56Isea&iISPRING-SUMMER 2012Boasting a rich cultural and artistic heritage, Italy's AmalfiCoast is too steep to support much in the way of moderndevelopment and therefore its beauty and tranquillity remainrelatively unspoilt. The best views of this picturesque coast-line are seen from the decks of your yacht, cruising from thebustling Bay of Naples across to the volcanic island of Ischia,the 'island of wellbeing', and the glamorous neighbouringisland of Capri. The lesser-known Ponza is one of the most beau-tiful islands in the Mediterranean, and offers rocky grottos, hid-den coves and authentic Italian fishing ports. Back on the main-land, step ashore to the fishing village-turned-tourist hotspotPositano, and the many Renaissance palaces and Romanremains that perch along the coastline between the towns ofRavello, Sorrento and Amalfi. The entire coastline is infused with Italy's great passion forfabulous cuisine, which ranges from Michelin-starred restau-rants to regional dishes in the many cafés and stalls that linethe main piazzas. Amalfi CoastRECOMMENDED BY TINA MONTZKA, CHARTER BROKER, CAMPER & NICHOLSONS ANTIBES "One of the best places to sample the therapeutic benefits ofIschia's thermal waters and volcanic mud is on Maronti beach,on the island's south coast. Here you can lie in pools ofthermal waters carved out of rock." CAPTAIN MIKE WOODof the 26m (85'2) As You Like It, accommodating 7 guests, from ?30,000 per week "When we have guests chartering along the Amalfi Coast wealways suggest cruising to the two islands lying above Capriand Ischia. The first island, Palmarola, has fantasticanchorages, clear waters and plenty of snorkellingopportunities. The second island, Ponza, also boasts stunninganchorages and has great beaches, good nightlife and offersplenty of opportunities to replenish provisions."

aboardashoreSPRING-SUMMER 2012I sea&iI57RECOMMENDED BYCAPTAIN SIMON JOHNSONof the 53m (173'1) Elisabeth F,accommodating 12 guests, from ?180,000 per week "There is an anchorage on the north sideof Panarea that I'd recommend. There isnothing quite like lying stern to the rocks;it's as though you have your own privatedock as the sea gently laps the hull. Thebottom of the ocean there is clearly visible,making bathing enjoyable, and childrencan happily explore the nearby rocks. Atnight, the water and the cliffs behind canbe lit up by the yacht's lights, creating aperfect setting for dinner." CAPTAIN GIANLUCAORLANDOof the 35.1m (115'1)Aime Sea, accommodating 8 guests, from ?51,000 per week "As a child I spent summers in the AeolianIslands, and I still enjoy sailing there.These volcanic isles in the southern regionof the Tyrrhenian Sea have a rich history,wonderful seas for swimming, stunningviews and heavenly cuisine. "Each island has its own atmosphereand charm. My favourite is Panarea - oneof the smallest and most fashionable of theislands, which attracts the jet-set in thesummer. It's great to drop anchor andspend the day bathing in the perfectturquoise water. Ashore you'll find what Iconsider to be the best restaurant of thearchipelago, Da Pina, as well as one of themost beautiful hotels, Raya, where you cansip a drink watching an unforgettablesunset over the neighbouring island ofStromboli, with its active volcano. "Stromboli is the most famous andspectacular of the Aeolian Islands and Irecommend an ascent to the top. Thosewishing to forgo the hike can rent ahelicopter and fly around the volcano."Another favourite of mine is the islandof Salina. It is the most fertile of theAeolian Islands and famous for Malvasia,a sweet wine, and its great cuisine. Myrecommendations include the restaurantat the Mamma Santina hotel, and one atthe Capofaro hotel in the middle of avineyard on a cliffside. "Then there is Sicily, just south of theAeolian Islands through the Strait ofMessina. Step ashore to marvel at ancientGreek, Roman, Norman, Arabic, German,French and Italian influences. Aside fromits ancient temples and dramatic cliff-topvillages, Sicily is also famous for its foodand beaches. Towering above the coastlineis the hilltop town of Taormina, bustlingwith restaurants and boutiques, while inthe northwest corneris one of the island'sfinest beaches, San Vito Lo Capo, wherewhite sand is framed by high cliffs. At oneend of the beach is the Zingaro NatureReserve with a network of walking trailsleading to deserted coves." BARBARA DAWSON, CHARTER BROKER, CAMPER & NICHOLSONS PALM BEACH"Cruise to the southwest coast of Sicily toits Valley Of Temples. The archaeologicalremains on display here can rival any in theworld. I also recommend that clients takea helicopter tour over the spectacularsummit of Mount Etna, which is still activeand smoulders dramatically." Created by volcanoes, two of which remain active, theAeolian Islands (also known as the Lipari Islands), lyingoff the north coast of Sicily are worshipped for their scenicshores and glittering nightlife. The active volcanic island ofStromboli has many bays and inlets that are perfect for water-sports, while neighbouring Panarea is the place to head fornightlife, followed by a morning relaxing in the hot springs nearPunta di Peppe e Maria. Then on to Vulcano, with its sulphurbaths.nFor further information on chartering in the Mediterranean, contact your Camper & Nicholsons charter broker, see page 6 Sicily and the Aeolian islands