How can we possibly relay the beauty and diversity of 4,000 nautical miles of coastline in a few words? Shall we marvel at the rugged cliffs of the Amalfi coast, or the sophistication of the Italian Riviera? The sandy beaches of Elba and the Tuscan Archipelago or the rolling landscapes of Calabria? Or shall we admire the stylish Italians who stroll out of their yachts at sunset for an easy wander in search of a delightful meal? Italy provides relaxed sophistication in abundance and we believe she is the Med's best kept secret in terms of sailing holidays.

The coastal regions, where most of the large towns are located, have a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot and generally dry summers. The length and intensity of the summer dry season increases southwards. The whole of Italy and the large islands of Sicily and Sardinia have very changeable weather in autumn, winter, and spring in marked contrast to the settled sunny weather of summer. The the winter has cloudy rainy days alternating with spells of mild, sunny weather. In the extreme south of the mainland and in Sicily and Sardinia, sunshine averages from four to five hours a day in winter and up to ten or eleven hours in summer. The heat of summer is usually moderated on the coast by daytime sea breezes, but the nights can occasionally be warm and even humid.