Amalfi Coast and Phlegraean Islands by sail
A sailing itinerary among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, touching the marvelous seaside villages of the Amalfi Coast and the enchanting islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida.
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most coveted destinations for sailors, a place of absolute natural beauty enriched by millennia of history and culture and islands of undeniable architectural, artistic and scenic value. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its unique configuration, the Amalfi Coast is an open-air theater with its houses perched on the cliffs, sumptuous villas and beaches nestled among the rocks. A part of Italy that boasts, among other things, the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants.
At the center of the Coast lies the enchanting Amalfi, one of Italy’s oldest cities and Maritime Republics. Then there’s Sorrento with its breathtaking views, gardens, citrus groves, and charming historic center. And then there’s Positano, a resort since Roman times. Not to mention the allure of the islands off the coast, starting with Capri, then Procida and the splendid Ischia.
Day 1, boarding in Salerno – Amalfi, 7 miles
The nautical base of this charming sailing itinerary is Salerno. Once the check-in is completed here, the moorings are released, and the course is set for Amalfi, which welcomes us in its small harbor located right in the center of the town. It’s easy and to get immediately lost in its narrow, colorful alleys, admiring the special and unique architecture of the white houses, the majestic Cathedral with the wonderful Arab-style Cloister of Paradise, and finally, the characteristic artisan shops that attract thousands of tourists, both Italian and foreign, to this seaside village every year.
Well worth a visit is the Arsenal Museum, where the maritime history of Amalfi is preserved, and the famous Emerald Grotto, with its contorted rock formations shaped by water over the millennia and its turquoise color created by the light filtering through the water from the outside. If, on the other hand, you want to admire the most beautiful views of the area, just take a trip to Ravello. You can easily reach it by taking a bus from the square in Amalfi.
Day 2, Amalfi – Capri, 16 miles
Time to set sail and reach Capri, the most romantic and fashionable island in the Mediterranean. On the island, you can moor at Marina Grande by booking online, or anchor at Marina Piccola or on some paid buoys that include landing on the mainland. To reach the center, you can simply take a city bus. Along the island’s contours, it’s impossible not to be fascinated by the Faraglioni. These are two tall rocks, immersed in crystal-clear waters, a symbol of Capri’s marine beauty, or by the seductive majesty of the Blue Grotto, a cavity characterized by a mirror of bright blue water.
Furthermore, Capri captivates with its whitewashed houses, charming ancient alleys, panoramic funicular, the square with its cinematic atmosphere, and the ineffable blend of luxury hotels, sophisticated restaurants, boutiques of famous designers, breathtaking terraces and historic villas perched on the sea. It’s also worth taking a stroll along the Tragara path, checking out the artisan shops and going around Casa Malaparte, still an example of a brilliant approach to life. Finally, don’t forget to pass through Anacapri, which you can reach by direct bus or taxi, up to Monte Solaro, where you can admire the most beautiful panorama of the island.
Day 3, Capri – Ischia, 15 miles
With so much beauty in our eyes, we set off for another breathtaking destination: Ischia. Here, you can dock in the port of the small village of Sant’Angelo, where the landscape is in pure Mediterranean style with colorful houses, narrow alleys, souvenir shops, ice cream parlors, restaurants and outdoor cafes. However, Ischia is large and has several ports where you can moor based on weather and sea conditions and the availability of boat spaces. The port of Ischia is the largest and busiest, where there are connections with ferries to other islands and the mainland. Other options are Casamicciola or Lacco Ameno or Forio Porto.
Moreover, the island is rich in splendid historical centers, ancient fishing villages, vineyards and lush gardens; it is also famous for natural thermal springs known since antiquity. Its coastline is diverse. White sandy beaches alternate with rocky coves with seabeds rich in marine flora and Mediterranean fish.
Day 4, Ischia – Procida, 2,5 miles
The next destination of our cruise is the colorful island of Procida, a hidden gem that will instantly capture your heart. Famous for being the setting of the renowned film “Il Postino,” directed and starring Massimo Troisi, it is pleasantly authentic with fishing boats, beautiful cats, staircases and its rugged coastline. Not to mention its low, colorful houses, seafood restaurants and historic buildings culminating in the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo, positioned 90 meters above sea level on the promontory of Terra Murata, from which you can admire a breathtaking panorama of the entire Gulf of Naples.
The coasts of Procida are in some parts low and sandy, while in others, they plunge into the sea. Along its perimeter, there are many beaches and bays where we can anchor for a swim. They all fall within the protected marine area of the Kingdom of Neptune. For example, we can anchor in front of the wonderful Chiaia beach. Absolutely not to be missed is Cala di Corricella, a splendid cove where you can anchor with the fishing village that looks like the time has stopped there and dominated by a castle.
Day 5, Procida – Sorrento, 20 miles
We head back towards the mainland, pointing the bow towards Sorrento, the city of colors and sirens, lemons and gardens, historic palaces and breathtaking views. Sorrento is a tourist destination with a millennia-old history. It was a stop on the 19th-century ‘Grand Tour’ and interest in the city was first sparked by the poet Byron, inspiring a long line of literary geniuses, including Dickens, Goethe and Tolstoy, who came to breathe the Sorrentine air. The romanticism of Sorrento persists to this day. Just take a stroll through Piazza Tasso, pass by the sumptuous palaces, the magnificent inlaid wood shops, or the renowned Campanian trattorias to still feel it vividly.
A very charming attraction in Sorrento is the Vallone dei Mulini (Valley of the Mills) in Sorrento. It is a place of great naturalistic appeal, formed by a violent eruption of the Campi Flegrei and subsequent erosion processes by water that gradually carved into the tuffaceous base. For an exceptional excursion, simply take the famous Circumvesuviana train, which will take you to the entrance of the Pompeii excavations.
Day 6, Sorrento – Positano, 15 miles
From Sorrento, the navigation continues southward. After passing the Punta Campanella Nature Reserve, we will go past the Baths of Queen Giovanna, the Bay of Ieranto and Nerano; marvelous bays where you can stop for a quick swim and enjoy a seafood dish in one of the many beachfront restaurants. After crossing the small archipelago of Li Galli, the unparalleled view of Positano will unfold. Here, we can moor at one of the buoy parks where 24-hour taxi boat service is available to reach the mainland.
Breathtaking, luxurious and charming, Positano is the true queen of the Amalfi Coast. This is thanks to its houses perched precipitously above the sea, narrow alleys, trendy establishments, designer clothing boutiques and artisan shops. The beach full of the fishing boats and painters creating works dedicated to tourists completes the picture.
Day 7, Positano – Salerno, 14 miles
The return navigation to the nautical base of Salerno is still an opportunity for magnificent views and unforgettable stops; such as the Fjord of Furore with its sapphire blue water or the tiny fishing village of Conca De Marini. It’s truly difficult after seeing all these wonders to go back home.