Cilentan Coast
The Cilento is a stretch of coastline where white cliffs alternate with beautiful bays of fine golden sand. Here’s an itinerary for a week of sailing. Set sail from Marina d’Arechi heading south. Welcome to the Cilento National Park, an untouched oasis with wild landscapes. Today, it holds the UNESCO World Heritage title.
Trentova Bay, Agropoli
A large golden cove bathed in clear and crystalline waters. Trentova Bay got its name from the discovery of many turtle eggs (or seagulls according to legend) in the quarry of a rock overlooking it. If you go ashore for a walk, you’ll encounter some panoramic viewpoints. Returning on board, not far from the bay, you’ll see an iron cross dedicated to Saint Francis. Agropoli has a tourist port and several floating docks for mooring. Also perfect for anchoring overnight, like Baia Licina and Trentova, as they are sheltered from the sirocco wind.
Punta Licosa, between Castellabe and Olgiastro
Sailing along the Punta Licosa nature reserve is a corner of extraordinary beauty. It is said that the characteristic fishing village of Acciaroli inspired Ernest Hemingway to write “The Old Man and the Sea.”
Buon Dormire Bay, Palinuro
Not coincidentally chosen as the setting for the Wonder Woman movie. A true earthly paradise surrounded by lush untouched nature, Buon Dormire Beach is famous for the emerald reflections of the water. Snorkel at Coniglio Rock, in front of the bay, and under the steep cliffs of Capo Palinuro.
Cala Bianca, Marina di Camerota
Reach it by passing in front of the Zancale Tower, one of the 13 Saracen towers perched along the Cilento coast. After the Pozzallo Cave and the Sorgente di S.Caterina: a pool of emerald-colored freshwater next to rocks, with great health benefits. Finally, land at Cala Bianca, a tiny beach with round white pebbles. Paradise.
Bay of Infreschi, Marina di Camerota
Surrounded by marine caves, some of which are submerged. The splendid Bay of Infreschi is also rich in freshwater springs flowing into the sea. Colder at the surface than the waters at the bottom. In addition to swimming, a scenic walk is recommended.
P.S. Don’t miss trying the Cilento’s DOP White Figs “munnati” in dark chocolate, a typical product you’ll find along the entire coast.
Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Gulf of Naples, Capri, and Ischia
We will sail along the picturesque Amalfi Coast, passing through Vietri sul Mare, Erchie, Maiori, Minori, Atrani, Ravello, and Amalfi. We’ll encounter ancient Ottoman and Saracen towers built on the cliffs and charming coves with turquoise waters overlooked by characteristic villages perched on the hills. The spectacle of the Sorrento Peninsula begins at Positano.
One night at anchor in the nearest bay of Sorrento is a must. Go down for a visit to the town and get lost in the scent of lemons and freshly baked pastries. We will cruise along the Gulf of Naples, a corner of paradise with millennia-old history. In late spring and September, we always recommend a cultural visit to the splendid city of Naples, exploring Herculaneum and the ancient Pompeii excavations.
The famous and fashionable island of Capri is only 12 nautical miles from the Gulf of Naples. Magical and timeless, it welcomes us with breathtaking cliffs plunging into cobalt blue waters. Elegant villas with Italian gardens can be seen from the sea. Capri’s most famous attractions, the Faraglioni, the Blue Grotto, and the popular “Piazzetta.” Trendy restaurants, bars, and shops will fill your island walks.
Procida
Procida, less affected by unrestrained tourism, is the ideal place to breathe the true maritime atmosphere of a bygone era. Among the pastel-colored fishermen’s villages, the most characteristic is Corricella. Setting of the famous film “Il Postino” by Massimo Troisi, Procida will amaze you with its scenic beauty, wide beaches, numerous bays, and coves. The main landing is Marina Grande, next to it is the new marina of the island, Marina di Procida.
Ischia
Fall in love with Ischia, with a swim and lunch anchored near the Aragonese Castle. You can moor in front of shops and dine in characteristic seafood restaurants. The most beautiful beaches in Ischia include the famous San Montano Beach, San Pancrazio Beach, the “Scarrupata” Beach, and all those sulfurous bays rich in minerals, thanks to underwater fumaroles that warm the seawater. They are true open-air thermal baths. The village of Sant’Angelo is worth a shopping tour, an aperitif, and a restaurant.
Pontine Islands
About 25 miles from Capri, we encounter Ventotene. With its crystalline waters, relaxation, and tranquility, time seems to have stopped here. Witness to a millennia-old history, it is said that Ulysses listened to the sirens’ song along its cliffs. Rich in Roman archaeological remains like the Roman port carved into the tuff, the fishpond, and Villa Giulia.
Another 20 miles north, and we’ll arrive at Ponza. An island of incomparable beauty, one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Numerous bays and small coves with clear bottoms contrast the blue of its crystalline waters, creating a spectacular play of light and colors. Unfortunately, there is no equipped marina on the island, but you can moor between floating piers and at anchor. Frontone Bay is the trendiest on the island, reachable only by boat. In the center of the beach, there is a lounge bar with music and nightlife throughout the day. In the evening, it turns into an open-air disco. The most famous and suggestive bay is Chiaja di Luna. Perfect for a night at anchor, if you’re lucky enough to find the full moon, you can enjoy the spectacle of reflections on the white cliffs. A precious play of lights and colors ranging from blue to turquoise, such a suggestive scenario that it will be hard to return to land. Upon waking, a dive into Cala dell’Acqua and Cala Feola with its natural pools. And in the afternoon, Cala Inferno, the Natural Arch, and Punta Incenso.
The beautiful island of Palmarola is rich in wild and almost untouched nature. Only at Cala del Porto, a charming cove also known as Cala del Francese, will you find a bar and a restaurant and a few houses carved into the rock. The most beautiful bay is definitely Cala Brigantino, south of the island, which gives us a beautiful sequence of caves and passages that make the colors of the water particularly intense. On the North side, high rocky walls carved by the waves and sculpted by the wind resemble majestic Gothic cathedrals, and precisely because of this unique resemblance, they are called “The Cathedral.” A farewell to Zannone and back to Salerno.
