noelma
New Member
We're planning to spend 2 weeks cruising Aeolian Islands next July in a 38 foot Catamaran. Finding very little info on internet about harbours, marinas, etc. Any suggestions/advice welcome!
Cruising Aeolian Islands
- Thread starter noelma
- Start date
Roberto
Well-Known Member
Hello,
wonderful islands, but technically not the best as a cruising area imho
Being mostly volcanoes with steep sides, water depth increases immediately, with a cat it might be better than with a monohull but one often has to anchor very very (too imo) near to the shore
Natural harbours, bays and coves are rare, as the islands are mostly circular in shape; the only real "marina" is in Lipari island, there are wharves here and there in the islands but most are reserved to the ferries between the islands; esp in july and august, if you need absolutely to find a berth in the port go in early, as they fill up quickly and especially with a cat you may have some problems
On the positive side, the scenaries are breathtaking: the red lava coming down Stromboli (if possible go there at night), from the white pumice beaches of Lipari to the black ones of Stromboli, the natural loneliness of Alicudi and Filicudi, posh Panarea, the active caldera of Vulcano, etc
enjoy
r
wonderful islands, but technically not the best as a cruising area imho
Being mostly volcanoes with steep sides, water depth increases immediately, with a cat it might be better than with a monohull but one often has to anchor very very (too imo) near to the shore
Natural harbours, bays and coves are rare, as the islands are mostly circular in shape; the only real "marina" is in Lipari island, there are wharves here and there in the islands but most are reserved to the ferries between the islands; esp in july and august, if you need absolutely to find a berth in the port go in early, as they fill up quickly and especially with a cat you may have some problems
On the positive side, the scenaries are breathtaking: the red lava coming down Stromboli (if possible go there at night), from the white pumice beaches of Lipari to the black ones of Stromboli, the natural loneliness of Alicudi and Filicudi, posh Panarea, the active caldera of Vulcano, etc
enjoy
r
noelma
New Member
Thanks Roberto - very useful info!
Gypsy
Well-Known Member
Many of Roberto's points are valid but we have cruised there twice in a 44ft mono and enjoyed it greatly. On Lipari there are now a number of pontoon jetty concessions near to the main ferry/hydrofoil port which are very convenient but will probably charge a cat a premium. They do suffer a bit from ferry wash but we found them fine for an overnight. A little to the east in the same bay is the port of Pignataro. Good shelter and a new series of pontoons. You will need a bus or taxi to get to Lipari town but arguably better shelter.
There is very little quay space on the island of Vulcano but it is a must to visit and to climb to the caldera - still steaming. There is a bay near the ferry quay, Porto di Levante on the W where one can anchor complete with sulphor smells from the mud baths or if the wind is not favourable go to the E side to Porto di Ponente which is nicer but a 5-10 min walk from the beach to the town.
The island of Salina has a very good Porto Turistico just S of the ferry port. The small village has a selection of restaurants, mini-markets and art/craft shops. A pleasant overnight.
I have found that Italy has the greatest increase in mooring fees for late July, August and early September so you may have to be brave when considering the costs. However it is a beautiful area, quite spectacular in places and very clear waters. Roberto's observations about the depths are valid but there are plenty of places to anchor safely for lunch then head to a port/bay for overnight.
Ray
There is very little quay space on the island of Vulcano but it is a must to visit and to climb to the caldera - still steaming. There is a bay near the ferry quay, Porto di Levante on the W where one can anchor complete with sulphor smells from the mud baths or if the wind is not favourable go to the E side to Porto di Ponente which is nicer but a 5-10 min walk from the beach to the town.
The island of Salina has a very good Porto Turistico just S of the ferry port. The small village has a selection of restaurants, mini-markets and art/craft shops. A pleasant overnight.
I have found that Italy has the greatest increase in mooring fees for late July, August and early September so you may have to be brave when considering the costs. However it is a beautiful area, quite spectacular in places and very clear waters. Roberto's observations about the depths are valid but there are plenty of places to anchor safely for lunch then head to a port/bay for overnight.
Ray
noelma
New Member
Ray - thanks for info. very helpful. Did you also cruise the northern coast of Sicily?
alan
Well-Known Member
I was there last summer (July) for a week and would endorse what has already been said. We stayed at Lipari, where there are quite a few pontoons now; you could also anchor 'under' the castle in the 'old' harbour which a number of people were doing (less wash from the ferries there!).
Only other comment that I have is that they are not called the Aeolian (Greek for windy) Isles for nothing !!!!; we arrived in 50 Knts winds after an overnight crossing from Capo Pallinuro, and every day in the afternoon it piped up to 30 Knts. So, be ready to take in a reef when you see dark clouds forming over the island(s).
I would also recommend Tropea on the mainland where there is a new, cheap (relatively speaking) marina with all the facilities and about 10 mins walk from the town; this ia a convenient departure point for the Aeloians.
Buon vento,
Alan.
Only other comment that I have is that they are not called the Aeolian (Greek for windy) Isles for nothing !!!!; we arrived in 50 Knts winds after an overnight crossing from Capo Pallinuro, and every day in the afternoon it piped up to 30 Knts. So, be ready to take in a reef when you see dark clouds forming over the island(s).
I would also recommend Tropea on the mainland where there is a new, cheap (relatively speaking) marina with all the facilities and about 10 mins walk from the town; this ia a convenient departure point for the Aeloians.
Buon vento,
Alan.
noelma
New Member
Thanks Alan - very useful info!
Gypsy
Well-Known Member
Yes we did. Also came back from Palermo via the islands of Alicudi and Filicudi. Virtually no shelter at Alicudi but at P. di Stimpagnato there are a few boueys for visitor use at about Eu20 and a small village where we found bread.
On the N coast there are some anchorages but we kept getting heavy weather forecasts (which often didn't eventuate) and headed for marinas/ports mostly. There is a bay on the W side of Capo di Malazzo called Cala San Antonio which looked a very attractive anchorage, and quite popular but with a sirroco forecast we went to Porto Rosa. This is a holiday village/resort with mostly private moorings associated with apartments but they do take visitors. Very commercial at the centre of the harbour/marina but totally protected.
Next stop, Cefalu. We anchored on the W of the massive headland, La Rocca, just off the village. We loved the village, immpressive cathedral, stayed for 2 nights. Don't get too close to the marked swimming area, you will be moved on.
San Nicola L'Arena was next. Small port and village but but quite pleasant. No toilets. Small market and other supplies. Good shelter.
Cefalu was the highlight but still a pleasant area, nothing like the beauty and clear water of the islands though.
PM me if you want info about Palermo.
Ray
On the N coast there are some anchorages but we kept getting heavy weather forecasts (which often didn't eventuate) and headed for marinas/ports mostly. There is a bay on the W side of Capo di Malazzo called Cala San Antonio which looked a very attractive anchorage, and quite popular but with a sirroco forecast we went to Porto Rosa. This is a holiday village/resort with mostly private moorings associated with apartments but they do take visitors. Very commercial at the centre of the harbour/marina but totally protected.
Next stop, Cefalu. We anchored on the W of the massive headland, La Rocca, just off the village. We loved the village, immpressive cathedral, stayed for 2 nights. Don't get too close to the marked swimming area, you will be moved on.
San Nicola L'Arena was next. Small port and village but but quite pleasant. No toilets. Small market and other supplies. Good shelter.
Cefalu was the highlight but still a pleasant area, nothing like the beauty and clear water of the islands though.
PM me if you want info about Palermo.
Ray
noelma
New Member
Thanks again Ray. Good info!
What system did you use for getting local weather forecasts - in English!
What system did you use for getting local weather forecasts - in English!
Gypsy
Well-Known Member
I use navtex but with the normal caveats. I also use the German SSB TTY 3 and 5 day forecasts and of course there is the Italian VHF68 in English and Italian. The trouble is that these coastal areas are subject to local conditions and we found the general forecasts to be inaccurate. The months before June and after September are those with the most changes. If you have not already reviewed this site Frank Singleton which I have found to be a very useful reference site to help decide which services are available and possibly useful.
Ray
Ray
noelma
New Member
Thanks again Ray. It all helps!
