The Isle of Capri, its name summons images of the Mediterranean, the storied history of the Greeks and Romans, the chic and sophisticated who routinely vacation there. The island is but one jewel in a chain extending off the southwest coast of Italy.
A Bay of Naples sailing itinerary takes you to the stunningly beautiful Phlegraean and Pontine islands stretching westward into the Tyrrhenian Sea from the Gulf of Naples, and to the picturesque harbors of the Amalfi coast on the Sorrento Peninsula just south of Naples in the region of Campania (see Bay of Naples maps). Both cruising grounds are enchanting and blend the bustle of chic ports of call such as the Isle of Capri with the quiet ambience of small Amalfi fishing villages such as Cetara. Swimming and sunbathing on pristine beaches, sightseeing tours of castles, fascinating archaeological sites, and historic island and coastal towns, browsing in eclectic boutiques where fashion is of the first order, and dining in fine restaurants serving exquisitely prepared local cuisine are among the many pleasures of sailing in these waters known for gentle winds and splendid anchorages.
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Procida Island to Ischia Island – 3 nm. Your Bay of Naples itinerary typically began the previous day, Saturday afternoon at 3:00 P.M., when you arrived at the Moorings base to check in, provision the boat (if you hadn’t elected to have us do it for you), and receive your pre-cruise chart briefing. Now that you’ve had a restful night aboard, it’s time to head out onto the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea to your first port of call, the beautiful and fascinating nearby island of Ischia, the largest of the three islands in the Phlegraean group. It’s a short passage to the southwest, allowing plenty of time to fully explore ashore. A special treat is a visit to the thermal gardens, which have pampered the rich and famous for centuries in the comforting hot springs said to have healing properties.
Ischia Island to Ventotene Island – 20 nm. Your course from Ischia takes you nearly due west past tiny Santo Stefano island, a wonderful day anchorage for going ashore in the dinghy to explore, swim, and enjoy a leisurely lunch on your first day in the Pontine Islands. Beyond is Ventotene and its many interesting attractions, including a museum, shops, and restaurants. You can either anchor in a secluded bay or arrange for dockage in the main harbor.
Ventotene Island to Ponza Island – 20 nm. A northwesterly heading takes you farther out into the magnificently blue Tyrrhenian Sea. All around you high islands dot the horizon, some appearing almost purple in the distance, others black, tan, and green from the conglomeration of volcanic rock and the forests and lush Mediterranean vegetation covering the steep slopes. The sail is long enough to give you a real feel for the open waters between islands as you raise Ponza off the bow. This island is interesting for its relative isolation, its quiet streets, its gorgeous beaches, and its network of ocean caves that can be explored in the dinghy. You can also enjoy a barbecue on the beach, as you admire your yacht swinging gently at anchor.
Ponza Island to Palmarola Island – 5 nm. Still heading northwest, you’ll soon reach the mostly uninhabited Palmarola Island, the westernmost of the Pontine group. Sailing around it rewards the eye with views of the craggy heights and picturesque bays. Much of the island is in a natural state, as if time forgot it was there and development passed it by. The beaches are beautiful and unspoiled, the swimming and sunbathing ideal. Exploring ashore is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.
Palmarola Island to Capri Island – 64 nm. Now that you’ve sailed as far west as you can in the Pontine Islands, it’s time to turn eastward to experience the unique and distinctly high-end pleasures of the Isle of Capri, long a haven for the chic and sophisticated of Europe who routinely vacation there. Get an early start to arrive early enough to go ashore at Capri Town and stroll the narrow streets off Piazza Umberto, the public square. Dining out in style is an option; upscale restaurants abound.
Capri Island to Procida – 20 nm. Your last full day of sailing takes you northward to Procida. The islands line the horizon to the west and to the east the beautiful Amalfi coast on the Sorrento Peninsula looms unbroken. Some sailors work a day or two of Amalfi cruising into their Phlegraean and Pontine itineraries, backtracking from Palmarola Island earlier to make time to visit the beautiful and quaint fishing port of Cetara, the bays and beaches of Palinuro, or other destinations. Either way, as you arrive back at the Moorings base by 5:00 P.M. to check out the boat, you’ll bask in the sheer delights of the past week on the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Final Morning
After a restful night aboard, disembark from your yacht at 8:00 A.M. for a sojourn to the historic city of Naples and the flight home afterwards.
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