The Italian Riviera & Cinque Terre
The Ligurian air is thick with the scent of salt, basil, and blossoming citrus as your yacht slips from its berth in Marina di Portofino. Ahead lies a coastline of impossible drama, where pastel-hued villages cling to sheer cliffs and ancient terraced vineyards cascade towards a turquoise sea. This is a journey through the heart of the Italian Riviera, from the exclusive glamour of Portofino to the raw, protected beauty of the five lands, the Cinque Terre, where life moves at a slower, more deliberate pace.
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Plan this charter
- First planned stop
- Portofino
- Final planned stop
- La Spezia
Shore plans to discuss with your crew
- Day 1Aperitivo in the famous Piazzetta di Portofino
- Day 1Walk up to Castello Brown for panoramic views of the harbour
- Day 1Visit the ochre-striped Church of San Giorgio
- Day 1Explore the boutiques along Via Roma
- Day 2Snorkel or dive over the Christ of the Abyss statue
- Day 2Explore the medieval Abbazia di San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte
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
Portofino
Embark in the iconic harbour of Portofino, a perfect amphitheatre of tall, slender houses painted in warm ochre, pink, and terracotta. The afternoon sun glints off the superyachts as you settle on board, absorbing the atmosphere of this celebrated fishing village turned jet-set haven. A gentle stroll reveals designer boutiques tucked into narrow lanes and the historic Piazetta, the village's vibrant, open-air salon.
- Aperitivo in the famous Piazzetta di Portofino
- Walk up to Castello Brown for panoramic views of the harbour
- Visit the ochre-striped Church of San Giorgio
- Explore the boutiques along Via Roma
- Anchorage
- Marina di Portofino
- Dining
- Ristorante Puny, for classic Ligurian dishes with a side of people-watching.
- DAY 02
San Fruttuoso & Camogli
A short morning cruise reveals the secluded bay of San Fruttuoso, a hidden gem accessible only by sea or steep footpaths. Dominating the pebble beach is a 10th-century abbey, its stone arches rising directly from the shore. Below the crystalline water lies the submerged bronze statue, 'Christ of the Abyss', a moving sight for snorkellers and divers, before you continue to the colourful fishing port of Camogli.
- Snorkel or dive over the Christ of the Abyss statue
- Explore the medieval Abbazia di San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte
- Enjoy the secluded pebble beach and clear waters
- Cruise past the tall, painted facades of Camogli's waterfront
- Anchorage
- Anchor in the bay of San Fruttuoso
- Dining
- Da Laura, a simple trattoria on the beach serving fresh fish.
- DAY 03
Sestri Levante
Arrive at the enchanting town of Sestri Levante, uniquely situated on a narrow 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 Baia del Silenzio (Bay of Silence). Anchor in the tranquil embrace of the Bay of Silence, its calm waters reflecting the elegant palazzi and fishing boats drawn up on the sand.
- Swim and paddleboard in the sheltered Baia del Silenzio
- Stroll the 'caruggio', the main pedestrian street of the old town
- Hike the headland of Punta Manara for superb coastal views
- Visit the Galleria Rizzi to see Ligurian art and ceramics
- Anchorage
- Anchor in Baia del Silenzio
- Dining
- Ristorante Portobello, enjoying fresh seafood with views across the bay.
- DAY 04
Monterosso al Mare
Welcome to the Cinque Terre. Your first stop is Monterosso, the largest of the five villages, known for its extensive sandy beach and lemon groves. The yacht anchors off Spiaggia di Fegina, allowing for an easy tender ride ashore to explore. The town is split in two, with the modern beach area connected by a tunnel to the charming old town, a delightful maze of narrow streets and artisan shops.
- Relax on Fegina Beach, the longest stretch of sand in the Cinque Terre
- Explore the old town and its 13th-century Church of St. John the Baptist
- Climb the steps to the Convento dei Cappuccini for a commanding view
- Taste the local speciality: salted anchovies ('acciughe di Monterosso')
- Anchorage
- Anchor off Fegina beach
- Dining
- Ristorante Miky, a local institution celebrated for its creative seafood.
- DAY 05
Vernazza
Cruise to what is perhaps the most picturesque of the five villages, Vernazza. The yacht drops anchor outside the small, bustling harbour, which curves around a lively piazza lined with cafés. Brightly coloured houses cluster around the waterfront, watched over by the medieval Castello Doria. The air hums with activity as fishing boats and ferries come and go from this perfect natural port.
- Climb the watchtower of Castello Doria for classic views of the village
- Photograph the harbour from the stone jetty
- Visit the Church of Santa Margherita d'Antiochia on the water's edge
- Enjoy a glass of local white wine in the waterfront Piazza Marconi
- Anchorage
- Anchor offshore from the main harbour
- Dining
- Ristorante Belforte, dramatically set within a medieval fortress wall.
- DAY 06
Manarola
After a morning cruise past the cliff-top village of Corniglia, you arrive at Manarola, a cascade of colourful houses tumbling down a ravine to a tiny harbour. This is the heart of the region’s viticulture, with ancient terraces carved into the cliffs to cultivate grapes for the famed Sciacchetrà dessert wine. The view from the sea as the sun begins to set is a defining image of the Italian Riviera.
- Walk the coastal path to the Punta Bonfiglio viewpoint
- Explore the steep, terraced vineyards that produce Sciacchetrà wine
- Visit the 14th-century Gothic Church of San Lorenzo
- Swim in the deep, clear water of the rocky harbour
- Anchorage
- Anchor south of the village
- Dining
- Trattoria Dal Billy, perched high in the village with stunning sea views.
- DAY 07
Portovenere
Your final overnight stop is Portovenere, the majestic 'sixth village' guarding the entrance to the Gulf of La Spezia. This fortified maritime town is a UNESCO World Heritage site alongside the Cinque Terre, boasting a dramatic Gothic church on a rocky promontory and a formidable castle. Across the strait, the island of Palmaria offers tranquil anchorages and hiking trails, providing a perfect counterpoint to the town's energy.
- Explore the sea cave known as Byron's Grotto
- Visit the black-and-white striped Church of San Pietro on its rocky headland
- Wander the narrow main street, Via Capellini
- Take the tender to the island of Palmaria for a swim
- Anchorage
- Anchor in the strait between Portovenere and Palmaria Island
- Dining
- Locanda Lorena on Palmaria Island, reached by the restaurant's private launch.
- DAY 08
La Spezia
Enjoy a final, leisurely breakfast on the aft deck as the yacht makes the short crossing of the 'Gulf of Poets'. The morning light illuminates the coastal towns of Lerici and San Terenzo as you glide towards your destination. Arrive at the modern, well-appointed Porto Mirabello in La Spezia for a smooth and seamless disembarkation, filled with the sensory impressions of a week on the Ligurian coast.
- A final morning swim in the Gulf of Poets
- Enjoying views of Lerici castle from the water
- A sumptuous farewell breakfast prepared by the chef
- Effortless arrival at the disembarkation berth in Porto Mirabello
- Anchorage
- Porto Mirabello, La Spezia
- Dining
- A final alfresco breakfast on board.
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