Italy and the south of France

ITALY

AMALFI COAST SARDINIA, CORSICA & FRENCH RIVIERA

There are many wonderful cruising grounds in Italy, but most of the charter activity is in the south, in places like the Tuscan islands of Elba, Capraia, Pianosa, Giglio and Montechristo. Head down to the Bay of Naples and the dazzling islands of Capri and Ischia are a short hop away, as well as the ports of Positano and Sorrento. They’re glamorous but very expensive in high season.

The Maddalena Archipelago on Sardinia’s north-east corner offers great coastal sailing and scenic anchorages, while the best areas of Sicily for chartering are the northern coastline and the Aeolian Islands just off it.

Don’t ignore the Adriatic, where you can pick up a local charter yacht and enjoy the coastline up as far as Venice and Trieste – experiencing a grand arrival by yacht along the Lido with Saint Mark’s Basilica as a backdrop.

Over on the French Mediterranean coastline, marinas are often jam-packed and even some of the protected anchorages along the coast have limited space. Saint-Tropez, Antibes and Monaco on the Rivièra are the best places for glitz and glamour, but ferociously expensive. The Isles d’Hyères – a group of islands near the mainland town of Hyeres – are a cost-effective alternative to the Côte D’Azur, with good anchoring, and a marina in Porquerolles.

Corsica offers peace, tranquillity and exciting sailing and you can also be sure of a warm welcome ashore. Nestled between the south of France and Sardinia, this rugged island with its 600-plus miles of coastline, and hundreds of miles of fine white sandy beaches has charter bases in Calvi, Ajaccio, Bonifacio and Macinaggio. The west coast from Cap Corse to Ajaccio is the place to head for. Drop the hook near the Réserve Naturel de Scandola and you may spot seals and dolphins.

Italy and its islands have mostly fine weather from April to September. In the height of summer a calm in the morning can often develop into a strong afternoon breeze and because the water is fairly shallow, you’ll find a short chop will appear. The Strait of Bonifacio between north Sardinia and Corsica, around the Aeolian Islands, and in the Strait of Messina between Sicily and the mainland are known for big winds. Sicily’s north-west tip can be lively too. The south coast of France, including Corsica, is usually mild in April, May and September, but the Mistral can blow continuously for two to three days across the Gulf of Lion.

SARDINiA

Sample more wonderful cruising grounds in this scenic archipelago

VENIcE

Barring Covid travel restrictions, mainland Italy and the south of France present no difficulties when it comes to making travel plans, with regular low-cost flights from all parts of the UK. Sardinia and Corsica are just as well served. All their airports welcome flights from London and UK regional airports.

CORISCA

The French island just north of Sardinia is blessed with stylish coastal towns and wonderful beaches