There is so much to see and so much to do that after a vacation in the land of the Roman gods, your views on life will just not be the same. The breathtaking landscapes and vivid marine scenery will sweep you off your feet and make you forget everything else. One of the best things about Italy is that you can combine leisure and active sightseeing. Traveling the coast by boat is the greatest way to enjoy the sunshine while exploring the landmarks and natural bliss of nearby cities and villages. Your choice of the sea is far from limited. Italy is encompassed by three prominent bodies of water ‑ the Adriatic, Ionian, and Tyrrhenian Seas.

When in Italy, you must spend some time out on the water. Whether you rent a boat, book a yacht charter, or try a boat tour, you must commit to giving yourself the amazing experience of seeing some of Italy on a boat.

Venice Boat Tours and Rentals

The first stop is naturally Venice — one of the most romantic spots in the world. Perched on the Venetian Lagoon in the form of numerous small islands interconnected by canal bridges, “Queen of the Adriatic” is just one of its many names. Although the tourist interest in the region has marred some of the charms of this Renaissance pearl, the spirit of Venice remains untouched. It is a fusion of history, art, and nature, all whispering the magic of ancient times.

If you visit in summer, spring, or fall, one of the best things to do in Venice, Italy, is to rent or charter a boat. A boat ride can take you through the canals in a romantic way you can't have on foot. Explore and sightsee the Venetian Lagoon with a beautiful yacht or a small coquette gondola tour! The cost for the classic gondola ride in Venice is typically around $60 per person. On a boat in Venice, you can marvel at the beauty of Piazza San Marco, the Doge’s Palace, and the baroque buildings dating back to the Renaissance, or extend your trip to the tiny yet splendid islands of Torcello, Burano, and Murano in the north part of the lagoon. Some boating services are also offered onboard boat tours in Venice, including barbeque or seafood lunches, historical tours, and stops at Instagram-worthy locations for photos.

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Rimini Boat Rentals

A little to the south of Venice lies the picturesque town of Rimini, a small sea jewel whose coast bathes in the waters of the Adriatic Sea. Similar to the Venetian climate, Rimini has the advantage of mild weather with warm summers and pleasant spring and fall temperatures. Sightseeing in Rimini is a popular tourist activity, with lots to do and things to see. Tiberius Bridge and the Arch of Augustus are among the notable landmarks not to be missed.

Rimini boating experiences can take you as close as the Venetian Lagoon and surrounding landscapes and as far as the Croatian coast and its magnificent Riviera. The local port offers many yachts to charter and speed boats that can be rented for unforgettable Adriatic adventures. Book a sailboat rental or sailing tour in Rimini and cruise the coast in the beautiful Adriatic Sea. Since the area prides itself on its long and wide sandy beaches, sailing, and sunbathing can go hand in hand. Evening walks and dining near Rimini’s port present a fantastic sunset picture as the numerous boats return from the sea for the night.

Rent a Boat on the Amalfi Coast

One of the most-visited places in Italy, especially for yachting and cruising, is the Amalfi Coast. With lots of quaint towns to visit, nestled on the gorgeous coast of the Salerno Gulf on the Tyrrhenian Sea, there's so much to enjoy when traveling to the Amalfi Coast. Some of the highlights of this region include the Blue Grotto in Capri, Sorrento, and Positano.

Rent a boat in Positano to cruise, island-hop, and explore more of the stunning coastline of the Amalfi Coast. To tour the famous Blue Grotto, you'll want to get on a boat to Capri, a small island sitting just off the west coast of Italy. If you take the ferry or water taxi to Capri, you can still rent a boat once you arrive there, as well as book boat tours, sailing charters, and yacht charters.

Sorrento is another beautiful destination on the Amalfi Coast and is a wonderful town to find a boat rental or charter to explore more on the sea. You can take a boat tour from Sorrento to Capri, Naples, or Positano, charter a luxury yacht with a captain to provide an amazing insider look at the coast, or even stay overnight on a boat, hopping from place to place on the Amalfi Coast.

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Charter a Yacht in Sicily

Boating in the Ionian Sea offers even an even wider range of overseas trips, especially if your starting point is Sicily. With over 900 boats available in Sicily alone, GetMyBoat is the best choice for finding the perfect yacht charter or boat rental when traveling to Sicily.

Some of the top destinations in Sicily to check out for boat tours and rentals include Syracuse, Palermo, and Catania. In all these places, you'll find amazing things to do as a tourist on vacation. Its Mediterranean climate differs from the rest of Italy by its mild, warm winters and dry, sizzling summers.

Top boating options in Sicily include sailing charters, where you can enjoy the sunny days in the background of the fabulous Ionian Riviera, and longer cruises to the Ionian Greek Islands of Zakynthos, Argostolion, and even Corfu. A popular destination from the Syracuse port is also the Maltese archipelago, a cluster of small yet impressive islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Want to enjoy some exercise while exploring Sicily? Rent a kayak and paddle yourself around the beautiful beaches and coves of Sicily.

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Naples Boat Rentals

Go further northwest, and you will find Naples, one of the best boating spots in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is one of the largest in Italy and a monumental representation of Roman and Greek styles dwelling in one place. There are plenty of piazzas, museums, and monuments worth visiting in Naples’s historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The climate in Naples is pleasant, although the summers tend to get a bit dry. A lucrative solution for the hot weather is a boating experience along with the west Italian coast. Rent a boat or charter a yacht in Naples and enjoy a vacation you will never forget. Naples’s boating services make trips to Civitavecchia (only a short distance from Rome). For longer voyages, cruise to Livorno or to one of the Tyrrhenian islands of Corsica and Sardinia.

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Rent a boat in Bordighera

Bordighera is a resort city located on the Italian Riviera near the French border and the most popular Italian harbor on the Mediterranean. The proximity to France has cast a mild influence on the resort, transforming it into a splendid amalgam of French and Italian traditions. The climate in the region is pleasantly mild, with hot days suitable for all kinds of water activities, followed by chilly nights when one can cool off and take a break from the heat.

A wide range of boat rentals and yacht charters are available on the docks of Bordighera, going along the Italian coast and islands or in the opposite direction to the finest French resorts. You can rent luxurious yachts and speedboats and visit the flourishing city of Nice or meet movie celebrities in Cannes.

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In case you have plenty of time on your hands, a lengthy cruise from the first Italian port on the Ionian Sea to the last on the Mediterranean will grant you a fantastic vacation with a touch of history, art, culture, and gourmet cuisine, and memories to last a lifetime. So go ahead — Veni, Vidi, Vici!

Traveling to Italy and need a boat rental? Find the perfect boat rental, tour, or yacht charter with GetMyBoat. Download our mobile app and search through hundreds of rentals available in Italy today!