Ischia — Porto d'Ischia / Casamicciola
Porto Ischia · Casamicciola Terme · Ischia main harbour
40°44.0'N 13°57.0'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m in Porto d'Ischia enclosed harbour. The all-weather shelter is outstanding — excellent mud holding and near-complete wind protection. Only real hazard is the narrow entrance channel (call Ch 16 before entering — one-way traffic in the entrance at times). In the inner harbour, even in a severe gale outside, the conditions are calm.
About This Anchorage
Ischia is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples, a volcanic island with thermal springs, hot springs beaches, and one of Italy's best-preserved historic castles (Castello Aragonese). Porto d'Ischia is a spectacular enclosed harbour formed from an ancient volcanic crater — the walls of the crater form the harbour entrance and the inner lagoon provides exceptional shelter in virtually all weather. The island is a year-round thermal spa destination (Terme di Ischia) and has good sailing infrastructure. The spa culture is a highlight — the natural thermal beaches at Maronti and the spa gardens throughout the island. The 2017 earthquake (Casamicciola) caused damage on the north coast — check for any ongoing restrictions.
Protected From
all directions
Exposed To
entrance — E in NE gales
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free to anchor in the harbour. Marina berths available at commercial rate.
- Maximum stay
- 7 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No AMP permit. Standard Italian maritime rules. Porto d'Ischia Capitaneria di Porto Ch 16. Pre-book marina berths in July–August.
Restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. Harbour entrance is one-way in peak traffic — call Ch 16 before entering. Speed limit 3 kn inside the crater harbour. Ferry priority at the main quay.
Hazards
- !Narrow harbour entrance: The crater opening is approximately 30m wide and 3m deep — approach slowly (3 kn max), watch for departing ferries and water taxis; call Ch 16 for traffic
- !Thermal fumes: Some areas of the harbour have volcanic activity — occasional sulphurous smell; normal and not dangerous
- !Earthquake aftermath (Casamicciola): The 2017 earthquake damaged the north coast area; some waterfront structures may be unstable; do not tie to or use any obviously damaged infrastructure
- !Summer ferry saturation: The Naples–Ischia ferry runs multiple times hourly in summer; the approach fairway is extremely busy
Skipper's Tips
- →The Giardini Poseidon Terme (open-air thermal spa with pool complex) is the island's finest spa — take the bus from Porto d'Ischia and spend a day soaking in the volcanic mineral pools
- →Castello Aragonese (accessible by bridge from Ischia Ponte) is one of the finest historic sites in Campania — allow 3 hours for the full visit including the underground monastery
- →Sant'Angelo village on the S coast is a car-free fishing village with the best beach swimming on the island — anchor off the beach in settled conditions
- →Fill water tanks at Porto d'Ischia — the crater harbour has good water infrastructure and the supply is reliable
Facilities
Excellent seafood restaurants throughout Ischia. The Ristorante da Ciccio at Casamicciola is consistently recommended. Fresh local rabbit (coniglio all'ischitana) is the island's culinary specialty.
Nearest provisions: Ischia Porto town centre (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September, October
Ischia is a year-round island — thermal spa visitors come in all seasons. Best sailing: May–October. The harbour is operational year-round. Winter sailing is feasible; the reduced ferry traffic makes the approach much easier.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
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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