Yacht Charter Tuscany – Liguria

Tuscany and the Riviera of Liguria are ideal for families and leisure trips. The exploration of the prison island of Gorgona or a trip to the nature resort island of Caraia lends itself from the charter harbours of Livorno and Castiglioncello. Several of the Yacht Charter bases like Piombino Punta Ala or Etrusca Marina in Folonica are extremely well suited as starting points for trips to Elba. The islands of Giglio with a medieval castle mountain, dreamlike bays and lots of nature as well as Giannutri with steep cliffs, lots of seagulls and exciting grottos are within easy reach of Porto San Stefano al Mare further South. These islands combined form he Tuscan Archipelago – and to their North the Tyrrhenian Sea becomes the Ligurian Sea. The ones who want to stay on the mainland coast, can amble through picturesque harbours and simply enjoy the Italian “Dolce far Niente”. Tuscany boasts beautiful beaches likes the ones in Viareggio or Massa Marittima. Excursions through a landscape accented by pine trees, cypresses, olive trees and hills to Pisa, Lucca or to Carrara, home of the white marble are well advised.

When chartering in Genoa or La Spezia, you can sail southeast or west. Highlights on the Riviera de Levante southeast of Genoa are the “Cinque Terre”, five mountain villages with wine cultivation, tiny houses and a breathtaking scenery, Portofino, the harbour of the bold and beautiful (here you can come across the famous Sea cloud and in any case the luxury yachts of the nobility), Sestri Levante and Rapello. The Riviera di Flori, the Riviera of Flowers, lies west of Genoa towards Monaco and reaches up to Ventimiglia, from a sailing point of view it is similar to the French Riviera, well worth a visit are the seaside resorts Diano Marina and Sanremo, known for the yearly music festival or Imperia, where impressive races with classic yachts are hosted. The old town of Genoa is by all means worth an extended visit – and the Ligurian cuisine is simple yet delicious.

Yacht Charter Italy – Elba

Italy’s third-largest island lies only about one hour of sailing offshore. Elba, which is extremely well suited for a trip with the own “Bambini”, boasts lots of anchorages and bays, beautiful beaches and already altogether six harbours. There are charter yachts in Portoferraio, Marciana Marina and Rio Marina. The old harbour of the main village of Portoferraio doesn’t offer as much comfort as many a marina, but all the more diversity on the boardwalk and in town. Sailing won’t also be boring since there are lots of little “isole” again in the Strait of Piombino and around Elba.

Marciana Marina lies in the west of the island at the foot of Mount Capanne and built around an old fishing harbour. There is plenty of space for people lying at anchor, in case you need more comfort, you can moor on the swimming jetties in the marina. The harbour is also a good starting point for trips to Corsica. Meanwhile there are swimming jetties in Rio Marina, a typical village with small alleys. Porto Azzurro is regarded to be the altogether most beautiful harbour in the whole of Italy with a strung-out bay, quaint cafes on the waterfront and ancient castles watching over the harbour – since locals and tourists cherish the ambience alike, the streets are bustling with life and there is no shortage of nightlife. Marina di Campo down south is a true fishing harbour and often crowded – here anchoring is called for.

Pay attention to the weather forecast: Elba and the whole Tuscan Archipelago lie smack in the middle between the Tyrrhenian and the Ligurian Sea, therefore the forecasts of both regions are relevant.

Yacht Charter France – Corsica

Many Yacht Charter crews sail from Elba to Corsica. But on the French Island, you find a lot of Yacht Charter bases as well. Among other places, you can charter in Ajaccio, Bastia, Bonifacio, Porto Vecchio, and Propiano or in Calvi, a pretty harbour town in the Northwest with a large marina. Ajaccio, main town of the island in the same-named Gulf on the west coast and native town of Napoleon, houses two picturesque harbours – the Tino Rossi Harbour and the harbour of the admiralty, both with sufficient mooring for guests. Bastia in the North on Cape Corse has more of an Italian character than Ajaccio. The old harbour, over towered by a citadel, which is accessible via the “Peer of the Dragon”, is a yacht-, fishing- and ferry port – ferries from France and Italy arrive here. More mooring for charter sailors can be found in the yacht harbour Toga. Porto Vecchio or Bonifacio are well suited as starting harbour for trips southwards to Sardinia or to the islands of Cerbicales, Lavezzi and Cavallo. Many charter people sail from the Italian island of Elba to Corsica. Like elsewhere in France there is no want for good food and typical bars.

Here you find a list of waypoints for Elba and Corsica: Waypoints Elba / Corsica.