Beyond the Amalfi: Best Italian Yacht Destinations for 2026

Italy is one of the world’s best destinations for yacht chartering. While the Amalfi Coast is rightfully getting all the yachting attention, the country offers more stunning locations. One of my greatest pleasures when traveling around Italy is discovering its new, beautiful corners. This article takes you to the hidden yacht gems that often rival the Amalfi Coast, or offer something different. There will be turquoise beaches of Calabria, faraway islands like Pantelleria, the Sicilian gem of Trapani, the cinematic Procida, and the magnificent fortified Sardinian town of Alghero. Each of these destinations offers a bonus of a spectacular coastline, where chartering a yacht takes you to majestic beaches and coves. Here’s where to sail in Italy in 2026 as an alternative to the Amalfi Coast. 

Scilla

At first glance, Scilla looks like a town you’d find along the Amalfi Coast. The perched Old Town hangs above the blue Tyrrhenian beach. Green hills complete this picturesque panorama. The town ends with an imposing Castello Ruffo di Scilla, constructed in medieval times. But you’re in Calabria, the underrated southern region at the “toe” of Italy’s geographical “boot.” Mooring here allows you to explore the region’s magnificent coastline. The port is right under Castle Hill, close to the historic fishermen’s neighborhood of Chianalea. The labyrinthine streets hide numerous seafood restaurants with terraces at the water’s edge. On the other side of the town is Spiaggia Di Scilla, a glorious pebbly stretch with one of Calabria’s most photogenic urban views. Climb the Belvedere of Piazza San Rocco to admire the city and the coast from above. To see more of the under-the-radar Calabria, sail to the resort town of Bagnara Calabra, see the gorgeous rocky cove of Marinella Di Palmi, and relax at the scenic Spiaggia Ulivarella in Tauriana. 

Trapani and Aegadian Islands

While Catania, Taormina, and Palermo usually top the Sicilian sailing itineraries, they can also be oversaturated during the high season. Charter a yacht in Trapani, the underrated historic gem of western Sicily. The walls encircle its compact Old Town. There’s no rush on the atmospheric streets, allowing you to soak in the authentic Sicilian lifestyle. The main beach, Spiaggia delle Mura di Tramontana, is located scenically alongside the city walls. But for yachting enthusiasts, Trapani is also the perfect base for exploring the Aegadians, three lesser-known islands off western Sicily’s coast. Favignana, the largest one, combines a charming island town with beautiful wild coves. Levanzo is the kingdom of turquoise, offering a postcard-perfect whitewashed village and the spectacular Cala Fredda (aka one of Italy’s most scenic coves). The farthest island, Marettimo, is ideal for a total escape. You’ll find a coastline, peppered with white cliffs, a mountainous interior, sea caves, and secluded beaches, such as La Praia dei Nacchi. 

Pizzo Calabro

One of the highlights of Costa degli Dei (the Coast of Gods) in Calabria, Pizzo is a superb yachting stop for experiencing the non-touristy coastal Italy. There’s something very Amalfi Coast-like about its seaside promenade, the hillside Old Town, and lush mountains around. The cozy alleys of Pizzo are an ideal setting for tasting the iconic Tartufo, a delicious gelato ball with melted chocolate inside. The dessert originated here. Vibo Marina, a port town nearby, offers one of the Costa degli Dei’s top marinas. From there, you can easily sail to the area’s aquamarine beaches, such as the secluded Marinella Di Zambrone, the vast Spiaggia di Zambrone, the gorgeous rocky Spiaggia Michelino, and Calabria’s finest white-sand beach, Spiaggia della Rotonda in Tropea. 

Procida

If there’s one town in Italy that can rival Positano in its colorful looks, it’s Procida. Here, as in the iconic Amalfi Coast destination, you’re mesmerized by the cinematic vista of cascading streets and pastel-colored houses. Unlike Positano, Procida still retains its true, unfiltered Campanian character. While Neapolitans have long been holidaying here, the smallest island in the Bay of Naples remains an open secret of the region. Marina di Procida is an excellent base for yachts, offering 491 berths and all the amenities. The irresistible local panoramas have drawn cinema crews to Procida for decades. “Cleopatra,” starring Elisabeth Taylor, was filmed here, and the island also appeared in the 1998 “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” Cruising around Procida is a spectacular experience. While only 1.6 square miles, the island packs mighty cliffs, historic old quarters like Terra Murata, secluded dark-sand beaches like Spiaggia Cala del Pozzo Vecchio, and vibrant tourist areas, such as Chiaiolella. The island is also ideally placed for sailing to Naples, Ischia, and Capri. 

Ponza

Ponza may be the most beautiful Italian island you’ve never heard of. The largest of the Pontine group in the Lazio region, it offers unspoilt Mediterranean beauty. The eponymous main town is a photogenic marvel, where the whitewashed houses climb the vertical hills. Ponza’s stunning coastline is made for exploring on the yacht. Crescent-shaped Chiaia di Luna Beach is reminiscent of the white-cliff beaches of the Greek islands. The wild western coast is full of sea stacks and translucent blue caves. The cliffs of Le Forna look like a painting in real life. Most of the time, the natural beauty of this island will be all yours to enjoy—Ponza is still an under-the-radar Italian destination. More phantasmagoric faraglioni (large sea stacks) and white cliffs await you on a sail to Palmarola Island nearby. 

Porto Ercole

Located on the Monte Argentario peninsula, one of Tuscany’s most charming coastal areas, Porto Ercole can easily rival Rapallo and Portofino in harbor views. Here, you’re getting the same dreamy panorama of gentle green hills, picturesque historic houses, and calm blue sea. It’s an ideal Italian yachting destination. Go on a promenade walk, indulge in freshly caught seafood at the atmospheric local eateries, and forget about the buzz of big cities on a cafe terrace. Then, set sail to the magnificent Costa d’Argento beaches. The deal here is semi-wild stretches with pebbles in a secluded, lush setting. The must-visit places are Spiaggia Lunga, L’Acqua Dolce, and Cala del Gesso. Porto Ercole is a great starting point for chartering to the magical blue coves of the Tuscan Archipelago, a group of islands between the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian seas.  

Pantelleria

Closer to Africa than Europe by distance, Pantelleria is a hidden gem of Italian yacht travel. The island is a micro-world of its own. Expect dramatic dark cliffs juxtaposed with the turquoise Mediterranean waters. There are also some unique natural sites. Lake Mirror of Venus is a jaw-dropping inland lake with thermal hot springs and mud baths. The entire island is also a natural park, offering miles of treks through its volcanic landscapes. But it’s Pantelleria’s diverse coastline that will delight the yacht enthusiasts. Balata dei Turchi and Punta Limarsi are two gorgeous beaches on the island’s north, surrounded by rugged cliffs. The trunk-like Arco dell’Elefante and the cove nearby are great for snorkeling. Laghetto delle Ondine is a beautiful natural saltwater pool that looks like something you would find on Tenerife or Gran Canaria in the Atlantic. You’ll anchor in Pantelleria’s main town with a well-developed marina and lively seaside promenade. 

Alghero 

Jutting into the azure sea, Alghero’s walled Old Town is among Sardinia’s most endearing spots. It features a curious blend of Catalan and Italian influences. The city has long belonged to the Crown of Aragon, and the Catalan language is still spoken here. Alghero Cathedral is a spectacular example of Catalan-Gothic architecture and the Old Town’s main sight. Alghero is also an outstanding yachting destination, offering a top-notch Marina di Sant’Elmo and serving as a gateway to the Riviera del Corallo (or Coral Coast). The name comes from the rich history of harvesting the red coral in the underwater caves around Alghero. A trip to the Regional Natural Park of Porto Conte is a dramatic sail, taking you to the area of divine sandy beaches, steep cliffs, and untouched Mediterranean shrubland. It’s here that you’ll find Spiaggia di Mugoni, one of northwestern Sardinia’s most enchanting white-sand stretches, backed by the pine forest. Other great beaches are Bombarde, Torre del Porticciolo and Maria Pia. 

Termoli and Tremiti Islands

Termoli is your gateway to the unsung Molise coast, an Adriatic province between Abruzzo and Apulia. Its modern Marina Di San Pietro is located alongside the walled Old Town. The town’s main Spiaggia di Sant’Antonio is one of Italy’s most scenic urban beaches, set right under the old walls. Termoli’s main advantage for chartering is proximity to the Tremiti Islands, a gorgeous Italian archipelago in the Adriatic Sea. Comprised of 5 islands, it’s an enchanting natural area of white cliffs, hidden coves, scenic sails, and beautiful pine forests. The rocky Tremiti coastline is also perfect for snorkeling exploration. San Domino is the largest island, where you’ll relax at stunning coves, such as the sandy Cala delle Arene, gorgeous Cala Matano and crystalline Cala Spido. The island is also famous for its grotte, a series of Adriatic sea caves. Arriving in a yacht gives you access to Grotta e Scogli dell’Elefante, Grotta delle Viole, and Grotta del Bue Marino.