Portofino to Saint-Florent Passage
The scent of basil and sea salt hangs in the air as your yacht slips from Portofino’s iconic harbour, its pastel houses receding into the verdant coastline. This is a journey of contrasts, from the polished glamour of the Italian Riviera to the untamed spirit of the Ligurian Sea. You cross open water to the volcanic isle of Capraia, a wild stepping stone, before making landfall on Corsica’s northern shores. Here, the maquis-scented hills tumble into turquoise bays and ancient vineyards await, culminating in the chic, relaxed atmosphere of Saint-Florent.
Scroll to explore ↓
- DAY 01
Portofino, Italian Riviera
Embark in the afternoon at Marina di Portofino, a harbour so perfectly formed it feels like a film set. Settle into your suite as the crew serves a welcome glass of Franciacorta, absorbing the gentle hum of the Piazzetta and the sight of colourful fishing boats bobbing beside sleek tenders. The evening is for soaking in the uniquely effervescent atmosphere of this world-renowned Ligurian jewel.
- Take the tender for a private visit to the secluded San Fruttuoso Abbey.
- Walk up to Castello Brown for commanding views of the harbour and coastline.
- Browse the exclusive boutiques lining the famous Piazzetta.
- Enjoy a classic aperitivo at a waterfront bar, watching the world go by.
- Anchorage
- Marina di Portofino
- Dining
- Ristorante Puny, an iconic establishment on the Piazzetta serving refined Ligurian seafood.
- DAY 02
Cinque Terre
A morning cruise south reveals the dramatic coastal scenery of the Cinque Terre. From the sea, the five villages appear as a cascade of colour, clinging precariously to cliffs terraced with ancient vineyards and olive groves. Your captain finds a perfect anchorage off Monterosso, the largest of the villages, providing a superb base for exploring this celebrated UNESCO World Heritage site by tender.
- Land by tender to explore Vernazza's small, fortified harbour.
- Swim in the protected waters of the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre.
- Hike a small portion of the famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) for spectacular views.
- Sample Sciacchetrà, the rare and delicious local dessert wine.
- Anchorage
- Anchorage off Monterosso al Mare
- Dining
- Dinner aboard, with your chef preparing fresh trofie pasta with pesto Genovese.
- DAY 03
Portovenere
At the entrance to the Gulf of Poets stands Portovenere, a formidable fortified town crowned by the imposing Doria Castle. The striped Gothic church of San Pietro sits at the very tip of the promontory, a starkly beautiful landmark against the blue sea. Spend the day exploring the tall, narrow streets and the chain of islands—Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto—that shelter its harbour.
- Explore the sea-carved arches of Byron's Grotto by tender.
- Climb the winding stone steps to the Castello Doria.
- Discover the wilder side of the gulf with a visit to Isola Palmaria.
- Shop for artisan pestos and local olive oil in the main 'carruggio' (narrow street).
- Anchorage
- Anchorage between Portovenere and Isola Palmaria
- Dining
- Locanda Lorena on Palmaria island, reached by the restaurant's private launch.
- DAY 04
Passage to Capraia, Tuscany
Today is a day of pure blue-water cruising as you depart the Italian mainland for the open Ligurian Sea. After an early start, enjoy a long, leisurely breakfast on the aft deck, watching the coastline fade. The 60-nautical-mile passage is a chance to relax on the sundeck, read a book, and watch for the dolphins that frequent these waters, before the volcanic, rugged form of Capraia rises from the horizon.
- Experience the thrill of open-sea cruising in total comfort.
- Scan the horizon for sightings of fin whales and striped dolphins.
- Arrive at the remote and tranquil Porto di Capraia in the afternoon.
- Take a sunset swim in the dramatic red-hued cove of Cala Rossa.
- Anchorage
- Porto di Capraia
- Dining
- La Garitta, a simple, excellent restaurant perched above the harbour.
- DAY 05
Macinaggio, Cap Corse
A short morning cruise brings you across the channel from Tuscany to France, making landfall at the northeastern tip of Corsica. The landscape transforms into the wild, aromatic scrubland known as the maquis. Macinaggio, the largest port on Cap Corse, is a bustling fishing harbour and an ideal gateway to the region's rugged coastal paths and Genoese watchtowers.
- Cruise past the remote lighthouse on Giraglia Island.
- Explore the lively quay and marina of Macinaggio.
- Walk a section of the 'Sentier des Douaniers' coastal path north towards Barcaggio.
- Use the yacht's water toys in the sheltered bay of Tamarone.
- Anchorage
- Port de Plaisance de Macinaggio
- Dining
- U Libecciu for fresh fish and Corsican specialities on the harbour front.
- DAY 06
Plage de Saleccia, Désert des Agriates
Navigate down the western coast of Cap Corse, passing the cliff-top village of Nonza, before reaching the celebrated Désert des Agriates. This protected expanse of arid maquis meets the sea in a series of exceptional white-sand beaches. Your captain drops anchor off Plage de Saleccia, a kilometre-long crescent of dazzling sand and pine-fringed turquoise water, accessible only by boat or a rugged track.
- Anchor for lunch off the picturesque fishing port of Centuri.
- View the striking black-sand beach and Genoese tower of Nonza from the water.
- Swim, snorkel, and paddleboard in the crystalline waters of Saleccia.
- Enjoy sunset cocktails on the sundeck with an uninterrupted view of the wild coastline.
- Anchorage
- Anchorage off Plage de Saleccia
- Dining
- A special dinner prepared by your chef, served on the aft deck under a canopy of stars.
- DAY 07
Saint-Florent, Corsica
Enjoy a final morning swim at Saleccia before a short, scenic cruise into the Gulf of Saint-Florent. This chic port town, with its formidable citadel and lively marina, is the heart of the prestigious Patrimonio wine region. Disembark after a farewell lunch, perfectly positioned to explore the town's charms or venture into the nearby vineyards for a final taste of Corsica.
- A final breakfast cruise into the beautiful Gulf of Saint-Florent.
- Explore the narrow streets of the old town and the 15th-century citadel.
- Enjoy a coffee and people-watch at the Place des Portes.
- Arrange a pre-departure wine tasting at a nearby Patrimonio vineyard, like Domaine Orenga de Gaffory.
- Anchorage
- Port de Saint-Florent
- Dining
- A final celebratory lunch at L'Auberge du Pêcheur on the waterfront before disembarking.
Knowledge graph
Where this route sits in the ecosystem
Destinations, berths and yachts connected to this itinerary — each with the reason for the link.
Destinations on this route
An itinerary is defined by the places it visits
- Portofino Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Cinque Terre Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Corsica Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Cres Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
- Capraia Yacht Charter
Contract relationship visits -> destination recorded by the ecosystem spec; rationale normalized by Phase 2.
Berths on this route
The berths the route actually calls at
- Cres Town / ACI Cres berths
Berth or call on this route
- Capraia Isola harbour
Berth or call on this route
- Marina di Portofino
Berth or call on this route
- Port Tino Rossi, Ajaccio
Berth or call on this route
Yachts for this route
Yachts able to run the route
Build a week from this itinerary — every related page
Continue with the destinations, itineraries, marinas and practical guides that are most closely related to this page.