCO site of Pompeii is one of the most profound archaeological experiences, accessed from Naples.
The art scene is another standout highlight for Italy when visiting on a yacht charter, and Venice is one of the world’s greatest art cities. Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia for one of Italy’s finest collections while ashore.
Throughout the country and islands, artisan traditions run deep, and there are various experiences to enjoy them firsthand, from glassblowing on Murano to paper-making in Amalfi and pesto and pasta-making in Cinque Terre. This culinary heritage can also be enjoyed, while always being a stone’s throw away from various vineyards, lemon and olive groves, and farms to visit ashore, to sample the best of local produce.
New Openings And Events For 2026
Italy and its islands remain one of the best 2026 Mediterranean summer yacht charter destinations, and this can also be experienced through new luxury openings and events. Just before the season begins, in May, in Venice, the World Superyacht Awards will be held, spotlighting some of IYC’s fleet nominated at this prestigious award event.
When it comes to hotels, one of the most anticipated summer openings on the Amalfi Coast is the Furore Grand Hotel, above the tiny fjord village, offering a design-led and luxury experience. And, on the islands, in summer, events like the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta return again to Porto Cervo, where an impressive array of sailing yachts race the coastline - a perfect opportunity to charter a yacht and get involved, or enjoy front-row seats.
While not until next year, it is worth planning ahead now for your 2027 Italy yachting vacation as Naples is the confirmed host city for the 38th America’s Cup, bringing the world’s oldest sporting trophy to the south of Italy for the first time. For those considering a charter for this, the excitement is already building.
Plan Your 2026 Yacht Charter
To enjoy dolce vita in full swing, with warm weather, calm seas, and the best of Italy and its islands this summer, be sure to do so on a luxury yacht charter. Whether you are seeking the glamorous superyacht style, unspoiled natural beauty and charm, activities ashore, or to immerse yourself in the rich cultural and historical sites, Italy should be on your list for summer 2026.
Contact IYC’s expert Italy charter consultants today to curate your perfect yacht charter itinerary for summer 2026 in Italy and its islands.
More To Explore
Italy is a highly popular yacht charter destination for 2026, and for good reason. From dramatic coastlines to historic cities and world-class cuisine, a yachting vacation in Italy can allow you to access the best of 'La Dolce Vita' - the sweet life.
The Italian coastline is an area where vineyards cascade down hillsides meeting the sea, and each village has its own world, from flavors and weather to wine. The coastal trails and piazzas draw in the crowds, but those who truly want a taste of Italy visit the vineyards and taste the results.
The Amalfi Coast is nothing short of spectacular; its dramatic stretch of coastline boasts charming villages, stunning landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. From lemon groves and vineyards to the picture-perfect towns from Sorrento to Salerno, this iconic region of Italy is a must-visit.
New Openings And Events For 2026 Photo Courtesy of Furore Grand Hotel