Italian Riviera Yacht Charter

The Italian Riviera offers a wide range of luxury charter yachts, from elegant day boats and modern motor yachts to large superyachts cruising the Western Mediterranean during the summer season. Weekly charter rates vary depending on the yacht itself, the time of year, the itinerary and the level of service on board.

Professionally crewed motor yachts generally start from around €25,000–35,000 per week, while larger luxury yachts typically range between €60,000 and €250,000 or more. During the height of the Mediterranean season, many of the world’s finest superyachts cruise between Monaco, the French Riviera and Portofino, making the Italian Riviera one of Europe’s premier destinations for luxury yacht charter.

In addition to the base charter fee, guests should budget for Italian VAT, the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) and discretionary crew gratuities. APA generally represents around 35–40% of the charter fee for motor yachts and covers operating expenses such as fuel, food, beverages, marina fees and other costs incurred during the charter.

For shorter holidays, day charters around Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure are also extremely popular, particularly during the summer months. These provide an excellent opportunity to experience the Ligurian coastline without committing to a full week on board.

Because the Italian Riviera forms part of the wider Western Mediterranean cruising circuit, yacht availability can change significantly throughout the season as vessels reposition between the French Riviera, Corsica, Sardinia and Tuscany. Early booking is therefore recommended, particularly for July and August departures.

The Italian Riviera enjoys a long Mediterranean cruising season, with pleasant weather typically extending from May through September and often well into October. Thanks to Liguria’s mild climate, every part of the season offers something different depending on the style of holiday you are looking for.

May & June – Elegant Cruising Before Peak Season

Late spring and early summer are among the most enjoyable times to explore the Italian Riviera by yacht. Temperatures are pleasantly warm, restaurants and waterfront terraces begin to fill with life, while the coastline remains noticeably quieter than during the busiest summer weeks.

This period is ideal for guests looking to enjoy Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure and Cinque Terre in a more relaxed atmosphere, with greater flexibility for marina reservations and popular restaurants.

July & August – The Riviera at Its Most Vibrant

During July and August, the Italian Riviera comes alive. Luxury yachts fill Portofino’s famous harbour, waterfront restaurants buzz with activity and the entire coastline enjoys long sunny days perfect for swimming, watersports and alfresco dining.

This is also when many yachts cruising the French Riviera continue east towards Liguria, making the region one of the Mediterranean’s most prestigious summer yachting destinations.

As this is the busiest period of the season, we strongly recommend booking well in advance to secure both the preferred yacht and marina reservations.

September – Our Favourite Month

If we had to recommend a single month for an Italian Riviera yacht charter, it would probably be September.

The sea remains beautifully warm after the summer, temperatures become more comfortable and the atmosphere throughout the region feels noticeably more relaxed. Guests can still enjoy excellent weather while experiencing Portofino, Camogli and Cinque Terre with fewer visitors than during August.

For many repeat charter clients, September offers the perfect balance between ideal cruising conditions and authentic Italian lifestyle.

Our Recommendation

Every month offers its own appeal, but whenever travel dates are flexible, we generally recommend June or September.

June combines excellent weather with quieter marinas before the height of summer, while September offers warm seas, beautiful light and a more relaxed atmosphere along the Ligurian coast.

The Italian Riviera offers several convenient embarkation points depending on the itinerary you have in mind. Whether you are planning a short coastal cruise or a longer voyage towards France or Tuscany, selecting the right starting point helps maximize your time on board.

Genoa

Genoa is the principal gateway to the Ligurian coastline, offering excellent international flight connections, large marinas and convenient access to the entire Italian Riviera. Many larger yachts embark here before cruising east towards Portofino or west towards Sanremo and the French Riviera.

Santa Margherita Ligure

For guests focusing on Portofino and the eastern Riviera, Santa Margherita Ligure provides one of the most convenient embarkation points. Its elegant marina, beautiful waterfront and close proximity to Portofino make it an ideal place to begin a relaxed luxury charter.

Portofino

Although Portofino itself has a relatively small harbor, embarking directly here offers a truly memorable start to a yacht charter. Depending on the yacht’s size and local harbor regulations, guests may board directly in the harbor or via tender from a nearby anchorage.

La Spezia

Located close to Portovenere and Cinque Terre, La Spezia serves as an excellent base for exploring the eastern Ligurian coastline. It is particularly popular for itineraries continuing towards Tuscany, Elba or Corsica.

Combine the Italian and French Rivieras

One of the great advantages of chartering in Liguria is its proximity to the Côte d’Azur. Many luxury yachts spend the summer cruising between Monaco, Cap Ferrat, Cannes, Antibes, Portofino and Cinque Terre, allowing guests to combine two of the Mediterranean’s most prestigious cruising regions within a single itinerary.

When guests think about chartering a yacht in Italy, the Amalfi Coast and Sardinia are often the first destinations that come to mind. Yet the Italian Riviera offers a completely different experience—one that many experienced charterers ultimately come to prefer.

Rather than dramatic island-hopping or vibrant beach clubs, the Italian Riviera is defined by elegant coastal towns, protected marine parks and a slower pace of life. Distances between destinations are relatively short, allowing guests to spend less time cruising and more time enjoying long lunches overlooking picturesque harbors, swimming in secluded coves and exploring charming villages ashore.

This is a destination where luxury feels understated. Portofino’s famous harbor, the colorful waterfront of Camogli, the secluded Abbey of San Fruttuoso and the UNESCO-listed villages of Cinque Terre all share an atmosphere that is sophisticated without ever feeling excessive.

We often recommend the Italian Riviera to couples, repeat charter guests and clients looking for an authentic Italian experience centered around exceptional food, elegant surroundings and relaxed cruising rather than nightlife.

Another advantage is its strategic location within the Western Mediterranean. Many itineraries combine the Italian Riviera with the French Riviera, Monaco or even northern Tuscany, creating longer cruises that blend two countries and several distinct cruising styles into a single charter.

As MYBA yacht charter brokers, our role is to help clients choose not only the right yacht, but also the destination that best reflects the type of holiday they want to enjoy. For guests seeking refined coastal cruising, timeless Italian elegance and spectacular scenery, the Italian Riviera is often one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets.