Ischia — Cava dell'Isola
Cava dell'Isola bay · Ischia W anchorage · Punta Caruso anchorage
40°44.1'N 13°52.6'E
Depth
5–20m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
100m
Holding
Fair holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m
100m in 6–15m due to fair/variable holding on mixed sand/rock. The Maestrale and afternoon NW sea breeze directly affect this bay — 100m gives needed swing allowance if anchor setting is questionable. If holding cannot be confirmed on sand, move to the more protected east coast bays near Ischia Porto.
About This Anchorage
Cava dell'Isola is a dramatic cleft in the volcanic western cliffs of Ischia — a narrow, deep bay between towering basalt walls that catches the eye from the sea. The setting is spectacular: dark volcanic rock, crystal-clear water changing from deep blue offshore to turquoise in the shallows, and the silence of the cliffs above. The bay is an excellent daytime swimming and snorkelling anchorage in light conditions. Forio, the largest village on Ischia's west coast (2nm south), has a harbour, restaurants, and the beautiful baroque church of Santa Maria del Soccorso on the sea cliff. The area is close to several of Ischia's famous thermal gardens (Giardini Poseidon at Citara Beach, 1nm south).
Protected From
E · NE · N · SE · S
Exposed To
W · NW · SW
Setting Your Anchor
Anchoring on Posidonia oceanica meadows is prohibited throughout Italian waters and is actively enforced — fines range from €500–€3,000. Always snorkel to verify the bottom is clean sand before setting. In the AMP Parco Sommerso di Baia (Pozzuoli area), Zone A prohibits all entry, Zone B requires mooring buoys only, and Zone C permits limited anchoring on sand only. Check AMP zone maps before anchoring anywhere near Baia or Cape Miseno.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Maximum stay
- 2 days
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Day anchorage recommended due to W exposure. No anchoring on Posidonia. Maintain clearance from cliff faces (rockfall risk). No swimming within 100m of the cliffs.
Hazards
- !Maestrale/NW sea breeze: The bay faces directly W/NW — afternoon NW sea breeze (common June–September, 15–25 kts) creates uncomfortable swell; this is a morning/early afternoon anchorage only in summer
- !Rock bottom/cliff falls: The volcanic basalt cliffs can shed rocks, particularly after rain; maintain 100m clearance from cliff faces
- !Variable holding: Mixed sand and rock bottom requires careful anchor placement on sand; if anchor drags in rock, there is no second chance before reaching the cliff
- !Remote: Limited escape route in developing weather — if conditions deteriorate from W, have sufficient sea room to manoeuvre out of the bay without risk of being pinned against cliffs
Skipper's Tips
- →Best visited 08:00–12:00 in summer before the NW sea breeze develops — morning calm allows excellent snorkelling in the clear volcanic water at the cliff base
- →The Giardini Poseidon thermal spa (Citara Beach, 1nm S by sea or dinghy) is the largest thermal park on Ischia — well worth a visit for an afternoon of thermal pools
- →Forio's church of Santa Maria del Soccorso on the sea cliff is one of the most beautiful baroque churches on the island — visible from 5nm and photogenic at sunset
- →Snorkel the cliff base — the volcanic rock formations and their marine life (morays, octopus, and school fish) are spectacular in the clear summer water
Facilities
No facilities at Cava dell'Isola itself. Forio (2nm S) has restaurants, bars, and provisioning.
Nearest provisions: Forio (2nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September for calm morning conditions. Strictly a morning anchorage in summer — depart before 12:00 before the afternoon sea breeze builds from the NW. Not suitable in any W/NW wind forecast above F3.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 100m
In the Gulf of Naples, the Scirocco can build swell rapidly and ferry wash is constant. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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