The Amalfi Coast is among the most famous coastlines on an international level. Many cruisers have sailed there, some decided to stay more, and others are just planning their voyage. It is not difficult to see why it was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. After that, the place has gained widespread recognition. The voyage along the Amalfi coast includes everything from spectacular beaches, ancient ruins, breathtaking scenery, picturesque villages, and fresh seafood. You’ll also enjoy the charm of Italy in a feast of Italian food and wine. In this article, I’m going to suggest you itineraries along the Amalfi coast. Also, some useful information to keep in mind before planning your voyage. So, keep reading!

Information about the Region

What you see there is a Mediterranean paradise, with crystal-clear waters, hillside towns, and perched on the mountain villages. Moreover, you’ll taste delicious food and wine, experience true romance, explore the history and the natural wonders. And in which way you can do it? Well, obviously with your sailboat!

Italy is a popular Mediterranean sailing destination, but the Amalfi Coast and the Bay of Naples are a bit different. Not only known for its sailing but for its distinguished beauty, history, and nature. Even though during the summer the wind is not always that favorable, the sailing distances between villages aren’t long. In addition, there are numerous activities of every kind to engage in ashore.

The people of the coast have a long history of seafaring, and fishing is still a common pastime. You’ll experience life at a slow pace and watch the artisans practicing their trades. They still produce goods such as handmade paper, colorful ceramics, homemade food specialties, and lemon liqueur, or Limoncello. Fresh seafood is brought in daily, so the cuisine is naturally based on it. Also, the regional traditional recipes are simple yet flavorful. There is almost everywhere homemade pasta to taste and fresh products on a meal play a crucial role in Mediterranean cuisine. And of course, what’s a summer day on the coast without a homemade Italian gelato?

A Place Full of Colors and Charm

The deep blue of the sea, the Mediterranean maquis’ green, and the colorful scenery of blossomed valleys combined with traditional architecture create a stunning itinerary in this part of Italy: the Costiera Amalfitana (the Amalfi Coast). 
A place where lemon blossoms blend with the Meditteranean aroma of saltiness. A place where the colorful majolica and bougainvillea meet the whitewashed traditional houses and retain authenticity from the past. On top of it all, a picturesque labyrinth of narrow alleys, the dominating Lattari Mounts, and the deep blue sea connecting both water and earth and creates breathtaking landscapes. Headlands, bays, bushy vegetation, and pebbled beaches. On these, the ancient viceregal towers and historical sites stand upon offer a taste of the rich historical past.

The allures of the Amalfi Coast make you want to experience a thrilling voyage along the coast starting in Sorrento. Then, traveling upon the steep hillside high above the sea and twisting through towns like Ravello, Positano, and Amalfi. And then ending with a sigh in Salerno’s picturesque seaport.

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Destinations in the Mediterranean

Traditional Towns on the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi is situated at the mouth of the Valle dei Mulini and was the first of the Four Maritime Republics of Italy that traded for a long time with the East. Traditional white houses clinging to the rocks and surrounded by alleys and stairways is the main image of the place. At the center of the main square stands the Cathedral of St. Andrew with its impressive staircase and the bell tower in Arab-Norman style. The Handmade paper Museum and the Ancients Arsenals of the Republic are worth visiting if you have the time.

Positano is a magical town that is built vertically within a twisted overlay of alleys and shops. It is also characterized by the world-famous Positano fashion. The Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta, located in the town center, stands out with its wide dome, which is tiled in majolica pottery decoration. The Church includes many valuable works such as polychrome marble altars. And just in front of Le Sirenuse Hotel, you’ll see the Sirenusas islets. These are set in the expanse of the Campanian Archipelago. 

The artistic ceramic history of Vietri Sul Mare is well-known by many for its ancient trades since the XV century. In this town, you’ll visit and see ornamented buildings and the picturesque villages of Raito and Albori where you will experience the antique atmosphere. Don’t omit to visit the Neoclassical style Villa Guariglia, whose Belvedere Tower houses the Provincial Museum of ceramic.

Minori is a seaside resort that forms a spectacular landscape of land and sea along with a cultural array of the archaeological complex of the Villa Romana. There, you can admire the ancient Roman architecture and the Museo dell’Antiquario which exhibits several discoveries of the historical past.

Traditional Villages on the Amalfi Coast

Another gem of the coast is Ravello, an elegant village with lush vegetation. However, there are many luxurious villas that somehow spoil the overall scenery. Ravello is well-known for its festival, as it houses one of the oldest music festivals in Italy. Ancient palaces and noble mansions coexist with contemporary buildings, such as the Auditorium. In addition to religious structures, many of the buildings date from the Medieval era. For example, Piazza Vescovado, framed by the architecture of Palazzo Rufolo. Also, the Cathedral with its majestic portal is the beating heart of Ravello along with the 10-feet-high bell tower. 

Conca dei Marini is a natural sea fishing village overlooking the sea. It’s surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and valleys planted with “Sfusato Amalfitano” lemon trees. This coastal village has a centuries-old maritime history and is still known for its seafaring activities. The old tradition says that the first sfogliatella of Santa Rosa was made in the Monastery of Santa Rosa. The Monastery is truly perched on the steep slopes of a rocky outcropping.

Narrow alleys, courts, arches, piazzas characterize the Medieval village of Atrani. This small and charming town is located at the mouth of the Valle del Dragone; a natural amphitheater on the sea! With its Baroque façade, vibrant majolica dome, and elegant bell tower, the monumental complex of Santa Maria Maddalena is an outstanding site of the village

Praiano distinguishes from other villages due to its authentic atmosphere. It’s where you should go if you want to get away from the bustling. Narrow alleys and lush Mediterranean vegetation, terraced gardens and traditional homes make their way towards the sea. And, it is by far, a place where you can enjoy the most iconic sunset of the Amalfi coast. Imagine the orange and red sun hiding behind the mountains and shining upon Capri’s Faraglioni!

Sailing Information about the Amalfi Coast

In the high season which is from the end of June until the end of August, you have to reserve slips and mooring balls beforehand. The costs of mooring fees range from €40 to upwards of €150 per night, with prices rising sometimes especially when staying for more than a weekend. When sailing in Italy there are numerous anchorages and some of them have mooring buoys which you do have to pay for. However, these are less expensive than mooring in a marina. Mooring fees can be really high. For example, in Capri’s Marina Grande the fees can be up to €300 EUR a night. And, in Amalfi, the average monohull pays €200.

In addition to the Amalfi Coast and Capri, there are the Phlegraean islands and Pontine islands as well, which are definitely worth visiting. Whatever you choose to do keep in mind the Italian motto —La Dolce Far Niente—the sweetness of doing nothing. I know that there are many things to do and see as well as many activities to engage in. But try to sail leisurely, enjoy the scenery, stroll around the colorful alleys taking in a deep breath of the past but staying in the present. Taste the local wine Costa d’Amalfi DOC and combine it with a homemade crispy pizza in a restaurant terrace overlooking the bay, marveling at the history and architecture.

Weather Information for the Amalfi Coast

In general, winds are around 5-15 knots during the summer. Some days there might be no wind at all. Italian weather is very diverse and varies between sailing regions. The regions are divided geographically and each of them has its own prevailing winds. For example, the Tramontane winter wind blows in the north of Italy, descending from the Alps, and becomes stronger before sunrise. Scirocco wind blows in the south and brings humid weather during the summer, as well as red dust from the Sahara. Libeccio, the westerly or south-westerly wind, affects Sardinia and the Tuscan coast. Maestrale wind comes mainly from the northwest and blows on the west coast of Sardinia. The Northern Adriatic region is mostly affected by the strong katabatic Bora wind.

The weather can be really hot and most of the towns are crowded during the summer months. However, bear in mind that the coastline and the whole area are quite large and spread. During the summer, the wind is coming mostly from the South, swinging round to a southwest or southeasterly direction. Most of the time, the wind rises during the afternoon. During the morning, the wind speed is at 4-10 knots, picking up to 15-21 knots in the afternoon.

Pick the itinerary that suits you best, but it is unlikely that you’ll explore the whole Amalfi Coast if you’re limited on time. However, you can do it if you dedicate a month or so sailing along the coast and its islands. As with most Mediterranean destinations, the warmest time of year is from June to August. Temperatures are at their highest peak then but from September to early November it’s by far the quietest time to visit.

Marinas on the Amalfi Coast

• Marina Di Capri, Capri, Berths: 300
• Porto Di Amalfi, Coppola Marina Dock, Berths: 90
• Marina di Cala del Sole, Agrigento, Berths: 394
• Marina di Portorosa, between Lipari and Taormina, Berths: 100
• Porto di Ischia, Berths: 200
• Marina d’Arechi, Salerno, Berths: 1000
• Marina di Procida, Berths: 491
• Piccola Sorrento Marina, Sorrento, Berths: 280
• Porto Marina di Cassano, Piano di Sorrento, Naples, Berths: 180
• Marina di Stabia, Naples, Berths: 900
• Marina Vigliena, Naples, Berths: 853
• Molo Luise Marina, Naples, Berths: 140
• Marina Villa Igiea, Palermo, Berths: 400

>>Also Read: Best Marinas in Europe

Sailing Routes in the Amalfi Coast

• Salerno – Sorrento (27NM) – Procida (17NM) – Ischia (14NM) – Capri (20NM) – Amalfi (16NM)
• Naples – Capri (17NM) – Amalfi (23NM) – Vientri Sul Mare (9NM) – Conca dei Marini – Positano (15NM) – Sorrento (17NM)
• Procida – Porto Romano – Ponza – Sant’ Angelo, Ischia – Capri
• Procida – Ischia – Sorrento – Capri – Amalfi

The below-mentioned sailing route for the Amalfi Coast is the most common one to take. Depending on your time and plans you can spend from 1 to 7 days at each place. Bear in mind that you can do this route within a week or even within a month if you want to explore as much as possible. The total distance of this route is +/- 88 nautical miles.

Day 1: Salerno – Sailing route from Salerno to Amalfi:  +/- 8nm
4th or 6th Day: Amalfi – Sailing route from Amalfi to Positano: +/- 6,1nm
Day 8: Positano – Sailing route from Positano to Sorrento: +/- 14,2nm
11th or 13th Day: Sorrento – Sailing route from Sorrento to Ischia and/or Procida: +/- 19,5nm
Day 15: Ischia+Prodica – Sailing route from Ischia and/or Procida to Capri: +/- 15,9nm
Day 18: Capri – Sailing route from Capri to Salerno: +/- 24,6nm

>>Also Read: Best Deep Sea Fishing Destinations in Europe

The Bottom Line

Sailing along the Amalfi Coast is a must for every sailor. There is nothing more breathtaking than sailing out on the Mediterranean Sea while exploring the gems of the Amalfi Coast;  one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Europe. Bear in mind to plan your voyage ahead, check the weather forecast and prepare your itinerary beforehand. Also, check the mooring fees and anchorages in the places you’re sailing to. If you prefer sailing in the summer then many places are likely to be crowded but you will definitely find a secluded anchorage and many villages to explore ashore.

Buon viaggio and I wish you all a safe and pleasant voyage!