Ischia Porto — Crater Lake Harbour
Porto d'Ischia · Ischia main port anchorage · Lago del Porto
40°44.6'N 13°57.4'E
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m in 6–12m on sand/mud. The outer harbour provides good holding and is adequately protected in typical summer conditions. Maestrale or Libeccio above F5 makes this anchorage uncomfortable — move to Sant'Angelo (SW, sheltered from NW) or the inner harbour (if space available).
About This Anchorage
Ischia Porto is one of the most extraordinary natural harbours in Italy — a nearly circular volcanic crater lake (the ancient Lago del Porto) connected to the sea by a canal cut in 1854 by Ferdinand II of Bourbon. The island of Ischia is the largest and most geologically active of the Gulf of Naples islands — hot springs (terme), volcanic beaches, and the dramatic Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese) on an offshore rock make it one of the most visited islands in Italy. The main town (Ischia Porto) has all facilities including multiple marinas. The thermal spa culture is deeply embedded — the island has over 100 thermal spa establishments. Ischia suffered a damaging earthquake in 2017 (Casamicciola, M4.0) — some northern coastal areas may still have survey restrictions.
Protected From
N · NE · E · 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 in outer approaches. Marina berths from €30–€80/night depending on LOA and season.
- Maximum stay
- 7 days
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Inner crater harbour (Lago del Porto) access for private vessels is limited — use the marked ferry channels only and check with Capitaneria di Porto Ischia (VHF Ch 16). No anchoring on Posidonia (national prohibition). Keep clear of ferry approach channels from W.
Hazards
- !Maestrale/Libeccio from W/SW: The outer harbour approaches are exposed to W/NW — in Maestrale or Libeccio above F5, the anchorage becomes untenable; move to Sant'Angelo on the SW coast (sheltered from NW)
- !Ferry traffic: Very heavy ferry traffic from Naples, Pozzuoli, Procida, and Capri — keep 300m clear of all ferry approach channels; ferries move fast and have right of way
- !2017 earthquake legacy: Some coastal areas around Casamicciola (northern Ischia) may have unstable cliff faces after the 2017 earthquake — avoid anchoring directly under eroded cliff sections
- !Scirocco swell: While the N/NE exposure is blocked by the island, E-SE swell from Scirocco can wrap around the island and enter the outer harbour approaches
Skipper's Tips
- →The Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese) connected to the island by a causeway is one of the most spectacular fortified castles in the Mediterranean — well worth a half-day visit by dinghy or water taxi
- →Ischia's thermal spas range from luxury hotel complexes to public parks (parchi termali) — the Poseidon Thermal Gardens and Aphrodite Apollo spa both accept day visitors; bring sandals
- →For quiet thermal bathing on the beach, take the dinghy to Sorgeto Bay on the SW coast — natural hot springs bubble directly onto the beach, accessible by sea and free of charge
- →VHF Ch 16 for Capitaneria di Porto Ischia; for marina availability call Ischia Porto marina VHF Ch 09
Facilities
Excellent restaurants in Ischia Porto town — try coniglio all'Ischitana (local rabbit braised in herbs and white wine), and fresh mixed seafood. The Ristorante Alberto al Mare on the waterfront is a local institution.
Nearest provisions: Ischia Porto town centre (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
April–November is the thermal spa season and sailing season. July–August: very busy with Italian holiday traffic; anchorage space is tight. May–June and September–October: best balance of weather and space.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
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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