Located on the coast North-West of Italy, bordering the Cote D’Azur, Liguria is the perfect autumnal yachting region for any day off. From adventure and activity, relaxing beach days to immersing yourself in the Italian lifestyle and food scene, Liguria has something to offer any yacht crew. A popular region for winter berths, from the renovated marina in Ventimiliga, the large marinas of San Remo and Imperia, to the shipyards in Loano and Genoa, if you find yourself settled here, you won’t be disappointed. No matter where you are berthed, a convenient and well-connected train line stops off at most hotspots. 

Coastal strolls in San Remo

There is an easy and scenic bike and footpath trail, which hugs the coastline for 24km, running from San Lorenzo al Mare, ending in Ospedaletti. This stretch of Liguria is known as the Riviera of flowers, easily spotted as why on this pathway. A perfect location for a day off stroll, or if you feel more adventure hire a bike in one of the many hire shops along the way. Take your time and pause en route in the many cafes for a refreshing Aperol and a fresh seafood lunch. Outside the summer, you will be free of the tourists and join the locals in their weekend walks. If you are looking for a more taxing walk, there are plenty of hiking trails up in the mountains in the Ligurian Alps, well marked for ease. 

Explore Bussana Vecchia 

Liguria isn’t short of a few old towns or two, but when it comes to the best, visit the impressive Bussana Vecchia. Located just a few kilometres northeast of the city of San Remo. You can easily spend an afternoon exploring this abandoned village, with art galleries, cafes and shops in between. The town holds a great deal of charm and character after its fate of earthquakes has been taken over by a thriving artistic community. 

A beachside relax

There are plenty of beaches to choose from within this Italian Riveria. After a busy summer watching guests have relaxing beach days, why not now enjoy yourself? Once the heat and crowds of the summer have dissipated, autumn is a temperate time to spend a day or two at the beaches. Alassio is probably the best for a beach day, close to marinas but far enough to make you feel truly on holiday. This popular seaside resort is the perfect day off destination, known for having one of the longest beaches in the eastern Liguria regions. Alassio also hosts a picturesque town with plenty of lovely seafood restaurants, cocktail bars and gelaterias. If you continue to explore, head down the coast just a few kilometres to Cervo, a picturesque fishing village. 

Indulge in Imperia  

Liguria doesn’t fall short in its cuisine. From the famous focaccia, the trofie pasta, to the purple asparagus of Albenga and the Genoese pesto. Book a table at Sarri in Imperia if you want to indulge truly. This Michelin-starred restaurant situated on the seafront is the perfect spot for an alfresco lunch. The chef uses restaurants directly from the family-owned farm. You will enjoy fresh and seasonal ingredients washed down with a prestigious Ligurian Vermentino, white wine. 

Adrenaline hit in Finale Ligure

Some days off may require something more adventurous than a long relaxing lunch. For the adventure junkies, there is plenty to do in Liguria, specifically lots of mountain biking trails. Head to Finale Ligure for over 200 km of quality natural trails perfect for all abilities. The year-round biking here is complete with fantastic sea views. If you only have one day, get a guide to be sure to get on the best trails with limited time. 

Head inland 

Plenty of hidden gems can be found further inland, away from the coast. Hire a car and take a scenic drive. Make your way between the old towns and enchanting villages perched high up on the hills. One, in particular, is the perfectly preserved medieval town of Apricale. Wind your way through the labyrinth of old cobbled, stone streets. If you happen to be here on the second Sunday of September in the heart of the village is the Pansarola festival – think sweet pancakes, cream, and plenty of them. 

Scramble around the canyons 

Canyoning is a perfect day off activity. If you are in Liguria for winter, be sure to book in quick as the canyoning season ends at the end of October. An exhilarating experience where you will travel down the canyons by rappelling, climbing, jumping, slipping and swimming. It is a great way to immerse yourself in Liguria’s beautiful nature, particularly the canyons of Santa Lucia, between Albenga and Diano Marina. A guided tour will ensure you are safe and get to all the best spots. 

Hiking in Cinque Terre 

Possibly the most popular and famous destination within Liguria is Cinque Terre. This collection of “5 lands” is on many must-see lists, and rightly so. Dependent upon your location, you may need more than one day to visit. Especially if you want to make it to all 5 villages; Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. If you are based in La Spezia, this is the perfect spot to explore the villages. The surrounding national park has plenty of hiking trails, well marked, connecting the villages. The current coastal trails are closed due to reconstruction from a previous landslide. However, there is plenty of hiking higher up within the vineyards. Arguably better, albeit more strenuous trails, wind up and down, giving excellent views back into the villages. If time allows, be sure to visit each as each is unique in its own right.

Splash out in Portofino 

A popular postcard-perfect spot for yachts to take guests. This small and tranquil harbour is lined with luxury boutiques and high-end stores. However, this pretty fishing village is best out of the summer months and when you can truly see its lure. If you don’t want to spend all your latest charter tips, Portofino is still a great destination in the autumn, where you can enjoy its quieter streets and views. If you like walking, take the coastal route to Portofino from Santa Margherita. 

Soak up the historical Genoa 

Genoa is full of cultural and historical significance worth finding out about. It was the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and the biggest Italian port city. Exploring the waterfront at Porto Antico will enable you to discover more, visiting the maritime museum and the historic lighthouse, the third oldest in the world. 

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Vineyards to visit from iconic anchorages in France and Italy

 

The French and Italian Riviera are certainly two of the most popular destinations during the summer months in the Mediterranean. With gorgeous weather, pristine beaches, fantastic restaurants, and incredible scenery for guests to enjoy. These two iconic areas are also conveniently located near some world-class wineries. West Nautical has provided us with their picks of the best Vineyards in the French and Italian Riviera. Suggest a vineyard off of this list to your guests to give them the best experience possible. 

 

The best vineyards to visit: 

 

France: 

 

Chateau de Berne, Provence 

 

This Vineyard is just over an hour’s drive from Saint Tropez. Chateau de Berne produces reds, rosés as well as white wines. And, they are known to be some of the best in the region. Here guests will be able to enjoy a cellar tour and enjoy a guided tasting session. This exceptional winery also has many dining options. From fine dining to a more casual al fresco dining with menu options from their own garden. 

 

Château St. Martin in Taradeau, Cannes, France

 

This beautiful winery is located just an hour’s drive from the exciting port of Saint Tropez.  It is in the village of Taradeau in Les Arcs. Château St Martin is a winery dating back to Roman times. The Domain, “Cru Classé” has belonged to the same family since 1740 and remains in the family until today. 

 

 

Chateau de Bellet

 

This vineyard is in the hills of Nice overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.  Guests will also be able to marvel at the Alps and Var Valley when visiting Chateau de Bellet. This region benefits from the wind in both directions as it assists in the slow maturation of the vines. As a result, their wines have a distinct freshness and elegance. This winery produces white, rosé, as well as red wines with white being their most well-known. Their wines have been served at iconic occasions such as Prince Albert of Monaco’s wedding. 

 

Italy:

Conti di San Bonifacio, Porto Santo Stefano, Italy

 

This exceptional vineyard is located just half an hour’s drive from the coast. It is nestled between the Maremma Hills and the plains of the Tuscan coastline. The garden vineyard and boutique Cantina produces beautifully crafted wines, made with passion and authenticity. Guests can savour a glass of the second-best Syrah in the world. Which also ranks as the third-best organic wine in the world. There is also the finest Tuscan cuisine at Maremmana restaurant. All ingredients are locally sourced, and the chefs have given innovative twists to traditional recipes. 

 

Poggio dei Gorleri

 

The wine region of Liguria is most certainly well-known for its crisp dry white wines. They are born from the perfect environmental factors of the hills and ocean. This exceptional vineyard is located just five minutes away from the town of Imperia. And, is an idyllic location for an al fresco lunch and wine tasting in the Mediterranean sunshine. Guests can enjoy an incredible range of wine from a light-bodied, complex Vermentino to a fruity white Pigato. As well as the Riviera red Granaccia. 

 

Agriturismo Torre Pernice

 

Surrounded by the mountains and sea, Torre Pernice is a family-owned wine estate. It is located in Albenga Plain, a short drive from the coastal town of Alassio. There is a tower built in the 1500s from which the winery gets its name. This winery produces a range of white, red, sparkling, and fortified wines. In addition, it has a beautiful restaurant serving traditional dishes and specialty cuisine from the Ligurian region. 

 

Suggest a vineyard from this list to your guests and they will certainly be happy! Meanwhile, we hope you found this article helpful.

 

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We caught up with Paolo Vannucci in his office today to talk business post-COVID, the upcoming Med season, and the future.

The Vannucci Group is a veritable institution in Italy and will shortly celebrate its 200^th anniversary. This six generation family of marine agents are synonymous with all things Tuscany and yachts. Based in Viareggio they serve the entire Tuscan coast and further afield. It is the perfect location for a stopover during a summer cruise or to get some high-quality refit work done in the winter. In just a short few decades Viareggio has transformed from a small fisherman’s village to being center stage of this industry.

 

What will happen this summer:

Italy was one of the first countries in Europe to be hard hit by Covid 19. It has now been heralded in the international press as one of most well managed throughout this health crisis. While locals will debate about specific aspects of how this pandemic have been handled, the overall situation is becoming more positive by the day.

Paolo told us, “We have had a lot of inquiries so far and boats are moving up towards the Monaco Gran Prix and will be coming down the coast shortly after. I think we will have a season very similar to last year. We worked well and served a lot of yachts both in the marinas and at anchor.” Regulations are changing weekly with more restrictions expected to be eased in the coming weeks so check in with Vannucci for the latest updates.

 

They know Tuscan everything…

For most foreigners, the region of Tuscany IS Italy. Whether you’re talking about rolling hills dotted with Chianti grape varieties, a juicy Florentine steak, or many of the peasant dishes now part of Italian haute cuisine, Tuscany is undoubtedly a foodie paradise. Vannucci is able reach yachts along the coast with fresh provisions via land or water with their fleet of tenders.

Personal chefs provide custom created cooking experiences for guests. Bespoke excursions are a fan favorite with owners and guests throughout the Tuscan countryside for wine tasting. With overwhelming cultural offerings and artisanal boutique shopping, there is something for everyone. “Viareggio is strategically located. Pisa, Livorno, and Lucca are just a short drive away. Florence and Siena are easily reached as well,” Paolo said.

 

What’s new?

Vannucci’s core business continues to be yacht agency services. However they are also a full service fuel trader and have a large and well organized provisioning and concierge division.  The Group is continually reinforcing their offerings both in scope and breadth. “We pride ourselves on giving guests that once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether it’s an after hours private tour of an historical site or a private shopping experience, we are continuing to add new offerings to wow our yachts and guests,” Paolo told us.

“We have also just joined AYSS and feel this is a significant step in our growth. We think it is important to support and be supported by other marine agents in this industry. Particularly in areas further afield where we do not operate, we appreciate the opportunity now to recommend one of the other vetted agencies to our clients,” Paolo explained.

 

Cruising this summer in Italy? Paolo and his team would love to assist you! https://www.vannuccigroup.it

 

For more on AYSS and their member agents: https://ayss.org

 

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