Italy Yacht Charter Guide

Yacht charter rates in Italy vary widely depending on the yacht’s size, build year, guest capacity, and onboard amenities. Weekly base rates for crewed motor yachts typically begin around €25,000 and can exceed €350,000 for the largest superyachts.

Seasonality is a key factor. High season occurs in July and August, bringing the highest demand and pricing, particularly in hotspots like Capri, the Amalfi Coast, and Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda. In contrast, May, June, September, and early October offer lower rates and a more relaxed pace of cruising, often with better berth availability and milder temperatures.

In addition to the base fee, charterers should account for an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) of 25–40%. This pre-paid fund covers onboard expenses such as fuel, provisions, marina fees, and excursions. At the end of the charter, any unused APA is refunded with a full breakdown of spending.

Italy imposes a 22% VAT on charters that embark within its territorial waters. However, partial exemptions may apply if the itinerary extends into international waters or includes non-EU ports. Your IYC consultant will clarify the applicable VAT for your specific route.

Crew gratuity is not included in the rate but is customary, typically 10–20% of the base charter fee, given at the guest’s discretion in recognition of exceptional service.

For tailored itinerary planning and access to the finest yachts cruising Italy’s coastlines, IYC’s expert consultants would be happy to assist you.

Italy offers one of the most diverse and rewarding cruising landscapes in the Mediterranean. With over 4,700 miles of coastline and a rich spread of islands from Liguria to Sicily, the country offers itineraries that blend iconic harbors, hidden coves, and world-class cuisine.

The Amalfi Coast is a popular starting point, with embarkation from Naples or Sorrento and easy routes to Positano, Capri, and Amalfi. Capri offers luxury shopping and cliffside dining, while Ischia is known for its thermal spas and botanical gardens.

Further north, the Tuscan Archipelago includes Elba, Giglio, Capraia, and Montecristo. These protected islands form a national park that is ideal for snorkeling, hiking, and quiet anchorages, with convenient access from mainland ports like Porto Ercole.

Liguria’s Cinque Terre delivers postcard-perfect views of five colorful fishing villages, best seen from the sea. Sardinia, to the west, is a yachting haven with white beaches, clear waters, and glamorous ports such as Porto Cervo and Cala di Volpe. The nearby La Maddalena islands offer protected cruising and secluded bays.

Sicily features dramatic coastline, historic ports, and panoramic views of Mount Etna. To the north, the Aeolian Islands include Stromboli, Lipari, Panarea, and others. These volcanic isles offer black-sand beaches, thermal pools, and striking rock formations, adding a unique character to any charter itinerary.

Cruising distances are short, allowing for relaxed itineraries with daily variety. For tailored yacht options and itinerary planning across Italy, IYC’s expert consultants would be happy to assist you.

Italy offers a rich variety of charter yachts suited to its diverse cruising regions. Motor yachts are the most popular choice, delivering speed, space, and seamless access to destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, and Portofino. From compact sport yachts to full-displacement superyachts, these yachts balance style and performance across Italy’s coastal and island routes.

For those seeking a more traditional experience, sailing yachts and gulets provide wind-powered elegance, ideal for scenic cruising around the Tuscan Archipelago or Aeolian Islands. Catamarans are also widely available, favored for their stability, shallow draft, and open-plan layouts that suit families or casual anchoring along southern shores.

Most yachts are fully crewed and accommodate up to 12 guests, with fleet options spanning all major categories and cruising styles.

The charter fee in Italy covers the essentials of your yachting experience: the yacht itself, a full-time professional crew, insurance, and all standard onboard equipment for navigation and guest enjoyment. However, operational costs are not included in the base rate.

These expenses are handled through an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA), which is typically 25–40% of the charter fee. Paid before embarkation, the APA is managed by the Captain throughout the itinerary. A detailed breakdown of all expenditures is provided at the end of the charter, and any unused funds are returned to the client.

Charters embarking in Italy are also subject to Italian VAT. The standard rate is 22%, although reduced rates may apply if the itinerary includes significant time spent in international waters. IYC’s team advises on the most current VAT implications based on your chosen route.

Crew gratuity is not included in the fee or APA. While discretionary, a tip of 10–20% of the base charter fee is customary in Italy and reflects appreciation for exceptional service.

For a complete, transparent cost outline and help selecting the right yacht for your Italian itinerary, IYC’s expert consultants would be happy to assist you.

The APA, or Advance Provisioning Allowance, is a key component of the yacht charter process. It is a fund paid in advance of your charter, typically equal to 25–40% of the base charter fee, and is used to cover all operational expenses incurred during your trip. This includes fuel, food and beverages, marina fees, port taxes, transfers, and any special arrangements made to tailor your experience.

The APA is held onboard and managed by the yacht’s Captain, who ensures all provisioning and logistics are carried out efficiently and in line with your preferences. Prior to boarding, guests complete a preference sheet, noting dietary requests, beverage selections, activity interests, and more, which guides how the APA is allocated. Every expenditure is documented, and at the end of the charter, a full accounting is provided. Any unspent funds are refunded, while any overages are settled directly with the client.

As an example: if your weekly charter fee is $100,000, an APA of approximately $25,000 to $40,000 would be requested in advance. These funds might be used for cruising fuel, provisioning of meals and drinks, berthing fees, and third-party services such as private transfers or curated onshore excursions.

This system allows for complete flexibility, ensuring that the charter experience can be adjusted in real time, whether you decide to cruise further than originally planned or make spontaneous arrangements along the way. APA funds must be received before embarkation, typically via bank transfer alongside the final balance payment.

While seven-day charters are the standard format in Italy, especially for crewed motor yachts operating under MYBA agreements, itineraries may vary. Weekly bookings remain the most common, with rates quoted on a per-week basis and schedules designed accordingly. However, shorter or longer durations can sometimes be arranged depending on the yacht, season, and booking calendar. In such cases, pricing is typically calculated on a pro-rata basis using a six-day divisor to reflect fixed operational costs. All terms are agreed individually between the client and Central Agent.

Most charters begin and end at 12:00 pm, which is standard practice across the Mediterranean. Noon embarkation allows the crew to complete cleaning, provisioning, and technical checks before guests arrive. Disembarkation at the same hour on the final day supports a consistent and efficient turnaround.

For tailored itinerary planning, yacht selection, and full cost transparency, our expert consultants would be happy to assist you.

Italy currently offers a stable, welcoming, and well-connected environment for international travelers. As a Schengen member state, it allows visa-free travel for most European citizens and short-stay access for U.S., U.K., and Canadian nationals under standard entry rules. Visitors may remain in Italy for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa, provided travel is for tourism or leisure purposes.

The euro is Italy’s official currency, providing consistency for those cruising other Mediterranean countries. Major yacht embarkation points, including Naples, Genoa, Palermo, and Venice, are accessible via international airports and high-speed rail, ensuring smooth guest arrivals. English is commonly spoken in key marinas and coastal towns, where tourism infrastructure is strong and well-established.

There are no current health-related entry restrictions or Covid-specific regulations. Standard vaccinations are advised but not mandatory, and Italy maintains high hygiene standards across hospitality and yachting sectors.

For detailed entry logistics, cruising guidance, and yacht selection along Italy’s varied coastlines and islands, IYC’s expert consultants would be happy to assist you.

Italy enjoys a Mediterranean climate that supports a long and varied yachting season. From May through early October, coastal regions are bathed in sunshine, with warm air and sea temperatures creating ideal conditions for cruising. The peak summer months of July and August bring daily highs of 82°F to 95°F (28°C to 35°C), particularly across southern charter hubs like Sicily and Sardinia, where the sea warms to a comfortable 77°F to 79°F (25°C to 26°C). Rainfall is rare during this period, and the days are long, making it perfect for anchoring off Capri, dining on deck, or swimming in sheltered coves.

Spring and early autumn, especially May, June, and September, are widely regarded as the most balanced months for a charter. These shoulder periods offer calmer winds, milder heat (70°F to 81°F / 21°C to 27°C), and fewer tourists ashore. Sea temperatures remain pleasant enough for daily swims and watersports. October remains viable for southern itineraries, although weather patterns begin to shift toward cooler evenings and increased rainfall, particularly in central and northern regions.

From November to March, Italy enters its off-season, with cooler temperatures and fewer yachts in operation. While winter charters are uncommon in the north, southern regions such as the Aeolian Islands or the Amalfi Coast may still offer cultural cruising, particularly for guests prioritizing onshore exploration over watersports. Wind patterns like the Sirocco and Mistral can shape route planning throughout the year but are closely monitored by professional crews.

For tailored itineraries and current yacht availability along Italy’s iconic coasts, IYC’s expert consultants would be happy to assist you.

Italy operates on a 230V / 50Hz electrical system and supports Type C and Type F plug sockets, the standard configuration across most of continental Europe. Travelers from the U.S., U.K., Canada, or other non-EU countries will need a plug adapter, and potentially a voltage converter for any device that doesn’t support dual voltage. Fortunately, the majority of modern electronics like laptops, phones, tablets, and cameras, are dual voltage and require only an adapter to function properly.

For guests chartering a yacht in Italy, onboard electrical compatibility is rarely a concern. Most professionally crewed yachts are equipped with universal power sockets, USB charging stations, and inverters to accommodate international usage. While docked in Italy’s marinas, yachts draw on reliable shore power (usually between 220 and 240 volts). When cruising or anchored offshore, the yacht’s generators provide seamless, full-capacity power.

We recommend bringing a universal adapter with surge protection to safeguard sensitive devices. If you’re traveling with high-draw appliances or medical equipment, IYC’s expert consultants can help ensure compatibility with your selected yacht and confirm onboard electrical specifications in advance.

Italy offers strong mobile connectivity, making it easy to stay connected while cruising its celebrated coastline. The country enjoys extensive 4G coverage, and 5G service is now active in most metropolitan areas and along well-traveled coastal hubs, including ports in Naples, Genoa, Palermo, and Cagliari. If you're traveling from an EU or EEA country, you can use your home mobile plan in Italy at no additional cost under the “Roam Like at Home” regulation. For guests from outside the EU, such as the U.S., U.K., or Canada, it’s advisable to purchase a local SIM or eSIM. Providers like TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre offer reliable prepaid data packages with strong national coverage.

On board, most charter yachts in Italy are equipped with Wi-Fi via 4G or 5G routers, with some also supporting satellite connections for offshore access. While coverage is generally strong near marinas and inhabited coastlines, it may weaken in remote anchorages, such as parts of the Maddalena Archipelago or isolated coves along the Amalfi Coast. For guests requiring continuous, high-speed connectivity, IYC’s consultants can match you with a yacht optimized for seamless onboard access.

Recreational drone use is permitted in Italy but governed by EU-wide EASA rules and enforced locally by ENAC. Drones weighing over 250 grams or fitted with a camera must be registered, and operators are typically required to complete online training and certification. Flying over historic sites, including Pompeii, Florence’s city center, or the Vatican, is prohibited without formal authorization. Likewise, aerial operations near airports, military zones, or protected marine parks require advance clearance. With drone usage increasingly monitored, particularly in crowded tourist zones, compliance is essential.

Italy offers a safe and health-conscious environment for yacht charters, supported by excellent medical infrastructure and professional yacht crew trained in safety protocols. The national emergency number 112 is available throughout the country, and English-speaking assistance is common in major ports and charter-friendly regions. Coastal cities such as Naples, Palermo, Olbia, and Genoa are equipped with high-standard hospitals and clinics, while islands like Capri and Lipari have reliable emergency services and helicopter access for medical transfers when needed. Pharmacies are easy to find across coastal towns and islands, often open late and staffed by knowledgeable professionals.

Sun exposure during the summer months is significant, especially while at sea or relaxing on deck. Protective clothing, high-SPF sunscreen, and hydration are vital for guest comfort. Italy’s surrounding waters are clean and temperate. Sea temperatures average 73°F to 79°F (23°C to 26°C) between June and September, making conditions ideal for swimming and watersports.

Italy’s food hygiene standards are high, both ashore and on board. Experienced yacht chefs work with fresh regional produce and are skilled at accommodating a wide range of dietary needs, from gluten-free to allergy-conscious menus.

No special vaccinations are required to enter Italy, and while Covid-related restrictions have eased, crew continue to follow cleanliness protocols to protect guest wellbeing.

Depending on your cruising area, seasonal winds such as the Maestrale in Sardinia or the Scirocco in the south may influence routing. Experienced captains adjust itineraries to ensure a smooth, enjoyable journey along Italy’s celebrated coastline.

For personalized health and wellness guidance tailored to your itinerary and yacht selection, IYC’s expert consultants would be happy to assist you.