Amalfi — Largo Darsena / Marina
Porto di Amalfi · Amalfi harbour
40°38.0'N 14°36.0'E
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m in 5–10m depth. The harbour is exposed to S and SW — the famous afternoon SW sea breeze (Favonio) that runs along the Amalfi coast can send 1m waves into the outer anchorage. The 90m radius is adequate but set a tight alarm for any southerly component. Monitor weather through the night; in Libeccio (SW), departure to Salerno is advisable.
About This Anchorage
Amalfi itself — the medieval city-state whose maritime code (Tavole di Amalfi) influenced Mediterranean law for centuries — is one of Italy's most historic ports. The Cathedral of Sant'Andrea, the paper mills in the Valle dei Mulini, and the Arab-Norman architecture reflect the city's extraordinary mercantile history. The harbour is primarily a working port (water taxis, ferries, fishing boats) with limited yacht facilities. Anchoring in the outer bay gives access to the town by dinghy — the morning market and the medieval streets are spectacular. The Amalfi Drive (SS163) above is the most famous coastal road in Italy.
Protected From
N · NE · NW
Exposed To
S · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free to anchor in the outer bay. Marina berths (limited) at commercial rate.
- Maximum stay
- 3 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No AMP permit. Standard Italian maritime rules. Capitaneria di Porto Amalfi Ch 16.
Restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. Keep clear of ferry and water taxi routes (busy in summer). Speed limit 5 kn in harbour area. Maintain clear berth of the ferry quay.
Hazards
- !Afternoon SW sea breeze and Libeccio swell: The coastline funnels SW wind and swell into the harbour in the afternoons — uncomfortable but usually manageable in summer
- !Ferry traffic intensity: Amalfi is one of the busiest ferry stops on the Amalfi coast — water taxis, car ferries to Salerno, and tourist boats all use the harbour entrance continuously in summer
- !Narrow harbour entrance: The approach between the rocks and the breakwater is narrow — enter under engine at dead slow speed watching for departing vessels
- !Tourist boat wake: The constant passage of tour boats along the coast creates background swell even in calm weather
Skipper's Tips
- →The Chiostro del Paradiso (Paradise Cloister) adjacent to the Cathedral is one of Italy's most beautiful medieval spaces — not to be missed
- →The paper museum (Museo della Carta) in the Valle dei Mulini demonstrates the 12th-century Amalfi papermaking technique — unique in Italy
- →For provisioning, the daily market in the piazza has excellent local produce; the COOP supermarket near the bus station is the best option for bulk provisions
- →Departing Amalfi early morning (before 08:00) avoids the worst of the ferry traffic and catches the calm morning sea before the afternoon breeze builds
Facilities
Excellent restaurants in Amalfi — try the local specialties: scialatielli ai frutti di mare (broad pasta with seafood) and the famous sfogliatella pastries.
Nearest provisions: Amalfi town centre (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
Best May–June and September–October. The Amalfi coast in October is spectacular — wine harvest, warm sea, few tourists, excellent restaurants with full menus.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
Scirocco swells and ferry wash can disturb your anchorage at any hour. Safety Anchor Alarm watches your position all night — alerting you before you drag.
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