Yacht Destination

Amalfi Coast Yacht Charter

An Amalfi Coast yacht charter offers privileged access to one of the Mediterranean’s most revered and visually dramatic coastlines. South of Naples, the Costiera Amalfitana unfolds in a succession of vertiginous cliffs, refined seaside towns — including Positano, Praiano and Amalfi — and terraced hillsides draped in ancient lemon and olive groves. Sheltered coves, elegant beach clubs and crystalline swimming spots are best reached by private yacht, allowing charter guests to experience the coast in complete privacy, guided by a mild climate, exceptional light and a timeless sense of Italian grandeur.

Why Visit the Amalfi Coast on a Yacht Charter?

Iconic within Italy and firmly established as a bucket-list destination, an Amalfi Coast yacht charter offers a rare balance of glamour and authenticity. Bespoke Yacht Charter curates access to both the celebrated coastal resorts and the quieter historic towns that continue to preserve their character, even as the region remains one of Italy’s most sought-after destinations.

Welcome to Bespoke Yacht Charter’s selection of the Amalfi Coast’s most exceptional highlights, where exploring by luxury charter yacht allows guests to experience the region at its most refined — unhurried, privileged and immersed in the true spirit of la dolce vita.

Here are 7 Reasons To Add The Amalfi Coast To Your Next Yacht Charter Itinerary

Incredible Sunsets

For yacht charter guests, the Amalfi Coast offers a sunset experience unlike anywhere else. Contrary to popular belief, the sun dips behind the mountains rather than into the sea, yet the coast remains one of the world’s most evocative places to linger as evening falls. As daylight fades, pastel-hued villages glow with soft illumination, the aquamarine sea deepens in colour, and a distinctly romantic atmosphere settles along the cliffs.

When going ashore, those seeking a quintessential Positano sunset will find the finest viewpoints at Franco’s Bar at Le Sirenuse, along the stairway of Via Cristoforo Colombo near Hotel Marincanto, or from the elevated village of Nocelle, perched 450 metres above the coastline. Reached via the famed Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods), Nocelle rewards more energetic visitors with sweeping views stretching all the way to Capri — a memorable complement to the serenity of returning to the yacht at dusk.

Incredible Panoramas

For yacht charter guests seeking the finest sunset locations on the Amalfi Coast, Gavitella Beach is truly exceptional. Located on the Vettica side of Praiano, it is the only beach on the coast to enjoy uninterrupted sun until it sets, making it one of the most coveted vantage points as evening approaches. From here, the panorama unfolds from Positano across the legendary Li Galli islets to Punta Campanella and onward to the silhouette of Capri — a breathtaking backdrop best appreciated from the water or a discreet beachside table.

Other outstanding sunset spots for those exploring the coast by yacht include the Torre dello Ziro watchtower with sweeping views over Amalfi and Atrani, the characterful Il Pirata restaurant tucked into the cliffs at Marina di Praia, and the refined Sunset Terrace at the historic Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa, where the day draws to a close in unmistakably elegant fashion.

Gorgeous Views

From the water, exploring the Amalfi Coast by yacht charter becomes a continuous study in beauty. Vertically stacked villages cascade down dramatic cliffs, citrus groves scent the air, and ancient watchtowers stand sentinel above the sea — a perspective that can only truly be appreciated from the deck of a charter yacht.

Running parallel to the coast, the legendary SS163 Amalfitana — the road of a thousand bends — threads its way from Sorrento to Salerno. Vespas weave past hire cars as the road plunges towards the water in a series of exhilarating curves, offering land-based travellers fleeting glimpses of the same crystalline sea and verdant mountains that yacht charter guests enjoy uninterrupted from offshore.

Some of the finest panoramas are found ashore at carefully chosen hotels and restaurants. Calajanara Restaurant in Conca dei Marini offers a superb summer sea-view terrace, while Ristorante Franchino at Hotel Onda Verde in Praiano is an ideal stop for a relaxed drink with the coastline unfolding below.

Inland, Ravello — often called the ‘city of music’ — rewards a short excursion with some of the most commanding views on the coast. Enjoy an elegant aperitivo on the terrace of Palazzo Avino, wander the wisteria-draped gardens of Villa Cimbrone, or attend an evening concert at Villa Rufolo, where summer performances allow Amalfi Coast yacht charter guests to take in classical music against a dramatic backdrop of sky and sea.

For a more intimate experience, Agriturismo Villa Maria above Minori offers a warm welcome and a taste of authentic local produce, from handmade antipasti to artisanal olive oil and fruit liqueurs — perfect to take back on board.

Further along the coast, Torre Normanna in Maiori stands alone on its rocky promontory, a 13th-century Norman tower transformed into one of the region’s most atmospheric dining destinations. With uninterrupted views across the town and coastline, it provides a memorable conclusion to a day spent discovering the Amalfi Coast by yacht charter.

Ristorante Il Refettorio at Monastero Santa Rosa is an exceptional dining experience with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Salerno and exquisite dishes that fuse Mediterranean flavours with sun-ripened ingredients. To end your meal, try the seashell-shaped sfogliatelle pastry which was invented by the nuns and still found in pasticcerias on the Amalfi Coast and beyond. This humble pastry even has an annual festival called the Sfogliatella Santa Rosa in August dedicated to it!

For a casual meal, when strolling quayside do what the locals do and buy some fritti misto di mare from a street stall that you eat out of a wrapped paper cone with a stick and pair it with a chilled tumbler of white wine garnished in peach slices.

Tantalising Food

An Amalfi yacht charter is as much a culinary journey as it is a visual one. Dining on board with a private yacht chef, sourcing the finest local ingredients from coastal markets, delivers a truly bespoke gastronomic experience — refined, seasonal and unmistakably Italian.

When choosing to dine ashore, the Amalfi Coast reveals a cuisine deeply rooted in Campanian tradition and the rhythm of the seasons. Menus celebrate pristine seafood, handmade pastas and mountain dishes shaped by the Lattari range that forms the dramatic spine of the coast. Expect delicacies such as parapandalo shrimps, scialatielli with clams or octopus, paccheri filled with garden vegetables, and spaghetti dressed with Colatura di Alici — the prized amber anchovy essence produced in Cetara.

At local markets, bunches of Pomodorino del Piennolo tomatoes hang in vibrant clusters. Grown exclusively on the volcanic slopes surrounding Mount Vesuvius, these protected-status tomatoes are revered across Campania for their depth of flavour and are best enjoyed in rustic soups, simple basil-scented pasta or an exceptional Pizza Napoletana.

In Ravello, an essential stop during an Amalfi yacht charter is Villa Maria, the former estate of the Marquis de Cinque. Still run by the Palumbo family, the restaurant draws heavily on organic produce from its own gardens — local fish cooked on lemon leaves, finished with garlic, lemon zest and crisp breadcrumbs, is a signature dish.

Lemons themselves are an icon of the coast, with the oversized sfusato variety enjoying near-legendary status. Best savoured as a chilled glass of artisanal limoncello or a refreshing lemon granita, they provide the perfect conclusion to a day spent cruising this extraordinary coastline.

Stunning Beaches

A yacht charter in Amalfi offers privileged access to one of the Mediterranean’s most varied and beautiful collections of beaches. Along the coast, lively municipal beaches such as Marina Grande in Amalfi sit alongside far more secluded stretches of sand and pebble, many untouched by crowds and perfectly suited to swimming, snorkelling, diving and watersports.

Two essential insights for guests exploring the region by yacht charter are worth noting. First, due to the dramatic topography of the coastline, many beaches enjoy sunlight only during the early to mid-day hours, making timing key when planning anchorages. Second, a significant number of the Amalfi Coast’s most appealing beaches are accessible only by boat, reinforcing the area’s reputation as an ideal destination for a luxury yacht charter.

At Marina di Praia in Praiano, a sheltered pebble beach framed by traditional fishing boats creates a wonderfully authentic atmosphere, complemented by several excellent cliffside restaurants. A walk along the coastal path beneath the Saracen watchtower, Torre a Mare, is highly recommended, as is returning after dark for a cocktail at the atmospheric Africana nightclub set within the rock.

Le Praie, reachable exclusively from the sea, is widely regarded as Praiano’s most beautiful beach. Surrounded by sheer rock faces crowned with maritime pines, it is an idyllic stop for relaxation and swimming, though care should be taken near the cliffs due to occasional falling rocks.

Spiaggia La Vite in Conca dei Marini offers a calm swimming spot with views towards an ancient watchtower, while nearby the Grotta dello Smeraldo — discovered in 1932 — enchants visitors with its luminous emerald waters and submerged nativity scene.

Further along the coast, the traditional fishing village of Cetara provides a quieter alternative to Amalfi and Positano. For those arriving by yacht, Collata Beach, accessible only from the sea, offers a tranquil escape and a fitting conclusion to a day spent discovering the Amalfi Coast by yacht charter.

For quieter beach days, arriving by yacht allows access to some of the Amalfi Coast’s most tranquil anchorages. Cruise to Cavallo Morto near Maiori, Santa Croce just west of Amalfi, or the Bay of Ieranto, where a small beach sits tucked into a sheltered cove directly opposite Capri’s iconic Faraglioni rocks — a particularly rewarding stop when approached from the sea.

For a more distinctive experience, continue to the dramatic fjord of Furore. Here, stacked fishing houses known as monazzeni cling to the rock face above the narrow beach. Due to the orientation of the cove, full sun arrives only from mid-afternoon, making it an ideal late-day stop. Each July, the fjord becomes the unlikely stage for the MarMeeting World High Diving Championship, when athletes leap from the 30-metre bridge spanning the cliffs.

Nearby, a visit ashore to Cantine Marisa Cuomo offers a memorable contrast — a boutique winery set high on terraced land above Furore, where tastings are accompanied by sweeping views across the Tyrrhenian Sea, perfectly complementing a day spent exploring the coast by yacht.

Spectacular Accommodation Ashore

A luxury yacht charter along the Amalfi Coast offers an unparalleled balance of privacy, discretion and immersion in one of Italy’s most celebrated landscapes. Many charter guests choose to complement their time at sea with carefully selected stays ashore, pairing the freedom of cruising with refined boutique hotels set in extraordinary historic locations.

The Amalfi Coast’s premium accommodation is synonymous with romance and celebration, from intimate honeymoons to landmark anniversaries and private weddings, often housed within centuries-old buildings overlooking the sea. Enhance your Amalfi Coast luxury yacht charter with a stay at the five-star Grand Hotel Il Saraceno in Amalfi, renowned for its Sultanate-inspired interiors, mosaics and antique furnishings, or retreat to the elevated elegance of Palazzo Avino or Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello. In Positano, Hotel Palazzo Murat offers a privileged central setting, complete with a secluded botanical garden and refined period décor.

For guests seeking historic charm with commanding views, Hotel Santa Caterina, Hotel Luna Convento, Villa Scarpariello Relais and Monastero Santa Rosa each offer beautifully appointed suites and swimming pools suspended above the coastline.

Il San Pietro di Positano, a Relais & Châteaux property, stands among Italy’s most exceptional five-star hotels. Carved into the cliffs, its rooms feature private sea-view terraces and distinctive interiors adorned with vibrant tiles, bespoke ceramics and sumptuous fabrics. Lingering over an Aperol spritz on the panoramic terraces or dining in the Michelin-starred restaurant makes returning to the yacht a decision best delayed.

Time ashore also invites unhurried exploration of the Amalfi Coast’s stairways and narrow lanes, where discreet boutiques offer handmade leather sandals, fine linen resort wear, lace and embroidery, and locally crafted ceramics in cobalt blue, tomato red and sun-bright yellow — thoughtful mementos of an exquisitely balanced luxury yacht charter experience.

Italian Architecture

Italian architecture spans millennia, and the Amalfi Coast presents one of its most evocative expressions, shaped by Greek, Roman, Norman, Saracen and Arabian influences. Experiencing this storied coastline by luxury yacht reveals not only its dramatic natural beauty but also a rich architectural heritage — from cliff-top monasteries and medieval churches to elegant piazzas and historic villas overlooking the sea.

Cruising aboard a luxury yacht allows effortless access to cultural highlights both ashore and from the water, where towns unfold like layered tableaux against the cliffs. Ravello, long a magnet for musicians, writers, filmmakers and artists, offers a compelling dialogue between classical and contemporary design. Villa Rufolo enchants with its gardens and cloisters, while Villa Cimbrone’s formal gardens culminate in the celebrated Terrace of Infinity, a belvedere lined with marble busts and seemingly suspended between sky and sea. Adding a modern counterpoint, Oscar Niemeyer’s striking Auditorium provides a distinctive venue for concerts and temporary exhibitions.

Praiano is distinguished by its refined architectural details, including majolica-tiled votive shrines scattered throughout the town and a collection of exceptional churches. The Church of San Luca Evangelista is renowned for its historic majolica floor and artworks, while the Church of San Gennaro and Santa Maria a Castro — with its restored Dominican frescoes — offer further insight into the region’s layered past.

In Minori, architectural treasures of remarkable significance await discovery, from the Basilica of Santa Trofimena and the Arab-Norman bell tower of Annunziata to a remarkably preserved first-century Roman villa. When explored as part of a luxury yacht journey along the Amalfi Coast, these cultural landmarks elevate the experience beyond scenery alone, creating a voyage defined by history, artistry and timeless Italian elegance.

Other architectural highlights along the Amalfi Coast further enrich a journey by luxury yacht, offering a compelling contrast between historic grandeur and contemporary design. The Duomo di Amalfi stands as one of southern Italy’s most iconic cathedrals, its Arab-Norman façade, grand staircase and cloister reflecting centuries of cultural influence at the heart of the former maritime republic.

In Vietri sul Mare, the Solimene ceramic factory is a striking example of 20th-century modernist architecture, seamlessly integrated into the hillside and synonymous with the region’s celebrated ceramic tradition. Nearby, Hotel Casa Angelina introduces a minimalist counterpoint — crisp white lines, expansive glass and understated interiors creating a serene architectural dialogue with sea and sky, best appreciated when arriving by luxury yacht.

Salerno offers a bold contemporary landmark in Zaha Hadid Architects’ sculptural maritime terminal, a fluid, futuristic structure that contrasts elegantly with the city’s historic waterfront and signals the modern evolution of the coast.

Completing this architectural panorama is the village of Atrani, one of the smallest towns in Italy and among the most evocative. Its tightly layered houses, arched passageways and ancient churches form a remarkably preserved ensemble of historic architecture, best admired from the water or during a discreet shore visit as part of an Amalfi Coast luxury yacht itinerary.

Fascinating History

From the world-class art museums of Naples to the remarkably preserved ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, an Amalfi yacht charter offers privileged access to a coastline shaped by millennia of history. Cruising these waters reveals a living dialogue between ancient civilisations, medieval maritime power and enduring cultural traditions.

Inhabited since the early Middle Ages, the Amalfi Coast is UNESCO-listed for both its natural beauty and exceptional cultural significance. Towns rise organically from the cliffs, bearing witness to centuries of human settlement, trade and artistic exchange — a heritage best explored at a measured pace from the comfort of a private yacht.

Religious history continues to influence daily life and seasonal celebrations along the coast. High above Praiano, the convent of Santa Maria a Castro hosts the evocative Luminaria di San Domenico, one of the region’s most atmospheric festivals. During summer evenings, Piazza San Gennaro is softly illuminated by thousands of candles, accompanied by traditional music and fire performances. On 22 July, the village of Atrani marks the Feast of Santa Maria Maddalena with a solemn procession through its historic streets, culminating in fireworks that shimmer across the bay — a memorable moment to observe from your yacht at anchor.

Following its declaration of independence from Naples, Amalfi emerged as the first of Italy’s Four Maritime Republics, becoming the principal trading port of southern Italy and a formidable naval power throughout the Mediterranean. This legacy is reflected in the town’s Arab-Sicilian architecture, the historic Arsenal of the Maritime Republic — now a maritime museum — and the annual celebrations of Sant’Andrea, patron saint and protector of fishermen, held on 27 June and 30 November. These traditions underscore the enduring maritime identity that continues to define an Amalfi yacht charter today.

Beyond The Amalfi Coast

If the sweeping vistas of the Amalfi Coast inspire a deeper sense of wanderlust, a yacht charter in Southern Italy unlocks a wider canvas of remarkable destinations, each offering its own expression of Italian culture, landscape and lifestyle — best experienced by sea.

Naples, Campania’s dynamic regional capital, is unapologetically raw yet culturally indispensable. A visit rewards the curious with exceptional collections at the Naples National Archaeological Museum and the Museo di Capodimonte. From here, discreet shore excursions lead to Ercolano, where Mount Vesuvius looms above the remarkably preserved ruins of Herculaneum, or onward to Pompeii for its iconic archaeological site. Further north, the Royal Palace of Caserta offers a quieter revelation — a monumental Bourbon residence often referred to as the “Versailles of Naples” and among the largest palaces constructed in 18th-century Europe.

Best savoured outside peak season, a yacht charter to the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida introduces a more relaxed rhythm of life. Here, thermal spas, coastal hiking trails, elegant beach clubs and secluded anchorages define the experience, far removed from the mainland’s intensity.

On the opposite side of the Sorrentine Peninsula from the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento presents a graceful counterpoint. Long favoured as a gateway to the region, it also serves as a refined culinary destination, within easy reach of Bespoke Yacht Charter’s recommended dining address, the celebrated Don Alfonso 1890 — a fitting conclusion to an Italian journey defined by sea, heritage and understated luxury.