There is nothing new in the fact that the coast of the Campania region (Italy) is,
as far as holidays are concerned, one of the best stages for cruises. Traffic is
certainly the heaviest, but by choosing accurately dates and times and avoiding
week ends, one can enjoy one of the world's best scenery.
Many Italian and Amalfi yacht charters begin in Naples. Naples is a city with a
distinct energy - chaotic yet charming, cluttered yet beautiful. Rather daunting
to the virgin eye, Naples has a way of shedding your inhibitions, to present a proud
and colorful culture, with an alluring hospitality. Naples is the yacht charter
hub of southern Italy and the gateway to Capri and the Amalfi Coast. The Isle of
Capri and Amalfi present some of the most spectacular coastlines of the whole Mediterranean.
From Naples, you can begin your yacht charter vacation by visiting the stunning
and famously chic, Isle of Capri, the true jewel of the Gulf. This beautiful island
has a mythical appeal which has attracted everyone from Roman Emperor's, to movie
stars and supermodels. Capri also attracts hundreds of yacht charters each summer.
It was not by pure chance that Emperor Augustus, coming back from Egypt, felt in
love with the place, bought and elected it as his favorite home. Tatter Emperor
Tiberius brought it to fame giving to the island that particular, slightly transgress
atmosphere that has been transmitted to our days by modern tourism. Who has not
heard of the Blue Grotto or the incredible cliffs, the Faraglioni, last remnants
of what once was a unique and immense grotto? Other highlights of this remarkable
island are Villa Jovis and the Solaro Mountain, 589 meters high and easily climbed
with a seat lift, from where one can enjoy the entire gulf's view. The locally famous
cable car will take you from Marina Grande to the equally famous little square where
the entire Capri lifestyle is on permanent show. Due to the tourist flow, heavy
and steady regardless of the season, the island is not worth visiting in daylight
hours: hordes of tourists from everywhere continuously land and wander here. Those
lucky enough to have a yacht moored nearby will better enjoy the island best site.
With the last ferry gone to the main land, the island's population stabilize at
acceptable levels and, especially in the cold season the entire place is yours together
with the romantic paths, the sophisticated restaurants, the juicy ice cream parlors
of that unique establishment making mozzarella cheese braids billed with prosciutto
and tasty herb. Capri has two main marinas, which over summer, are brimming with
super yachts. If you’re keen on a berth, you’ll need to book well in advance, and
be willing to pay a princely sum. Many charter yachts therefore choose to anchor
outside the marina. If you tire of the chic nightlife, you can find some gorgeous,
secluded little bays to snuggle into for the night. From the Marina Grande entrance
and turning anti-clockwise, one reaches the Blue Grotto the place is easily identified
by the numerous rowing boats standing nearby. By calling one of them you can, tide
permitting, visit the grotto inside and enjoy a view found nowhere else. After rounding
the Arcera Cape and Carena Point the southern island's part is reached. Marina Piccola
will offer only a series of small landing piers offering brief and relative shelter
to small boats continuing coastwise one reaches the "Faraglioni" area, ideal for
an unforgettable swim if the season is right, followed by a lunch in one of the
restaurants behind Tragara Point reachable after a pleasant pram ride. There will
be ample time to complete the island's circumnavigation and be back at the Marina
Grande moorings, ready to face the intensely passionate Capri’s night life The closest
to the main land, and the less known to sailing wanderer, is Procida island which
by no means is less attractive then the others, better known, islands. Completely
built with yellow tuff rock and with orange trees scattered everywhere, Procida
convey the unspoiled glamour of the old sea towns. The housing conglomerate called
the "Palazzata", resultant of a very liberal and randomly executed construction
minus a proper building plan, has produced an architectural ensemble typical of
the location and not found elsewhere. Inland, in the hart of boroughs called Terra
Murata, a huge parade ground overlooks the Saint Michael abbey rebuilt during the
Spanish rule after being destroyed by the Saracens. Circumnavigating Procida, shelter
can be found at the Vivara islet connected to the shore by an artificial isthmus.
The islet which seats a natural park is covered by thick vegetation and a lookout
tower stands at its top. The cove formed by the two islands make for an excellent
anchorage alternatively one can call at Chiaolella harbor.
Other islands in the Campania area around Naples include Ischia. Ischia is a pine
studded, volcanic island surrounded by sparkling waters. The island is renowned
for it's beautiful beaches, therapeutic hot springs and red and white wine producing
vineyards. Inhabited since the pre-roman times, the island was famous for its clay
used to carve vases and useful containers and in the third century B.C. suffered
of volcanic eruption which left a salt lake in place of the volcano mouth. The lake
was to remain separated from the sea until the last century when king Ferdinand
the Second ordered to dig an opening obtaining a natural harbor that was christened
by the royal yacht "Delfino" escorting more than one hundred boats and giving to
Ischia the safest port one can seek. Above all, the call at Ischia is worth for
a visit to the renowned thermal baths, last remainder of the island's volcanic origin,
and where with a water temperature of 65 degrees C one is washed as well as properly
purified and healthily refitted.
Another anchorage is found at the Carta Romana road, close to the Aragonese castle
built by Gerone of Syracuse an lava islet and overhanging the sea. The castle was
conquered by King Alphonse of Aragona who exploited a newly built bridge to capture
it. Since then, this particular place is named Ischia Ponte, the Italian name for
bridge. This pristine and charming place, not too distant from the Saint Anne reefs,
is a preferred diving site where in water depth no more than ten meters the ruins
of Aenaria , a pre- roman hamlet destroyed by a volcanic eruption on 130 B.C., can
be inspected. Navigating anti-clockwise, the nearest landing is at Cassamicciola,
a place renown since the Middle Age for its healing waters. Lacco Ameno, Forio (with
his small church and Mount Apium, 800 meters high) can be easily reached as well
as Sant’Angelo. Luxury yachts and superyachts tend to frequent Ischia as a part
of the overflow from the hectic pace on Capri.
South of Naples is the famous buried city of Pompeii and the less well know Herculaneum.
These cities, buried by the volcanic eruption of Vesuvius, have remarkable antique
preserves. The observation of amphitheaters, triumphal arches, villas, bridges and
tombs of the Roman Imperial Age, are all possible on this fascinating day on shore.
The maritime heritage of the Amalfitan Republic, a superpower in its day, is still
apparent in Amalfi today. Local craftsmen and artisans keep the old traditions alive,
making fine handmade papers and colourful ceramics. The Amalfi Coast is a World
Heritage Site, and deservedly so: Numerous churches - including Amalfi Cathedral
- and villas from the city's golden age still dot the coast, blending together with
the stunning nature.
Further down the Amalfi coast is the medieval town and seaside resort of Agropoli,
dominated by a crenulated old lighthouse and a feudal castle. You can take a taxi
to visit the spectacular temples at Paestum or the sandy beaches in Trentova Bay
to the north of the town. The village of Amalfi is a short sail away from here.
As with other parts of Italy and the Mediterranean, the Naples and Capri yacht charter
season generally runs from April to the end of October. The summer season in July
and August is the hottest and tends to have lighter winds. This is also the high
season as far as yacht charter goes. Other good times to charter your yacht is generally
on either of the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October), each side of
the main summer season, as the temperatures are still comfortable, and the onshore
tourists have yet to arrive in their largest numbers.
With more than 5,000 miles of coastline, yacht charters prevail on the western side
of Italy. The immensely beautiful Amalfi Coast welcomes charter yachts to Southern
Italy’s most popular getaway. The coast sports famous architecture and art, and
rural areas diverse in cultivation. Yacht charters in Italy’s entire Tyrrhenian
Sea region are best from May to October, though Italy charter yachts are available
throughout the seasons. Ischia, Capri, Procida and Vivara comprise the Partenopean
Islands in the bay of Naples.
The most beautiful and biggest island in the Gulf of Naples, Ischia is one of the
most famous seaside and tourist spa centers of Italy and the world. Its volcanic
origin is the cause of various seismic phenomena which have continually altered
it. They have also produced the salso-iodic and radioactive thermal waters and mudbaths
for which the island is renowned all over the world.
Just off the coast of Naples and Salerno, between Cape Miseno and Amalfi, a great
rock soars like a dream lost in the cobalt blue sea that surrounds it. This Mediterranean
jewel yearned for and exalted in some of the world’s most famous lyric poetry, is
the island of Capri. The intoxicating fragrance of flowers, delicate splashes of
color, recollections of a millennial past and a peaceful charm, shattered only by
the shrill cry of seagulls, are just some of the magical qualities of this mythical
isle.
The charming island of Procida lies like an undiscovered garden next to its vibrant
sister islands Ischia and Capri. Flourishing gardens and fragrant lemon and orange
groves bewitch visitors with their lush beauty. Procida is the smallest and oldest
island in the Bay of Naples and is, like Ischia, of volcanic origin. Procida is
linked to the small island of Vivara which is a wonderful natural reserve.
Allow us to custom tailor your luxury, crewed Italy yacht charter. Our knowledge
of Italy charter yachts, crews, destinations and cruising itineraries is extensive.
We personally inspect each yacht, meet the captains, sample the chefs' cuisine and
evaluate the service offered by each yacht crew.
Weather
The climate of the Mediterranean and especially the region of the Amalfi Coast is
nearly perfect for travelers. The area generally averages in the eighties for summer
high temperatures, and the rainy season, which ends around Easter, doesn’t start
up again until the winter rains hit in late November. Even during the coldest months
of winter, the temperatures are a mild fifty degrees.
Travel
To reach Capri, other than by private yacht, take a ferry or hydrofoild from either
Naples or Sorrento. Transportation from Naples is available at the port of Mergellina
or Molo Beverello. The latter is more convenient due to the greater frequency of
departures. From Naples, the ferry takes about 80 minutes while the hydrofoil is
a mere 40 minutes and the Sorrento ferry is 40 minutes while the hydrofoil takes
only 20 minutes.
What to Buy
When shopping along the Amalfi Coast think “lemon”, and especially Limoncello, the
lemon drink bars keep in the freezer during the summer. True Limoncello is produced
in Sorrento. Ceramics are another popular purchase in the area.
Sample Italy Charter Itinerary - Naples to Naples
Day 1:
Board your Italy charter yacht in Naples to steam to Capri, which overlooks the
stunning Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Capri has always been one of the favorite
resting places for the privileged and was once home to the Roman Emperor Tiberius.
Days 2 - 3:
The extraordinary beauty of Capri includes the Blue Grotto, a charming landscape,
and the views of Anacapri. Capri has two levels. There is a walking and shopping
area right around the marina while the main town, on top of Capri, is accessible
by funicular. Visit the upscale tiny shops and stop for refreshments at an outdoor
café in one of the little piazzas as you watch Capri life go by.
Day 4:Depart early for Amalfi, one of Italy's most romantic villages, which
clings to the dramatic slopes of the ruggedly beautiful Amalfi Coast. Take a taxi
to Ravello village, with its spectacular views of the coast and magnificent villas.
After, motor to Positano, which is built around a small curving bay on a steep hill
overlooking the island of the Sirens. Stroll narrow lanes to view typical Moorish
style houses and courtyard gardens that are lined up along the slopes facing the
sea. Leave for Salerno.
Day 5:
At Salerno, dock the charter yacht at Salerno Marina, and leave for Pompeii. A taxi
will collect you at the marina to spend the day visiting the historic ruins. Overnight
in Salerno.
Day 6:After breakfast explore the Sorrento Peninsula, where you will overnight,
weather permitting. Otherwise, overnight in Capri. Next day, sail to Ischia.
Day 7:
Ischia is a volcanic spa island with many sulfur springs and medicinal bathing areas.
There is a natural spring on the beach near where you will anchor that you might
want to visit and then have lunch on board. After lunch, there are many taxis or
surreys in Ischia that offer an around the island tour. The island is very large
with different towns and sights to see. Return in the afternoon and depart for Naples,
concluding your Italy yacht charter.
