Area:
Italy: Amalfi Coast
Naples • Capri • Ischia • Procida • Amalfi • Positano • Nerano • Cetara • Salerno
Perfect for: Competent skippers seeking iconic scenery, easy line-of-sight passages (5–30 NM), delicious food stops, and postcard villages.
Vibe: Sun‑drenched days under sail, aperitivo at golden hour, UNESCO towns by night.
Season: May–October (July–August busiest).
At‑a‑Glance Route
Base: Salerno — Marina d’Arechi → Cetara → Amalfi → Positano → Nerano (Marina del Cantone) → Capri → Ischia (Forio/Sant’Angelo) → Procida (Corricella/Marina di Procida) → Salerno — Marina d’Arechi.
Total Distance: ~110–140 NM depending on detours and swim stops.
Why this loop works: It keeps hops short, times arrivals for the prettiest light, and balances bucket‑list islands with quieter anchorages.
What to Expect (and Pack!)
- Winds & Sea: Light morning airs building to sea breezes (NW–W) most afternoons. Expect catspaws to F3–F5 in summer; occasional swell near headlands.
- Mooring Style: Lazy lines in marinas; mooring buoys/anchoring in fair weather. Capri requires early booking for Marina Grande.
- Skill Level: Day skipper or equivalent; short tidal range but busy traffic near Capri/Positano. Keep clear of ferries and grotto tour routes.
- Essentials: Deck shoes, reef‑friendly sunscreen, lightweight hoodie for evening breeze, boat shoes you don’t mind lemon granita stains on.
Day‑by‑Day
Day 1 — Salerno (Marina d’Arechi) → Cetara
6–8 NM • 1–2 hrs under sail
Sail: Shake down the rig, practice lazy‑line technique, then a gentle reach along the citrus‑scented coast.
Moor/Anchor: Pick up a visitor buoy or town quay (space permitting).
On Land: Wander Cetara’s pastel harbour, try colatura di alici (anchovy essence) and grilled catch of the day at a trattoria on the quay.
On Board: Sunset swim off the transom; simple spaghetti aglio e olio with Amalfi lemons.
Skipper’s Tip: Arrive mid‑afternoon for the prettiest light on the fishing village facades.
Day 2 — Cetara → Amalfi (with Ravello by land)
7–10 NM • 2–3 hrs
Sail: Hug the spectacular cliffs; keep lookouts for photo ops of the hillside towns.
Moor/Anchor: Visitor berths in Amalfi (book ahead in peak season).
On Land: Stroll the Duomo di Amalfi, then taxi or bus up to Ravello for Villa Cimbrone & Villa Rufolo gardens (views that rewrite your screensaver).
On Board: Aperol spritzes and bruschetta; play a chilled playlist and watch the town glow at dusk.
Learn: Amalfi’s medieval maritime republic legacy—this coast wasn’t just pretty; it ruled trade routes.
Day 3 — Amalfi → Positano → Nerano (Marina del Cantone)
10–14 NM • 2–3.5 hrs (plus swims)
Sail: Short hop to Positano for a late‑morning photo stop (drop off guests with the dinghy if sea state allows), then continue to Nerano.
Moor/Anchor: Buoys or anchor in settled weather in Marina del Cantone.
On Land: Lunch at a beachside taverna; try spaghetti alla Nerano (zucchini + magic). Small hike to Crapolla Fjord for sunset if time allows.
On Board: Paddleboard the indented coves east of the beach; dusk swim; stargazing off the bow.
Skipper’s Tip: Respect Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area zones near the headland—no anchoring on posidonia; follow buoyage.
Day 4 — Nerano → Capri (anti‑clockwise island lap)
7–12 NM • 2–3 hrs + sightseeing circuit
Sail: Round Punta Campanella and curve towards Capri’s Faraglioni. If conditions are kind, do a slow scenic lap: Green Grotto → Faraglioni → Marina Piccola (photo stop) → Marina Grande.
Moor/Anchor: Book Marina Grande well ahead or take a buoy/anchor outside only in settled weather. Expect wakes from grotto tour boats.
On Land: Chairlift to Monte Solaro, stroll Via Krupp, evening passeggiata to Piazzetta for gelato.
On Board: Mask & fins for a snorkel near the cliffs (outside restricted areas), pasta with cherry tomatoes and basil.
Learn: Posidonia seagrass = the Mediterranean’s underwater rainforest; protect it by avoiding anchoring on seagrass meadows.
Day 5 — Capri → Ischia (Forio or Sant’Angelo)
18–22 NM • 4–5 hrs
Sail: A glorious beam reach across the Gulf of Naples. Keep a weather eye for ferries.
Moor/Anchor: Forio for easy provisioning and sunset at Chiesa del Soccorso; or Sant’Angelo for boutique vibes and clear‑water swims.
On Land: Thermal bliss at Negombo or Poseidon hot springs; wine tasting of Biancolella and Forastera.
On Board: Deck barbecue (if permitted), board games as the sun melts into the Tyrrhenian.
Skipper’s Tip: If a westerly swell is up, choose the more sheltered side of Ischia accordingly.
Day 6 — Ischia → Procida (Corricella or Marina di Procida)
5–7 NM • 1–2 hrs
Sail: Short hop to a riot of pastel houses.
Moor/Anchor: Corricella mooring buoys (limited) for the postcard view, or full‑service berths at Marina di Procida.
On Land: Gelato on the steps, photos above the harbour from Terra Murata. Slow dinner with the fishing fleet clinking in the background.
On Board: Movie night on the foredeck under fairy lights.
Learn: Procida was Italy’s Capital of Culture in 2022—tiny island, big personality.
Day 7 — Procida → Salerno (via Sorrento Bay swim stop)
35–45 NM • 6–8 hrs
Sail: An early start pays off. Optional lunch‑hook in Sorrento Bay if weather allows, then a satisfying final leg along the dramatic coast to Salerno.
Moor: Return to Marina d’Arechi; top up fuel, pump out, and celebrate with a last‑night feast on the lungomare.
On Board: Trip debrief at sunset—favourite cove, best meal, next adventure?
Skipper’s Tip: Refuel before 17:00 to avoid queues; check‑out typically requires clean holding tanks and a topped‑up diesel receipt.
Swim & Snorkel Spots (Weather‑Dependent)
- Fiordo di Furore (no‑wake, photography heaven)
- Li Galli Islets (offshore sand patches; mind the reserve)
- Green Grotto, Capri (outside tour lanes)
- Sant’Angelo, Ischia (clear water, sandy bottom)
Foodie Highlights
- Spaghetti alla Nerano in Marina del Cantone
- Delizia al limone pastries in Amalfi
- Limoncello tastings near Sorrento
- Rabbit all’Ischitana on Ischia (Ischian rabbit)
- Granita al limone on Capri (post‑hike reward)
Practical Notes for Skippers
- Reservations: Capri’s Marina Grande and Amalfi berths book out fast in July–August—reserve early.
- Protected Areas: Parts of Punta Campanella MPA restrict anchoring and speed; watch for posidonia and follow local notices to mariners.
- Traffic: High‑speed ferries create wake; keep clear of approaches to Capri/Ischia/Sorrento.
- Fuel & Water: Available at principal marinas (Capri, Ischia, Procida, Salerno). Carry cash for smaller buoy fields.
- Holding Tanks: Use marinas/pump‑outs; never discharge in MPAs or near beaches.
- Weather Windows: Northerly blows can ruffle anchorages open to that quadrant. Always have a Plan B.
Best Time to Go
- May–June & September: Sweet spot—warm seas, fewer crowds, easier berths.
- July–August: Peak buzz and heat; book every night in advance.
Packing & Provisioning
- Light layers, reef‑safe sunscreen, deck shoes, hat with chin strap.
- Reusable bottles & shopping bags to minimise plastic.
- Provision in Salerno or Ischia; top‑ups in Amalfi/Capri.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the daily passages? 1–5 hours most days with swim stops.
Can I do this route with kids? Yes—short hops, beaches, gelato everywhere. Book marinas for easier evenings.
Do I need to book berths in advance? In peak season, yes—especially Capri and Amalfi.
What qualifications do I need? Day Skipper/ICC equivalent; VHF operator licence recommended.
Catamaran or monohull? Cats give space and stability at anchor; monos are sporty and slip into tighter berths—your call.
Suggested Add‑Ons (Make It Yours)
- Hike: The Path of the Gods (Agerola → Nocelle), taxi down to Positano after.
- Culture: Paper Museum in Amalfi, Aragonese Castle on Ischia.
- Wellness: Thermal parks on Ischia (Poseidon/Negombo).
Ready to Cast Off?
Tell us your crew size and dates, and we’ll match the perfect bareboat from Salerno—plus pre‑book your key nights so you can relax and enjoy la dolce vita under sail.
Enquire now
