Today, the Octopus takes you to one of his favorite destinations : the Island of Ischia and Procida in the Bay of Napoli ! These beautiful islands neighboring the city of Napoli hold promises of an authentic and refreshing Italian experience; They offer thousands of natural, historical and gastronomical wonders for you to explore in an authentic and peaceful Italian atmosphere… La Dolce Farniente…
Without further ado, let’s follow the Octopus on an itinerary of Ischia and Procida best rated anchorages by the Navily community, starting off with three good reasons to visit these beautiful islands (if you are not already convinced by this stunning introduction).
3 good reasons to visit Ischia and Procida
1- Natural Beauty
Both Isola di Ischia and Procida Island are surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including beautiful beaches, thermal hot springs, and lush vegetation. Natural landmarks such as Mont Epono and Punta Pizzaco (Ischa) will offer stunning views and beautiful trails to immerse yourself in the island’s natural sceneries. In Procida, enjoy hiking trails and stunning views in the Vivara Island Nature Reserve, home to many rare and protected fauna and flora.
2 - Rich History and Culture
Both islands have a rich history and culture that dates back centuries. Isola di Ischia and Procida Island are home to numerous historical sites, museums, and galleries where you can learn about the islands’ art, history, and traditions. The medieval castle of Castello Aragonese overlooking a volcanic rock, The picturesque Sant’Angelo fishing village or the fortified hilltop village of Terra Murata are just some of the historic landmarks you will find in Ischia and Procida.
3 - Authentic Italian Charm
Both Isola di Ischia and Procida Island are perfect destinations for travelers who want to experience authentic Italian culture and charm. Both islands have a laid-back atmosphere and are lesser-known than other Italian destinations, which makes them ideal for mingling with locals and soaking up the local way of life. Additionally, both islands offer delicious Italian cuisine that features fresh seafood, vegetables, and fruits.
Regulations and Access in Ischia and Procida
Kingdom of Neptune
Before embarking on a cruise to Ischia and Procida, it is important to familiarize yourself with the regulations in place. The islands, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, are protected and are part of a regulated zone called the Kingdom of Neptune.
The Octopus has worked its tentacles off to provide you with this interactive map of regulations to ensure that you are well-informed before setting sail. From mooring permits to protected zones and seasonal restrictions, you can find all the information below.
For more information and to book your mooring permits, visit the Kingdom of Neptune website or call them at (+39) 0812445347
The best anchorages in Ischia & Procida
Castello Aragonese (S) / Castello Aragonese (N)
For our first stop, the Octopus takes you to discover the anchorage of Castello Aragonese. This medieval castle was built on volcanic rock in the 15th century and overlooks the sea. It is one of the most iconic landmarks of Ischia and has been used as a fortress, prison, and monastery throughout history. Today, visitors can explore the many halls and chambers of the castle, including a chapel, a museum, and a garden.
To anchor in this exceptional location, you must ensure that you have the permit issued by the Kingdom of Neptune according to the season (see paragraph above). Seabeds varying between seagrass, sandbanks, and rocks do not make anchoring easy, although the relative clarity of the water will allow you to distinguish them well. It is best to follow the advice of sailors on Navily!
For wind protection, it will depend on whether you choose the north or south anchorage, but make a well-informed choice, as when the wind blows, anchoring can quickly become unpleasant! However, it seems that the north enjoys better protection from the winds and better accessibility to the marina to leave your dinghy and visit the town.
This town and its castle are worth a visit for a historic and gastronomic journey in a peaceful and authentic atmosphere. In short, Castello Aragonese is a dream anchorage not to be missed on Ischia!
Sant Angelo W / E
This is the perfect anchorage for visiting Sant’Angelo and enjoying a true Dolce Farniente experience. Although it is part of the Kingdom of Neptune, it is tolerated to anchor here according to the community.
The anchorage faces the small traditional fishing village surrounded by the clear rocks of the limestone coast.You can anchor without any worries in its rocky bottoms, and although it is crowded in the high season, it is comfortable enough to accommodate several boats.
You will also have the option to anchor in front of the marina on the other side of the peninsula, depending on the winds and swell. Both anchorages are well rated and recommended by the Navily community! Once you’re settled in, you’ll enjoy the superb panorama of the coast and the colorful houses of the village of Sant’Angelo before embarking on your dinghy to explore it.
The village depicts a unique world, where traditions and simplicity reign. Many local restaurants will introduce you to the culinary wonders of the island and its exceptional wines! After being satiated and rested, it is pleasant to stroll through the streets of this picturesque village. Finally, to top it all off, you can enjoy thermal baths while appreciating a unique view of this charmingly authentic coast. This place is a canalizer of good energies!
Punta Imperatore
This is not the most beautiful or best-protected anchorage, but it is the only one that does not require permission to anchor and spend the night, so it was important to note it on our list! In this bay, you can anchor in sandy bottoms during the day at a depth of about 7 meters.
The setting remains very pleasant and offers a more natural turn to your cruise! No castles or fishing villages, you will face cliffs covered with thick vegetation that plunge abruptly into translucent waters. At their feet, you can enjoy swimming or snorkeling to explore a blooming underwater world! A good overnight stopover as well, to enjoy the island without worrying about permits !
The journey continues on Procida and get ready for an absolutely unforgettable stop! The anchorage of Cala San Antonio, facing the famous village of Corricella, is simply one of the most beautiful anchorages in the region, or even in the Mediterranean (according to the Navily community).
Cala San Antonio (Procida)
It is located in a protected bay that offers excellent protection from winds blowing from the southwest to the northwest. You can easily anchor in a mix of algae and sand at a depth of 5 to 7 meters.
Please note that the latest comments on Navily seem to indicate that anchoring is prohibited, although controls are rare, it is important to be informed of the mooring regulations before any attempts!
In front of the marina, you can admire a panorama composed of typical Corricella houses backed against the island’s coast. It is a popular and recognized panorama worldwide! At nightfall, when the anchorage empties, the light show of the coastal village is simply wonderful.
Corricella is easily accessible by dinghy and is a must-visit place! It offers many restaurants and bars where you can taste local dishes in a picturesque setting. The colorful alleys of this authentic fishing village are an ideal setting to immerse yourself in the island’s culture and traditions.
Finally, be sure to visit the cliffside village of Terra Muttara a little further east of the anchorage. It is simply one of the most beautiful, although the competition is fierce on the island of Procida!
All in all, this unique anchorage is a “coup-de-coeur” for the Navily community! It is not to be missed during a cruise around Procida.
Golfo di Genito
For our last stop in Procida, we anchor at Golfo di Génito. It is a beautiful wild anchorage, perfect for visiting the Isola di Vivara natural reserve. Vivara is home to many rare plant and animal species. Visiting sailors can explore the numerous hiking trails on the island, enjoy breathtaking views of the sea, and observe the local fauna.
Please note that the western part of the Gulf is in zone B and therefore prohibited for anchoring, so you must anchor in the east of the bay, in zone C. The sandy bottoms are of good holding and despite a cross swell, the anchorage remains comfortable according to the Navily community.
From the deck of your boat, you can admire the beauty of the landscape that stretches before you. The bay is composed of high green rocky cliff sides which are vestiges of an ancient volcanic crater. By dinghy, you can explore the coastline and stop to explore the few natural caves carved over time by erosion. A natural, unique and exotic playground that enchants passing sailors in Procida.
In conclusion, it is a perfect anchorage to enjoy the natural beauties of the Isola di Vivara nature reserve, and much less crowded in high season than the rest of the island’s destinations.
The Octopus’ journey on Ischia and Procida is coming to an end. He will rest in the calm waters bordering Isola di Vivara before continuing on to a new destination!
We hope that this trip to the Italian islands will inspire you, and like hundreds of thousands of sailors on Navily, encourage you to share your experience on Navily! Finally, find all the available rentals from our partner Samboat in the Napoli region by clicking here!
Fair winds, Captain,
The Octopus
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