How Much Does it Cost to Charter a Luxury Yacht in Italy?
Most crewed yacht charters in Italy cost roughly €30,000–€150,000+ per week plus APA (25–35%), Italian VAT (22%), and crew gratuity (typically 5–15%).
Yacht charter prices in Italy vary widely depending on the yacht type, size, season, cruising region, and how the yacht is used.
On this page, we break down the Italy yacht charter cost structure clearly and transparently, so you understand every fee involved — and know exactly what to expect before booking a yacht charter in Italy.
| Charter Fees | What it covers | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| Base charter fee | Yacht, professional crew, and standard onboard equipment. | Fixed weekly price |
| APA | Fuel, food & drinks, port fees, cruising taxes, and running costs. | 25–35% |
| VAT (Italy) | Italian VAT applied to charters starting in Italy. | Typically 22% |
| Crew gratuity | Discretionary tip for the crew, paid at the end of the charter. | 5–15% (10% common) |
Quick Navigation
Average Yacht Charter Costs in Italy
| Motor Yacht Size | Weekly Base Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| 65–80 ft (20–24m) | €30,000 – €80,000 | Speed and comfort for classic Italy routes |
| 80–100 ft (24–30m) | €70,000 – €150,000 | More volume, better finish, stronger crew service |
| 100–130 ft (30–40m) | €120,000 – €350,000 | True luxury: bigger crew, better toys, better flow |
| 40m+ (Superyachts) | €250,000 – €1,300,000+ | Elite experience: top crews, serious amenities, wow factor |
| Yacht type | Typical size | Weekly base price | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sailing yacht | 45–60 ft | €15,000 – €45,000 | Best-value entry to crewed sailing in Italy |
| Sailing yacht | 60–80 ft | €35,000 – €90,000 | More comfort, better stability, refined service |
| Sailing yacht | 80–100 ft | €70,000 – €180,000 | Luxury sailing with space and standout crews |
| Crewed catamaran | 50–60 ft | €20,000 – €90,000 | Exceptional space, stability, and family comfort |
What’s Included in the Charter Fee
The base charter fee covers:
- The use of the yacht
- The professional crew
- Everything required to operate that yacht safely and legally
It does not cover any running or trip-related expenses. Those costs — such as fuel, food and drinks, port fees, and itinerary-related charges — are paid separately via the APA (explained below).
APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance)
APA is your operating budget for the week. It covers things like:
- Fuel (often the biggest swing cost on motor yachts)
- Food and beverages
- Port and marina fees
- Cruising costs specific to your itinerary
In practice, we see APA set most often at 25–35%, and it can be higher on fuel-heavy itineraries (or lower on pure sailing weeks). Any unspent APA is returned, and spending is documented.
VAT (Value Added Tax)
For charters starting in Italy, VAT is typically 22%.
Any reduction is not something we “guess” – it depends on the structure and itinerary rules (for example, time spent outside EU waters must be calculated properly under the post-2020 approach). We advise clients to budget conservatively unless the yacht’s management confirms a lawful reduced treatment for your specific trip.
Crew gratuity
In the Mediterranean, gratuity is commonly 5–15% of the base charter fee, with 10% often used as the “standard” reference point (MYBA-style guidance is widely cited). It’s discretionary, but customary.
Optional Extras
These vary by yacht and itinerary, but in Italy we most often see:
- Delivery/repositioning fees (if the yacht is not already where you want to start/end)
- Airport transfers and chauffeured vehicles
- High-demand marina berths (peak summer in places like Capri/Porto Cervo can be a budget factor)
- Shore experiences (private guides, restaurants, events)
- Onboard entertainment requests (special equipment, themed nights, etc.)
We flag these early, because “surprise costs” usually come from logistics, not the yacht.
Factors That Affect Yacht Charter Prices in Italy
What moves the price most (based on what we see with real bookings):
- Season: July and August are the highest, with mid-August often the most competitive
- Region: The Amalfi Coast and Sardinia are premium-demand zones
- Yacht type: motor yachts generally cost more to run (APA/fuel)
- Itinerary style: fast-paced island hopping costs more than relaxed local cruising
- One-way charters: can trigger delivery/re-delivery fees
- Yacht pedigree: newer refits, standout crew reputations, and “name” yachts price higher
Charter Italy with people who’ve actually worked onboard
We’re ex-superyacht crew turned brokers. We know the yachts, the crews, and the real costs — because we’ve lived it. We give clear, upfront advice so you can book your Italy yacht charter with confidence and without surprises.
