The Gulf of Naples in a week

Marina di Procida, on the small island between Ischia and Capo Miseno, is where most of the Naples charter fleet lives: 40 minutes by ferry from Pozzuoli, an hour and a half door to door from Naples airport. From there the whole gulf is within 20 nm: Ischia to the west, Capri and the Sorrento peninsula to the south, the Amalfi Coast beyond it and Naples itself to the north-east. This week is about towns and coast rather than miles. Legs assume 5 to 6 knots; the afternoon sea breeze from the west or south-west gives 10 to 15 knots.

Saturday: Procida to Ischia, Casamicciola or Ischia Porto | about 6 nm

Across the channel to Ischia, the largest island of the gulf and a spa island since the Romans. Casamicciola's marina and Ischia Porto, the round harbour that was a crater lake, both take yachts; the thermal parks (Negombo, Poseidon) are the afternoon, the Aragonese castle at Ischia Ponte the evening walk.

Sunday: Ischia to Capri, Marina Grande | about 20 nm

Round the south of Ischia, past Sant'Angelo and its cliffs, and across the open gulf to Capri. Marina Grande is the only harbour, expensive and full in summer: book, or take a mooring off Marina Piccola on the south side, sheltered from the north. The Faraglioni rocks by dinghy, the funicular to the Piazzetta, the chairlift up Monte Solaro from Anacapri.

Monday: Capri to Amalfi | about 18 nm

Round Punta Campanella into the Amalfi Coast, past the islets of Li Galli (protected, no landing) and Positano, where yachts anchor off the beach for a lunch stop but rarely stay the night (open, rolly). Amalfi's harbour is small: a berth by arrangement, or the moorings and anchorage outside the mole. The cathedral steps and the paper museum, then the walk up the Valle delle Ferriere if the crew has legs.

Tuesday: Amalfi to Nerano, Marina del Cantone | about 12 nm

Back west to the bays below the tip of the peninsula: a swim stop at Ieranto, inside the Punta Campanella marine reserve (follow the buoy rules, no anchoring in the protected zone), then moorings off Marina del Cantone, a beach with a row of restaurants famous for spaghetti alla Nerano. A quiet night.

Wednesday: Nerano to Sorrento | about 8 nm

Round the point into the gulf and along the cliffs to Sorrento: Marina Piccola for the yacht, the lift up to the town, and the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii, 35 minutes away, for the afternoon. Limoncello and the Piazza Tasso in the evening.

Thursday: Sorrento to Naples, Mergellina or Molo Luise | about 14 nm

Across the gulf with Vesuvius ahead to the city: Molo Luise at Santa Lucia or the marinas at Mergellina, both walking distance from Spaccanapoli, the archaeological museum and the pizzerias. The one city night of the week, and worth it.

Friday: Naples to Procida | about 12 nm

West along Posillipo, past the Gaiola underwater park (protected, no anchoring), Nisida and Capo Miseno, then across to the base for the afternoon check-in and fuel. A last swim at Procida's Chiaia beach or Corricella by dinghy before the paperwork.

Variations

Skip Naples and spend two nights on Ischia (Sant'Angelo on the south coast is the prettiest anchorage). With a skipper and a settled forecast, extend Monday to Salerno's marina and see Ravello from there. Bases and availability on our Naples charter page.