Italy, Sardinia, Sicily & Malta

Amalfi is the perfect spot for aimless wandering around hidden alleyways with gaudy shops and long, lingering lunches at beachside restaurants. Explore the beautiful village of Positano on foot, the garden at Villa Cimbrone, Ravello and neighbouring Atrani.

Capri’s lively Piazza Umberto I, known as La Piazzetta, is the one of the most animated and colourful spots on the island. You can visit the “Giardini di Augusto”, Villa San Michele in Anacapri di Axel Munthe, Villa Jovis, Chiesa di San Michele and Chiesa di Santo Stefano. And at night do not miss the legendary concerts at the most famous Taverna in the world: La TAVERNA ANEMA E CORE.

Nestled on the eastern coast of Sicily at the foot of majestic Mount Etna, Catania is a vibrant city blending history, culture, and seaside charm. Its bustling marina offers easy access to the azure waters of the Ionian Sea, making it a perfect destination for yacht owners and enthusiasts. Explore Catania’s baroque architecture, savor Sicilian delicacies at local markets, and enjoy stunning views of the volcano. With its lively atmosphere and rich heritage, Catania is an ideal base for discovering Sicily's coastal beauty and hidden treasures.

Famous for producing olive oil, pasta and flowers, Imperia in the Liguria region is also the capital of the Imperia province. Tourists flock to the city to shop at the central Via Bonfante with its arcades, Galleria Isnardi and the most exclusive boutiques of Galleria degli Orti

Two historical districts in the city – Oneglia and Porto Maurizio – lie on either sides of the Impero River. Porto Maurizio on the western side is a wealthy place of many narrow winding lines while Oneglia on the east is more industrial and modern, old fishermen’s houses notwithstanding. Places to see include the Duomo di San Maurizio, Dante Square, the Palazzo dei Doria, remnants of the 17th century walls commissioned by the Savoia family and the Church of the Annunziata with its neoclassic façade. 

The island of Ischia is rich in thermal springs with numerous therapeutic virtues. Pamper yourself at Negombo or Terme Cavascuro spas. Visit the Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae, the Museo Angelo Rizzoli, Area Archeologica di Santa Restituta, Il Sorgeto, Giardini Pubblici and La Colombaia. You can visit the Mortella Gardens with subtropical and mediterranean plants

The Maddalena archipelago, a cluster of seven islands east of Gallura, was once the domain of Giuseppe Garibaldi, who spent his last 15 years on Caprera, where you'll find his home and museum. The uninhabited five smallest islands of the archipelago have National Park status.

The provincial capital, La Spezia, a naval city at the head of the Gulf of La Spezia – aka the Gulf of Poets – is the nearest point of access for Cinque Terre, most easily reached by train. Riomaggiore, the first of the villages, is just eight minutes away and trains arrive regularly within the hour.

The construction of Italy’s largest naval base here in the mid-19th century introduced the large street grid and definitive august architecture.

Places worth exploring include the restored Castle of San Giorgio, originally built in 1262, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Museo Amedeo Lia, the Ethnographic Civic Museum, and National Transportation Museum. The Market Place offers cobblestone streets, local cafes and shops. 

Among the largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari is known for its beautiful beaches. Eat and shop in the main street, visit the castle, Museo Archeological Eoliano and Museo della Marineria e delle Tradizioni Eoliane.

Loano in the province of Savona boasts a beautiful 2km beach, clear waters and an historical town centre crammed with palazzos, traditional craft workshops and small shops. Stroll down the splendid palm-lined Madonna di Loreto promenade or visit the botanical gardens in Pietra Ligure 2 km away. The summer arena of Giardino del Principe hosts exhibitions and theatre. Parades that swing along the promenade include the Feast of Basure every August 13 with Liguria's biggest carnival with floats, marching bands and masquerades in February. The Loano Syncro Cup, an international synchronized swimming event takes place every Easter.

In Malta don’t miss St John's Co-Cathedral, the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum an underground necropolis , the Tarxien Temples, the Casa Rocca Piccola, Fort St Elmo, Lascaris War Rooms, the Royal Opera House ruins and Ibiza-styled Gianpula. Città Vittoriosa is the oldest maritime city in Malta. Its offers a rich history and centuries-old architectureOn the seaward side, the main fortification is Fort St Angelo.. You can visit the Inquisitor's Palace, the Malta Maritime Museum.

In Naples, eat a pizza napoletana, drink an espresso, stroll along the promenade from Santa Lucia to Sannazzaro Mergellina, sing along to the opera at San Carlo, and marvel at Pompeii and Vesuvius. View contemporary art at Palazzo delle Arti Napoli (PAN) or Museo d’Arte Contemporanea Donna Regina Napoli (MADRE).

Once a little fishing village, Olbia is now Sardinia’s busiest ferry port with an international airport. Historical sights include the granite Church of Saint Simplicio, with its collection of funeral inscriptions from the Middle Ages and the Church of St Paul.

Located on the northern coast of Sicily, Palermo is a city of timeless allure where history meets the sea. Its rich blend of Arab, Norman, and Baroque architecture tells the story of its diverse heritage. Palermo’s picturesque marina and proximity to pristine beaches make it a favorite destination for yacht owners and enthusiasts. Wander its vibrant streets, indulge in world-famous Sicilian cuisine, and explore iconic landmarks like the Palermo Cathedral. With its lively culture and breathtaking coastal scenery, Palermo offers an unforgettable experience for visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Just 3 km long and 2km wide, Panarea has a population of around 280 and offers hiking trails, pretty beaches, scuba diving and an ancient bronze age village.

Navigate Ponza’s scalloped coast. Explore Pilate’s Grottoes. The Associazione Culturale Cala Frontone overlooking the north end of Spiaggia di Frontone beach offers a restaurant and museum.

On the northeast tip of Sardinia, the Portisco marina is a popular destination for sailors and tourists. Visit the archipelago of La Maddalena up the coast from Marina di Portisco, go shopping, or tuck into pasta at one of the many restaurants.

One of the Mediterranean's best-equipped ports, Cervo Marina comprises the East Dock (Old Port) and the New Marina, which welcomes luxurious yachts. Porto Cervo offers golf, spas and boutiques.

Porto Rotondo owes its name to a natural circular inlet of the Costa Smeralda. A Mecca for celebrities, Porto Rotondo is known for its glitzy social life but history buffs will enjoy the granite rock amphitheatre and church of San Lorenzo, designed by Andrea Cascella.

Elba has 147 km of coast, rich in grottos and fascinating coves, surrounded by a crystal clear sea, which is rich in marine life. Portoferraio, situated on a promontory, is one of the island's most ancient towns. Visit the Church of Santo Stefano alle Trane, the Fortress of Castiglione, Villa dei Mulini, the Art Centre of Italo Bolano, the Pinacoteca Foresiana, the Botanical Gardens at Ottone, and the remains of a Roman Villa at Le Grotte

Portofino has, for decades, been a magnet for movie stars. The most photogenic fishing port in the Mediterranean, attracts the yacht set and uphill walkers. Explore the northern shore and tiny bay of San Fruttuoso, where the Abbazia di San Fruttuoso, built by the Benedictines of Monte Cassino in the eighth century, protects a tiny fishing village that can be reached only on foot or via a 20-minute boat ride from Portofino. Run by Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano, the complex was once the property of the Doria Pamphilj family of Genoa.

Paraggi, a cove on the road between Santa Margherita and Portofino, is the only sandy beach but pristine views can be enjoyed from the deteriorating lighthouse at Punta Portofino, a 15-minute walk along the point from the southern end of the port. 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, PortoVenere perches on the western Gulf of Poets promontory, an area in the Gulf of La Spezia once popular with Byron, Shelley, Dante and DH Lawrence.

Colourful houses line the little harbour and narrow medieval lanes lead up the hill to the Chiesa di San Lorenzo, built in 1130. Nearby, the 16th-century Castello Doria offers magnificent views from its terraced gardens. Portovenere’s San Pietro Church occupies a site believed to have been a temple to Venus – Venere in Italian – from which the port gets its name.

Enter Portovenere's Medieval Centre via the ancient city gate. Shops and restaurants line Capellini, the narrow main street.

From the quay you can see across to Cinque Terre and the rocky terraces of Grotta Arpaia or Byron’s grotto, where the poet once swam across the bay to Lerici. Traces of a pagan temple have been uncovered on the quay inside the Chiesa di San Pietro, built in 1277. Just off the promontory lie the tiny islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto.

From the Spiaggia Grande, Positano resembles a pyramid of ancient houses climbing towards the sky. To the east of the city, the charming beaches of Laurito, San Pietro, Fiumicello,Torre Sponda, are surrounded by luscious vegetation. From the Tower of Fornillo and the Tower Trasita, built in the fifteenth century, you can reach the beaches of Remmese, Scogli Piani and Cavone. 

The largest Italian Riviera seaside resort town, Rapallo in the Tigullio Gulf between Genoa and Cinque Terre offers a 16th-century castle, Castello sul Mare in the middle of the small harbour, a seaside promenade, pedestrian shopping streets in the historical centre, and good seafood restaurants. A lively, friendly place, Rapallo is busiest on Thursdays when colourful market stalls fill central Piazza Cile.

Take the cable car up the hill to the Santuario Basilica di Montallegro, where the Virgin Mary was reportedly sighted on July 2 1557. Walkers and mountain bikers can follow an old mule track 5km up to the sanctuary where the views are spectacular. The sixth-century Basilica of Santi Gervasio e Protasio is also worth a visit.

Visiting the Eternal City is like being in a vast 3000-year old museum. Its best best-preserved building is the Pantheon but a visit to the The Colosseum is a must. Even in its ruined state, it’s easy to imagine the riotously hardcore events staged there 2000 years ago when a huge retractable canopy made from ship sails served as a roof.

Gaze open-mouthed at Michelangelo’s Last Judgment, a vast fresco in the Sistine Chapel, where the Vatican’s other treasures – ancient maps, alabaster statues, paintings, tapestries, and marbled floors – pale in comparison.

About a 10-minute walk from the Sistine Chapel, is St Peter’s Basilica, the largest church ever built. If all the history gets a bit much, find serenity at Villa Borghese, the city's central park and throw three coins backwards into the Trevi fountain en route to make sure you return. Fiumicino is Italy’s first airport, 25km southwest of Rome and linked by train and road. 

Rome’s ports are Darsena Netter , Nautilus Marina, Porto Romano, Porto Netter and Porto Turistico di Roma

Busy but beautiful San Remo basks on the banks of the Riviera dei Fiori. The “City of Flowers” earned its nickname for the tropical plants and bloom-filled hothouses surrounding the city that hosts an annual musical festival and 120 symphony concerts a year.

The town is best explored on foot dodging the scooters. The onion-domed church harks back to the 19th century when Russian royalty held court here and you can admire Franco Bargiggia’s bronze statues and Roman archaeological finds at the Museo Civico.

The best restaurants dot the harbour where the luxury yacht set dine. Afterwards, roll the dice at the Casino, which also hosts the European Poker Tournament every year or get down with the locals at one of the festivals.

Santa Margherita Ligure is situated on the Riviera of Levante. It is surrounded by lovely olive grove hills. Visit the castle Santa Margherita, the Basilica di Santa Margherita d'Antiochia and do not miss the Villa Durazzo, a XVII century building, being made into museum. Walk in the very pitoresque square the Piazza Mazzini.

One of Liguria’s biggest cities with 60 000 inhabitants, Savona’s historic centre is within easy walking distance from the dock.  Attractions include the Pinacoteca Civica Savona, which has an important collection of religious paintings from the 14th to 15th centuries, and two Picassos.

Also known as the city of the popes, being home to Julius II and his uncle Sixtus IV, who built a Sistine Chapel in Savona – renovated in the Rococo style – before overseeing the more famous version in the Vatican, Savona is one of the few Italian cities where you can walk to the beach. Corso Vittorio Veneto is not far from the city centre. Pop into the Priamàr fortress guarding a couple of sculpture museums and the Civico Museo Storico Archeologico en route. Outside the city is the house where Christopher Columbus grew up.

Situated on the southeastern coast of Sicily, Siracusa is a stunning blend of ancient history and coastal beauty. Famous for its UNESCO-listed archaeological sites, including the Greek Theatre and the Ear of Dionysius, the city offers a journey through time. The enchanting island of Ortigia, Syracuse's historic heart, is surrounded by sparkling waters and features a charming marina. Enjoy breathtaking sea views, fine Sicilian dining, and the vibrant culture of this timeless Mediterranean gem.

Feed the pigeons in St. Mark's Square, take a gondola down the Grand Canal under the Rialto Bridge, sail past the Ca' d'Oro. Visit St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge’s Palace next to the Bridge of Sighs. Attend an opera at La Fenice, view Venetian masters of art at Gallerie dell’Accademia and join the Carnevale

Part of Liguria’s Riviera of Flowers region, the old town of Ventimiglia with its palm-fringed seafront offers a high viewing point of the unspoilt coast towards France. The River Roia divides the modern (developed after 1872) and medieval sections of the town linked by bridges. Shops and restaurants line one riverbank while narrow streets wind up the steep hill opposite to the 10th century Church of San Michele Arcangelo. The modern section was built over Roman ruins and historical sites include the remnants of a 2nd century theatre and nearby tombs.Attractions include the busy Friday Market, the Balzi Rossi cliff caves – home to prehistoric cultures dating back to 80,000 years – and archaeological museum displaying ancient artifacts.

WELCOME TO MONACO PORTS' BRAND NEW MARINA  : CALA DEL FORTE

"THE PORT OF MONACO IN VENTIMIGLIA".

The southernmost Italian Riviera style resort and largest beach town in Tuscany, Viareggio is best known for its pre-Lenten festivities, miles of sandy beaches and shallow waters. The seafront promenade bustling with shops, cafes, and seafood restaurants is most popular, especially during the evening passeggiata.

Places of interest include Piazza Shelley, named after the poet Shelley who drowned off the coast in 1822 and Villa Paolina, one of several art nouveau villas. Viareggio also hosts one of Italy's top carnival parades for the four Sundays leading up to Lent. The Tuscan town keeps the energy going with theatre presentations, fireworks and traditional masked carnival balls throughout the four-week festival. The Museo Cittadella del Carnevale exhibits floats, masks, carnival postcards, and other memorabilia related to the carnival.