The Italian Riviera By Yacht: Where To Go This Summer
The Italian Riviera By Yacht: Where To Go This Summer
Spanning from the French Riviera border to the pastel harbors of Portofino and the dramatic coastline of the Cinque Terre, the Italian Riviera and region of Liguria is one not to miss this summer when chartering a yacht. The coastline is full of contrasts: glamorous waterfronts to century-old fishing villages, hidden coves to iconic harbors, and Michelin-dining to family-run trattorias.
For those exploring the Italian Riviera by yacht charter this summer, there are lots of appealing spots and experiences to add to your itinerary. And for this 2026 season, there are a handful of notable additions that offer even more reasons to get ashore between cruising. Here is what not to miss:
Discover Genoa
Often bypassed by charter guests heading directly for Portofino, Genoa is certainly worth stopping at and exploring. This year, the city's UNESCO-listed historic center feels more accessible than ever, with the expansion of Palazzo Durazzo Suites drawing renewed attention to one of the Riviera's most fascinating cultural treasures.
Time spent in Genoa offers the chance to explore the city's magnificent Rolli Palaces, wander atmospheric alleyways, and enjoy private dining experiences within frescoed salons that reflect centuries of maritime wealth.
Portofino's Allure
No Italian Riviera yachting itinerary is complete without Portofino. While the iconic harbor remains largely unchanged, several recent enhancements cement its position as one of the Mediterranean's most desirable destinations this summer.
At the legendary Hotel Splendido, guests can experience newly unveiled suites, beautifully restored gardens, and a curated collection of experiences celebrating the surrounding coastline. From private excursions to the abbey of San Fruttuoso to botanical tours through the hillside landscape, these experiences offer a deeper connection to Portofino beyond the famous piazzetta. Arriving by tender is still one of the most memorable ways to experience the village, with the colorful waterfront gradually revealing itself against a backdrop of pine-covered hills.
New Beach Clubs
Beach clubs along this stretch of Italian coastline continue to evolve into sophisticated social and culinary hotspots, and one of the season's most interesting newcomers can be found in San Michele di Pagana.
Located between Rapallo and Portofino, Bagni San Michele introduces a relaxed all-day concept that perfectly captures the Riviera lifestyle. Charter guests can arrive by tender for a leisurely lunch, spend the afternoon swimming from the shoreline, and stay ashore for sundowners overlooking the bay. It offers a more understated alternative to some of the region's better-known hotspots while retaining all the charm of the Ligurian coast.
Culinary Stops
For yachts cruising west towards Monaco, La Spiaggetta dei Balzi Rossi continues to establish itself as one of the Riviera's most distinctive waterfront dining destinations. Set above crystal-clear water near the French border, the beach club enters the new Mediterranean season with cuisine overseen by acclaimed chef Mauro Colagreco. The result is a refined dining experience that celebrates local ingredients and Mediterranean flavors in an extraordinary coastal setting. It's an ideal final lunch stop before crossing into French waters or a memorable beginning to an eastbound Riviera itinerary.
Liguria's Quieter Side
Part of the Riviera's appeal lies in its lesser-known corners. Sestri Levante is one of the coast's most beautiful anchorages, framed by its twin bays and golden evening light.Further west, Imperia continues to attract visitors seeking a more authentic Ligurian atmosphere. Here, a visit to the beautifully restored Palazzo Ricardi offers a glimpse into the region's aristocratic past, with its historic architecture providing a fascinating contrast to the contemporary luxury of life on board a yacht. These quieter destinations often become itinerary highlights, giving guests pleasure through a slower pace and fewer crowds.
Cinque Terre From The Water
The villages of the Cinque Terre are among Italy's most recognizable coastal landscapes, but experiencing them by yacht offers an entirely different perspective. Arriving early by tender allows guests to explore the colorful villages before the day-tripper crowds arrive, while the coastline itself is full of hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and swimming spots inaccessible from land.
Charter In The Italian Riviera This Summer
What defines the Italian Riviera in 2026 is not a headline opening but a continued refinement of the experiences that make the region so appealing by yacht. Whether exploring Genoa's historic palaces, enjoying a long lunch at a newly reimagined beach club, discovering quieter corners of Liguria, or arriving by tender into Portofino's famous harbor, it remains one of the Mediterranean's most alluring coastlines to explore. Contact our expert IYC consultants to explore the opportunities in Italy this summer.