Cruising Area & Coastline
Liguria is the Italian coast between the French border and the region Tuscany. The Apennine mountains lie just behind the picturesque beaches and bays of the Ligurian coast. The rocky coastline has great lonely bays with sparkling blue water and plenty of small well-protected ports. The capital town of the region is
Genoa situated at the Gulf of Genoa. Navigating in this Yacht Charters region is easy, as there are nearly no dangerous shallows and a lot of safe harbours. We offer Yacht Charters from Genoa or
la Spezia.
Alternative starting port of your Yacht Charters cruise in the Ligurian Sea can be Elba. The island is situated northerly from
Corsica. The coasts of Elba are diversified – there are high rocks on the eastern and the western coast, interrupted by long sand beaches or small bathing bays. The capital town
Portoferraio has a well-protected port and a nice port promenade street. Yacht Charters on Elba is possible for instance from Portoferraio, Piombino or Follonica.
A Yacht Charters cruise around Corsica is the choice of those who like wild untouched nature, mountainous landscapes, great beaches and the quietness of life in small port villages. Corsica is sparsely populated with about 40 per cent of its inhabitants living in the two biggest towns Bastia, in the north of the island, and
Ajaccio, in the south-west. Vast land areas are nature reserves, like the bird reserve in Etang de Biguglia or the Desert des Agriates – a wild maquis (also called macchia) desert.
Your Yacht Charters cruise on
Corsica can either begin in the north of the island (from Bastia) or in the south-east (from the ports Ajaccio and
Propriano). Both areas have very nice beaches and bays. The northern coast has a beautiful passage between Bastia and Calvi with small cosy port villages and long sand beaches. The western coast of Corsica is great for bathing, snorkelling and diving activities. In the south, Yacht Charters crews shall explore the coast between the bay of Pinarello and Porto Vecchio – there are many nice bays and small islets.
Like in other yachting regions of the
Mediterranean Sea, the high Yacht Charters season in the Ligurian Sea is during July and August. In these months, the bays are full with sailing yachts and motor boats. Those who wish to spend their Yacht Charters holidays in a relaxed atmosphere shall choose a week in May, June or September. Even in October you can still enjoy great sailing conditions, as the air and water are still warm.
Weather & Winds
The Ligurian coast is well protected from the cold weather fronts by the Apennine mountians. From early spring till late autumn, the air temperature never falls under 20 degress Celsius. The summer winds usually have the strength of 4 Beaufort and blow from the south or south-west in the western parts of the Yacht Charters region, and from the north or north-west in the eastern parts. Stormy weather can only occur in late autumn and winter.
Sailing around Corsica, Yacht Charters crews should be aware of strong squalls that can arise suddenly. Sailing in the straits of Bonifacio, be careful with sudden changes of the wind direction, shallows and currents.
Highlights
Beaches: Lido de la Marana, situated on the northern coast of
Corsica, is a sand beach lasting several kilometres. Lodo and Saleccia are picturesque bays with great water not far from Saint-Florent. Visiting them apart from the main season, you can even be the only guest in the bay. The long sand beach of Calvi has a great view to the town’s landmark – the huge medieval citadel from the 15th century.
Towns and ports: Sailing in the Ligurian Sea, you should visit Portofino, which is one of the most beautiful ports of the Italian riviera.
Bastia has a nice port with a lot of good restaurants and bistros. Fine boutiques and small shops are situated on the Paoli boulevard as well as the Cesar-Campinchi street. Hotel l’Alivi, about 15 minutes walk from the town centre, has a restaurant with a wonderful terrace.
Yacht Charters guests will like the small port town Saint-Florent, which is also called “the mini Saint-Tropez” because of the similar atmosphere. However, it is much more quiet and relaxed. Saint-Florent is also known for outstanding wines, for example from “Domaine Santamaria”.
The picturesque small village Zilia near Calvi is situated at the foot of the 1900 metres high mountain Monte Grosso. The view from the village to the bay of Calvi is fantastic.
Vineyards: There are eleven vineyards in the region around Calvi known under the name “Route des Vins de l’AOC Corse Calvi”.
Nature: Etang de Biguglia is the biggest lake on Corsica and bird preservation area. The hills and mountains of Col de Teghime from Bastia to Oletta are perfect for hiking tours.
In the south of Corsica, Yacht Charters crews can sail to the straits of Bonifacio and make a detour to La Maddalena archipelago off Sardinia’s coast. Note: in this region you should be aware of the shallows and always use a map when navigating.
How to get there
Depending on the starting port of your Yacht Charters holidays, the nearest airport may be
Genoa or Pisa for Yacht Charters cruises from Genoa or La Spezia, Elba for all starting ports on Elba, Bastia for Yacht Charters cruises starting from Bastia and Ajaccio for Yacht Charters cruises from
Ajaccio or Propriano. There are also ferry boats going to Elba and
Corsica from the Italian mainland.