Blue Ocean Club
6 days · 6 stops

The Ligurian Arc

The Ligurian sun warms the deck as your yacht departs Sanremo, the scent of flowers giving way to salt spray. This is a voyage of contrasts along Italy’s famed crescent-shaped coastline, from the wide promenades of the Riviera di Ponente to the dramatic, cliff-hugging villages of the Levante. Each day reveals a new facet of Ligurian life, culminating in the arrival at Portofino’s iconic harbour, a sight that has captivated sailors for centuries. This is the Italian Riviera, experienced at the perfect pace, from the water.

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  1. DAY 01

    Sanremo to Alassio

    After embarking in Portosole, a gentle morning cruise east brings you to the sweeping golden bay of Alassio. Your yacht drops anchor in the clear water, with the town’s long sandy beach and pastel-hued buildings providing a classic Riviera backdrop. The afternoon is for swimming, exploring the town’s famous narrow shopping alley, or simply relaxing on the sun deck.

    • Stroll the 'Budello di Alassio', the town's characterful, shaded shopping lane.
    • Visit the 'Muretto di Alassio', a wall covered in tiles signed by visiting celebrities.
    • Take the tender for a closer look at the mysterious Gallinara Island, a nature reserve.
    • Enjoy the yacht's water toys in the calm, protected bay.
    Anchorage
    Anchor in the Rada di Alassio (Bay of Alassio).
    Dining
    Lamberti Ristorante for refined seafood on its beachfront terrace.
  2. DAY 02

    Alassio to Noli

    The coastline becomes more rugged as you cruise towards Noli, a perfectly preserved mediaeval town and one of Italy’s ancient Maritime Republics. Anchored beneath the gaze of Castello di Monte Ursino, you can tender ashore to wander through a time capsule of stone towers and arched alleyways. The nearby Baia dei Saraceni offers a spectacular spot for an afternoon swim, framed by sheer rock faces.

    • Explore the compact, atmospheric historic centre and its remaining towers.
    • Visit the 11th-century Romanesque church of San Paragorio.
    • Swim in the turquoise waters of the Baia dei Saraceni.
    • Hike a section of the 'Pilgrim's Path' for elevated views of the coast.
    Anchorage
    Anchor in the bay south of Noli's main pier.
    Dining
    A Michelin-starred experience at Ristorante Vescovado, located within the bishop's palace.
  3. DAY 03

    Noli to Genoa

    Trade coastal villages for maritime grandeur with a morning arrival in Genoa, 'La Superba'. You berth in the Porto Antico, a harbour masterfully redesigned by Renzo Piano, where modern architecture sits beside centuries of history. Spend the day immersed in the city's UNESCO-listed centre, a labyrinthine network of 'caruggi' alleyways that open onto magnificent piazze and opulent palaces.

    • Discover the opulent Palazzi dei Rolli on Via Garibaldi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
    • Get lost in the 'Caruggi', the maze of narrow mediaeval alleyways.
    • Take the 'Bigo' panoramic lift for a 360-degree view of the port and city.
    • Visit the historic fishing village of Boccadasse, a colourful enclave within the city.
    Anchorage
    Berth at Marina Molo Vecchio in the Porto Antico.
    Dining
    Zeffirino for its celebrated, traditional pesto Genovese, or fresh anchovies at a trattoria in Boccadasse.
  4. DAY 04

    Genoa to San Fruttuoso

    Leaving the city astern, you enter the Portofino Marine Protected Area. Your destination is the secluded cove of San Fruttuoso, accessible only by sea or steep footpaths. The 10th-century abbey, set against a tiny pebble beach and emerald water, is a truly arresting sight. The deep bay is also home to the submerged statue, 'Il Cristo degli Abissi', a unique spectacle for snorkelers and divers.

    • Tour the Abbazia di San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte, a beautifully restored Benedictine monastery.
    • Snorkel or dive over the submerged 'Christ of the Abyss' statue.
    • Relax on the small pebble beach, accessible only from the water or by hiking.
    • Hike from the bay towards Portofino for superb coastal views.
    Anchorage
    Pick up a mooring buoy in the bay (reservations essential).
    Dining
    A simple, delicious lunch of freshly caught fish at Da Laura, right on the beach.
  5. DAY 05

    San Fruttuoso to Santa Margherita Ligure

    A short and scenic cruise takes you to the elegant resort town of Santa Margherita Ligure. Its graceful, palm-fringed waterfront is lined with grand hotels and bustling cafés, exuding an air of old-world sophistication. Spend the afternoon exploring the painted villas, browsing the chic boutiques, or taking the tender to the exquisite, jewel-like bay of Paraggi for a final swim before evening.

    • Stroll the elegant waterfront promenade, Lungomare Vittorio Veneto.
    • Visit the gardens of the 17th-century Villa Durazzo-Centurione.
    • Browse the designer shops and local delicatessens in the town centre.
    • Enjoy a classic aperitivo at a waterfront bar, watching the world go by.
    Anchorage
    Berth in the main Port of Santa Margherita Ligure.
    Dining
    Ristorante Antonio for impeccable seafood, or Pizzeria Il Delfino for a more casual evening.
  6. DAY 06

    Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino

    The final leg of your journey is the brief, spectacular cruise around the headland to Portofino. The approach by sea is the only way to appreciate the harbour's perfect composition, a tiny amphitheatre of tall, slender houses painted in shades of ochre, pink, and terracotta. After a final breakfast on board, you step ashore into the Piazzetta, the heart of one of the world's most famous and enchanting fishing villages.

    • Walk to Castello Brown for the definitive postcard view over the harbour.
    • Visit the small, striped Church of St. George (San Giorgio).
    • Window-shop at the high-fashion boutiques lining the harbour.
    • Enjoy a final cappuccino in the Piazzetta, soaking in the atmosphere.
    Anchorage
    Marina di Portofino.
    Dining
    A celebratory farewell lunch at Chuflay Restaurant, overlooking the harbour's famous superyachts.
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