A destination that can be easily reached by car in every one of its points, the Tuscan Archipelago lends itself to a week-long or weekend sailing vacation.

The numerous embarkation ports overlooking the coast allow for a comfortable departure with a destination to one of the islands in the National Park. The island of Elba is definitely the most popular because it hides a multitude of deep-blue bays to be discovered even in the depths by snorkeling. What's more, the wind here blows moderately allowing smooth sailing from one bay to the next. But Tuscany by sailboat is not only Elba: the** Island of Capraia** awaits you with its red and rocky coasts, perhaps before a hop to Corsica, while the Islands of Giglio and Giannutri will not fail to amaze you with their coves reachable only by sea and their Marine Protected Areas.

A long and narrow strip of land, it lends itself perfectly for a sailing trip to spend a different day than usual or to experience a weekend of sailing, perhaps combining a few days for a spring break. In short, all you need to do is figure out whether the west or the east is more to your liking and set sail accompanied by an ever-present but moderate wind, which even in winter allows for learning outings.

Among the most popular destinations are the Cinque Terre: you can admire its colorful, perched villages from a completely different perspective and then reach the Natural Park of Palmaria Island and Tino Island. If you wish to combine calm sea with nightlife, best opt for the Tigullio Coast, with Santa Maria Ligure and Portofino. And if, on the other hand, you are looking for a French touch, opt for the Western Riviera from Alassio to Sanremo via Gallinara Island.

Moving a bit away from the mainland, Sardinia is the first destination to come to mind for a beach vacation, known the world over for its astonishing beaches and Caribbean-like coves. It is also a paradise for sailing: the constant wind makes it possible to sail from one side to the other of its coastline and among its small islands without much effort. Sardinia is considered a micro-continent because of the great variety of ecosystems it harbours, and this is found even close to its coasts. In the north they are predominantly rocky and jagged: you will sail among a myriad of inlets that have given rise to as many coves with transparent water and rich depths, or among the small islands near La Maddalena.

The south, on the other hand, is dominated by expanses of sand overlooking a sea of a thousand shades of blue. Quiet and wild you will also discover the islands of Sant'Antioco and San Pietro.

A mythological archipelago north of the Sicilian coast, made up of seven islands a few hours' sail apart and each with its own well-defined character: the Aeolian Islands make up the most popular archipelago in southern Italy and are rightfully in the top 3 of the perfect destinations for a sailing vacation. The constant wind allows you to experience true sailing by sailing from island to island without necessarily following a set itinerary. Mooring in a roadstead off a different bay every day will be a pleasant discovery, not only for lovers of the sea, here deep blue or crystal clear depending on the seabed, but also for all those looking for unspoiled nature, made up of rocky cliffs, black beaches and wild views.

Another pristine Sicialian archipelago, this time abutting the western tip of the island, somewhat less frequented and for that very reason even more fascinating. Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo are a few hours by boat from each other and, thanks to the constant wind that characterises them, can be visited far and wide during a week's vacation. Their waters are included in Europe's largest Marine Protected Area, counting them among the cleanest and richest in marine fauna and flora in the entire Mediterranean. Here you will have the feeling that time has stood still: between a day at sea and in the sun and an evening ashore at a typical restaurant, it will be impossible not to leave a piece of your heart in such quiet and barren places.

Reach Naples conveniently by train or car from Rome or plane from the main international airports and then set sail for the world-renowned islands in front. Capri, Ischia and Procida crown the Gulf of Naples, making this destination also perfect for a sailing tour. The docile wind that characterises them will take you from island to island, from bay to bay, discovering even those more difficult to reach on Capri, the Faraglioni, or even the rich waters of the Kingdom of Neptune. On Ischia you will find coves where the fresh water of the sea mixes with the warm water of thermal springs, dropped into a very rich and lush nature all to be discovered. Finally Procida will give you postcard views of its colourful little ports that you will not easily forget.

An archipelago consisting of six small islands of volcanic origin off the coast of Lazio and bordering those of Campania. A 4- to 6-hour sail will take you from Anzio or Nettuno to Ponza and Palmarola, two strips of land with an irregular coastline where you will feel as if you are immersed in another dimension, made up of slow-moving life and crystal-clear, almost Caribbean sea. The same goes for Ventotene and Santo Stefano, often reached by sailing north from the Gulf of Naples. These islands have very few residents and are populated only in high season, yet they maintain their vocation for unspoiled nature: most of their coves can be reached only by sea. Ponza, on the other hand, is also known for its nightlife and the DJ sets that enliven it throughout the night in summer, with parties between the famous Chiaia di Luna and Frontone Beach.

Venice is not only water buses and crowded calli, but also lagoons and picturesque islands. The sailboat becomes the best means to visit them all, without stress and enjoying a privileged view. A weekend in this area under the guidance of an experienced local skipper will allow you to discover the charms of Murano and Burano, the islands of Sant'Erasmo and Torcello, but also Santo Spirito and Poveglia, all while admiring St. Mark's bell tower and the Doge's Palace from every angle. In July, the island of Giudecca comes alive for the Feast of the Redeemer, a heartfelt occasion also celebrated with fireworks at midnight. Trieste also hosts a spectacular annual event, the Barcolana, which attracts experienced and novice sailors and enthusiasts from all corners of the world every October. Taking part is an incredible experience, but if you are busy, you can enjoy the Gulf on any spring or summer weekend, passing through Monfalcone, Duino, Miramare and Muggia.

MPAs are those protected areas established to preserve a particular natural habitat and ensure the protection of native marine fauna and flora. There are indeed many in Italy and they are often difficult to access, but once there, where possible, they are a paradise for snorkelers and divers because they are so rich in fish, mammals and other marine species. Often zoned, they provide for prohibited areas, others accessible only by sail, and still others where it is possible to dive independently. In any case, these are stretches of sea and coastline of rare beauty and authenticity, such as that of the Cinque Terre in Liguria, the Ventotene and Santo Stefano Marine Area, that of the Tremiti Islands off the Gargano National Park, that of Asinara and Tavolara in Sardinia, or Punta Campanella and the Kingdom of Neptune in the Gulf of Naples.

The Italian peninsula is also known worldwide for its breathtaking coastlines. Perhaps the most famous is precisely the Amalfi Coast: included among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is a truly privileged destination for those who have the opportunity to visit it by sailboat. A succession of perched, multicoloured villages overlooking a deep blue sea where you can dive in while enjoying the sun in complete relaxation. Here you can explore the rich underwater world and then resurface and be overwhelmed by the scent of citrus groves, we tell you more about it here. Sailing a little further south and perhaps starting from Sapri, you will find yourself in the wonderful coast of Cilento: with its villages, ancient ruins, the great statue of the redeemer and above all a calm and crystal clear sea, you will have a chance to discover a fascinating piece of Italy rich in history.

Italy is not only coastlines and archipelagos close to the mainland, but also remote islands. Off the coast of Sicily and near Tunisia you can sail alone in the waters of Lampedusa and Linosa. Every summer these warm islands are populated with tourists intrigued by their transparent sea, rich in marine fauna and flora. A privileged oasis for snorkelers and wilderness lovers! For the more adventurous, the islet of Lampione also awaits you: uninhabited and reachable only in calm sea conditions, it is home to gray sharks that come here to spawn in June. Or take a crossing to Pantelleria and then rest in its turquoise waters.

Alas, northern Italy is not blessed with sea water, but it is not without enchanting scenery where you can sail. With its large freshwater reservoirs, the north is also populated with passionate sailors who will know how to make you enjoy a weekend or a relaxing day blown by the lacustrine wind. Among the most popular is Lake Garda: surrounded by the many colorful villages nestled in the mountains, it offers unique scenery to be observed by sailboat. Swim off the Rocca di Manerba after visiting Sirmione, or embark for a short sail and a sunset aperitif. At Lake Maggiore, on the other hand, you can discover the Borromean Islands, perhaps starting from one of the quaint lakeside towns such as Luino or Stresa.