The Italian Riviera is the narrow coastal strip which lies between the Ligurian Sea and the mountain chain formed by the Maritime Alps and the Apennines. Longitudinally it extends from the border with France and the French Riviera (or Côte d'Azur) near Ventimiglia (a former customs post) to Capo Corvo (also known as Punta Bianca) which marks the the eastern end of the Gulf of La Spezia and is close to the border with Tuscany. For this reason all the area is perfect for luxury yacht sailing vacation. The Italian Riviera thus includes nearly all of the coastline of Liguria. (Historically it extended further to the west, through what is now French territory as far as Monaco.)The Riviera is centred on the port of Genoa, which divides it into two main sections: the Riviera di Ponente, extending westwards from Genoa to the French border; and the Riviera di Levante between Genoa and Capo Corva. Both the section are perfect destinations for sailing yacht charters, both have charming spot to see.

All the Italian Riviera is famous for its particularly mild climate which, together with the charm of its old fishing ports and the beauty of its landscape, has made it a popular destination for travellers and tourists and sailing tourism since the time of Byron and Shelley. Many villages and towns in the area are internationally known, such as Portofino, Bordighera, Lerici, and the Cinque Terre. The part of the Riviera di Ponente centered on Savona, is called the "Riviera delle Palme" (the Riviera of palms); the part centered on Sanremo, is called the "Riviera dei Fiori" flower's riviera , after the long-established flower growing industry. Come to discover Italian Rivera: a perfect place for amazing sailing holiday or luxury motor yacht cruise among French Riviera, Italian Riviera and Tuscany Coast.

Corniglia
The village of Corniglia differs substantially from the others of the Cinque Terre thanks to its elevated position above the sea. However the town is a must to be seen among your five lands luxury sailing cruise. It is located on a cape, a terrace on the sea, like that of Volastra, a hundred or so metres above the sea, which descends steeply and is inaccessible from the sea. To reach it one has to climb the 'Lardarina', a long series of steps in brick: 33 flights totalling 377 steps; However who has googd legs will be satisfed as he get on the top.
The village layout of Corniglia also differs from that of the other villages: the houses are shorter, only recently have floors been added, making them similar to those of inland villages. The residential area develops along the main road, via Fieschi; on one side the houses look on to the opposite side of the street and on the other, they look out onto the sea. Of Corniglia's fortifications some remains survive of a stronghold dating back to 1556, on a cliff plunging into the sea: a breathaking sightseeing for your sailing vacation among the Italian Riviera and the Five lands.
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Manarola
Perched on a steep cape of dark rock, with its small port enclosed by two rocky boulders, we find Manarola, a village of ancient origins found by the inhabitants of the (probably Roman) Volastra settlement. Manarola is perfect destination among a romantic five lands luxury motor yacht cruise. The town of Manarola, like the other Cinque Terre villages, is known for its tower-houses; the layout of the village develops around the subsurface course of the Groppo stream which marks out its main axis. From the sunken stream a series of narrow stone-paved streets lead off towards houses and vegetable gardens on both sides of the cape. Parallel to the main axis runs the Via di Mezzo (Middle Street) that used to be a particularly important byway before the stream was covered over. From Manarola start the Via dell'Amore (Love Road) that joins Manarola with Riomaggiore: Definitely one of most romantic, dramatic, promenade in the world. Another peculiarity of Manarola is a pyramid in white cement whose peak can be seen rising between the taller houses and is used as a navigational reference point for all those at sea. Come and discover Manarola: crystal sea, dramatic settings and good gastronomy for a perfect sailing vacation in Italian Riviera.
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Monterosso
Monterosso al Mare is the westernmost of the Cinque Terre and is reached by walking along the most difficult part of the "Sentiero Azzurro" footpath. Monterosso is one of the favourite destination in the Italian Riviera luxury yacht sailing cruise. The village is protected by hills covered with vineyards and olive groves and is surrounded by vegetation. Its beautiful beaches, steep rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters, make this one of the most charming sailing destination among the Five Lands in Liguriajn Riviera.
The medieval tower "Aurora", located on the hills of the Cappuccini, separates the ancient part of the village from the more modern part. In the church of Saint Francis "San Francesco" works of great importance such as the Crucifixion, believed by many to have been painted by Van Dyck, are preserved. The village is popular for their warm and friendly atmosphere and the village's restaurants offer customers the chance to try the local Italian dishes accompanied with the famous Cinque Terre wine : rich gastronomy, crystal sea and amazing setting for your luxury sailing holidays in Italian Riviera.
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Portofino
Set on perhaps the most famous part of the Ligurian coast, the little town of Portofino (32km) can be reached by boat from Camogli (approx. 20 mins.) or from above, via a two hour walk along the breathtaking promontary. Without doubt, one of the best loved destinations for luxury yacht charters, it is a fishing village, so picturesque as to seem unreal, with its famous little square surrounded by different coloured houses, and its wonderful little port. Despite having an elegant international flavour, with its prestigious boutiques and fine restaurants, this side of the town co-exists in utter harmony with the skills of the old axe-makers, and the craftsmen who excell at pillow lace and macramè.

Portofino is a perfect destination for luxury motor yacht charters as it is known as the resort of the rich and famous, but there is much more to see here than just people. Portofino is a picturesque, half-moon shaped seaside village with pastel houses lining the shore of the harbor. Portofino has shops, restaurants, cafes, and luxury hotels. Portofino's crystalline green waters reveal a myriad display of aquatic life. But Portofino is not only luxury sailing cruise, in the town there are tourist facilities and also numerous opportunities for hiking, diving, trekking.
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Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore boasts the typical terraced structure of villages in torrential valleys, with steep sides and restricted valley floor. The landscape is therefore typically vertical and stairs and steps make up the roads. The main road is a covered canal beneath which runs the Rivus Maior stream from which the village takes its name.

The housing is of the typical tower-house variety, developed on three or four floors with no more than two rooms per floor, side by side to each other in parallel rows. The building material is local: stone for the walls, slate for roofing, and yellow or pink plaster for the houses' facades. One can enter the houses both from the main entrance and from the back of the house, entering at one of the higher floors.
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Vernazza
The only natural port of the Cinque Terre, the village of Vernazza develops along the Vernazzola stream (now covered) climbing up the rocky face of a cliff, which hides the view of houses to those who come at it from the sea. Very narrow, steep paths descend towards the main road which leads onto a small square located facing the small port. Along with the typical tower-shaped houses, which are also present in Riomaggiore, Manarola and Monterosso, there are more architecturally elaborate buildings decorated by portals and porticos,
as a reminder of the prosperity the village once enjoyed under Genoese domination: that’s why Vernazza is a important cultural site to be visited during your Italian Riviera sailing charter. Very well maintained are the ancient castles, characteristic of Cinque Terre and of Vernazza particularly. The small harbour can host small/mid size boats and provides sufficient shelter for mid-sized waves, but it's not enough for the great winter sea storms. However Vernazza will welcome you to offer charming strolls among its narrow streets during a charming Cinque Terre (Five Lands) sailing cruise.
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