Jewels of the Italian Riviera
The sun warms the deck as your yacht departs Genoa, the Ligurian coastline unfurling like a painted scroll. Dramatic cliffs plunge into an emerald sea, concealing ancient fishing villages and coves accessible only from the water. From the glamour of Portofino to the terraced vineyards of the Cinque Terre, this is an intimate journey through the heart of the Italian Riviera, where every anchorage reveals another facet of its enduring charm and culinary excellence.
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Plan this charter
- First planned stop
- San Fruttuoso & Camogli
- Final planned stop
- Portovenere
Shore plans to discuss with your crew
- Day 1Dive or snorkel over the 'Cristo degli Abissi' (Christ of the Abyss) statue.
- Day 1Explore the medieval Abbey of San Fruttuoso, now a national monument.
- Day 1Enjoy an aperitivo in the harbour of Camogli, watching the fishing boats return.
- Day 1Hike part of the trail from San Fruttuoso towards Portofino for stunning views.
- Day 2Hike the cypress-lined path to Castello Brown for panoramic views of the harbour.
- Day 2Browse the exclusive designer boutiques hidden along the Piazzetta.
Confirm joining and departure ports, yacht availability and the daily passage plan before paying a deposit. The captain decides anchorages and any route changes for weather, sea conditions and local restrictions. Shore venues, marine-park permissions and activity bookings require separate confirmation.
Map connections are schematic, not a navigable passage plan. Distances, safe approaches and passage times must be checked by the captain.
Ask for an itemised quotation covering the charter fee, taxes, APA or package expenses, berth charges and any delivery or redelivery costs.
- DAY 01
San Fruttuoso & Camogli
After a short cruise from Genoa, the secluded bay of San Fruttuoso appears, a tiny pebble beach dominated by a 10th-century abbey. The water is startlingly clear, revealing the famous submerged statue of Christ of the Abyss. Nearby, the tall, brightly-painted houses of Camogli cascade down the hillside to its bustling little harbour, a perfect vision of a classic Ligurian fishing village.
- Dive or snorkel over the 'Cristo degli Abissi' (Christ of the Abyss) statue.
- Explore the medieval Abbey of San Fruttuoso, now a national monument.
- Enjoy an aperitivo in the harbour of Camogli, watching the fishing boats return.
- Hike part of the trail from San Fruttuoso towards Portofino for stunning views.
- Anchorage
- Anchorage in the bay of San Fruttuoso (weather permitting)
- Dining
- Da Laura, a simple, family-run trattoria on the beach at San Fruttuoso serving fresh fish.
- DAY 02
Portofino
A gentle morning cruise brings you to the legendary harbour of Portofino. This amphitheatre of pastel-hued buildings embraces a bay filled with sleek tenders and traditional fishing boats. The air hums with a quiet sophistication, watched over by the historic Castello Brown, which commands the headland and offers a peerless view of this iconic Riviera gem.
- Hike the cypress-lined path to Castello Brown for panoramic views of the harbour.
- Browse the exclusive designer boutiques hidden along the Piazzetta.
- Take a tender to the Portofino Lighthouse (Il Faro) for a sunset cocktail.
- Visit the Church of San Giorgio, resting place of the town's patron saint.
- Anchorage
- Marina di Portofino (reservations essential) or anchor in the nearby bay of Paraggi.
- Dining
- Ristorante Puny, an iconic and celebrity-favourite spot right on the main square.
- DAY 03
Santa Margherita Ligure
Just around the headland lies the elegant resort town of Santa Margherita Ligure. A palm-fringed promenade is lined with grand hotels and Liberty-style villas, fronting a large, active harbour. It offers a more spacious and relaxed atmosphere than its famous neighbour, with beautiful public gardens and a charming historic centre to explore.
- Stroll through the ornate gardens of Villa Durazzo-Centurione.
- Discover the Baroque splendour of the Basilica of St. Margaret of Antioch.
- Enjoy the chic beach clubs at Niasca or Paraggi Bay, a short tender ride away.
- Sample the local 'gamberi rossi' (red prawns), a prized delicacy.
- Anchorage
- Porto di Santa Margherita Ligure
- Dining
- Ristorante Antonio for classic Ligurian seafood or Trattoria Baicin for authentic local dishes.
- DAY 04
Sestri Levante
Your journey continues south to Sestri Levante, uniquely situated on an isthmus connecting the mainland to a small peninsula. This geography creates two distinct bays: the lively Baia delle Favole (Bay of Fables) and the serene, sandy Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence). The latter is a perfectly curved crescent of sand and pastel buildings, offering one of the most romantic anchorages on the coast.
- Anchor and swim in the calm, protected waters of the Baia del Silenzio.
- Walk through the 'caruggi' (narrow lanes) of the old town centre.
- Hike the trails on the Punta Manara headland for exceptional coastal vistas.
- Taste 'testaroli' pasta with fresh pesto, a regional speciality.
- Anchorage
- Anchor in the Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence)
- Dining
- Ristorante Portobello, with tables set directly on the sands of the Bay of Silence.
- DAY 05
Vernazza, Cinque Terre
Today you cruise along the dramatic, UNESCO-protected coastline of the Cinque Terre. The yacht provides the ultimate vantage point for these five villages clinging to the cliffs. You anchor off Vernazza, its natural harbour guarded by the medieval Doria Castle and the waterfront Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia, creating an unforgettable scene.
- Climb the Belforte tower of Doria Castle for the classic postcard photograph.
- Hike a portion of the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) towards Monterosso.
- Swim in the small, protected harbour or from the rocks below the castle.
- Sample Sciacchetrà, the rare and delicious local dessert wine.
- Anchorage
- Anchor off the coast of Vernazza or neighbouring Monterosso al Mare.
- Dining
- Ristorante Belforte, built into the ancient castle fortifications with staggering sea views.
- DAY 06
Portovenere
Your final day begins at Portovenere, the majestic gatekeeper to the Gulf of Poets. This fortified village is defined by the incredible Church of St. Peter, a black-and-white striped Gothic church perched on a rocky outcrop facing the open sea. A row of tall, narrow 'case-torri' (tower houses) lines the harbour, completing a scene of medieval maritime power before your short cruise to La Spezia.
- Explore the Church of St. Peter, seemingly carved from the cliff itself.
- Visit Byron's Grotto, a rocky cove where the poet is said to have swum.
- Circumnavigate the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto by tender.
- Walk down the main street, Via Capellini, to discover local artisan shops.
- Anchorage
- Disembark at Porto Mirabello, La Spezia
- Dining
- A final celebratory lunch at Locanda Lorena on Palmaria Island, with views back towards Portovenere.
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