Porto Cesareo AMP — Ionian Coast
AMP Porto Cesareo · Porto Cesareo marine reserve
40°16.2'N 17°53.7'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
On AMP mooring buoys, reduce alarm to 40m. No free anchoring throughout the AMP (all zones). The AMP buoys are the only legitimate overnight option. Contact the AMP authority well in advance of arrival for buoy locations and current availability.
About This Anchorage
The Porto Cesareo AMP protects one of the most significant marine environments on Italy's Ionian coast — extensive Posidonia oceanica meadows, rocky reef ecosystems, and a rich variety of marine habitats covering 16,654 ha. The AMP is in the Province of Lecce in the Salento peninsula. The town of Porto Cesareo is a popular summer resort. The AMP has the strictest no-free-anchoring policy of any Italian AMP — all anchoring is restricted to designated AMP buoy structures in all zones. The Posidonia meadows here are among the most pristine in Italy.
Protected From
N · NE
Exposed To
S · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- No free anchoring throughout the AMP. Buoy mooring fee applies.
- Maximum stay
- 3 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No advance permit for Zone C mooring buoys — contact AMP Porto Cesareo directly for buoy booking and fee information: ampportocesareo.it, tel +39 0833 562 418, VHF Ch 16. Zone A: scientific access only. Zone B: authorized boats only.
Restrictions: Zone A (two areas): no navigation, anchoring, or fishing. Zone B: authorized boats only, <10 kn; buoy mooring only; diving with written AMP authorization. Zone C: buoy mooring only; sport fishing with permit. No free anchoring in ANY zone. Speed limit: Zone B <10 kn; Zone C <10 kn throughout AMP.
Hazards
- !AMP strict enforcement: No free anchoring is a firm rule throughout all zones; the AMP is actively patrolled and fines for non-compliance are significant
- !Scirocco from S/SE: The Ionian coast is exposed to Scirocco from the SW/SE — in sustained Scirocco above F4, the mooring buoys may be subject to strong surge and the area should be vacated
- !Posidonia meadows: Extremely extensive and pristine here; even approaching from a dinghy requires care not to ground on the meadows
- !Zone A boundary proximity: The two Zone A areas are strictly no-entry — ensure you have the current official zone map downloaded before entry
Skipper's Tips
- →Porto Cesareo's AMP is best explored by snorkeling and light diving from the mooring buoys — the Posidonia meadows and their associated fauna (seahorses, cuttlefish, sea bass) are extraordinary
- →The Torre di Porto Cesareo (Spanish watchtower, 16th century) on the headland is a conspicuous landmark — the view from the tower extends to the Gallipoli peninsula on a clear day
- →Gallipoli (18nm W) is the nearest major port with full facilities — a beautiful Greek-founded city on a rocky islet connected to the mainland; excellent base before/after visiting the AMP
- →The Salento coast between Gallipoli and Leuca has extraordinary scenery — bare white limestone coast with sea caves (grotte) accessible by dinghy in calm conditions
Facilities
Porto Cesareo town has good restaurants — excellent fresh seafood; the local Ionian mussels and sea urchins (ricci) are outstanding.
Nearest provisions: Porto Cesareo town (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
Best May–June and September–October when the Posidonia is most active and water clarity is highest. July–August: busy summer resort season; AMP buoys fill quickly.
Recommended Anchor Types
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
The Adriatic Bora arrives fast. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position all night — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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