Choosing La Spezia as a port of departure works great on many levels. With over 1000 berths and superb infrastructure, marinas such as D-Marin Porto Mirabello and Porto Lotti are perfect for yachts. Then, the second-largest Ligurian city is a nice introduction to the local lifestyle and rich cuisine, minus the tourist crowds. Wander the streets of its charming Old Town, stop for focaccia (a Ligurian staple, an oil-sprinkled bread with toppings) at a bakery and marvel at the panoramas from the medieval St. George Castle. 

Admired by Shelley, Byron and Keats, the Gulf of Poets – a body of water between La Spezia and Porto Venere – is a magnificent area to sail through. Anchor at Porto Venere for the first taste of Ligurian seaside magic. The village and the surrounding archipelago are UNESCO-listed. The citadel crowns the hill as the multicolored houses stand in the harbor. A charter yacht gives you access to the stunning landscapes of Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere, a series of rugged islands in front of the village. Don’t miss the Grotta di Lord Byron, a pretty cove with a collapsed cave, where the British poet George Byron used to swim. 

The five villages of Cinque Terre are probably Liguria’s most famous attraction. The dramatic UNESCO-protected landscape makes for an unforgettable yachting trip. Cruising from one town to another is nothing short of spectacular – the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea complement the bright color palette of harbor houses as the green mountain landscape unfolds behind. The five villages – Riomaggiore, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia and Monterosso – are car-free, so it’s a unique kind of exploration. 

As a protected national park, Cinque Terre requires prior authorization for the mooring of yachts. You can get it on the official website. You can either sail individually to each town and approach the center by dinghy, or moor at Vernazza port and continue exploring by train. Travel time by rail between the Cinque Terre villages is 2-5 minutes, so it’s a quick and convenient option. Riomaggiore and Manarola are connected by the ultra-scenic hiking trail called Via d’Amore. Reach the romantic Ruins of Doria Tower in Vernazza for the exceptional views. Another medieval gem to check out is the Castello di Riomaggiore.

It’s time for a beach break. Monterosso al Mare is Cinque Terre’s ultimate resort. Sail there after a busy day exploring the scenic villages to relax. The bay in front of the town offers mooring buoys, so finding a spot won’t be a problem. You’ll be gifted with the mesmerizing panorama of white pebbly beaches and dramatic mountains. As for bathing, there are three main areas where you can take a dip. The longest is Monterosso public beach (or Fagina), a picturesque pebbly stretch with a Scoglio rock in the middle. Il Gigante in the west and Old Town Beach in the east are two additional strips with private beach clubs. Monterosso’s most interesting sight is the Convent of the Capuchin Friars with Van Dyck’s “Crocefissione” painting inside. 

Stopping at Monterosso is a great way to take a breather from the beauty overload of Cinque Terre. If you’re craving more Ligurian beaches, take a short sail to Levanto, admiring the rugged coast in the process. The spiaggia there is among the region’s longest, with many beach bars and restaurants nearby. 

Continue your Ligurian seafaring story by entering the spectacular Baia delle Favole (or the Bay of Fairytales) in Sestri Levante. This town is among the hidden gems of the Italian Riviera. The anchorage is easy, and it’s sheltered from the winds. Across the beautiful Old Town, you find the Baia del Silenzio, which is eye candy. There’s a sandy, family-friendly beach, flanked by the colorful houses. Villas and ancient churches dot the hill over the bay. It’s a scene straight from a painting. 

The author of “Mermaid”, Hans Christian Andersen, lived in Sestri Levante in the 19th century. The town is also famous for bagnun, a soup made from anchovies, basil, tomatoes and onion. Time goes a little slower here; it’s the Italian Riviera at its most tranquil. Chartering to Sestri Levante means enjoying the stunning beaches, eating Ligurian dishes at the boardwalk restaurants, strolling along the promenade and having desserts at the local pasticcerias.

Cross the Tigullio Gulf, entering the magnificent harbor of Rapallo. For centuries, this area has been a magnet for writers, millionaires and artists. Ezra Pound and Ernest Hemingway spent summers here. With over 250 berths, Rapallo’s Porto Carlo Riva is one of the most luxurious small marinas in Italy. Anchor there to walk into the atmospheric city center. Medieval buildings stand next to the elegant Liberty-style grand hotels. The seaside Vittorio Veneto boardwalk offers fantastic vistas of the bay. Visit Villa Tigullio on a hill for a taste of classical Ligurian luxury. Another notable sight is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Montallegro. Take a cable car to this Baroque Revival jewel and admire the stunning coastal views from the hilltop. 

Picturesque Via San Michele connects Rapallo with other beachside resorts of the eastern Ligurian Riviera, such as San Michele di Pagana and Santa Margherita Ligure. Cruising between the three towns is a delight. Stop at the beaches of Travello, Stella and San Margherita Ligure as you go. Alternatively, hire a car or a Vespa for a cinematic land travel. Another option is the railways – the towns are minutes away by intercity trains. Most beaches of the Riviera are pebbly, so bring water shoes for comfortable swimming.  

Your Ligurian journey culminates in Portofino, a gateway to the striking peninsula, emerald waters and sophisticated hotels. With only 14 berths for yachts and superyachts, Portofino Marina is also among the Mediterranean’s most exclusive chartering destinations. But the harbor views are worth it. Portofino has that dreamy look of an ideal Italian seaside resort. The trompe-l’oeil painted houses surround the leafy central piazza. High-end restaurants, homey pasticcerias and lively gelaterias all have terraces overlooking the blue Ligurian Sea. Centuries-old villas rise from the greenery of the hills above town. To make things even more inspiring, there’s the San Giorgio Castle hidden behind the sea of gardens. 

Don’t limit yourself to the small town center and explore the surrounding sights. Baia di Paraggi is a heavenly cove with crystalline waters. Beach clubs like Le Carillon and Bagni Fiore add a luxurious flair to the beachgoing. Visit the 13th-century Cervara Abbey nearby, with mesmerizing gardens. Baia Cannone is another breathtaking azure swimming cove to check out. Sail to the remote San Fruttuoso (only accessible by boat or a strenuous hike) for a sublime sight of the Romanesque abbey and a white pebbly beach. Off the coast, a Guido Galletti-created Christ of the Abyss statue awaits all the divers.

Finish your yachting trip in Liguria’s proud capital, Genoa. There are 7 marinas, so you have a great choice of where to anchor. The most luxurious option is Marina Genova, offering 500 berths and a vibrant harbor infrastructure of restaurants, boutiques and bars. It’s conveniently located next to the airport, making Marina Genova a comfortable stop before hopping on a flight. For something closer to the historic center, moor at Marina Porto Antico or Marina Molo Vecchio. 

If you’re an architecture aficionado, Genoa is an enchanting visit. The Old Town is filled with Baroque and Renaissance palaces, mind-blowing church interiors and spectacular museums. Caruggi (narrow alleyways with tall houses) define the city’s look. Visit the UNESCO-protected Palazzo Reale for stunning halls, and stroll through the frescoes-filled rooms of Palazzo Spinola. 

If Genoa’s buzzy city center feels overwhelming, you can always escape to the tranquil seaside neighborhoods. Boccadasse and Vernazzola are two favorite local beach escapes. With the looks of Portovenere and Riomaggiore, Bogliasco is a photogenic town with a stunning seaside promenade.