SAILING-CLASSICS MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES

Italy: Amalfi Coast & Gulf of Naples

The strip along the Amalfi Coast and the Gulf of Naples is, not without reason, one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Italy. Built in the narrowest of spaces, small places that drop steeply into the sea, the domes of the churches adorned with colourful majolica tiles, lemon gardens, perfect to be discovered by sea...

After the start in Salerno we sail towards Amalfi, one of the first maritime republics in Italy. Time to stop in the pretty village, the cathedral with its oriental façade above the famous staircase and a 'Granita al Limone' in one of the cafés on the piazzetta.

Continue westward, past Praiano and Positano to Capri. A favourite place for artists, writers and celebrities of all kinds. The Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) is rightly still one of the main attractions and a great spectacle.

With often light winds we sail towards Ischia. The impressive fortress of Castello Aragonese is worth a detour. The small neighbouring island Procida is still a secret tip, in front of the harbour Corricella you can have a delicious meal in one of the picturesque restaurants on the pier.

If the wind is right, we sail towards the mainland to Campi Flegrei, the 'burning fields'. The Solfatara is a ground level volcano with fumaroles vaporising in its crater, bright red sulphur deposits and bubbling mud craters testify to volcanic activity.

On a long day at sea, we will sail through the Gulf of Naples over Sorrento, the city towering high above the sea, back to Salerno.