Liguria is often referred to as simply the Italian Riviera. It’s a stunning stretch of coastline that carries you from the French Cote d'Azur to Tuscany, both desirable destinations in their own right. That doesn’t mean you overlook the delights of Liguria.
Rent a sailboat in Liguria without skipper and you’ll have the freedom to explore some of the most rugged and beautiful coastline in the Mediterranean. Much of this coast is hilly or rocky, there are numerous villages cut into the hillsides that have existed there for centuries. Everyone will offer you a friendly welcome.
You can also marvel at the tall trees growing on steep slopes that touch down to the deep blue sea. There are plenty of secluded coves to explore and you’ll be grateful of the boat, many are difficult or even impossible to reach from the shore.
The weather here is warm in the summer and the winds are mild, if you have a sailboat license you can rent a sailboat in Liguria without skipper and confidently navigate these waters. But, you should be aware that the ports can get busy in the height of summer and space can be difficult to find if you don’t book ahead.
The majority of people take their boat out of Genoa and head east, enjoying the view of the villages from the sea while checking out the glamorous Portofino, on their way to Cinque Terre, the National Park that encompasses 5 towns and is only accessible by boat. It is a fascinating experience but you may want to see something different by heading west out of port.
There are several towns along this coastline, a good one to head for is Alassio. This was a place that used to attract 5,000 UK visitors every winter, now most people have not heard of it. As you approach by sailboat though, you’ll find that there is a beautiful beach on the edge of a town and some great eating establishments. Best of all, the decreased interest in the town means that the prices are reasonable.
That’s not to say this town is quiet. In the summer it’s a favorite with the Italians, giving it an authentic buzz. You’ll also appreciate the Muretto di Alassio, a low wall that s covered in celebrity signatures, it was started by Ernest Hemingway in 1953.
You can even head into the pine-covered hills above the village to find an abundance of British built houses, the styles, and scale of the structures are impressive.
A little further along the coast, you’ll find Albenga, it’s actually one of the best-preserved Roman towns in Europe and enjoys the nickname ‘San Gimignano of Liguria thanks to its Medieval towers.
You can cruise back toward Genoa to sample some of the delights of the capital of Liguria, there are plenty of great eating establishments, impressive architecture, and you’re sure to enjoy the shopping experience! While there you should take a look at the Via di Garibaldi, the oldest part of town and in some ways still the most impressive.
If you have the time you can take your sailboat and head to the east. The coastline is truly magnificent.
But, whatever your preference, arrange to rent a sailboat in Liguria without skipper. You’ll be impressed by the choice of sailboats, or even motorboats if you prefer. They are all maintained to the highest standard, giving you peace of mind as you set sail.
Our excellent customer service team will guide you through the process and make sure you’re ready to set sail on the experience of a lifetime.
