Marina di Praia
Praiano — Marina di Praia · Praia beach anchorage
40°37.0'N 14°25.8'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m in this compact cove. The limited swing room requires precise anchoring — back down hard to confirm set before paying out full scope. No more than 6–8 boats can anchor without overlapping swing circles. In Libeccio/SW above F3, the cove becomes exposed — depart to Positano or Amalfi.
About This Anchorage
Marina di Praia is one of the finest small anchorages on the Amalfi coast — a jewel of a cove with a small sandy beach, a handful of fishing boats, and two excellent fish restaurants carved into the cliff face. The approach through the narrow cleft between white limestone walls is dramatic. The L'Africana nightclub (open in the 1970s on a sea cave — now disused) adds to the intriguing history of the cove. The beauty and intimacy of the cove make it worth navigating carefully to reach. Outside peak season, it can be almost deserted.
Protected From
N · NE · NW
Exposed To
S · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Maximum stay
- 2 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No AMP permit. Standard Italian maritime rules.
Restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. Limited space — do not anchor if swing circles overlap with existing boats. No loud music — the cliff walls amplify sound significantly. Respect the local fishing boat moorings in the inner cove.
Hazards
- !Very small cove: Maximum 6–8 boats — in peak season, the anchorage fills quickly; late afternoon arrivals may find no space
- !S/SW exposure: The cliff geometry means SW wind wraps into the cove — any Libeccio above F3 makes the anchorage uncomfortable
- !Narrow entrance: The entrance is narrow — approach under engine at 2 kn; careful watch on both sides for fishing gear and local boat moorings
- !Sound amplification: The cliff walls amplify sound (voices, music, anchor chain) — be respectful of other boats and of the residents above
Skipper's Tips
- →Book dinner at Il Pirata or Onda Verde before arriving — both restaurants have limited capacity and are extremely popular in summer; call ahead
- →The evening light on the cliff walls (golden hour, 18:00–19:30) makes this one of the most photogenic anchorages in Italy — worth an extra day for photography
- →Land the dinghy on the sandy beach or at the stone landing step — do not tie to the fishing boats
- →A short path up from the cove leads to Praiano village (15 minutes) where there are good provisions shops
Facilities
Two excellent fish restaurants in the cove — Il Pirata and Onda Verde are built into the cliff and serve superb fresh seafood. Reservation strongly advised in July–August.
Nearest provisions: Praiano village (15 min walk) (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
Best May–June and September–October. July–August: the cove fills quickly; arrive before 10:00 for a spot. The restaurants are busiest August — the shoulder months are better for the anchorage.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
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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