Yacht charter in Campania
Campania offers varied cruising grounds spanning the Gulf of Naples, the Phlegraean Islands of Ischia and Procida, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast. Distances between anchorages are short, making it suitable for relaxed itineraries. The area suits charterers interested in classical history, cliffside coastal villages, and sheltered volcanic bays. High summer brings crowded anchorages and heavy maritime traffic, making the service of an experienced crew valuable for navigating local regulations, securing harbour berths, and planning day anchorages around afternoon thermal breezes.
Best time to charter
The charter season runs from May to October. May, June, and September provide settled conditions, daytime temperatures between 22°C and 28°C, and manageable sea traffic. July and August are hot and very busy, with crowded ports and high demand for mooring fields. Prevailing winds during summer are westerly to north-westerly thermal breezes, typically rising to force 3–4 in the afternoon and dropping overnight. October brings quieter waters but a higher likelihood of unsettled weather and rain.
Anchorages and harbours to know
Marina Piccola, Capri
Provides shelter from northerly winds beneath the Faraglioni rocks, with access to Capri town by tender, though swell can build from southerly breezes.
Baia di Cartaromana, Ischia
Anchoring is prohibited to protect Posidonia seagrass under the Regno di Nettuno MPA, requiring yachts to secure on designated mooring buoys facing the Aragonese Castle.
Chiaiolella, Procida
A sheltered bay on the south-west of Procida providing anchorage in sand and mud, well away from the restricted waters off Marina Corricella.
Positano, Amalfi Coast
An open roadstead with a commercial mooring buoy field offering dramatic cliff views; exposed to southerly winds and daytime wake from commercial ferry traffic.
Marina del Cantone, Nerano
Located at the tip of the Sorrento peninsula, offering a managed mooring field and good shelter from northerly winds with clear water.
Practical tips
- Getting there: Naples (NAP). Naples' marinas are about 20–30 minutes from the airport; Amalfi and Positano are about 1.5 hours by road, faster by boat.
- Charter tax: Italian VAT of about 22% is usually added to the charter fee (Can be reduced pro rata for documented time outside EU waters.).
- Naples (NAP) is the primary airport; Naples' marinas are about 20–30 minutes from the airport; Amalfi and Positano are about 1.5 hours by road, faster by boat.
- Observe the Regno di Nettuno Marine Protected Area rules around Ischia and Procida, where anchoring is strictly regulated and prohibited in designated seagrass zones.
- Berth availability on Capri and the Amalfi Coast is scarce in July and August; reserve marina berths or mooring buoys several weeks in advance.
- Commercial hydrofoils and ferries operate at high speeds in the Gulf of Naples; maintain a vigilant watch and keep clear of main shipping channels.