Sailing the Amalfi Coast: A 7-Day Capri and Ischia Yacht Itinerary

Sailing the Amalfi Coast on a private yacht charter offers unparalleled access to Southern Italy’s dramatic limestone cliffs, secluded swimming coves, and world-class seaside dining. However, navigating this coastline requires strict adherence to local maritime permits, advance buoy reservations, and weather-dependent routing. This tested seven-day itinerary strikes the balance between high-profile stops like Capri and Positano with the calmer, volcanic anchorages of Ischia and Procida.

Day 1: Boarding at Marina di Stabia to Ischia

Most luxury crewed charters in the Gulf of Naples depart from Marina di Stabia or Naples, providing straightforward access to full-service docks and provisioning services before setting sail. Board your vessel by mid-afternoon and make the initial 18-nautical-mile crossing across the Bay of Naples toward Ischia.

Anchor off the medieval Castello Aragonese on Ischia's eastern flank. The bay offers reliable holding in mud and sand, well-protected from westerly swells. Spend your first evening dining ashore in Ischia Ponte or enjoy a sunset aperitivo on deck with direct views of the illuminated fortress.

Day 2: Ischia Thermal Bays to Procida

Begin the morning with a short sail to Sorgeto Bay on Ischia’s southern coast, famous for its natural thermal hot springs venting directly into the sea. Drop tender or anchor offshore to experience the warm mineral waters before navigating toward the neighboring island of Procida.

Procida offers a quieter contrast to the busier southern shores of the gulf. Moor off Marina Corricella, a pastel-colored fishing village framed by steep volcanic cliffs.

Anchorage: Anchor off the southern shore of Procida in Baia di Chiaia for clear swimming waters and wind protection from northwest breezes.
Dining: Take the tender into Marina Corricella for fresh seafood at Caracale or La Lampara.

Day 3: Procida to Capri (Marina Piccola and Faraglioni)

Leave the volcanic islands early for a 15-nautical-mile passage south across the Gulf to Capri. Sail past the iconic Faraglioni rock formations on the island's southern side.

Mooring space in Capri’s main harbor, Marina Grande, is notoriously scarce and requires booking months in advance during peak summer months. Alternatively, secure a daytime buoy field mooring near Marina Piccola or anchor off the southern cliffs if wind conditions permit.

Lunch Spot: Tender directly to La Fontelina Capri or Il Riccio Beach Club (located near the Blue Grotto on the northern rim) for a seaside lunch.
Evening: Take the funicular up to the Piazzetta for drinks before returning to the yacht for an overnight at anchor.

Day 4: Capri to Positano via Nerano

Set sail east toward the Amalfi Coast, stopping en route in the sheltered bay of Nerano (Marina del Cantone). This bay is celebrated among captains for its organized mooring fields and exceptional waterfront restaurants.

Spend the mid-day swimming off the Li Galli archipelago, a tiny group of private islands steeped in mythological history. Continue to Positano by late afternoon.

Mooring Logistics: Anchoring is strictly regulated and prohibited close to the shore in Positano. You must reserve a commercial buoy with a local water taxi service such as Lucibello to access the town safely.
Dinner: Tender into shore for dinner at Ristorante La Sponda inside Le Sirenuse or take a wooden boat out to Da Adolfo in Laurito Bay.

Day 5: Positano to Amalfi and Ravello Heights

Cruise past the dramatic gorge of Fiordo di Furore and the sea caves of Conca dei Marini. The vertical coastline is best viewed from the flybridge as you approach Amalfi.

Secure a berth at Porto di Amalfi (such as Coppola Marina Dock) to access the historic town center. From the harbor, arrange private ground transport up the winding mountain roads to Ravello.

Sightseeing: Tour Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo in Ravello for sweeping views of the Gulf of Salerno from 1,000 feet above sea level.
Dining: Dine at Taverna Buonvicino in Amalfi's quiet pedestrian alleys or return to the yacht for a private dinner on deck.

Day 6: Amalfi Coast Coves to Sorrento Peninsula

Begin the return leg westward toward the Sorrento Peninsula. Stop for lunch and swimming in the tranquil cove of Recommone Bay.

Lunch: Reserve a table at Ristorante Conca del Sogno, where guests can tender in directly to the private pier.
Overnight: Continue around the tip of the peninsula past Punta Campanella to anchor off Sorrento. The cliffs of Sorrento offer dramatic evening backdrops, with easy access to land for walking tours along Via San Cesareo.

Day 7: Sorrento to Marina di Stabia

Enjoy a final morning swim in the bay off Bagni della Regina Giovanna, a natural limestone lagoon near ancient Roman ruins at Sorrento's western tip. Cruise comfortably back to Marina di Stabia or Naples for refueling and final disembarkation by late morning.

Practical Charter Logistics

Best Season: Late May through September. July and August bring intense heat, heavy vessel traffic, and peak mooring fees. June and September offer consistent weather with manageable crowds.
Marine Protected Areas: Areas like Punta Campanella enforce strict anchoring restrictions to protect seabed ecosystems. Always verify coordinates before dropping anchor.
Mooring Fees: Harbor berths in Capri and Positano buoy rentals fluctuate significantly based on vessel length and season; advance reservations through your charter broker or captain are mandatory.

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