There is a version of the Amalfi Coast that tour buses and rental cars will never reach. It exists in the morning shadow of a limestone cliff, at the mouth of a fjord that seems borrowed from Norway, in a turquoise cove tucked just far enough west of Amalfi that nobody climbed down to find it. You reach it at the helm, cutting south-east across the Gulf of Salerno with the mountains rising ahead of you and the scent of lemons drifting offshore. This is Amalfi Coast by boat — not the postcard version, but the real one.
For the motorboat skipper, this UNESCO World Heritage coastline is one of the Mediterranean’s great rewards. The passages are short, the scenery is relentless, and the anchorages — if you know where to look — are extraordinary. Here is the Nautiful Team’s practical guide to ports, anchorages and hidden coves, written entirely from the water, for those who arrive the right way.
Understanding the Coast Before You Approach
Unlike many Mediterranean destinations defined by long stretches of beach, the Amalfi Coast is vertical — dramatic, layered, and deeply architectural. Over roughly 50 kilometres along southern Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, steep mountains descend directly into deep blue water. From the helm, that verticality is the first thing that strikes you: cliffs that fall sheer to the waterline, no beach to soften the angle, villages perched impossibly high. It is beautiful and it is also operationally demanding.
The coastline’s dramatic limestone cliffs rise directly from the Mediterranean Sea, creating protected coves and natural harbours that provide shelter from prevailing winds. The coastline’s unique geological formation offers crystal-clear waters with exceptional visibility, often exceeding 30 metres depth, whilst the steep terrain creates numerous secluded anchorages accessible only by yacht.
Summer is the classic season, with long bright days, mostly dry weather and warm water from June into early September. Daytime highs regularly climb above 30°C, and in July and August they can reach 34°C, while sea temperatures are usually around 23 to 26°C. Summer winds are generally moderate, often around 8 to 15 knots, which suits enjoyable coastal passages, although stronger bursts can develop near capes, narrow passages and busy approach channels.
The coast’s protected geography provides numerous safe harbours, but sudden weather changes require immediate action. Move to the nearest marina or well-protected bay, as the steep coastline can create dangerous wind acceleration effects. Monitor VHF radio channels 16 and 68 for weather updates and maintain contact with local port authorities. And before departure, load up-to-date Navionics charts — the coastal detail here, including restricted zones, mooring fields and depth contours, is essential rather than optional. Apps like Navionics and C-MAP display protected zones on digital charts and can alert you when approaching restricted areas.
The Marinas: Where to Berth and Who to Call
There are three practical base ports for an Amalfi Coast by boat itinerary, each with distinct character. Know them before you set off.
Marina d’Arechi, Salerno — Eastern Gateway
Marina d’Arechi is located in Campania, to the south of the city of Salerno, and is a perfect base to explore the Amalfi Coast. A new port completed in 2017 with all the services useful to the boat owner, it is a safe harbour for any type of boat, of any size, in all sea and wind conditions, in any season of the year. It has 1,000 berths ranging from 10 to 100 metres in length, with depths ranging from 3.5 to 7 metres. Call ahead on VHF 74. This is your best choice if you’re collecting a charter boat or bringing your own vessel down from Naples — the infrastructure is outstanding and provisioning is straightforward. Book berths in advance through the marina’s online system, particularly from June onwards.
Porto di Amalfi — Marina Coppola: The Heart of the Coast
There is no more satisfying arrival on this coastline than coming in from the west on a clear morning, the cathedral’s majolica dome appearing over the breakwater. Coppola Marina offers berthing for boats and yachts up to 33–35 metres, with water depth from 8 to 11 metres, water and electricity provided (220V–380V up to 125A). Call the marina on VHF 72 to request your berth. The marina is positioned in the most sheltered, covered and secure corner of Amalfi Port, protected from all-weather and sea conditions, and is only five minutes from the centre of Amalfi. The fuel and diesel station is open 8am to 8pm in summer — fill up here before heading west, as fuel stops thin out sharply between Amalfi and Positano. Pre-book berths through platforms such as Eberths or MarinaReservation.com — this marina is small and fills fast in July and August.
Positano — Mooring Buoys at Spiaggia Grande
Positano has no proper marina. What you get instead is a mooring field that makes every other anchorage in the Med seem unremarkable. Capable of accommodating boats up to 50 metres long, the Marina di Positano buoy field welcomes both motor and sailboats. Upon arrival, call VHF 77 to request mooring assistance. Marina di Positano is the most exclusive landing spot on the Amalfi Coast, situated right in front of the famous Spiaggia Grande. A word of warning from experience: it can be a bit rolly because of all the boat traffic, though it slows down at night. Arrive before 10:00 in high season if you want a buoy. The tender ride ashore takes three minutes; the aperitivo at a cliffside restaurant takes considerably longer, and is worth every second.
The Anchorages: Holding Ground, Depths and Timing
The best anchorages on the Amalfi Coast by boat are the ones that don’t appear in mainstream travel guides. Here are the spots we return to every season.
Spiaggia di Santa Croce
Located just west of Amalfi, Santa Croce Beach is known for its striking natural arch and the ruins of a historic chapel that gives the beach its name. The calm waters and surrounding cliffs create an atmosphere of serene beauty. The beach is split into two small sections, both offering excellent spots for swimming and sunbathing. Approach from the east, keeping clear of the rocks at the western end of the bay. Sand over rock bottom — anchor in 4–6 metres, let out plenty of chain. This is a morning anchorage: the cliffs shade the water by early afternoon. Don’t miss the beachfront restaurants where you can enjoy local seafood right by the sea — go ashore by tender and ask about the colatura di alici, the local anchovy sauce that makes every pasta dish sing.
Cala Runghetiello and the Unnamed Coves Between Amalfi and Conca dei Marini
Runghetiello is a tiny beach carved into the rock between Amalfi and Conca dei Marini. It is reachable only by boat and remains unknown to most tourists. The rugged geography of the Amalfi Coast creates natural inlets, sea caves and small recesses carved into the rock. Many of these beaches have no road access, are not within walking distance, are invisible from the main coastal road and remain uncrowded even in high season. Work slowly along this stretch with a crew member on the bow watching for submerged rocks. Sand and gravel holding — surprisingly good. Drop the hook in 5–8 metres and you may have the place entirely to yourselves before 09:00.
The Fiordo di Furore: A Spectacular Approach
For a dramatic setting, the fjord of Furore is a striking inlet where traditional fishing houses known as monazzeni cling to the cliffs above a narrow beach. Owing to the cove’s orientation, full sunlight reaches the water only from mid-afternoon, making it an ideal late-day anchorage. Approach from the southwest on a bearing of approximately 045°T, throttle back well clear of the entrance. Boats are not permitted to dock at Fiordo di Furore beach itself; small boats can come close to the bridge and anchor nearby, with swimmers going ashore from there. Framing this wonder is a bridge that hosts the adrenaline-pumping World Championship of High Diving every summer — time a July visit right and you’ll watch athletes launch from 30 metres into the inlet below your bow. This is one of those moments that justifies everything about choosing to explore the Amalfi Coast by boat.
Cala della Torre and Tordigliano, Near Positano
Tucked beneath the cliffs near Positano, just after the Clavel Tower at Fornillo Beach, you will find Cala della Torre, a tiny beach and one of the most fascinating hidden coves in the area. Further west, Marina di Tordigliano is the largest beach on the Amalfi Coast, stretching an impressive 350 metres. This unspoiled paradise is known for its rugged beauty, with golden sand and natural rock formations; whilst land visitors must hike a steep 170-metre trail to reach the shore, sailors can effortlessly anchor nearby and enjoy the serene waters without the strenuous climb.
The Rules: Anchoring Restrictions and Marine Protected Areas
The Amalfi Coast is not a lawless frontier. Know the regulations before you arrive, or you will find the Guardia Costiera finding you.
Sailing the Amalfi Coast requires strict adherence to maritime regulations to ensure safety in one of Italy’s busiest waterways. Key restrictions include a total anchoring ban within 200–500 metres of swimming areas — often marked by buoys — and the mandatory use of designated mooring fields in congested spots like Positano and Praiano to protect the seabed. Marinas, particularly in Amalfi and Capri, are limited and require advance reservations, though many sailors opt to anchor in approved zones and use tenders to reach the shore.
Navigators must maintain a vigilant lookout for high-speed ferry traffic, respect a 10-knot speed limit within 300 metres of the coast, and be mindful of sudden Tramontana winds. Special care must be taken in Marine Protected Areas like Punta Campanella, where anchoring is restricted to protect posidonia seagrass, and around the private Li Galli islands where landing is prohibited.
The Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area requires particular attention: In Zone A, which includes the Vervece and Vetara rocks, navigation, swimming and fishing are prohibited. In Zone B, access is allowed with prior authorisation for motorboats on guided group tours, while diving fishing and free anchoring are prohibited. In Zone C, access for low-speed motorboats is allowed only to reach designated moorings, while free anchoring is prohibited. Load the Navionics chart overlays before departure — the MPA boundaries are clearly marked and updated regularly. Ignoring them costs money and damages the posidonia meadows that make these waters worth sailing in the first place.
Hidden Coves Only Accessible by Boat
These are the places the Nautiful Team come back for. The ones that change how you feel about this coastline.
Located between the Sorrento Peninsula and the beginning of the Amalfi Coast, Cala di Mitigliano is a wild and unspoiled beach. While a long hiking trail exists, the most comfortable and scenic way to reach it is by private boat. Depths of 3–5 metres over clean sand; settle the anchor well and deploy a stern line to a rock if the afternoon sea breeze picks up from the south-west.
Near La Gavitella beach in Praiano you will find Le Praia Beach, a small, rocky cove along the Amalfi Coast. Tucked between cliffs, it offers a peaceful and relaxing spot to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. Come by tender from your mooring off Praiano — there’s a small beach bar that opens mid-morning, run by the same family for two generations.
Just a kilometre from Amalfi, Duoglio Beach is beloved for its incredibly clear waters and rich underwater life. Framed by cliffs, this beach is a favourite among snorkellers and swimmers. It’s often considered one of the cleanest and most peaceful spots along the Amalfi Coast, especially in the early morning. Get there by boat to avoid the 400-step staircase from the road — you’ll arrive relaxed and ready to dive in.
For quieter beach days, cruise to Cavallo Morto near Maiori, Santa Croce just west of Amalfi, or the secluded Baia di Ieranto. Here, a small beach rests within a sheltered cove directly opposite the Faraglioni. Note that Baia di Ieranto sits within the Punta Campanella MPA and is managed by the FAI (Italian Environment Fund) — the area is off-limits to motorboats, which preserves its pristine beauty. Approach under oars or by kayak from the anchorage off Nerano.
Timing, Season and Practical Skipper Knowledge
Around Positano, Amalfi and Capri, marinas, mooring fields and the most scenic anchorages fill up quickly in peak season. July and August bring energy but also intensity. Those who know the region well tend to choose quieter months: May and June for warm weather and flowering landscapes, September and early October for calmer seas and softer light.
Anchoring too close to popular swimming spots can result in overcrowding, so experienced captains recommend arriving early at prime locations or seeking alternative anchorages nearby. For a motor yacht — whether you’re aboard an Azimut S6, a Jeanneau Leader 33, or a bareboat Bénéteau Flyer — the practical advice is consistent: be on your anchor by 09:00 in July, or accept the mooring buoy field. The approach angles here demand careful attention to stern-to technique in the marinas; Amalfi’s breakwater creates an interesting back-eddy in fresh southerlies that catches out first-timers.
Budget an APA of 25–30% on top of charter fees, which covers fuel, marina fees and provisioning. Marina fees during summer months run between €50 and €150 for a 40-foot yacht. Mooring buoys typically cost between €20–€50 per night. Provisioning by dinghy from Amalfi town is excellent — the market on Via Lorenzo d’Amalfi opens at 07:30, and you’ll find everything you need: local anchovies, sfusato lemons, burrata so fresh it’s still warm. Charter a boat through one of the established operators based at Marina d’Arechi or Positano for skippered access to all of the above — local knowledge here is genuinely priceless.
The Amalfi Coast by Boat: A Destination Earned from the Helm
The land-side version of the Amalfi Coast is gridlocked, loud and full of people staring at their phones. Exploring the Amalfi Coast by yacht charter reveals a side of the coastline that remains hidden to most land-based visitors. The region’s dramatic topography means many beaches receive sunlight primarily in the early to mid-day hours, making well-timed anchorages essential. Some of the most appealing beaches on the Amalfi Coast are accessible only by boat.
From the water, the Amalfi Coast by boat unfolds differently: cliffs rise more dramatically, villages reveal their full scale, and small coves and quiet anchorages appear between stretches of rock that feel inaccessible from the road. An early-morning approach to Amalfi town with the light raking across the cathedral façade, a lunch-time anchor off Cala Runghetiello, a sundowner off the Fiordo di Furore — this is not a journey that can be replicated any other way.
Load your Navionics charts, book your berths at Marina Coppola and Marina d’Arechi well in advance, and approach this coastline with the respect and preparation it demands. Everything else — the emerald water, the limoncello sent down from the restaurant above the rocks, the silence after the day-trippers leave — takes care of itself.
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