The Ligurian coast offers some of the best sailing in Italy: consistent summer breezes off the Apennines, a well-sheltered coastline broken by headlands that create interesting tactical passages, and a sequence of ports and anchorages close enough for comfortable daysailing. Portofino sits near the centre of the Ligurian Riviera, making it an ideal base for a sailing itinerary that runs west toward San Remo and the French border, or east toward the Cinque Terre, Portovenere, and the gulf of La Spezia.
Italy hosts approximately seven sailing charter yachts, from elegant performance sloops to crewed catamarans suited to families and larger groups. The Ligurian Sea’s afternoon Libeccio, the southwest wind that builds after noon in settled weather, provides reliable sailing most days from June through September, and experienced sailing crew know how to time passages to make the most of it.
Charter rates for sailing yachts in Italy run from around 10,000 to 50,000 euros per week, with modest advance provisioning allowances reflecting the lower fuel bills of a sailing vessel. Portofino’s berth fees remain an important budget line regardless of vessel type; sailing yachts often prefer to anchor in the bay or take a mooring buoy in the outer harbour, reducing costs while maintaining proximity to the village.
Sailing from Portofino toward the Cinque Terre is one of the definitive Mediterranean experiences: the cliffs rise sheer from the water, the painted villages cling to terraces above the sea, and a well-trimmed sailboat running downwind along the coast in golden afternoon light covers the fifteen miles in two and a half hours of pure sailing pleasure.
