Capri — Marina Piccola
Marina Piccola Capri · Capri south anchorage · I Faraglioni approach
40°32.8'N 14°14.1'E
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Fair holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m in 5–12m with fair-only holding. This anchorage is conditional — only suitable in settled northerly weather. In any S component, the anchorage is uncomfortable and potentially dangerous given the rocky surroundings. Marina Grande (N side) is the primary port for overnight stays. For day visits to the Faraglioni, anchor here then depart before afternoon W sea breeze builds swell from SW.
About This Anchorage
Marina Piccola on the south side of Capri faces the spectacular Faraglioni — three limestone sea stacks rising 100m from the sea, one of Italy's most iconic natural landmarks. The famous Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is on the NW coast (accessible by rowing boat from Marina Grande, not by yacht). Marina Grande on the north coast is the main harbour; it requires advance booking May–September. Marina Piccola is more of a day anchorage, best for swimming in the turquoise water beneath the Faraglioni. Capri town (funicular from Marina Grande, or long steps) and Anacapri are world-famous for their views, villa gardens, and shopping.
Protected From
N · NW
Exposed To
S · SE · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free to anchor in Marina Piccola. Marina Grande: commercial berth rates (very expensive in peak season, €80–€200+/night for 12m yacht).
- Maximum stay
- 3 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No AMP permit for Marina Piccola. Standard Italian maritime rules. Marina Grande requires advance booking via Porto Turistico di Capri (portoturisticodicapri.com) for overnight berths. VHF Ch 09.
Restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. The Faraglioni area has boat tour exclusion zones around the stacks in summer. Respect the rowing boat access to the sea arches (the third Faraglione has a natural arch for small boats). Marina Grande ferry priority.
Hazards
- !Open to all southern quadrants: Any S, SE, or SW wind/swell makes Marina Piccola untenable immediately — departure must be instantaneous in these conditions
- !Rock formations: The Faraglioni stacks have underwater rocks extending from their bases — do not approach within 100m under sail/engine; use dinghy for close-up viewing
- !Posidonia dominance: Much of the south Capri seabed is Posidonia — finding a legal anchoring spot on sand is genuinely challenging; more reliable to day-trip from Marina Grande mooring
- !Boat tour traffic: Marina Piccola is surrounded by tourist trip boats visiting the Faraglioni all day — the constant wash in peak season makes anchoring very uncomfortable
Skipper's Tips
- →The Faraglioni arch (third stack from E) — a rowing boat can pass through the arch; rent a rowboat from Marina Piccola for €15/hour for this unique experience
- →For overnight stay at Capri, Marina Grande is the only real option — book well in advance (3+ months for July–August) via portoturisticodicapri.com
- →The Blue Grotto visit is best done by water taxi from Marina Grande — the rowing boats that enter the grotto are slow but traditional; best light is 11:00–13:00
- →The public path from Marina Piccola up to Capri town (Via Krupp, subject to reopening) gives an extraordinary perspective on the island's geology; check if the path is open before arrival
Facilities
Capri has world-class restaurants (expensive). Marina Piccola has a historic beach club restaurant. The piazza of Capri town has cafes with famous views.
Nearest provisions: Capri town (by funicular from Marina Grande) (1.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
Capri is a year-round destination but the main sailing season is May–October. July–August is extremely crowded and expensive; May and October offer the best combination of weather, accessibility, and atmosphere. Marina Grande in low season (Nov–March) has space available and reduced rates.
Recommended Anchor Types
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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