Campania by sea: by boat from Nisida to Capo Palinuro along the Sibilla Route

You'll set off from Nisida, an islet facing Pozzuoli. Be sure to have your flippers and mask for a dive not to be missed offshore from Bagnoli, to see the hidden gem of Baia, the "underwater Pompeii", at a depth of just 5 m. You'll enjoy the unforgettable experience of diving into emerald-green waters and swimming through the remains of an ancient city swallowed by the waves.

Before headings towards Naples, set a course of 225° for 6 miles and you'll come to Procida, the hilly maritime setting for the novel "Arturo's Island", with its intoxicating fragrance of lemon trees. 4 miles further on you'll find yourself on the legendary island of Ischia, famous for its spa treatments, archaeological sites and the mountain known as "il Cretaio", where you can still see fumaroles. Other places to visit include Forio, Lacco Ameno, Ischia Porto and the Aragonese Castle across the bridge linking Ischia to the islet on which the fortress stands.

Set a course for 50° and 18 miles, leaving behind the promontory of Pozzuoli on your left - after a visit to the Phlegraean Fields and the Sibyl's Cave - and head towards Naples. The best mooring point is in Posillipo, but the one below Castel dell'Ovo is also enchanting. There are endless reasons to go ashore at Naples, from Capodimonte to the Sansevero Chapel, the San Carlo Theatre to Piazza del Plebiscito,and the church of St Gregory the Armenian to Rione Sanità. All this beneath the shadow of Vesuvius, which leads straight to Pompeii, an absolute must-see together with Herculaneum.

Back onboard, you can choose to sail along the entire Bay of Naples towards Torre del Greco, Torre Annunziata and Marina di Vico Equense as far as the Cape of Sorrento, or else set a 190° course for about 25 miles to reach Capri, where you can berth at Marina Grande and admire the Faraglioni rocks, the Blue Grotto and the famous square.

From Capri you can sail seven miles on a course of about 80° towards Sorrento and its magnificent coastline, which joins the Amalfi coast. From the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area and Nature Park, surrounded by the Lattari Mountains, head towards Positano and then Amalfi. The tour of the Amalfi coast is about thirty miles long, and includes a visit to the Maritime Republic, from the Saracen Tower of the Moon to the Cathedral of St Andrew (not forgetting to sample the lemon granita!).

Back on board. After about 42 miles you'll arrive in Agropoli, where you can walk in the foosteps of Aeneas and Ulysses. On Capri you left behind the islets of Li Galli, the historic Sirenuse and the legend of the Sirens, while in Pozzuoli you will find Lake Avernus, the gateway to the Underworld guarded by Circe the enchantress. As you sail around the southern Mediterranean, you never lose sight of Ulysses.

Before heading straight for Agropoli, take in the backdrop of Ravello, the unmissable terraces of Villa Rufolo, and Furore with its unique fjord. Next stop is Salerno, just 12 miles from Amalfi.

The port of Salerno offers convenient mooring points. Take the opportunity to visit the town, its cathedral and the majestic Arechi Castle. Back on the boat, turn towards Agropoli to stock up on buffalo mozzarella and tomatoes, as well as to visit one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, a fusion of Greek, Roman and Lucanian culture.

Sail round Punta Licosa and after 20 miles you are in Acciaroli, with the marvellous Pioppi Marina, where the Menaica anchovies and other local specialities are a perfect example of the Mediterranean diet!

Ten miles further on, you come to Marina di Casal Velino, with a small quayside landing area, or you can push on as far as Velia, once known as Elea, city of Parmenides, with its remarkable archaeological site. You are now in the heart of the Cilento, as you will see from the huge olive trees.

Set sail for Cape Palinuro and more tales of Aeneas and his helmsman, who fell overboard during his sleep. If you push ahead as far as Marina di Camerota you enter the Bay of Policastro. Your last stop is Sapri, where you are welcomed by the Statue of the Gleaner perched alluringly on a rock. The large port offers a safe landing and berthing area.

Information provided by Viaggio Italiano