Venice Yacht Charter Guide

The sight of Venice as you approach from the water is breathtaking. Warm lights from cafes and restaurants spill onto the streets and are reflected in the canals below. Gondoliers punt dreamily through canals as the sun sets in a pink sky, making the water glint. It is easy to see why the romance of this city has inspired poets and novelists across the centuries. Built on a lagoon, the best way to experience Venice is by yacht charter. Berth at the prestigious Punta della Salute and explore the city by dinghy or water taxi. Visit beautiful historic hotels accessible only by water, dine in Michelin-starred restaurants on the highly acclaimed seafood from the city’s aquaculture, and spend evenings watching the moon reflected in shimmering canals, with a chilled glass of local Prosecco.

Best Time To Visit: Venice has a lot to offer any time of year, with festivals throughout the seasons. Winter is beautiful but May – September are the warmest months.

Key Cruising Areas: Many of the lagoons and canals of Venice can be explored by tender, and the city’s location at the top of the Adriatic Sea offers many options to sail to the Croatian or Greek islands.

Don’t Miss: The Vaporetto water taxi is a must-do in Venice. Take the route up the Grand Canal for an incredible exhibition of Venetian architecture, and views of many famous sights of the city. Stop at St Mark’s Square and go to the top of the bell tower for the most incredible view of Venice.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: The area around San Marco is filled with restaurants, and while some cater to the tourists there are several excellent choices for those who want something a little more upmarket. Upstairs at Quadri restaurant, the beautiful view of the square is matched by the equally beautiful creations of Michelin-starred Chef Alajmo.

Best Local Dish: Venice is home to carpaccio, and so a trip to the city would not be complete without sampling the delicacy at its best. Head to Harry’s Bar where it was invented in 1950 and order the carpaccio and a Bellini – which was also invented here.

Local Culture: Venice is well known for its rich history, art, and music. Throughout the year festivals are held to celebrate arts and religious events and are well worth timing your visit for. The annual film festival is held in February, and the Redentore festival in July is famous for its impressive fireworks. Venetian Gothic architecture can be seen around the city, Doge’s Palace and the Ca’ d’Oro are two of the most famous buildings in this style.

Best Beach:  Venice is not famous for beaches, however with a private yacht you can visit the soft sands and shallow water of Albarella private island. Spend a day or two enjoying the unique lagoon, exploring by horseback, or indulging in the spa.

IYC recommends: Venice is a city that exudes art and romance. Get your most glamorous outfit on and experience the best of the Venetian art scene with tickets to the orchestra. Start at Harry’s for that Bellini, then stroll around the corner to the Teatro la Fenice – a stunning venue that hosts wonderful performances throughout the year.