WHERE TO GO ON A SAILING HOLIDAY
How to choose a sailing holiday between the Amalfi Coast (Positano, Amalfi, Cetara, etc.) and the Pontine Islands (Ventotene, the islet of Santo Stefano, Ponza, Zannone, Palmarola), departing from the Gulf of Naples and in particular from our nautical base on the island of Procida.
The basic difference comes down to choosing between “glamorous social life” and “wild nature.”
Both routes offer breathtaking scenery but with very different atmospheres, and both are ideal for those chartering a sailing boat for a one-week vacation.
Sailing charter on the Amalfi Coast: Elegance and History
This is the perfect itinerary if you’re looking for a mix of coastal sailing, vertical villages, and lively evenings.
Sailing Experience:
You sail close to the coast beneath sheer cliffs and through small ancient villages steeped in history and unique beauty, such as Positano, Amalfi, and Cetara. The sea is generally calm and sheltered by the coast, but marinas are few, highly sought after, and expensive.
In Positano you moor at a buoy with tender service; in Amalfi, in a beautiful small harbor at the foot of the historic town; and in Cetara you’ll be welcomed by a magical fishing atmosphere. In fact, the port of Cetara—south of Amalfi—was and still is one of the most important centers for anchovy fishing. We recommend tasting the famous “colatura di alici.”
What to See:
The Fiordo di Furore, hidden in a narrow inlet along the coast between Positano and Amalfi; the Li Galli archipelago (former residence of Rudolf Nureyev) just before Positano; and the Emerald Grotto, continuing along the coast toward Amalfi.
Cuisine:
This is the homeland of “sun-kissed cuisine.”
Iconic Dishes:
Scialatielli with seafood, Spaghetti alla Nerano (with zucchini and Provolone del Monaco cheese), the famous Pesce all’Acqua Pazza, and scialatielli with anchovy colatura.
Top Products:
Amalfi Coast PGI Lemon (Sfusato Amalfitano), used for limoncello, and Colatura di Alici di Cetara.
Sailing carter in the Pontine Islands: Nature and Freedom
The Pontine Islands (Ponza, Palmarola, Ventotene) are the ideal destination for those who love life on board at anchor (sleeping in a bay under the stars) and unspoiled volcanic landscapes.
Sailing Experience:
This route requires longer open-sea crossings. Palmarola is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean—almost uninhabited—with spectacular cliffs such as the “Cathedrals.”
What to See:
Chiaia di Luna in Ponza; the Roman harbor carved into tuff rock in Ventotene, where mooring your sailing boat is a truly unique experience; and the turquoise waters of Cala del Porto in Palmarola.
Cuisine:
A unique meeting of sea and land, with strong Roman and Neapolitan influences.
Iconic Dishes:
Linguine with Ponza lobster, line-caught Ponza tuna, and Ventotene lentil soup (a historic local specialty, as the lentils are very small and full of flavor).
Curiosity:
In Ponza, don’t miss Coniglio alla Ponzese, a legacy of the island’s traditional land-based cuisine.
In Summary: Which One to Choose for Your Sailing Charter?
| Aspect | Amalfi Coast | Pontine Islands |
|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | Glamorous, lively, historic villages | Wild, natural, total relaxation |
| Moorings | Prestigious but expensive and crowded marinas | Mainly anchorages and characteristic ports |
| Sailing | Coastal sailing, ideal for short relaxation | Longer crossings, true life at sea |
| Cuisine | Handmade pasta, lemons, anchovy colatura | Ultra-fresh fish, lentils, tuna |
In short, whatever your choice for a one-week sailing holiday, we can assure you that departing from our nautical base at Marina di Procida – Naples will be a fantastic cruise, with plenty of sailing thanks to the ever-present thermal breezes in the Gulf of Naples, along the Amalfi Coast, and throughout the Pontine Islands archipelago.