Skippered or bareboat yacht charter in Tuscany

Why charter a boat in Tuscany?

Stretching between Liguria and Lazio, the Tuscan coast offers wonderfully varied sailing: from the beaches of Versilia to the granite coves of Elba, by way of the protected islets of the archipelago and the pine forests of the Maremma. Boat hire in Tuscany lets you combine swimming stops, evenings in characterful harbours and trips ashore to Pisa, Lucca, Florence or Siena. Distances between the Tuscan islands are short, making the region just as suitable for a first sailing holiday as for more experienced crews.

Which boat should you choose for sailing in Tuscany?

Your choice will mainly depend on the size of your crew, your budget and the pace at which you want to sail:

• Sailing yacht charter in Tuscany: a monohull remains the most affordable option. It performs well in the steady Tyrrhenian breezes and suits crews who enjoy helming and trimming the sails.
• Catamaran charter in Tuscany: more stable and spacious, a catamaran is a favourite with families and groups of friends. Its shallow draught lets you anchor right off the beaches of Elba or Giglio.

Boat charter options in Tuscany

Filovent offers several ways to head out to sea from Tuscany's ports:

• Bareboat charter: a crew member holding the required qualifications takes responsibility for the boat. You plan your own itinerary and have the whole yacht to yourselves.
• Skippered charter: a professional skipper handles navigation and manoeuvres. They know which anchorages are sheltered in the day's wind and can point you towards the best spots ashore.
• Crewed charter: usually reserved for high-end yachts, this option includes a captain and, depending on the boat, a chef and a host.
• Cabin charter: you book a cabin on a boat shared with other travellers, while the crew takes care of sailing, meals and service. A great choice for couples or solo travellers.

How much does it cost to charter a boat in Tuscany?

The table below gives an estimated budget for a one-week bareboat charter. Prices vary with the season, the age and model of the boat, and how far ahead you book.

What's included: the boat and its rigging, the dinghy with outboard, crockery, bed linen and the mandatory safety equipment.

What to budget for: insurance, marina fees and paid mooring buoys, fuel, a skipper or host if required, the end-of-charter package (often compulsory), optional extras such as a paddleboard, and provisioning.

For a crewed yacht, prices are tailor-made. Lina, our luxury yacht specialist, will send you availability and the best current offers.

We recommend taking out our cancellation insurance, which covers every participant on the crew list, unlike credit card policies that only protect the cardholder. Security deposit waiver insurance is also advisable: it significantly reduces the amount withheld from your deposit if the boat is damaged during your charter.

Where to sail in Tuscany

The Tuscan coastline divides into three sailing areas, each with its own character:

• The northern coast and Versilia: between Viareggio and Livorno, the shore is lined with long beaches and beach clubs. It's the perfect starting point for combining your cruise with a visit to Pisa or Lucca, and for sailing out to Capraia or Gorgona. Further south, between Livorno and Piombino, the Etruscan Coast alternates between pine woods, small coves and the Gulf of Baratti, dotted with ancient remains.
• The Tuscan Archipelago and Elba: the heart of sailing in the region. Elba, the largest island in the archipelago, offers plenty of ports of call, including Portoferraio, Porto Azzurro and Marciana Marina. Boat hire on Elba lets you sail round the island in a few days, hopping from one anchorage to the next. Volcanic Capraia wins visitors over with its crystal-clear water. The whole archipelago lies within the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, where some islands, such as Montecristo and Pianosa, can only be visited under strict controls.
• The Maremma and Monte Argentario: in the south, the marinas of Punta Ala, Scarlino and Cala Galera make good bases for exploring Giglio and Giannutri. The Argentario headland, home to Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole, has countless anchorages beneath its cliffs. It is also the closest departure point for boat hire to Giglio, around ten nautical miles away.

The whole area is part of the Pelagos Sanctuary, a marine protected area for whales and dolphins, so spotting dolphins on passage is not unusual.

Sample one-week sailing itinerary in Tuscany

Starting from Punta Ala or Scarlino, this itinerary takes in the highlights of the archipelago with legs of just a few hours:

• Days 1 and 2: cross to Elba, then stop in Portoferraio to explore the old town and Napoleon's residence.
• Day 3: sail to Capraia, ideal for swimming and snorkelling in crystal-clear water.
• Day 4: head back to Elba's west coast for a night in Marciana Marina or at anchor in a sheltered bay. It's a good opportunity for hiking on Elba up to the summit of Monte Capanne.
• Days 5 and 6: head south to Giglio, where the hilltop village of Giglio Castello is well worth the climb, then detour to Giannutri if the weather allows.
• Day 7: sail back up the Maremma coast to base.

When is the best time to sail in Tuscany?

The sailing season runs from April to October. Spring and early autumn bring quieter harbours and lower prices, while summer guarantees warm seas and very settled weather.

Sailing conditions in Tuscany

In summer, days on the water follow the rhythm of a thermal sea breeze that fills in early in the afternoon, usually blowing 10 to 15 knots. The Mistral (maestrale), from the north-west, can strengthen for a few days and kick up a short, steep sea between Elba and Capraia. The Libeccio, a south-westerly, is the wind local sailors fear most, as it makes some exposed stretches of coast uncomfortable. The Sirocco, meanwhile, brings warm, humid air from the south-east.

Passages between the mainland and the islands rarely take more than a few hours. In the national park's protected zones, anchoring may be restricted to preserve the Posidonia seagrass meadows, so check the rules before dropping anchor and use mooring buoys wherever they are available.

Qualifications required for a bareboat charter in Tuscany

For a bareboat charter, the skipper must hold a recognised qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper certificate or an ICC. Most charter companies also require a VHF radio licence (SRC). If you plan to sail further offshore, particularly to cross to Corsica, a higher qualification such as the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal may be requested. Your adviser will check with you which documents the charter company requires for your chosen boat.

Useful information for your boat charter in Tuscany

What language is spoken in Tuscany?

The official language is Italian. English is widely understood in marinas and tourist areas.

What currency is used in Italy?

Italy uses the euro (€), so you will need to change some pounds before you travel. Card payments are widely accepted in marinas and towns.

How do I get to Tuscany?

Direct flights link London and several other UK airports with Pisa (PSA) and Florence (FLR), the most convenient options for bases in the north and centre of the coast. For departures from the Argentario, Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is often the nearest airport. Elba is around an hour by ferry from Piombino.

How do I book my boat in Tuscany?

Once we receive your enquiry, a Filovent adviser will call you to discuss your plans: dates, crew, sailing experience and budget. They will then email you a selection of boats. Once you have made your choice, simply pay a deposit through your customer account to confirm the booking.

Can you sail to Corsica from Tuscany?

Yes. Corsica lies around 30 nautical miles from Elba and even closer to Capraia. Italy and France are both in the Schengen Area, so there are no border formalities for the crossing, although UK passport holders should keep their passports on board. Just make sure the charter company allows the crossing and that the skipper's qualifications cover it. If you would rather plan a sailing holiday around the "Isle of Beauty", discover our sailing yacht charter in Corsica too.

What rules apply in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park?

The park is divided into zones with different levels of protection. Access to some islands is strictly limited: Montecristo can only be visited with a permit, while Pianosa and Gorgona are subject to significant restrictions. Fishing and anchoring may be prohibited in certain areas, so check the current regulations before each outing.

Good to know