Tuscany is renowned for its natural beauty, rich history, artistic legacy, and impact on world culture. Charter a yacht in Tuscany, a place that had laid groundwork for both the Italian Renaissance and the Italian language and explore its architectural and cultural wonders. Due to its strong identity, Tuscany is frequently referred to as "a nation inside a nation".
Sail the Tuscan Archipelago, a legend says that it originates from a necklace that Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty and sensuality, lost while emerging from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The archipelago consists of seven islands: Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Montecristo, Pianosa, Giannutri, and Gorgona. The seven islands are in fact seven pearls the goddess was unable to retrieve.
Why is Tuscany Popular Among Sailors?
Tuscany can thank its popularity to the magnificent coastline, gorgeous sandy beaches, pleasant temperature, and some of the greatest diving in the Mediterranean. The west coast of Italy is a fantastic spot to sail since it is packed with marinas and large harbours with a full variety of amenities. While Tuscany is renowned for its culture, delicious cuisine, and picturesque landscapes, it also features some of Italy's top sailing spots.
The Island of Elba is another cult yacht charter destination and a superb sailing ground for an Italian yacht holiday. Famous for its gorgeous beaches and fantastic flora and fauna, Elba is geologically midway between mainland Italy and Sardinia making it a prime boat rental spot. There are plenty of marinas to anchor at, as well as beaches and anchorages. One of the most popular aspects of those on sailing holidays around the Island of Elba is the numerous coves sheltered from the wind, like the beautiful cove at Fetovaia and Sansone Beach.
The best places to charter a yacht in Tuscany and start exploring the archipelago is from marinas like Cala de Medici in Castiglioncello, Punta Ala, Scarlino, Follonica, San Vincenzo, Talamone, Porto Ercole, and Cala Galera. Tuscany is also an ideal departure point for sailing to Corsica (50 NM) and Sardinia (110 NM).
Yacht Charter in Tuscany Sailing Region
Tuscany, a region in central Italy, known for its history and influence on high culture, is a perfect sailing destination for all art lovers and romantics. Start your sailing holiday in the well-positioned city of Viareggio, the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea”, where you can enjoy long beaches and local cuisine. Not far from there is the famous Pisa, whose Leaning Tower is on every tourist’s bucket list.
The capital of Tuscany, Florence - the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, is full of architectural and cultural wonders to explore on your Tuscany holidays while indulging in authentic gelato. When you are done sightseeing, set the sails of your charter yacht to Portoferraio on Elba, the largest island of the archipelago, which can be easily reached on board your bareboat or skippered Tuscan boat rental. There, you can go hiking, scuba-diving, visit Napoleon’s homes, or just relax on postcard-perfect beaches.
The marinas are open all year round in Tuscany, but the best months for a sailing holiday are April, May, June, September, and October: it is not so hot and crowded, so it is possible to find isolated anchorages.
During the summer, the weather in the Tuscan Archipelago is warm and breezy. However, the route is recommended to experienced sailors due to thunderstorms and strong winds that come from the north and west. Sailors should also be wary of underwater tides and rock formations. Keeping this in mind, opting for skippered yacht charter in Tuscany is a good idea.
Best Places to Visit in Tuscany Region
While Tuscany is usually known for its culture, magnificent food and beautiful countryside, a Tuscany yacht charter also gives you a chance to sail in some of the Italy's best sailing areas.
Starting off with Castiglioncello, a gem of the stunning Etruscan Coast and one of Tuscany's most enchanting beach towns. The magnificent Pasquini Castle, constructed in the late 1800s, is located there. Castiglioncello is adored by many yachtsmen for its red cliffs plunging into the sea, its sheltered coves, beaches and pools of crystal-clear water.
Cecina is a town which boasts an intriguing archaeological museum and exciting water parks, as well as the old San Vincenzo, home to fine wines and a tower that served as an observation post to protect the coast from pirates in the past.
A town well-known for mining and trading in iron, Baratti, is encircled by ancient walls constructed as a barrier against pirate invasions. This hidden treasure is in a captivating seaside location, complete with a fortification from the fifteenth century and a museum filled with Roman and Etruscan relics.
Scarlino is a medieval village situated on the slopes of Mount Alma. Sailors know it best due to the marina di Scarlino, one of the safest and best protected marinas to charter a yacht in the Mediterranean.
Another popular seaside destination, Viareggio, is noted for hosting the renowned carnival of Viareggio, which dates to 1873, and its papier-mâché floats, which have been parading along the "Passeggiata a mare" promenade since 1925.
Charter a yacht in Tuscany and explore its magnificent islands. Island of Elba is the largest of the seven islands in the Tuscan Archipelago. The main town is Portoferraio, a small town created by the Medici family and Napoleon’s residence when he reigned briefly over the island in 1814. The northern coast has a large inlet made up of three famous bays – Enfola, La Biodola e Procchio – which are traditional seaside spots.
Capraia is an ancient extinct volcano with large wilderness and wonderful landscapes which captivate tourists. It has mostly rocky coastlines that dive down into the sea. There are also some stunning anchorages including Cala Rossa, famous because you can see the crater of the volcano.
Giannutri is an untouched island with its natural landscape preserved intact. There are no towns, no marinas, and no facilities. You can truly enjoy the island only for yourself. The east and west areas of the island are protected areas, intended to preserve the unique landscapes. Only 300 visitors are allowed to enter the area each day. Tickets must be purchased, and visitors are accompanied by a park warden or environmental guide.
Important Info for Sailing in Tuscany Sailing Region
Best time to sail
April – October
Most popular marinas
Marina di Scarlino, Marina di San Vincenzo, Porto di Cala di Medici, Marina Di Salivoli, Porto di Cecina, Elba, Punta Ala
Nearest airports
Florence (FLR), Marina di Campo (EBA), Pisa (PSA)
Number of charter yachts
160+
Popular regattas
Swan Tuscany Challenge, Melges World League – Tuscany
Top attractions
Florence, Pisa’s Leaning Tower, Elba Island, San Gimignano, Val d’Orcia
Gastronomy Highlights of Tuscany Sailing Region
A Tuscany yacht charter offers you the opportunity to taste the local cuisine, be sure not to miss one. Tuscan food places a strong emphasis on simplicity, with many dishes having only two to four main ingredients. It relies on fresh ingredients cooked on the spot and a combination of grains, vegetables, fruits, tasty seafood, fish, meat, and olive oil.
Ribollita is a renowned Tuscan stew that takes all the best things about minestrone soup and adds a hearty helping of leftover bread to soak up all the flavours.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a T-bone steak from a local breed of cow called Chianina cattle. The steak is served plainly and is seasoned with sage and rosemary.
Crostini Toscani is an appetizer made with chicken liver pate served on a small slice of toasted bread.
Panzanella consists of bread, tomatoes, onion, basil, olive oil and balsamic vinegar all mixed together creating a salad.
Pappa al pomodoro is a quick and easy Tuscan soup made with tomato, bread and basil.
