AMALFI COAST
South from chaotic and fascinating Naples, the outstanding and well-known Amalfi Coast – and the three islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida, as well as land pearls like Positano, Sorrento and Amalfi itself – have been among the most quoted resorts for tourists since Roman times. This stunning coastline is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which comprehends dozens of enchanting towns, beaches, coves and cliffs along its 50 kilometers extension south from the Bay of Naples, making it an ideal destination to visit and enjoy by sailing.
In centuries, the legendary beauty of Amalfi Coast has inspired artists, writers, and travellers from all over the globe. And it’s easy understanding why: unique landscapes in the world, with village-strewn cliffs jut into the sea, during the summer, notes of lemon hang in the air and festivals enliven hamlets along the drive, making it the ideal time to travel to set sail from our Marina d’Arechi.
VILLAGES ALONG THE COAST
MAIORI, MINORI, CETARA AND RAVELLO
The area can be reached from Marina d’Arechi sailing toward west. In addition to the beautiful scenery, this area is renowned for the production of majolica, which covers the dome of the remarkable church of San Giovanni Battista and the facades of the Archconfraternity of the Annunciation and of the Rosary. Before reaching Maiori, near Capo d’Orso, it is worth visiting the abbey of Santa Maria de Olearia, carved in the rock.
Among the most famous locations of the coast, for its fine sandy beaches, Cetara is a fishing village founded by the Cetari, historically formidable tuna hunters. Among the picturesque houses stands the church of San Pietro, with its dome covered with majolica tiles and the mullioned bell tower. It is difficult for pleasure boats to find mooring in the small marina. For those who desire mooring for long time, in calm weather conditions – Cetara is exposed to winds of quadrants II and III (just like the whole costal area) – it is possible to anchor on a sandy bottom, sheltered from the pier. It is suggested to pay attention during entry and exit, due to a submerged barrier. Built at a height of 350 meters above sea level, Ravello is one of the most beautiful places along the Amalfi Coast for its beautiful panoramic gardens on the cliffs.
Although it is not near the sea, it is worth a visit, especially during the Classical Music Festival, which is held at the Auditorium designed by Oscar Niemeyer inside the beautiful Villa Rufolo, an arab styled villa from the XIV century.
POSITANO
Scenic and luxurious, Positano represent the ideal postcard of the Amalfi Coast, with its myriad of colorful houses overlooking the sea, in a cascade of shades of peach, pink and terracotta.
Its steep streets and stairways, the hotels draped by wisteria, the chic restaurants and the extravagant shops make the view of Positano an unforgettable image: just 6 miles from Amalfi, along the coast allows you to observe the many bays and coves, first among all the enchanting fjord of Furore. Typical narrow streets with artisan workshops and stairways lead from the upper part of the city to the shores of Spiaggia Grande or Spiaggia del Fornillo, while the beaches of La Porta, Arienzo and San Pietro Laurito can be reached by sea. Since there are no ports, the only solution in this area is an anchorage in the open sea, if weather conditions allow it. Starting from the town of Nocelle, the famous path known as the “Path of the Gods” offers a breathtaking view over the coast. To the west, it is absolutely not to be missed the Bay of Ieranto, facing Capri’s faraglioni, and the bay of Nerano, as well as the marine protected area of Punta Campanella. Elegant and fashionable, Positano is perfect for those who love shopping and have a holiday in the name of sweet life in mind.
Its wealth of boutiques, bars and restaurants where you can taste the many specialties, including the famous “Delizia al limone”, make it an unmissable stop along the cruise.
SORRENTO
A small jewel with a huge reputation, Sorrento is famous as the city of lemons – and as a place with a long tradition of tourism.
It is a must see since the 19th century “Grand Tour” and the interest in the city has been reawakened internationally by the poet Byron, who inspired a long series of literary geniuses – including Dickens, Goethe and Tolstoy – starting a journey to savor the atmosphere of the place. That romance persists unchanged over time. Just visit Piazza Tasso in the evening to experience one of the best tours that Italy has to offer, among sumptuous hotels, magnificent shops of inlays and welcoming restaurants serving “Gnocchi alla Sorrentina”, together with the delicious limoncello, typical of this area, ideal at the end of a good meal. Trekking lovers can visit the Vallone dei Mulini, with the first ones dating back to the early 1900s, while those passionate for art and culture are spoiled for choice: the Museo Correale, named “the most beautiful museum in the province of Italy” is the first of the monumental references of the city, together with the Church of San Francesco, the Basilica of Sant’Antonino and the Duomo. Not to miss anything from the landscapes offered in Positano, we suggest a visit to the public harbors, Marina Grande and Marina Piccola, two authentic marine nativity scenes that still retain the ancient charm of the traditional fishing villages of Campania.
CAPRI
Capri is probably the most famous resort of the entire coast, the reason why will be evident once you reach it. Steep cliffs rise majestically from an incredibly blue sea; elegant drop-shaped villas follow one another framed by wisteria and bougainvillea; lush and pristine gardens surround everything.
Capri’s most famous attraction is the Blue Grotto, an unusual sea cave illuminated by an unearthly blue light: the sunlight enters through a small submarine opening and is redone through the water; this, with the reflection of light on the bottom of white sand, produces the vivid blue effect to which the cave owes its name. There is only one port on the north-west side, Marina Grande, while in Marina di Capri it is possible to moor both on the quay and on the buoys. In addition to the famous Piazzetta di Capri, with meeting places and bars where you can relax and enjoy the “beautiful life” of Capri, the island offers several panoramic points not to be missed: Villa San Michele and Villa Lysis offer unique views of the coast, while the bay of Punta Carena is the ideal beach where to dive and observe the best sunset on the island. And mentioning the famous attractions, the Faraglioni are undoubtedly the most representative image of this destination, an unmissable place for any sailor lucky enough to be there.
