Sirenuse Islands
Small archipelago off Amalfi coast associated with siren myths
Small islets off Italy's Amalfi/Positano coast seen on boat trips from the Gulf of Salerno; visitors stop for coastal rock formations and seaside views.
Sirenuse at a Glance#
Address: Off the Amalfi Coast, near Positano, Campania, Italy
About Sirenuse#
The Sirenuse (also known as Li Galli) are a small group of rocky islets off the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, located a short distance from the village of Positano.
From the shoreline at Positano and other coastal vantage points the three islets present a distinctive, jagged silhouette against the sea; they are a common subject for coastal photography and boat trips. The largest islet, Gallo Lungo, dominates the group while two smaller islets sit nearby.
The islets have long been noted on maritime charts and in local tradition; they have attracted private owners and artists in the 20th century but remain largely uninhabited and undeveloped.
Situated in the Gulf of Salerno off the Amalfi Coast, the Sirenuse lie just off Positano in Campania and are visible from many points along the coastline.
- Visibility and location: Located between the islands of Capri and the Amalfi Coast, the islets are visible from Positano and nearby coastal viewpoints and are notable for their steep, rocky profiles.
What to See#
- Li Galli (Sirenuse) archipelago: A small archipelago of three rocky islets off the Amalfi Coast, historically called the Sirenuse or Li Galli, situated a short distance southeast of Positano in Campania.
- Gallo Lungo and companion islets: The largest islet, traditionally known as Gallo Lungo, is the dominant feature of the group and is accompanied by two smaller islets to the northwest and southeast.
How to Get to Sirenuse#
Boat operators in Positano and Amalfi run private or group excursions that pass the Li Galli islets; trips depart from Positano harbour and typically take 20-40 minutes each way.
Tips for Visiting Sirenuse#
- Boat trips from Positano or Amalfi circle the islets and offer the best close-up view; private landings are usually not permitted.
- Listen to the boatmen: the story of the sirens and the bathing grottoes is told with theatrical conviction and local embellishment.
- Avoid the midday tourist flotillas if seeking quiet - early morning and late afternoon crossings are calmer.
Best Time to Visit Sirenuse#
Best visited by boat in late spring or early autumn to avoid peak-season crowds.
Weather & Climate near Sirenuse#
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 8°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (990 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 8° - 15° | 12° | 113 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| February | Acceptable | 8° - 14° | 11° | 93 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.5h |
| March | Good | 8° - 15° | 12° | 81 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 10° - 17° | 14° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.1h |
| May | Very Good | 14° - 21° | 18° | 49 mm | some cloud | 77% | 2.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 14.3h |
| June | Ideal | 18° - 25° | 21° | 24 mm | mostly sunny | 75% | 2.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 14.8h |
| July | Ideal | 20° - 28° | 24° | 21 mm | clear | 73% | 2.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 14.6h |
| August | Ideal | 20° - 28° | 24° | 34 mm | clear | 72% | 2.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.6h |
| September | Excellent | 18° - 26° | 22° | 85 mm | mostly sunny | 70% | 2.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Good | 15° - 22° | 18° | 128 mm | some cloud | 74% | 2.3 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Good | 11° - 18° | 15° | 156 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.8h |
| December | Good | 9° - 16° | 13° | 123 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
