3 of the Most Authentic Marinas in Italy

Italy is one of the best destinations in the world for summer yacht charters. It is home to some of the largest and most exclusive marinas, but sometimes we know our clients want something a little more authentic. These marinas offer something quintessentially Italian and they are on the doorstep of unbeatable local shopping, dining and scenery. Read on to find out 3 of our favourite authentic marinas on a  luxury yacht charter in Italy.

1. Marina di Villasimius, Sardinia

Marina di Villasimius is located in the Capo Carbonara protected marine area of south-eastern Sardinia among stretches of golden coast. It is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful marine reservoirs in the world and is located near Villasimius village. The culturally rich territory that has been inhabited since prehistoric times and until recently it was a sleepy fishing village. It is one of the safest marinas in Sardinia and since there are no airports nearby, it has a real seafaring culture. It offers a range of refit, repair and maintenance facilities in the shipyard, in addition to shopping, restaurants and car, scooter and bike rental.

The Marina di Villasimius is located very close to some fantastic restaurants, such as Ristorante La Vela that has spectacular views of the harbour, Golfo dei Angeli, and breathtaking sunsets behind the mountains and across the sea. On the second Sunday of July, the Festa della Madonna del Naufrago procession takes place off the coast where a statue of the Virgin Mary lies on the seabed in honour of shipwrecked sailors.

2. Marina Porto Antico, Genoa

Marina Porto Antico is a stunning marina, centrally located in Genoa. Until this year, it was the host of the MYBA Charter Show since it can fit superyachts up to 75m in length. Genoa’s old town spreads out from the historic port in a confusion of tiny alleys and old palaces. There is a huge aquarium and the Galata Museum of the Sea which tells the story of Genoa’s naval triumphs. The marina is protected by the breakwater of the Port of Genoa and is therefore a safe haven against any storm. The site is manned 24/7 to provide peace of mind to yacht charterers and crews.

Porto Antico is within walking distance to restaurants and shops, many of which are located in the thriving commercial centre behind Piazza Caricamento and focused on the former medieval heart of the city Piazza Banchi. It’s full of character at any time of the year, but at weekends it is buzzing with street performers and Italian families enjoying a stroll by the water. The port is in a beautiful setting and has a lovely atmosphere; it’s about as authentic as you can get in a major city. Best of all, it can be combined with a yacht charter on the Amalfi Coast further south.

3. Marina di Portofino

Situated on a natural promontory, Marina di Portofino is in the Genoa region. It is possibly the most exclusive marina in Italy since it only has 14 berths for superyachts and an average berthing price of well over 2,000 euros. Unlike huge super-marinas, Marina di Portofino is full of authentic character and manages to mix an intimate village feel with exclusivity. It has become a playground for the rich and famous, including royalty, and since the village is only accessible by one road, visitors tend to arrive by boat.

Another attraction is its picturesque setting of colourful buildings clustered around the shore, many of them originally built as expensive holiday homes. Now upscale restaurants and cafes line the waterfront; Da Puny and Taverna del Marinaio are two of the best restaurants by the harbour and both are family-run with an attentive service. Winterose Wine Bar is located on the water’s edge just steps away from the piazza, where the marina’s office is located, and is the place to go to sample the region’s finest wines.

Portofino has created a reputation for itself as a unique enclave for elite and well-heeled visitors. Due to the lack of berths, reservations will need to be made many months in advance, especially during peak season. The marina itself offers water, electricity, wifi, laundry and technical services. Of course, the biggest appeal is its fantastic location on the edge of the village.

Please contact us if you would like us to arrange an Italian yacht charter itinerary with any of these marinas. Of course, our team will also be happy to help you with any yacht charter enquiries to all of our destinations.

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