Procida — Chiaiolella Bay
Baia di Chiaiolella · Porto di Chiaiolella · Procida SW anchorage
40°44.9'N 14°01.1'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 4–7m on sand/mud. The bay offers better shelter than the N/E coast of Procida in summer NW sea breeze. Libeccio from SW is the primary overnight risk — if Libeccio above F4 is forecast, move to the more sheltered N/E coast anchorage off Corricella or proceed to the Ischia Porto area.
About This Anchorage
Chiaiolella is the more peaceful southern harbour of Procida — a quiet, residential bay with a sandy beach, fishing boats, and a village atmosphere far removed from the bustle of the main Procida Marina Grande on the NE. The bay faces a narrow channel toward the tiny uninhabited island of Vivara (a nature reserve connected to Procida by a bridge) — the Vivara channel is passable by dinghy and kayak. Procida, Italy's smallest province, was Italy's Capital of Culture in 2022 — its pastel-coloured buildings, fishing traditions, and labyrinthine lanes make it arguably the most authentic of the Gulf of Naples islands. Chiaiolella is the preferred anchorage for overnight stops by cruising boats.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · NW
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 in bay. Harbour pontoon berths from €15–€35/night.
- Maximum stay
- 5 days
- Permit required
- No
- Mooring buoy fee
- Some mooring buoys available; contact harbour office for current availability and fees.
Restrictions: Vivara Island Nature Reserve: no landing (nature reserve, protected by decree). The Vivara channel is navigable by dinghy; do not anchor within the reserve boundary (marked). No anchoring on Posidonia.
Hazards
- !Libeccio (SW): The SW exposure makes Chiaiolella uncomfortable in Libeccio; if SW forecast above F4, move to the NE coast or Ischia Porto
- !Vivara channel currents: Tidal streams through the narrow Vivara channel can be surprising for a small boat — use engine when transiting by dinghy
- !Ferry wash: Hydrofoils from Naples transit outside the bay but the wash reaches inside — secure dinghy and equipment
- !Crowding July–August: Italian domestic tourists fill the harbour and anchorage in peak season — arrive early afternoon for a spot
Skipper's Tips
- →Walk the lanes of Procida's old fishing village (Marina Corricella) — the pastel yellow, orange and pink buildings above the harbour are among Italy's most photographed; accessible by path from Chiaiolella in 20 minutes
- →Procida's limoncello is made from the local oversized lemons (limoni di Procida) — buy a bottle directly from local producers at the market
- →The island is small enough to explore entirely on foot in a day — take the path to the Terra Murata (castle and abbey) at the highest point for views over the whole Gulf of Naples
- →Procida was the filming location for the 1994 film Il Postino (The Postman) — the locations are all walkable from Chiaiolella
Facilities
Several excellent fish restaurants on the Chiaiolella waterfront — Il Gabbiano and La Conchiglia are local favourites. Fresh seafood from the local boats; try the famous Procida lemon (limone di Procida, large and fragrant, used in the local limoncello).
Nearest provisions: Chiaiolella village (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
May–October. Procida is notably less crowded than Capri and Ischia — even in August the island retains some local character. September–October: excellent, warm, and uncrowded.
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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