Il Dolce Far Niente

Watching the tide while cradling an Aperol-spritz, reading a book on a sea-facing bench and ambling along the boulevard with a gelato in hand — this is what the Italians call ‘il dolce far niente’ – the sweet art of utter relaxation.

A master class of ‘il dolce far niente’, an Italian Riviera Yacht Charter will lull you into a sense of leisure, not to mention a life where day-to-day worries can be, for a while, forgotten.

Day One: Portofino

Portofino is made up of a few winding roads, three gelato shops and a smattering of glitzy boutiques. At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be much to see and do. But then you cast your eyes on the village’s swoon-worthy harbour and its stunning yachts and, somehow, the visual feasting is more than enough. Sit at one of the pretty terraces and gorge on perfectly executed pesto alla Genovese while admiring a view of verdant hills and a cerulean sea.

Day Two: Porto Venere

The urge to take a gazillion photos comes naturally while passing the charming Cinque Terre’s pastel-hued houses and vertiginous cliffs. Your destination, historic Porto Venere, is just as beautiful as the famed five villages but without the madding crowds. On arrival, make the most of a balmy summer evening and join local Ligurians on their traditional evening passeggiata.

Day Three: Palmaria

With its towering cliffs, dramatic coves and rocky beaches, it’s easy to see why the area inspired poets Lord Byron and Percy Shelley. Pay tribute to the creative colossuses of the literary world by arming yourself with a book and stretching out on spiaggia del Pozzale. Explore the scenic islands of Tino and Tinetto by paddleboard, if you can tear yourself away from your deck chair that is.

Day Four: Lucca

Arrive in Viareggo for a visit by car to breathtaking Lucca, a Medieval town which enthrals everyone who visits. Get lost behind its imposing Renaissance walls, strolling past tall houses, handsome piazzas, and Romanesque churches. At the day’s end, savour a glass or two of Lucchesi wine at a pretty terrace before sitting down for a moon-lit courtyard dinner.

Day Five: Capraia

A little more than 400 people live on Capraia, a national park and peaceful retreat off the coast of Tuscany. This means you’ll almost have this unspoilt and wildlife-rich island all to yourself. Discover rocky coves and dreamy viewpoints or don snorkel gear and dive into crystalline waters to swim with colourful fish. Water babies won’t be able to stop talking about Capraia’s vibrant marine life or the water’s superb visibility.

Famous harbour of Portoferraio at the island Elba in Italy

Day Six: Isola d’Elba

Elba’s draw becomes apparent the moment you lay eyes on its curvaceous bays and tranquil beaches — all backed by steep, wooded slopes. Join the two or three other individuals on one of Elba’s ‘cast-away-type’ beaches to swim, snooze and repeat. After a sunset aperitivo, feast on pescato del giorno and magnificent coastal views at Osteria del Noce, one of Elba’s most charming restaurants.

The Monte Argentario peninsula in Italy seen from above

Day Seven: Monte Argentario

Enjoy the last day of your Italian Riviera yacht charter in Argentario, a thickly wooded, promontory connected to the mainland by three sandy isthmuses. Visit the promontory’s main towns: Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano or follow cliff paths that lead to paradisiacal beaches. However, Monte Argentario equally lends itself to simply drinking Aperol spritzes and gazing at the blue-tinged Tyrrhenian Sea.

As a boutique charter agency, we offer a personalized service and smooth negotiation process. To put it in a nutshell: we’re great at doing big things with less.

Captains keen to hear about our various management options or owners wanting to know more about the benefits of putting their yacht on the charter market are invited to get in touch via phone / email or to drop into our Palma office. www.snsyachtcharter.com

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