Table of Contents
- The Amalfi Coast: geography and highlights
- Positano, Amalfi, and the coastal villages
- Capri: Blue Grotto and anchorages
- Sailing conditions and itineraries
- Charter costs and crew considerations
- FAQ — Frequently asked questions
The Amalfi Coast: geography and highlights The Amalfi Coast (Costiera Amalfitana) stretches 50 km along southern Campania, from Sorrento to Salerno. Accessible by the iconic SS163 coastal highway (known for hairpin turns), the coast is equally dramatic from the sea. Yacht traffic is steady but manageable; the zone is less crowded than the French Riviera and more affordable. Notable stops:
- Sorrento: Gateway town, lemon groves, traditional architecture. Marina di Cassano and central harbor offer protected moorings. Gateway to Naples (25 nm) and Salerno (40 nm) for one-way charter legs.
- Positano: Vertigo village of pastel-hued houses stacked on 600m cliffs. No cars, narrow alleyways, boutique hotels. Open bay anchorage; tender essential for access.
- Amalfi: Medieval maritime republic, historic cathedral, central town. Small port (Arsenal Reale), limited marina berths; many charterers base in Positano (15 km) or Salerno (40 nm) instead.
- Ravello: Clifftop town (365m), Villa d'Este, panoramic views. Not directly on the coast but 20-minute taxi/hike. Michelin-starred dining (Rossellinis, Palazzo Avino) requires 4+ weeks advance reservation.
- Furore and Praiano: Smaller villages between Positano and Amalfi; calm anchorages, access by carved stone staircases (Furore Fjord—scenic, popular for photography).
Positano, Amalfi, and the coastal villages Positano is the coast's most iconic anchorage. Yachts anchor in the bay and tender ashore. The village is car-free; access is by steep stone steps or funicular cable car. Restaurants cling to the cliff edge; reservations are essential. Overnight stays are magical—sunset over the Tyrrhenian Sea, village lights reflected in the water.
Amalfi (15 km southeast of Positano) has a small harbor and marina (limited berths). The cathedral and museum are accessible by foot. Lemon production and limoncello are the local heritage.
Ravello (above Positano, 1,200m elevation) is a day trip: take a local taxi or guided walking tour. Villa d'Este and Villa Cimbrone offer panoramic terraces and world-class dining.
Capri: Blue Grotto and anchorages Capri, 40 km south, is the Mediterranean's most visited island. Marina Grande (northeast) is the main commercial port (ferries, heavy traffic), crowded in summer. Chartered yachts anchor in quieter bays:
Lido Cove, Faraglioni Bay (southern coast, scenic but wind-exposed), Marina Piccola (small private marina, limited berths). Offshore anchorages require tender or water-taxi assistance. The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is Capri's signature: a sea cave where sunlight refracts through shallow water at 5–8 meters depth, turning the interior brilliant azure. Access is by tiny rowboat (only ~5m vessels fit the entrance; large yachts cannot enter). Entry fee €13–15/person; tips to rowers (€2–5/person) are customary. Best visited 09:00–12:00 (strongest sunlight). Local operators: Alilauro, Motoscafisti Capri. The Faraglioni (three colossal limestone stacks rising 100+ meters) are a UNESCO site and swimming destination. Small boat tours navigate between Faraglione di Terra, Faraglione di Mezzo, and Faraglione di Fuori. Direct swimming is possible at Faraglione di Mezzo in calm weather (water 18–22°C). Snorkeling visibility 20–30 feet. Rock formations create dramatic photo opportunities at sunset.
Sailing conditions and itineraries
| Leg | Distance | Time | Highlights | |---|---|---|---| | Sorrento to Positano | 8 nm | 1.5h | Coastal scenery, clifftop villages | | Positano to Amalfi | 15 nm | 2.5h | Open coast, dramatic cliffs | | Amalfi to Capri | 40 nm | 3–4h | Extended sail, Blue Grotto, Faraglioni | | Capri to Salerno | 30 nm | 2.5–3h | Return or extend toward southern Italy | | Day loop: Capri to Ischia | 25 nm | 2h | Volcanic island, hot springs, geothermal features | Typical 7-day itinerary: - Day 1: Depart Naples/Salerno, anchor Sorrento or Positano. - Day 2: Explore Positano, dine ashore. - Day 3: Sail to Amalfi, explore cathedral. - Day 4: Day trip to Ravello (by taxi) or relax in Amalfi. - Day 5: Sail Capri, Blue Grotto tour, anchor. - Day 6: Faraglioni swim/snorkel, day cruise. - Day 7: Return to Salerno or Naples.
Charter costs and crew considerations January 2026 rates for Amalfi/Capri-based charters (low season):
| Vessel | Daily rate (Jan–Apr, Oct–Nov) | Daily rate (Jun–Sep) | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | 50-ft motor | €2,000–3,500 | €3,500–5,500 | Crew (captain, 1–2 deckhand) | | 50-ft sailing | €1,800–2,500 | €2,500–4,000 | Captain + 1 crew | | 60-ft motor, luxury | €3,500–5,500 | €5,500–8,500 | Chef, steward included | | Superyacht (80+ ft) | €8,000–20,000+ | €15,000–35,000+ | Full crew, typically 3–5 | Mandatory additional costs: - Port fees: €200–400/day (Marina Grande Capri up to €500/day) - Provisions: €300–600/day (premium seafood and local wines increase cost significantly) - Fuel: €400–800/day (variable by consumption and sailing distance) - APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance): ~€200–300/day (often included in contract) Seven-day minimum; 10–14 day charters receive 10–20% discount. June–September peak season adds 30–50% surcharge to base rates. Italian cuisine is world-class: fresh seafood (sea urchins, scampi), handmade pasta (scialatielli ai frutti di mare), Campania wines (Greco di Tufo, Fiano di Avellino, Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio). Michelin-starred restaurants in Positano (Puny, La Gavitella) and Amalfi (Eolo, Masaniello) require 3–4 weeks advance booking and formal dress code for dinner service.
FAQ — Frequently asked questions How much does it cost to charter on the Amalfi Coast?
€2,000–3,500/day for a 50-foot motor yacht with captain and deckhand in low season (January–April, October–November). Add €200–400/day port fees, €300–600/day provisioning. Seven-day minimums; 10–14 day charters receive 10–20% discounts.
Can I visit Capri's Blue Grotto by yacht? Yes, but you must use a small rowboat (yachts cannot enter). Local boat services offer daily tours (€13/person entry). Anchorage is offshore; tender ashore and book a Blue Grotto tour through your captain or hotel.
What is the best season for Amalfi–Capri? May–October offers warm water (22–26°C). June–September is peak tourism and pricing. January–April is quietest and most affordable, with 300+ sunny days and stable weather. Swimming is possible (water ~13–15°C); wetsuits are recommended.
Is the Amalfi Coast easy to navigate? Yes. Waters are deep, currents manageable, and weather stable in summer. Occasional strong winds (scirocco from the south, 15–25 knots) are brief. Winter (November–April) is gentler. Standard yacht insurance and navigation charts suffice.
What do I need to hire a captain? EU/US citizens with an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or equivalent RYA skipper can bareboat charter. Otherwise, hire a captain (€150–250/day). Most visitors hire a captain to enjoy wine and dining without navigational stress.
Can I visit Ravello from the yacht? Ravello is 365m above sea level, 20–30 minutes taxi/hike from the Amalfi coast. Most visitors depart their yacht for a morning or afternoon excursion: guided tour, lunch at Villa d'Este terraces, return by evening. Advance taxi booking via your hotel or captain is recommended.
Is the Amalfi Coast crowded? Yes in summer (June–September), especially Positano and Capri. January–April and May are less crowded. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Anchor early in the day to secure a spot; popular anchorages fill by afternoon.
What should I eat on the Amalfi Coast? Local specialties include fresh seafood (sea urchins, scampi, mozzarella di bufala), homemade pasta (scialatielli ai frutti di mare), and limoncello (lemon liqueur). Restaurants range from beachfront pizzerias to Michelin-starred clifftop establishments.
