The Mediterranean continues to be the center of gravity of nautical tourism. According to data collected by Samboat, an international platform specialized in boat rentals, Italians who in 2026 decided to include a boating experience in their trip tend to choose nearby destinations: 75% of bookings remain in Italy, while a smaller share is divided between Spain (7%) and Greece (6%).
Among Italian destinations, the top spot goes to the stretch of sea in front of the Cinque Terre, with La Spezia as the main departure port. Right after come the Sicilian coasts, particularly the areas of Trapani, Palermo and Furnari, which continue to attract strong interest. For those who choose to travel abroad, Palma de Mallorca is the most requested destination, followed — returning to Italy — by Naples, Salerno and Sorrento. Completing the picture are Ibiza and the Greek island of Lefkada, which remain key hubs of the European charter market.
Yacht charter: the identikit of the Italian traveler
The profile of the Italian customer outlined by Samboat is quite clear. On average, it is a 43‑year‑old traveler who prefers to share the experience with a small group of friends or family, generally four or five people. Most choose to sail independently: seven out of ten bookings do not include a skipper.
Preferences regarding the type of boat also reveal a certain way of experiencing the sea. Motorboats are the most requested, followed by RIBs, and — at a distance — sailboats. This choice is reflected in the rental duration: those who opt for a motorboat tend to enjoy a single day of navigation, while those who choose sailing prefer a longer experience, often lasting a week.
Who comes from abroad to sail in Italy
Italy continues to attract an international audience as well. Foreign travelers who in 2026 rented a boat to explore Italian coasts come mainly from France, Germany and the United Kingdom. They have an average age of around fifty and, even more than Italians, prefer to sail independently: 85% of bookings involve boats without a skipper. The most requested destinations for this segment are Olbia, Palermo, La Spezia and Sorrento.
Yacht charter: types of boats and budget
Analyzing the most rented models, there is a clear prevalence of motorboats and RIBs, a choice that suggests the desire to explore bays and coves within a single day. Costs vary significantly depending on the type of experience: a day at sea with a RIB costs around 400 euros, a figure comparable to renting electric bicycles for a family.
Those who instead want a longer and more comfortable experience can opt for a habitable catamaran. In Greece, a week on board costs on average between 3,500 and 4,000 euros per group, depending on the season, the boat’s capacity and the chosen destination. It is a budget similar to that of a stay in a tourist village or a seaside villa, with one clear advantage: the possibility of waking up every day in a different place, without giving up comfort.
