Ischia — Sant'Angelo Bay
Cala di Sant'Angelo · Baia di Sant'Angelo · S. Angelo d'Ischia
40°42.1'N 13°54.3'E
Depth
5–15m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 6–12m on volcanic sand. The natural hot springs on the beach bottom create slightly elevated water temperatures (22–28°C over the vents) — not a hazard for anchoring but interesting to note. The SW/Libeccio exposure is the key risk — monitor forecasts carefully. If Libeccio above F4 forecast, reposition to the north bay or proceed to Ischia Porto.
About This Anchorage
Sant'Angelo is the most picturesque village on Ischia — a small rocky promontory crowned with ancient white houses connected to the mainland by a sandy causeway, car-free and accessible only by water taxi from the rest of the island. The bay to the northwest is one of the Gulf of Naples' most atmospheric anchorages — thermal springs bubble directly onto the beach (Spiaggia dei Maronti nearby is famous for its fumaroles and thermal vents in the sand), the village restaurant terraces hang over the water, and the setting combines the island's volcanic drama with charm. The protected NW position makes this the best shelter from Maestrale on the whole island.
Protected From
E · NE · N · NW · SE
Exposed To
S · SW · W
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. Village quay has limited dinghy landing space.
- Maximum stay
- 5 days
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Car-free village — water taxis only from Ischia Porto and Barano. No anchoring on Posidonia (national prohibition). Keep clear of the water taxi lane into the village harbour. Hydrothermal vent areas on the beach — do not anchor directly over obvious gas vent clusters (marked by bubbles).
Hazards
- !Libeccio/SW wind: The primary exposure — Libeccio from SW funnels into this bay; in any Libeccio above F4 the anchorage becomes untenable; depart for Ischia Porto (NW, more sheltered) promptly
- !Posidonia meadows: Extensive Posidonia surrounds the central sand area — strictly verify sand bottom before setting; Guardia Costiera patrols regularly
- !Water taxi traffic: Water taxis run continuously between Sant'Angelo and Ischia Porto — fast and frequent; do not anchor across the water taxi route (through the centre of the bay)
- !Volcanic thermal vents: Fumaroles on the beach and seafloor may have localized hot water — a novelty rather than a hazard but check water temperature over any bubbling area before anchoring directly above
Skipper's Tips
- →The natural hot spring pools on the Spiaggia dei Maronti (accessible by dinghy, 1nm east along the coast) offer free thermal bathing on the beach where hot spring water emerges from the sand — a unique experience
- →Sant'Angelo's water taxi to Ischia Porto runs until late evening — take the last taxi to the town for evening restaurants and return by water taxi
- →The views back to Capri from the Sant'Angelo promontory at sunset are exceptional — worth the brief dinghy trip to the village for the vista alone
- →Sorgeto Bay (3nm NW by sea) has natural hot springs accessible by both land and sea — a popular day trip from Sant'Angelo by dinghy
Facilities
Car-free Sant'Angelo has excellent small restaurants with terraces over the water — Ristorante Da Emilio and Trattoria La Lampara are local favourites. The speciality is fresh local seafood and rabbit (coniglio all'Ischitana).
Nearest provisions: Sant'Angelo village (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
May–October for thermal bathing and swimming season. The summer SW sea breeze is beneficial for sail but the bay's SW exposure means regular afternoon chop. September–October: warmest water, fewer crowds, most pleasant conditions overall.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
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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