Sailing the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Naples is Italian dolce vita at its most spectacular: pastel villages spilling down vertiginous cliffs, glamorous islands, ancient ruins and some of the most famous coastline in the world – all best seen from the water. From the yacht-filled harbours of Capri and Ischia to the cliffside terraces of Positano and Amalfi, this is a cruising ground that trades length for sheer, jaw-dropping beauty.
The islands of the bay
The Bay of Naples is crowned by three unforgettable islands. Capri dazzles with its Faraglioni sea-stacks and the shimmering Blue Grotto. Ischia is greener and calmer, watched over by its dramatic clifftop Aragonese Castle and famed for thermal springs. And tiny Procida – a riot of pastel fishermen's houses around a picture-perfect harbour – is the most authentic of the three. Anchoring off any of them is a highlight of the trip.
The Amalfi Coast
South of Sorrento the coast erupts into the Amalfi Coast proper – a UNESCO World Heritage shoreline of near-vertical cliffs and villages that seem to defy gravity. Drop anchor below Positano's cascade of pastel houses, call at the cathedral town of Amalfi, and gaze up at Ravello perched high above. Seen from a yacht – the way it was meant to be – it's simply breathtaking.
Ready for Italian dolce vita under sail? Discover our Italy sailing trips.
A classic route
Trips usually start from around Naples, Salerno or Sorrento, looping Procida – Ischia – Capri – the Amalfi Coast and back. Distances are short but the anchorages are busy and open, so timing and local know-how matter – exactly what your skipper provides. There's history everywhere too, from Pompeii to the Greek temples of Paestum a short hop away.
Best time to sail the Amalfi Coast
The season runs from May to October. May, June and September are ideal: warm water, comfortable temperatures for exploring ashore and fewer crowds than the July–August peak, when Capri and Positano are at their busiest. The coast is fairly open, so a skipper keeps an eye on the wind and picks sheltered spots for the night.
With or without a skipper
No experience or licence is needed to join a shared trip – a professional skipper handles the busy anchorages and mooring while you drink in the scenery. It pairs wonderfully with a wider Italian cruise; see also our guides to Sardinia and the best Mediterranean anchorages.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Amalfi Coast good for sailing?
Spectacularly so – the cliffs, villages and islands are best seen from the sea. It's a fairly open, busy coast, so an experienced skipper makes all the difference.
Which islands can you visit in the Bay of Naples?
Capri, Ischia and Procida – each distinct: Capri for glamour and sea-stacks, Ischia for its castle and thermal springs, and Procida for authentic pastel harbours.
When is the best time to sail the Amalfi Coast?
May, June and September offer warm water, pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than the busy midsummer months.
Conclusion
Cliffside villages, glamorous islands and la dolce vita at every turn – sailing the Amalfi Coast and Bay of Naples is a feast for the senses. Ready to set sail? Explore our Italy sailing trips.
