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.
Scroll to explore ↓
Plan this charter
- First planned stop
- Sanremo to Alassio
- Final planned stop
- Santa Margherita Ligure to Portofino
Shore plans to discuss with your crew
- Day 1Stroll the 'Budello di Alassio', the town's characterful, shaded shopping lane.
- Day 1Visit the 'Muretto di Alassio', a wall covered in tiles signed by visiting celebrities.
- Day 1Take the tender for a closer look at the mysterious Gallinara Island, a nature reserve.
- Day 1Enjoy the yacht's water toys in the calm, protected bay.
- Day 2Explore the compact, atmospheric historic centre and its remaining towers.
- Day 2Visit the 11th-century Romanesque church of San Paragorio.
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
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Knowledge graph
Related destinations, marinas and yachts
Explore the places and charter options connected to this route.
Destinations on this route
An itinerary is defined by the places it visits
Berths on this route
The berths the route actually calls at
Yachts for this route
Yachts able to run the route
Explore this region and plan your week
Continue with the destinations, itineraries, marinas and practical guides that are most closely related to this page.