Pontine Islands Sailing Itinerary from Procida - 7 Day Cruise through Ponza, Palmarola, Zannone, Ventotene and Santo Stefano
Pontine Islands & Amalfi Coast, IT
7 days cruise
Catamaran
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
A 7-day sailing holiday departing from Procida through the Pontine archipelago in the central Tyrrhenian Sea, navigating between volcanic islands, sea caves, uninhabited nature reserves and Roman archaeological anchorages west of the Gulf of Gaeta.
The Pontine Islands form one of the least crowded and most naturally intact sailing destinations in the central Mediterranean. Six islands and several uninhabited islets distributed across the Tyrrhenian Sea between Rome, Naples and the Italian coast offer a sailing circuit that combines volcanic geology, Roman history, national park waters and a quality of coastal scenery that is largely inaccessible without a boat. Departing from Procida, the closest major island to the Neapolitan coast and itself one of the most visually distinctive harbors in southern Italy, the route develops westward and northward through the archipelago over seven days.
The Pontine Islands divide into two groups with distinct geological origins. Ponza, Palmarola, Gavi and Zannone form the northern group, with Ponza and Palmarola sharing a volcanic origin that produced the obsidian and multicolored rock formations, sea caves, faraglioni and dramatic cliff profiles that define the visual character of this part of the archipelago. Zannone is the geological exception in the group, a sedimentary island of sedimentary origin that was incorporated into the Circeo National Park for the exceptional integrity of its natural environment. The southern group of Ventotene and Santo Stefano are also volcanic, with the characteristic high and ragged coastlines, small natural beaches hidden behind the headlands and the deep blue water over basaltic seabeds that sailors associate with this section of the Tyrrhenian.
Ponza is the most visited island in the archipelago and the one with the greatest concentration of natural landmarks accessible from the water. The Roman tunnel connecting the port to the Chiaia di Luna beach, carved through the headland during the Imperial period and still in use, is one of the more remarkable pieces of ancient infrastructure visible from a sailing boat anywhere in the Mediterranean. The natural arch north of the island at the Arco Naturale, the sea caves between Chiaia di Luna and the Faraglioni, and the swimming areas at Cala Feola represent different dimensions of what the island offers to boats exploring its coastline by dinghy and on foot.
Palmarola to the northwest is the least developed island in the archipelago and the most immediately striking in terms of natural beauty. The polychrome cliff faces, the obsidian formations and the total absence of road infrastructure make it a destination reachable only by boat, with two seasonal restaurants at Cala del Porto as the only inhabited presence on an otherwise wild coastline.
Itinerary
Day1
Procida, Boarding and Departure toward Ponza
Boarding takes place at the base in Procida during the afternoon. Procida is one of the most architecturally cohesive islands in the Bay of Naples, its colored harbor facades and fishing boat quays forming the setting for a departure that begins already in a place worth visiting in its own right. After settling into the cabins and a safety briefing with the skipper, the boat sets sail westward toward the Pontine archipelago. The crossing covers open Tyrrhenian water and the arrival at Ponza is planned for the evening, with the dramatic coastline of the island revealing itself progressively as the boat approaches. Mooring or anchorage in the port area or in one of the protected bays north of the harbor. Dinner onboard or ashore in the port.
Day2
Ponza, Coastline and Sea Caves
A full day dedicated to exploring the coastline of Ponza by boat, dinghy and on foot. The island is long and narrow, shaped like a crescent facing east, with its highest point at Monte La Guardia overlooking the port on the eastern side and the dramatic west-facing cliffs descending to sea caves and swimming bays on the open Tyrrhenian side. The bay of Chiaia di Luna is one of the most celebrated anchorages in the island group, a wide curving beach of pale sand backed by vertical tufa cliffs accessible by the Roman tunnel through the headland from the port side. The caves between Chiaia di Luna and the Faraglioni to the south are best explored by dinghy in calm conditions. The natural arch northeast of the island, the Arco Naturale, and the swimming areas around Cala Feola and Cala dell'Acqua add further stops to a day that rewards slow exploration. Overnight at anchor or in port.
Day3
Gavi and Palmarola
Morning navigation passes the small island of Gavi at the northern tip of Ponza, a rocky outpost surrounded by small volcanic formations rising from the sea that requires careful navigation in the channel between the two islands. The passage continues west toward Palmarola, the most remote and visually striking island of the northern group. The approach from the east reveals the polychrome cliff faces in their full range, with obsidian formations, layered volcanic rock and sea caves carved into the cliff base over centuries of wave action producing a coastal landscape unlike anything on the main island. The anchorage at Cala del Porto on the eastern side offers the best protection from the prevailing winds and direct access to the two seasonal restaurants on the island serving fresh seafood and local specialties. The surrounding coastline and Punta Tramontana on the northern side are worth exploring by dinghy in settled conditions. Overnight at anchor off Palmarola.
Day4
Palmarola to Zannone
The passage from Palmarola northeast toward Zannone crosses open water between the northern Pontine group and the protected island of the Circeo National Park. Zannone covers just over one square kilometer and is uninhabited, monitored by the national forestry service and open to day visits. The island's sedimentary geology gives it a different character from the volcanic islands of the rest of the archipelago, with a quieter and more forested landscape above the anchorage areas. The ruins of a Benedictine convent and a small natural history museum are accessible on foot from the anchorage. Capo Negro on the northern tip and Punta Varo on the south provide the two principal anchoring options, both suited to a day stop and a swim in exceptionally clear water. Overnight navigation is not recommended due to limited wind protection, so the afternoon sail continues toward Ventotene. Overnight at anchor off Ventotene.
Day5
Ventotene
Ventotene is a small island of volcanic origin with a coastline of high and predominantly rocky profiles interrupted by a handful of small natural beaches. The two beaches behind the built-up area, Cala Rossano and Cala Nave, are accessible by boat and well suited to a morning swim, while more isolated stretches such as Parata della Postina and Parata Grande offer further options depending on conditions. The island has two port areas: Porto Romano, the ancient Roman port carved directly into the volcanic rock during the Imperial period when Ventotene served as an island of exile for members of the Imperial family, is small and architecturally extraordinary. Porto Nuovo is more practical, with fuel, water and facilities available. The area around Scoglio La Nave on the eastern side of the island adds a further stop for swimming in clear water. Overnight in Ventotene.
Day6
Santo Stefano and Return toward Procida
The smallest and only fully uninhabited island in the Pontine group lies just off the northeastern coast of Ventotene. Santo Stefano is volcanic in origin with dark basaltic rocks descending steeply to the sea, and the circumnavigation of the island by boat reveals a succession of cliff profiles and a sea floor rich in fish species that reflects the limited human impact on this section of the Tyrrhenian. The single anchorage permitted is in the northern section of the island near the Bourbon-era prison, an imposing circular structure built at the end of the 18th century that sits abandoned and accessible from the anchorage for a walk along its perimeter. Views from above the cliffs take in the elongated profile of Ventotene to the west and the distant volcanic cone of Ischia to the south. After the visit, the boat begins the return navigation toward the Procida area, selecting an overnight anchorage on the way. Overnight at anchor.
Day7
Return to Procida and Disembarkation
The final navigation completes the return to the base in Procida, arriving by 17:00 on Friday as scheduled. The approach to Procida from the west gives a final view of the Bay of Naples coastline, with Ischia, Capri and the Campanian coast forming the backdrop of the return passage. Guests spend the final night onboard and disembarkation takes place the following morning by 09:00.
Important Note
This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, currents and marine activity. Anchorages and daily schedule are adjusted by the skipper to ensure safety and the best possible sailing experience throughout the week.
Cruise price details
Entire yacht price
€ 8772
Book the entire yacht for a private trip
Included in the price
Entire boat rental
Tender
Mooring at the base
Complete equipment of the boat
Yacht additional fees
Charter Pack (gas cylinder, full water tanks, electricity at base, free berth throughout the charter): €150
End cleaning: €200
Skipper: €1,400
Hostess: €1,260
Security deposit: €5,000
Extra services
Bed linen: €15
Beer distiller: €100
Canoe: €80
Gennaker: €150
Ice maker: €100
Outboard engine: €110
Provisioning service: €30
Snorkeling gear: €25
SUP: €150
Towels: €10
Transfer from or to airport or train station, Friday 18:00 departure, ferry ticket excluded, 1 to 4 passengers: €150
Transfer from or to airport or train station, Friday 18:00 departure, ferry ticket excluded, 5 to 6 passengers: €180
Onboard life stays sociable and open, with deck space designed to flow easily between sailing, swimming and time spent simply relaxing together.
The cockpit, saloon and galley connect into one continuous space, making it easy to move between cooking, dining and lounging without ever feeling closed in. A flybridge above adds a second social area, ideal for the crossing between islands or for watching the sunset with the whole group.
Cabins are private, each with its own en suite bathroom, giving guests a quiet retreat after a day spent largely on deck or in the water.
At the helm, clear sightlines toward the cockpit and flybridge keep the person sailing connected to everyone on board, which suits the short, relaxed legs typical of island hopping in this part of the Mediterranean.
The exact catamaran assigned within the fleet will be confirmed before departure, while comfort, layout and equipment remain consistent across sister vessels of the same model.
What to pack for a sailing holiday?
Pack smart for your yacht charter: choose a soft bag instead of a hard suitcase, bring lightweight layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and non-slip shoes for onboard use. A couple of swimsuits and motion sickness remedies can also make a big difference. Each boat has limited storage, so pack light, but wisely! Need help building the perfect list? Read our full guide: What to pack in a suitcase for a yacht charter
What’s a Typical Day Like on a Yacht Charter?
Start your day with a swim in a quiet bay, sail to hidden beaches or seaside villages, and enjoy a slow lunch on deck. Afternoons mean snorkeling, sunbathing, or exploring ashore. As the sun sets, your boat anchors in a scenic cove or near a harbor, ready for a relaxed dinner and a night under the stars. Curious about the full experience? Discover more in our guide: What’s a typical day like on a sailing holiday?
Who Handles Cooking and Cleaning on a Yacht Charter?
On skipper-only charters, guests usually share cooking and cleaning duties, think salads, pasta, and good teamwork. If there's a hostess, light meals and tidying are included, but it's still a casual, collaborative vibe. On fully crewed yachts, you’ll enjoy full service with a chef and crew managing everything. Want to know what’s included in your setup? Read the full guide: Who takes care of cooking and cleaning on a sailing charter?
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather During a Sailing Holiday?
Summer sailing holidays rarely face major weather issues, but when the sea gets rough, skippers adjust the route for your safety. Expect protected bays, marina stops, or a change in plan. These moments often lead to unexpected gems: local towns to explore, time to relax on board, or cozy dinners ashore. Curious about how crews handle these changes? Read the full FAQ: What to do in case of adverse weather conditions or changes to the itinerary
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
