Sun, Scenery, Art, History & Food all Wrapped into One Great Sailing Destination
Between the Gulf of Naples and the southern limts of the Cilento coast are three distinct sailing destinations, all lying within the province of Campagnia. Each one on its own can be covered on a week's charter, but to do more will most certainly take longer! Such are the attractions to be experienced and pleasures to be had in this part of Italy, especially when approached from seaward.
Visitors to the region generally arrive in the city of Naples, many eager to see what remains of Pompeii and Herculaneum in the shadow of Vesuvius. That's easy to do with a couple of days added to your charter, whether you embark at abase within Gulf such as Castellammare di Stabia, or outside it at Salerno for example.
The mild climate, the spectacular coastal beauty, the rich art and history and the love for food make Campania the fascinating territory to explore that it is: all combining to create a magical sailing holiday itinerary. Charter boat vacationers are left quite simply spellbound by the magnificence of this part of Italy, where there are a host of options for exploring the famous region from the comfort of your own yacht.
I would not choose to see the Amalfi Coast any other way than from the sea - especially during the busy season. The scenery was truly breathtaking, and the number of people travelling to and from and around the major towns was remarkable. We chose to seek out the quieter spots for anchoring, and they certainly exist, allowing for public beach access via our tender to visit and explore at a more leisurely pace.
David, Australia, September 2024
Sailing South Italy's Campania Region: So Much to Do, So Little Time
A yacht charter out of or travelling via Naples provides the added bonus of a short on-shore break in and around one of Europe's most famous cities. Then when it comes time to cast off, set sail from the major charter base of Marina Sud Cantieri just 25km from the heart of Napoli, or from Castellammare di Stabia closer to Capri and Amalfi
Once sailing on the Gulf of Naples, the main attractions are the outlying islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida, all breathtakingly beautiful although crowded in peak season. Respite from jostling with other travellers can be achieved in some lovely spots along the mainland coast. Capri is situated opposite the Sorrentine peninsula and the cliff-top town of Sorrento. Capri, up-market and always bustling, is the marine gateway to the stunning Amalfi Coast.
The Amalfi Coast is renowned throughout the world for the unique beauty of its landscapes. Twisting roads winding through the rocky terrain reveal tantalising glimpses of small villages and secluded bays that all look out over a clear blue sea. Lush green Mediterranean flora both natural and cultivated colours the slopes of the surrounding hills.
From seaward the Amalfi Coast takes on a completely different perspective, one that leaves a lasting sense of wonder. Sail the pristine waters of the Punta Campanella Marine Reserve, find a quiet cove to stop a while, and visit the famous towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.
Southwards beyond the city of Salerno is the Cilento Coast, less well-travelled but absolutely fascinating in its own right. Charterers who have explored this coast come home completely sold on it. First port of call on a Cilento Coast cruise is usually the medieval settlement of Agropoli, while other popular local destinations include Acciaroli, Palinuro and Marina Camerata.
The nature and quietness of the Cilento Coast when visiting by sailboat almost demands a two-week charter - less time pressures, more opportunity to just relax and enjoy. Sail as far as far as Isola di Dino return, and really mke the lost of this coastal Italian planyground. All along the way you'll find small but accommodating marinas for your ovvernight stays, provisioning and extended land excursions.
There's still more to this amazing coast, if you've planned to take the time that is! North-westward beyond the Gulf of Naples are the Pontine Islands with their own unique character. In comparison to the inshore islands these are places of peace and tranquility. Explore the waters around Ventotene, virtually uninhabited Palmarola and the main island of Ponza. From Ponza it is only 40 nautical miles nortwards via Monte Circeo to Nettuno, sailing gateway to Rome and an alternative option for starting or ending your boat charter holiday if you really plan to extend it!
Surely, western and southern Italy delivers some of the very best sailing vacation adventures in the whole of the beautiful Mediterranean.
What a fantastic trip we had! Two weeks is way better than one, plenty of time to relax and enjoy what the Cilento coast had to offer. We went as far as Isola di Dino, just south of Maratia.
The marinas tend to be pretty small, so not a lot of space, but at this time of year we could get in everywhere we wanted. Marina prices for the Cat ranged from E200 per night, to E125. Marina di Camerota has a free tourist wharf for 48hrs.
There is a lot of national park along the Cilento coast, with marine reserves. You can’t anchor in them, but they provide mooring buoys for use. All in all a great trip, and one that I would recommend.
Nigel, New Zealand, October 2024
Our client reviews about charter sailing in Italy
Rating: 5 / 5Well, back home now, but what a fantastic trip we had! Two weeks is way better than one, plenty of time to relax and enjoy what the Cilento coast had to offer. We went as far as Isola di Dino, just south of Maratia.
Everisto from Star Sail was most helpful in giving us the heads-up on the best spots to go, and even booked a restaurant at Marina di Camerota for us for my wife’s birthday! In my opinion way better than the Amalfi coast, fewer people, and fewer tourists. There are many beautiful bays and grottos with clear, clear deep-blue water.
The marinas tend to be pretty small, so not a lot of space, but at this time of year we could get in everywhere we wanted. (Marina) prices for the Cat ranged from E200 per night, to E125. Marina di Camerota has a free tourist wharf for 48hrs.
There is a lot of national park along the coast, with marine reserves. You can’t anchor in them, but they provide mooring buoys for use. All in all a great trip, and one that I would recommend.
October 2024 Nigel, New Zealand, Oct 11th, 2024
Rating: 5 / 5The boat was in excellent condition - only a couple of years old. All equipment and facilities worked faultlessly.
I would not choose to see the Amalfi Coast any other way than from the sea - especially during the busy season. The scenery was truly breathtaking, and the number of people travelling to and from and around the major towns was remarkable.
We chose to seek out the quieter spots for anchoring, and they certainly exist, allowing for public beach access via our tender to visit and explore at a more leisurely pace.
For the most part everything just seemed to line up as planned. With a long lead time to our holiday communications sometimes fell a bit quiet - but that's because there was not much to say. The wheels all turned, the boat was ready and waiting and lived up to our expectations. Nothing was overlooked, and our trip ran very well indeed. David, Australia, Sep 22nd, 2024
Rating: 4 / 5The boat was as expected for a 2018 catamaran. The only issue was with one of the two toilets.
Amazing place with so many anchorage options. A great 2 weeks with nature and small villages. We loved it!
(Your servise was) Perfect as usual! I can't wait for us to work again together for another destination. Your advices and reliability are priceless :) Thanks again to Sue and Robert! Eric, Canada, Aug 20th, 2024
We had a great time in the Aeolian Islands, and I highly recommend them as a destination. The beauty is that the islands each have a different character and are close to each other. The longest ‘passage’ is about 10 miles, and some are a lot shorter. Two of the largest islands, Vulcano and Lipari, are only 800m apart, but very different!
The marinas are well located and were reasonably priced (€70-100 per night) and at Panarea there are only moorings but for €70 you also get a 24/7 water taxi service which was perfect. We found mid / late July to be superb.
David, New Zealand, Aug 16th, 2019
Rating: 5 / 5We found the boat to be nicely designed and very comfortable. The sails were near new and a treat to sail with. The highlight destination was Capri where because of unsettled weather we stayed in the marina. We found a brilliant restaurant in Ana-Capri and enjoyed strolling the narrow streets. San Michelle villa was delightful. Service was 10/10. Mario at the marina went out of his way to help us with ideas advice and making sure we wanted for nothing. Peter, New Zealand, Oct 24th, 2018
Rating: 5 / 5The cat performed well with everything working as expected. The only issue was batteries not lasting a night and having to run an engine both in the morning and again in the late afternoon when sailing and not motoring. Sails were easy enough to hoist and the electronics worked well.
Lipari was a great spot to stop with a nice town to explore. But the nicest island I found was Panarea. Less tourists with very friendly locals. James, Australia, Jul 22nd, 2018
Rating: 4 / 5The Aeolian islands are a beautiful part of the world with many highlights. The standout was watching Stromboli erupt at night from nearby offshore. Sail Connections service was as always excellent. Russell, Australia, Jul 16th, 2018
Just a quick note to say we had a fabulous holiday and fantastic charter. The boat was perfect and the skipper Salvo and hostess Lucia were excellent could not fault anything. Salvo took us to some amazing places, always had our comfort and safety in mind, and was a lovely guy, Lucia was an amazing cook we ended up having most of our meals on board she was so good, also great company and very friendly and helpful. Everyone at North Sardinia Sail were also helpful and very friendly. Tony, Australia, Aug 31st, 2016
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