Amazing Amalfi
The Amalfi Coast must be one of the most colourful in the whole of the Mediterranean. With the added touch of glamour from the likes of Sorrento and the island of Capri this makes for a fantastic sailing destination. The entire coastline is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and so it’s not hard to see why celebrities and holiday makers alike are lured in by its beauty and charm.
Enjoy a touch of Italian glamour alongside a feast of Italian food and wine. Sail to Sorrento and and the nearby Islands of Capri, Ishcia and Procida.
Sail from either Salerno or the island of Procida. This sailing ground is renowned as a destination for the rich and famous so be sure to check out who is moored on the superyacht next door!
What’s the weather like?
In the summer months the wind is generally from the South, swinging round to a South West or South Easterly with the strength picking up in the afternoon. In the mornings it’s a wonderfully light force 2, picking up to a force 4 in the afternoon.
As with most Mediterranean destinations the warmest time of year to visit is during July and August with temperatures at their highest, then in the shoulder months of May and October it hovers around the low 20’s.
The costs of mooring fees for a 39ft yacht range from €30 to upwards of €100 per night, with prices sometimes rising to double the cost when staying over a weekend. When sailing in Italy there are anchorages available, some of the better anchorages have mooring buoys which you do have to pay for, but are less expensive than a marina.
Days 1 – 2, Arriving at Salerno
When you arrive at the marina you will go to the charter company office and check-in. They’ll then show you to your boat and give you a quick briefing so you know where everything is on board. After that it’s over to you, might we suggest a quayside beer to help you relax into the holiday swing?
For your first day sailing why not head over to Amalfi. In the summer this sun drenched town is a bustling hive of activity. Take a stroll through the piazzas or unwind on the small but scenic beach.
Days 3 – 6, Sightseeing round Sorrento and beyond
From Amalfi a nice sail is round the Sorrentine Peninsula to the town of Sorrento. Set high up in the cliffs the town is separate from the marina but make sure you pop up there because if you walk down the winding streets you’ll find a maze of historic buildings.
Once you’ve explored the dizzying heights of Sorrento with its picture perfect colourful town, pop across the Bay of Naples to Procida. Procida has remained untouched compared to its neighbouring islands and is without a doubt one of the prettiest islands in the Mediterranean.
From Procida why not pop over to Ischia? It’s a short sail giving you plenty of time to explore when you get there. Ischia has a great mix of vineyards, beautiful forests and picture perfect towns. And in the evening once you’ve enjoyed some freshly caught fish why don’t you head to one of the piano bars that line the seafront.
Days 7 – 8, Stopping off in Capri before heading back to base
If it’s the celebrity lifestyle you like then Capri is the perfect last place to visit with it being undoubtedly the most famous island on the Amalfi coastline. So many have walked these streets, from Roman emperors, Russian revolutionaries and showbiz stars, there’s a certain glitz and glamour here that you won’t find anywhere else.
On your last day it’s time to head back to base, from Capri to Salerno is around a 30 mile sail so make sure you give yourself time to get back to the base, the staff usually like people to be back between 4-6pm giving you time for one last Italian feast before you head back to reality.
Days 1 – 2, Arriving at Salerno
When you arrive the base you will be met by the charter company where you will be checked-in. Once you’ve checked-in you’ll be shown to your boat where after a quick briefing you’re ready to relax and have a quayside drink! Salerno has plenty of great restaurants for a truly Italian meal.
On your first day why not have an easy first sail and do the short hop over to Amalfi. Here you’ll find a bustling town with busy piazzas and a lovely small beach.
Days 3 – 5, Ambling along the Amalfi Coast
We recommend stopping off in Positano, a beautiful picturesque village with pink and terracotta houses all built into the steep hillside, quite a sight when sailing in from sea.
From Positano why not head over to Procida, arguably one of the prettiest islands in the whole of the Mediterranean. The buildings here are all pastel hues of green, yellow, pink and blue making a stunning backdrop to the harbour and if you eat along the seafront you’ll be getting seafood caught fresh that day by local fishermen.
Days 6 – 9, A long hop over to the Pontine Islands
From Procida if you fancy if why not have a full day sailing and get over to Zannone in the Pontine Islands. This sail is around 35-45 miles but well worth the trip. Zannone is part of the Circeo National Park and is a great stop for lunch.
Once you’ve explored Zannone why not sail the short distance to Palmarola. There’s a bit more here than in Zannone, not just the beautiful natural grottos and crags but also some ports where you can moor up for the night and dine on some local delicacies.
Ponza is a great follow on from Palmarola, another short sail. Ponza is thought of as the understated version of Capri. With the rich famous trying to keep this one a secret its definitely not one to be missed. Ponza’s got plenty to see such as the Grotto di Pilato, underwater wrecks which can be seen if you go snorkelling and inland there are even Piscine Naturali, natural water pools.
Days 10 – 13, Sail amongst the celebs
You’ve explored the Pontine Islands now why not head back towards the mainland stopping on your way at the stunning island of Ventotene.
Ventotene has a great history and lots of it remains so make sure you take a stroll along the Villa Olivi while you’re here.
The same distance again from Ventotene is Ischia. This brings you back over to the Bay of Naples and Ischia is a great stop if you want to sail round a stunning town surrounded by lush forests and vineyards.
Once you’ve explored the quieter island of Ischia why not sail over to the most popular island on the Amalfi Coast, Capri. Popular with showbiz stars as well as history buffs there’s something for everyone here.
Days 14 – 15, Returning to the base
From Capri, once you’ve rubbed shoulders with all the celebrities who flock here in the summer its an easy sail back to either of our bases, Procida or Salerno. Most of the charter companies expect you to be back in the marina between 4-6pm and then you’re free to enjoy your last night with one last Italian gastronomic delight before your flight home the next day!