Blue Ocean Club
9 days · 9 stops

From Naples' Bay to the Pontine Passage

The scent of lemon groves and salt spray hangs in the air as your yacht departs from Procida, its harbours a painter’s fantasy of sun-bleached pastels. This is a journey of contrasts, beginning in the vibrant, lived-in Bay of Naples before crossing the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Pontine Islands. Here, the landscape shifts to one of stark volcanic cliffs, hidden sea grottos, and a wild remoteness that feels a world away. From the thermal springs of Ischia to the Roman ruins of Ventotene and Ponza’s mesmerising coves, this is Italy at its most elemental and alluring.

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  1. DAY 01

    Procida, Marina Corricella

    Embark at Marina di Procida and take a short cruise to the island’s most captivating corner, Marina Corricella. This amphitheatre of cascading houses, painted in shades of pink, yellow, and blue, is a car-free haven accessible only by sea or winding stairs. The air is thick with the sounds of fishermen mending nets and the clink of glasses from waterfront trattorias, a perfect immersion into Neapolitan island life.

    • Climb to the Terra Murata, the island's fortified historic centre, for commanding views.
    • Photograph the iconic cascade of colourful houses in Marina Corricella.
    • Visit the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo, with its catacombs and library.
    • Swim at the dark volcanic sands of Chiaia beach, below Corricella.
    Anchorage
    Marina di Procida
    Dining
    La Lampara or Caracalè for fresh seafood on the Corricella waterfront.
  2. DAY 02

    Ischia Ponte & Castello Aragonese

    A gentle morning cruise brings you to the majestic Castello Aragonese, a fortified citadel perched on its own volcanic islet and connected to Ischia by a stone causeway. Drop anchor with this formidable fortress as your backdrop and tender ashore to explore its labyrinth of churches, prisons, and gardens. The old borgo of Ischia Ponte is a delight, its narrow lanes filled with artisan shops and the scent of baking pastries.

    • Explore the complex history of Castello Aragonese, from its Greek origins to medieval battles.
    • Discover the macabre Nun's Cemetery within the castle walls.
    • Wander the charming streets and boutiques of Ischia Ponte.
    • Relax at Giardino Eden, a small, exclusive thermal park with sea-level pools.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage off Castello Aragonese
    Dining
    Ristorante Il Monastero, for a refined meal within the castle walls.
  3. DAY 03

    Sant'Angelo, Ischia

    Navigate along Ischia's verdant southern coast to the impossibly chic fishing village of Sant'Angelo. This pedestrianised hamlet, connected by a narrow isthmus to a towering rock, exudes a quiet sophistication. Spend the afternoon soaking in the natural thermal waters that bubble up from the sand at Fumarole beach or simply enjoying the view from a piazza café, watching the elegant world go by.

    • Experience the 'natural sauna' of Fumarole beach, where volcanic heat warms the sand.
    • Indulge in a wellness day at the renowned Poseidon Thermal Gardens nearby.
    • Explore the exclusive boutiques and art galleries of Sant'Angelo's village.
    • Walk the sandy isthmus to the 'Torre Sant'Angelo' promontory.
    Anchorage
    Porto di Sant'Angelo or anchorage off Maronti Beach
    Dining
    Il Pescatore for exquisite seafood on a terrace over the water.
  4. DAY 04

    Forio & La Mortella, Ischia

    Cruise to Ischia's western shore, dominated by the town of Forio and the lush slopes of Mount Epomeo. This coast is famed for its spectacular sunsets. Anchor and head ashore to visit the magnificent Giardini La Mortella, a subtropical and Mediterranean garden created by Susana Walton. As evening approaches, watch the sun dip behind the iconic white Chiesa del Soccorso, a church perched dramatically on a cliff edge.

    • Wander through the two levels of the stunning Giardini La Mortella.
    • Visit the waterfront Chiesa del Soccorso for an iconic Ischian sunset.
    • Soak in the geothermally heated rock pools at Baia di Sorgeto.
    • Explore the historic centre and defensive towers of Forio.
    Anchorage
    Porto di Forio
    Dining
    Onboard dining prepared by your chef, enjoying the sunset before the next day's crossing.
  5. DAY 05

    Ventotene Harbour

    An exhilarating morning crossing of the Tyrrhenian Sea leaves Naples Bay behind, bringing you to the Pontine archipelago. Your first sight is Ventotene, a sliver of volcanic rock steeped in Roman history. Arrive at the Porto Romano, a basin carved from the tufa rock by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago. The sense of arrival is profound, mooring where ancient galleys once did, surrounded by the simple, sun-faded buildings of the village.

    • Enter the ancient Porto Romano, still in use today.
    • Visit the Archaeological Museum to understand the island's imperial past.
    • Swim at Cala Nave, a dark sand beach next to the Roman port.
    • Explore the ruins of Villa Giulia, Emperor Augustus's daughter's place of exile.
    Anchorage
    Porto Romano di Ventotene
    Dining
    Il Giardino di Ventotene, for fresh island produce in a beautiful garden setting.
  6. DAY 06

    Santo Stefano Island

    Just a nautical mile from Ventotene lies the stark, circular island of Santo Stefano, dominated by its imposing panopticon prison. Take a guided tour of the now-abandoned Bourbon penitentiary, a sobering and fascinating piece of Italian history. The waters between the islands form a protected marine park, offering superb diving and snorkelling opportunities over seagrass meadows and ancient underwater archaeology.

    • Take a guided boat tour to the formidable Bourbon prison on Santo Stefano.
    • Snorkel or dive in the pristine waters of the Ventotene and Santo Stefano Marine Protected Area.
    • Explore the 'Peschiera Romana', an ancient Roman fish farm carved into the rock.
    • Discover Ventotene's Roman cisterns, an underground network for water collection.
    Anchorage
    Return to Porto Romano di Ventotene
    Dining
    La Terrazza di Mimi, enjoying simple, expertly prepared fish.
  7. DAY 07

    Ponza, Chiaia di Luna & Cala Feola

    A 22-nautical-mile cruise brings you to the archipelago's largest island, Ponza. Your first view is of the astounding Chiaia di Luna, a perfect crescent of beach backed by a towering, chalk-white cliff. While access to the beach itself is restricted for safety, the view from your yacht is magnificent. Continue around the coast to anchor in the sheltered cove of Cala Feola, home to natural swimming pools carved by the sea.

    • Anchor beneath the spectacular white cliffs of Chiaia di Luna.
    • Swim in the 'Piscine Naturali', a series of interconnected rock pools.
    • Enjoy a waterside lunch at a simple trattoria in Cala Feola.
    • Explore the coast by tender, discovering hidden coves and grottos.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage at Cala Feola
    Dining
    Ristorante La Marina, a rustic eatery in Cala Feola known for its spaghetti with clams.
  8. DAY 08

    Palmarola Island

    Today is dedicated to Palmarola, Ponza’s uninhabited and wildly beautiful sister island. Known as one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean, its coastline is a masterpiece of obsidian rock, sea stacks, and crystalline water. Cruise to the southern tip to see 'La Cattedrale', a series of basalt arches and grottos that resemble a Gothic cathedral, and spend the day swimming, snorkelling, and exploring its secluded bays by tender.

    • Cruise through the dramatic sea arches of 'La Cattedrale' on Palmarola's coast.
    • Discover the hidden, protected cove of Cala Brigantina, once a pirate hideout.
    • Tender through the Grotta di Pilato back on Ponza, a complex of Roman-era moray eel farms.
    • Anchor off Frontone beach for an evening swim before heading into port.
    Anchorage
    Porto di Ponza
    Dining
    Acqua Pazza, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Ponza's main port.
  9. DAY 09

    Porto di Ponza

    Awake in Ponza’s lovely, horseshoe-shaped port, a pastel-hued harbour designed in the 18th century by the Bourbons. Enjoy a final, leisurely breakfast on board, watching the island come to life. There is time for a stroll along the main street, Corso Pisacane, to browse for local crafts and enjoy one last espresso at a portside café before disembarking, your journey from the Bay of Naples complete.

    • Enjoy a final Italian coffee at the historic Bar Tripoli on the harbour front.
    • Shop for local souvenirs and delicacies along Corso Pisacane.
    • Take a final look at the Bourbon-era architecture of the port.
    • Visit the 'Cisterna Romana della Dragonara', a vast underground Roman water cistern.
    Anchorage
    Porto di Ponza (Disembarkation)
    Dining
    A farewell breakfast on board, or a pastry and espresso at a harbour café.
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