Liguria's coast is short but intensely nautical. From Sanremo and Imperia in the west, through Genoa, to the Gulf of Tigullio and La Spezia in the east, almost every town has a harbour. Many boats here belong to owners from Milan, Turin and elsewhere in northern Italy who use them for weekends and summer holidays. That usage pattern can mean modest engine hours, although it can also mean boats that sit idle for long stretches of the year.
Within our listings of older yachts below €100K, with many current examples between about €19K and €58K, Liguria stands out for small and mid-sized motor boats, compact cabin cruisers and the traditional wooden gozzo. Sailing yachts are well represented too, especially around Genoa, Varazze and the Tigullio marinas.
The main harbour clusters
Riviera di Ponente. The western Riviera, including Sanremo, Imperia, Alassio, Loano and Varazze, combines resort marinas with older town harbours. Proximity to the Côte d'Azur means some boats have spent time in French waters.
Genoa. The city's large harbour complex hosts the Genoa International Boat Show each autumn, bringing dealers, brokers and service companies together. Even if your budget sits far below new-boat prices, the show is a useful way to meet surveyors, marine engineers and brokers in one place.
Riviera di Levante. To the east, Rapallo, Chiavari, Lavagna, Sestri Levante and La Spezia offer a mix of large modern marinas and intimate harbours, with Lavagna among the larger facilities on the coast.
| Cluster | Character | Buyer notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sanremo & Imperia | Western resort harbours | Check any history in French waters |
| Alassio, Loano & Varazze | Mid-Riviera marinas | Good mix of sail and motor boats |
| Genoa | Major city port and boat show host | Broad services; useful research base |
| Rapallo, Chiavari & Lavagna | Gulf of Tigullio | Popular weekend base; berths in demand |
| La Spezia | Eastern gulf with shipyards | Access to yards and marine trades |
The gozzo: charm and caution
The gozzo is a traditional Italian working boat, sturdy and round-bilged with a distinctive raised stem, originally used for fishing along this coast and elsewhere in the Tyrrhenian. Many are still built or rebuilt in wood; others are modern GRP interpretations. They are handsome, seaworthy at displacement speeds and usually economical to run with small inboard diesels.
Wooden examples, however, reward only committed owners. Planking, fastenings and caulking require periodic attention from specialist shipwrights, and a low asking price can conceal significant work. Choose a surveyor who regularly inspects timber boats rather than relying on a general GRP survey.
Riviera-specific considerations
- Berthing. Berths are scarce, and annual costs can represent a meaningful share of an older boat's value. Confirm whether a berth is included, transferable or simply not available.
- Idle time. Weekend-only boats may suffer from stale fuel, stiff seacocks and tired batteries. Low hours are good; long inactivity is not.
- Winter storms. Severe south-westerly storms have caused damage in Ligurian harbours in the past. Ask whether the boat has any repaired storm damage and request the repair records.
- Cross-border history. For boats that have spent time in France, check registration, VAT documentation and any changes of flag.
Advantages
- Dense market means lots of choice in a short drive
- Many boats used lightly by weekend owners
- Strong network of marine trades and brokers
- Traditional gozzi for buyers who value character
Drawbacks
- Berths are expensive and heavily contested
- Long idle periods can hide mechanical issues
- Wooden boats need specialist maintenance
- Storm exposure in some harbours
Riviera buyer's checklist
- Establish the berth situation before discussing price.
- Request service records and fuel-system maintenance history.
- For wooden boats, hire a surveyor with timber experience.
- Check registration status, whether natante or registered imbarcazione, and ownership documents.
- Sea trial in realistic conditions, not just a flat-calm harbour loop.
These guides offer criteria rather than verdicts. We do not inspect boats, and all listing information should be confirmed with the seller or broker. To discuss a search, contact us.