Procida Sailing Itinerary
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.
Ischia Island
For centuries Ischia has been known as the Green Island for its lush Mediterranean vegetation and thick pine forests. Another name used is the Island of Well Being for its rejuvenating hot springs and thermal baths said to have the power to heal the sick. It was an important port through the ages, a trading center first for the Greeks, who anchored in the bays nearly 3,000 years ago, then for the Romans, and many others. Ischia is still important as the largest of the Phlegraean Islands (Procida and uninhabited Vivara are the other two) and as an exclusive tourist destination with six villages and towns. Ischia vacations are a delight for the senses.
Mooring
Moorings are available at Lacco Ameno and there is also a marina. Porto d’Ischia is the main harbor on the island, followed by Casamicciola and Forio. The small port of Saint’ Angelo is highly recommended; it gets crowded on weekends. A particularly beautiful beach lies on the north side of the island at the bay of Cala di San Montano. You can also anchor off the north and south sides of Castello d’Ischia, with marvelous views of the impressive castle.
Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
Ischia is an extinct volcano and like other islands in its vicinity jagged rock faces, sheer cliffs with white surf at the bases, beautiful beaches, and low mountains give it beauty of a breathtaking character. As you approach from the sea, the heights of Monte Epomeo soar skyward 2,582 feet. It has a promenade where you can admire the views, then dine at one of the excellent restaurants. Thermal therapies, mud baths, facial treatments, and other spa delights are a major attraction. Negombo in Lacco Ameno and the Poseidon Garden in Forio are among the most famous thermal gardens on the island. Sightseeing tours of the historic buildings is another fascinating pursuit. Visiting Castello d’Ischia, an Aragonese castle built in 1438, will give you an overview of Ischia history. Located on a small island at Ischia Point, you can climb more than 300 feet to witness the splendid views. The Farmer’s Museum, Museum of the Sea (other islands have sea museums, too, which isn’t surprising), and the Archaeological Museum of Pithecusae are all worth visiting. Maronti Beach yachting is particularly pleasant. The beach is a great place to enjoy lunch.
Facilities
Dockage is available. Porto d’Ischia, Casamicciola, and Lacco Ameno have fuel and water. Forio and Saint’ Angelo have water. Provisions are available.
Ventotene Island
Part of the Pontine Island group, Ventotene is situated between Ponza Island to the west and Ischia to the east, with tiny Santo Stefano nearby. Ventotene itself is small and has a distinctly remote ambience when compared to Ischia or Capri. Ventotene Island yacht charters bring you to a much more laid-back area, where you can relax and enjoy Old World Mediterranean charm.
Mooring
No moorings are available. The best anchorage is in picturesque Porto Ramano. Cala Parata and Punta Pascone on the west side of the island are also scenic anchorages.
Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
Fine beaches for swimming and sunbathing, quiet streets filled with pleasant shops and some restaurants at Cala Rossano and Cala Nave, and the Museum of the Sea are the main attractions. Cala Parata and Punta Pascone are beautiful bays on the west side of the island. They are simply marvelous places to spend time at anchor and to explore ashore or in the dinghy. Nearby Santo Stefano is a fun day anchorage (its on the north side of the island) for a leisurely lunch aboard and a sojourn ashore to climb the hills and to visit the ruins of a Borbon prison.
Facilities
Fuel and water are available at Ventotene Cala Rossano. Water is available at Ventotene Porto Vecchio.
Ponza Island
Just under five miles in length, narrow, and crescent-shaped, Ponza Island is mountainous in spite of its small size. Its rugged heights rise 915 feet at the summit of Monte La Guardia. The views from the top are spectacular and well worth the hike. Beautiful beaches and coves, ocean caves, and quiet anchorages make Ponza cruising an idyllic Mediterranean experience.
Mooring
No moorings are available. There are numerous anchorages at Ponza. Your choice depends on the wind direction at the time of your visit and whether you want a quiet beach or you want to be in Porto di Ponza to enjoy its shops and restaurants. The bay of Cala Chiaia di Luna has a beautiful beach. It is highly recommended. Other scenic anchorages lie between Punta Santa Maria and Cala Inferno and between Punta Frontone and Cala d’Inferno.
Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
The many ocean caves that penetrate the rocky shore are one of the most intriguing geological formations on Ponza. You can explore them by dinghy or snorkeling excursion. The ones between Cala Chiaia di Luna and Cala dell’ Aqua are fascinating. A tunnel excavated in Roman times connects the beach at Cala Chiaia di Luna to the nearby town. Swimming and sunbathing is ideal between Cala di Feola and Cala dell’ Aqua, and between Faraglioni and Capo Bosco. Aside from a foray ashore to browse the shops of Porto di Ponza or dine at one of the restaurants, another interesting sightseeing venue is at the north end of the island, Arco Naturale, a phenomenal natural stone arch. Open-roofed taxicabs and minibus tours of the island are available. They don’t take long because the island so small! Overall, cruising in Ponza is an experience to savor.
Facilities
Fuel and water are available at Porto di Ponza.
Palmarola Island
Mostly uninhabited, Palmarola Island is a natural Mediterranean paradise situated at the west end of the Pontine group. Like so many of its nearby neighbors, the island is volcanic in origin. Caves, cliffs, and craggy heights front the rugged coast, looking much the same as it did when the Greeks sailed these waters almost 3,000 years ago. As you go sailing around Palmarola Island, the beige, white, and black hues of the rocky island contrast starkly with the emerald green of the water in shallow spots and the deep blue farther out, as is the case elsewhere off the southern coast of Italy. The beauty of Palmarola Island yacht charter is breathtaking.
Mooring
No moorings are available. There are several excellent places to anchor in settled weather, but if conditions are likely to deteriorate, the short sail back to Ponza for overnight anchoring is advised. As always, the choice of your anchorage is subject to wind direction. The main port is Cala del Porto. Other anchorages include the area between Faraglione di Mezzogiorno and east of Scoglie di Suvace.
Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
The main attraction of this island is its natural beauty, swimming and sunbathing on pristine, isolated beaches, and exploring the caves and grottos. A great place to stop for a few hours is Punta Tramontana, on the north side of the island. There are two small restaurants at Cala del Porto that specialise in seafood dishes.
Facilities
No facilities for yachts are available.
Capri Island
Capri Island yacht charters, the jewel of Southern Italy, is a wonderful experience. Sheer cliffs, rocky outcrops, and high hills loom above the horizon as you approach the island. Once you are there, Capri Town’s numerous fashionable boutiques and upscale restaurants make for an enjoyable stroll. The center of the town is Piazza Umberto, a public square with narrow streets and alleys leading to new discoveries. Historic sites, hiking trails, and scenic anchorages are just some of the pleasures of Capri Island sailing.
Mooring
Moorings are available in the harbor of Capri, though this is a busy and expensive location. It is difficult to find a berth. There are few places to anchor at Capri because of the deep water. The best anchorage is at Marina Piccola on the south side of the island.
Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
Sightseeing on Capri includes many attractions. Built about 700 years ago by Count Giacomo Arcucci, an advisor to the Queen of Naples, the Charterhouse of San Giacomo is a fascinating complex with a museum highlighting some of Capri’s history. Dating back even further is the Villa Jovis, built by the Roman Emperor Tiberius in 30 A.D. atop Monte Tiberio. Like modern-day vacationers, Tiberius evidently loved Capri; he built eleven other villas on the island. An interesting hike takes you to the Phoenician Steps (Scala Fenicia), a steep path leading between Capri Town and the island’s other settlement, Anacapri. It has more than 500 steps and ascends more than 800 feet, providing superlative views of the island. The Blue Grotto is another wonderful attraction of Capri yachting. An ocean cave eroded into the northwestern shore, it’s big enough to take a boat (or dinghy) inside. Sunlight shimmers in the sea, coloring it in myriad shades ranging from azure to sapphire.
Facilities
Fuel and water are available at Marina Grande. Provisions are available.
Procida Island
Sailing in Procida waters is your gateway into the beauty of the Phlegraean and Pontine islands, and the picturesque coast of Amalfi. Home to the Moorings base in the Bay of Naples and known as The Girlfriend of the Sea, Procida is a noteworthy destination, with pristine white-sand beaches, excellent restaurants, eclectic shops, and the Old World charm of quaint waterfront villages.
Mooring
No moorings are available. While it’s possible to anchor off Procida, most sailors tie up at the marina.
Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
Procida is only 2.4 square miles in area, and yet it is the most densely populated of the islands lying offshore of Naples. Long a favored fishing port, the tradition of fishing that began with the Greeks and Romans lives on in the seaside village of Corricella, where you can walk along the waterfront and admire the utilitarian beauty all around you as the fishermen mend nets on the wharves and a balmy breeze ushers in the tang of the fabled Tyrrhenian Sea. Of particular interest is Terra Murata (meaning walled up land). It was the first settlement on Procida built at the highest point on the island at 298 feet above sea level to provide the best defense against Saracen raiders. A stroll to the settlement will reward you with marvelous views of the surrounding waters. Several of the popular beaches include Chiaia, Chiaiolella, and Pozzo Vecchio.
Facilities
All facilities for yachts are available.
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