Santa Margherita Ligure, tucked into the Gulf of Tigullio on the eastern Ligurian Riviera, is one of the finest motor yacht charter bases on the Italian coast. Portofino is less than 20 minutes by sea, the Cinque Terre is a comfortable two-hour passage to the south, and the Gulf of Genoa opens north for those who want to explore the city. The Italian fleet includes around 36 motor yachts accessible from this area, ranging from sleek day cruisers to fully crewed superyachts with dedicated chefs and large watertoy inventories.
Santa Margherita Ligure has a well-equipped marina, excellent provisioning from the local market, and good connections to Genoa airport for fly-and-sail itineraries. Most vessels carry four to twelve guests and are maintained to the standard expected on the Portofino stretch of coast, where the charter clientele is among the most demanding in Italy.
Weekly rates for motor yachts from Santa Margherita Ligure begin at around 50,000 euros and rise above 300,000 euros for larger superyachts. The Advance Provisioning Allowance of approximately 30 percent covers fuel for the Portofino circuit and passages south toward the Cinque Terre, marina fees at Portofino and Lerici, provisioning from local markets, and crew running costs. High season runs June through September.
Itineraries from Santa Margherita Ligure naturally include Portofino for a first overnight, then south along the coast past the Tigullio headland to Sestri Levante and the Cinque Terre villages of Vernazza, Monterosso, and Riomaggiore, each accessible by tender from an offshore anchor.
