Italy sailing guide 2025 – Amalfi, Sardinia and Sicily routes

Picking an Italian region

Italy delivers three distinct sailing experiences: postcard Amalfi towns, granite playgrounds in Sardinia, and active volcanoes in Sicily. All are accessible via direct flights and Charterwerk-supported bases.

Amalfi Coast & Bay of Naples

• Base – Castellammare di Stabia or Salerno.
• Wind – Thermal afternoon breeze 10–15 kn; watch swell from passing ferries.
• Route idea (7 days) – Procida → Ischia → Capri → Positano → Amalfi → Sorrento → Procida.
• Highlights – Sunset at Marina Grande (Capri), dining in Nerano, hiking the Path of the Gods.
• Restrictions – Limited anchoring in Capri high season; book marina spots through our concierge.

Sardinia & La Maddalena

• Base – Olbia or Cannigione.
• Wind – Mistral can reach 25 kn; crystal-clear anchorages reward early reefing.
• Route idea (7 days) – Porto Cervo → La Maddalena → Spargi → Budelli → Lavezzi (Corsica) → Bonifacio → return via Caprera.
• Highlights – Pink Beach (Budelli), Bonifacio cliffs, snorkeling at Spargiotto.
• Tips – Permits required for La Maddalena; Charterwerk arranges passes pre-embarkation.

Sicily & Aeolian Islands

• Base – Portorosa or Capo d’Orlando.
• Wind – June–September steady 12–18 kn; shoulder seasons more variable.
• Route idea (7 days) – Vulcano → Lipari → Salina → Panarea → Stromboli (night hike) → Filicudi → return.
• Highlights – Vulcano mud baths, Stromboli lava show, Malvasia wine on Salina.
• Tips – Maintain safe distances from Stromboli’s exclusion zone; our team provides daily updates.

Practicalities

• Transfers – Charterwerk organizes private shuttles from Naples, Olbia, Catania and Palermo airports.
• Provisioning – Pre-load via Conad or CRAI with dockside delivery.
• Mooring fees – Budget €120–€250/night in Amalfi peak season; Sardinia and Sicily offer more mooring buoys.
• Cuisine – Book farm-to-table experiences in Salina, reserve table at La Sponda (Positano) weeks in advance.
• Best price guarantee – Share comps; we match pricing with vetted Italian operators.

Extending your charter

Spend a second week heading south to Tropea and the Calabrian coast, or add Rome’s Pontine islands (Ponza, Palmarola) for a quieter vibe. Our Italian desk will tailor the route to your crew’s appetite for sailing miles versus shore time.