Skippered or Bareboat Charter ?

 

When you rent a sailing yacht, choosing skippered or bareboat (bareback) charter changes the whole experience. Each has its own advantages depending on your skill level, confidence, and what kind of trip you want.

⚓ Skippered Yacht Charter (with a captain)

A skippered charter means a professional captain comes with the yacht and handles sailing.

✅ Key Benefits

No experience needed

You don’t need sailing qualifications—perfect for beginners.

Stress-free sailing

The skipper handles navigation, docking, weather decisions, and safety.

Local expertise

Skippers often know hidden bays, quiet anchorages, and the best restaurants.

More relaxation time

You can fully enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and socialising instead of managing the boat.

Learning opportunity

If you’re interested, many skippers are happy to teach you the basics of sailing.

Safer in tricky conditions

Especially useful in unfamiliar waters or areas with strong winds/currents.

⚠️ Downsides to consider

Less privacy (you’re sharing space with the skipper)

Slightly higher cost (skipper fees + food/space)

A bareboat charter means you rent the yacht and sail it yourself.

✅ Key Benefits

Complete freedom & control

You decide where to go, when to sail, and how long to stay.

Total privacy

No crew onboard—just you and your group.

More authentic sailing experience

Ideal if you enjoy being in charge and handling the yacht.

Often cheaper overall

No skipper fees (though you may need certification).

Flexible pace

Stay longer in places you love without consulting anyone.

⚠️ Downsides to consider

Requires experience/licence

Most companies require proof of sailing competence.

Full responsibility

Navigation, safety, weather decisions, and docking are all on you.

Less local knowledge

You’ll need to research routes, anchorages, and hazards yourself.

🧭 Which One Should You Choose?

Choose skippered if you:

Are new to sailing

Want a relaxed, holiday-style trip

Prefer guidance and local knowledge

Choose bareboat if you:

Have sailing experience/certification

Want independence and privacy

Enjoy the challenge of sailing yourself

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Italy’s coastline is one of the most diverse in Europe

 

Here’s a well-balanced 7-day sailing itinerary around Italy with a mix of relaxed cruising, iconic coastal stops, and great onshore activities. I’ll focus on the Amalfi Coast + islands (best mix of scenery, culture, and short sailing distances), and then give you an alternative in Sardinia at the end.

🇮🇹 Option 1: Amalfi Coast & Islands (Best all-rounder)

Start/End: Naples or nearby marina

Sailing style: Short hops, scenic coastline, lively towns

Why this route? Stunning views, historic sites, food, swim spots all close together

🗓️ Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 – Naples → Procida

Sail: ~1–2 hrs

Stop at Procida (authentic, less crowded)

Onshore ideas:

Wander pastel harbour at Marina Corricella

Seafood dinner by the water

Chill start after arrival/travel day

Day 2 – Procida → Ischia

Sail: ~1–2 hrs

Anchor near Ischia

Onshore ideas:

Thermal spas (natural hot springs are a highlight)

Visit Aragonese Castle

Sunset drinks overlooking the bay

Great mix of relaxation + light exploring

Day 3 – Ischia → Capri

Sail: ~3–4 hrs

Arrive at iconic Capri

Onshore ideas:

Boat into the Blue Grotto

Walk to Monte Solaro for views

Try local dishes like Caprese salad

Day 4 – Capri → Positano

Sail: ~2–3 hrs

Moor near Positano

Onshore ideas:

Explore steep pastel streets

Beach time + boutique shopping

Optional kayak along the cliffs

Day 5 – Positano → Amalfi

Sail: short coastal hop

Stop in Amalfi

Onshore ideas:

Visit Amalfi Cathedral

Lemon grove tours + limoncello tasting

Optional trip up to Ravello for epic views

Day 6 – Amalfi → Sorrento

Sail: ~3 hrs

Dock near Sorrento

Onshore ideas:

Day trip to Pompeii

Or hike Mount Vesuvius

This is your “history day”

Day 7 – Sorrento → Naples

Sail back (~2–3 hrs)

Final lunch + disembark

⚓ What makes this route great

Minimal long passages (more time exploring)

Mix of:

culture (Pompeii, Amalfi)

nature (Capri caves, cliffs)

lifestyle (food, wine, beaches)

Very well-supported for charters (easy logistics)

🌊 Option 2: Sardinia & La Maddalena (more nature, fewer crowds)

Start: Cannigione

Vibe: Wild beaches, turquoise water, quieter anchorages

Highlights

La Maddalena Archipelago islands

Snorkelling at Cala Corsara

Visit Cala Goloritzé (often ranked among Italy’s most beautiful beaches)

Optional coastal hiking sections of Selvaggio Blu

👉 This option is:

Less cultural sightseeing

More swimming, nature, and quiet anchorages

💡 Practical tips

Best time: May–June or Sept (great weather, fewer crowds)

Experience level: Amalfi = easier navigation; Sardinia = more open sailing

Charter type:

Bareboat (if experienced)

Skippered (more relaxing + local knowledge)

Marinas fill up quickly in peak summer—book ahead

👍 My recommendation

If it’s your first sailing trip in Italy, go with the Amalfi Coast route—it delivers the best mix of  : -

scenery

culture

food

manageable sailing distances

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Greece at the top of global yachting last year

 

According to an annual analysis, the Greek market leads the global ranking with 3,030 vessels available for charter, while demand for catamaran-type vessels shows a steadily upward trend.

Greek yachting recorded a global first place in 2025, with our country having the largest number of vessels available for charter and surpassing traditional competitors, according to data from Riginos Yachts.

With a total of 3,030 available vessels, of which 904 are catamarans, our country leads the international ranking, with Croatia following with 2,531 vessels, Italy with 1,282 vessels, France with 970 vessels and Turkey with 578 vessels.

This superiority becomes even more evident in the premium catamaran category, where the Greek fleet significantly outperforms international competition. According to the same data, Greece has almost twice as many catamarans as Croatia, which reaches the number of 501 catamarans, while Italy follows with 438.

France and Turkey rank even lower, with 72 and 146 catamarans respectively, confirming our country’s dominance in the category. The category is steadily gaining ground in the preferences of charterers, offering the comfort, stability and luxury that the modern traveler seeks.

The impressive rise of Greek yachting is also reflected in the dominance of specific catamaran models, which monopolize the interest of the international market. The Lagoon 42, Lagoon 46 and Lagoon 40 confirm their long-standing superiority as the most popular vessels in Greek seas, while the strong presence of the Bali 4.2, Bali 4.6 and Bali Catspace highlights the clear trend toward vessels that offer the ideal environment for multi-day holidays.

At the destination level, the main areas in Greece that have vessels available for charter are located in Athens, with the marinas of Alimos and Lavrio being dominant. The Ionian follows with consistently high demand, with vessels mainly in Lefkada, Corfu and Preveza, attracting in particular charterers from markets such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, Poland and Slovakia.

Despite the perception that yacht holidays are a high-cost option, the data confirm that they remain a particularly competitive alternative compared with staying in luxury accommodations or villas. Indicatively, the rental of a sailing yacht starts from €3,000 per week, offering a group of 6–8 people not only accommodation but also the possibility of daily movement and exploration of new destinations within just one week, an advantage that no conventional accommodation can offer. The final cost depends on the type of vessel and the services provided, while it is significantly influenced by the time period, with demand and prices peaking during the high season of July and August.

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Menorca is tranquillity with nature, a protected biosphere reserve and boasts a coastline of idyllic coves and beaches

 

A 7-day sailing adventure around Menorca designed for a relaxed sailing pace (3–20 nautical miles most days), combining scenic anchorages, historic towns, swimming coves, and interesting onshore experiences. Menorca is excellent for sailing thanks to its many sheltered calas (coves) and reliable summer sailing season between May and September.

Day 1 – Mahón → Binibèquer / Cala Binibèquer

Distance: ~8 NM

Sailing highlights

Gentle first sail along Menorca’s southeast coast.

Anchor in the sheltered turquoise waters near Binibèquer.

Onshore activities

Explore Binibèquer Vell, a picturesque whitewashed fishing village with narrow alleys.

Snorkelling around the rocky shoreline.

Sunset drinks in a waterfront bar.

Evening

Dinner in Binibèquer or return to the boat for a quiet anchorage night.

Day 2 – Binibèquer → Cala en Porter

Distance: ~10 NM

Sailing highlights

Scenic cliffs and caves along the south coast.

Onshore activities

Swim at the sandy beach of Cala en Porter, a cove framed by limestone cliffs.

Visit Cova d’en Xoroi, a bar built into seaside caves with dramatic views.

Optional short hike along the coastal cliffs.

Evening

Dinner in the village overlooking the bay.

Day 3 – Cala en Porter → Son Bou → Cala Galdana

Distance: ~12–14 NM

Sailing highlights

stop for lunch off Son Bou, the longest beach in Menorca.

Onshore activities

Paddleboard or snorkel along the beach.

Afternoon sail to Cala Galdana, a beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay popular with sailors.

Evening

Walk through pine forests above the bay.

Try local seafood in a beachside restaurant.

Day 4 – Cala Galdana → Cala Macarella & Cala Mitjana → Ciutadella

Distance: ~14 NM

Sailing highlights

Morning swim in Cala Macarella or Cala Mitjana, two of the island’s most famous turquoise coves.

Onshore activities

Sail onward to Ciutadella, Menorca’s historic former capital.

Explore the old town’s narrow streets and cathedral.

Visit the harbour lined with restaurants.

Evening

Dinner in the marina area.

Try the local drink “pomada” (gin with lemonade) often enjoyed at sunset.

Day 5 – Ciutadella → Punta Nati → Fornells

Distance: ~20 NM

Sailing highlights

Sail past the rugged northwest coast.

Stop near Punta Nati Lighthouse, built in 1913 after several shipwrecks in the area.

Onshore activities

Arrive in Fornells, a charming fishing village.

Try the island’s famous lobster stew (Caldereta de Langosta).

Kayaking or windsurfing in the sheltered bay.

Day 6 – Fornells → Cala Pregonda / Cavalleria → Port d’Addaia

Distance: ~15 NM

Sailing highlights

Sail along the wilder north coast with red cliffs and fewer crowds.

Stops

Swim at Cala Pregonda or Cavalleria, remote beaches with clear water.

Onshore activities

Dock or anchor near Port d’Addaia, a natural harbour.

Snorkelling and diving around nearby small islands.

Evening

Quiet dinner aboard or in a marina restaurant.

Day 7 – Port d’Addaia → Favaritx Lighthouse → Mahón

Distance: ~12–15 NM

Sailing highlights

Pass the dramatic Cap de Favàritx lighthouse and lunar-like landscape.

Onshore activities

Return to Mahón harbour.

Visit the town’s old quarter and waterfront promenade.

Optional visit to local gin distillery (Menorcan gin is famous).

Final evening

Celebration dinner overlooking the harbour.

Optional Adventure Add-Ons If you want to make the trip more adventurous:

Kayaking sea caves along the south coast.

Coastal hiking on sections of the Camí de Cavalls trail (encircles the island).

Scuba diving at marine reserves.

Cultural stops

Talayotic prehistoric sites (2,000+ years old).

Mahón market and harbour museums.

✅ Typical sailing conditions

Best months: May–September

Predominant winds: north–south breezes, good for coastal cruising.

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