Bisceglie

From CruisersWiki

The small harbour of Bisceglie lies on the Adriatic coast of Italy five miles NW of the port of Molfetta and a similar distance miles SE of Trani. Like its near neighbours to the SE, Molfetta and Santo Spirito, the harbour is small and relatively shallow, with depths inside from 2.0 - 4.5 metres. It is suitable for yachts of up to 25 metres, depending on draft. Founded by the Normans during the 11th century, Bisceglie was further expanded during Aragonese rule in the 15th century. The town has the remains of a Norman castle and a 13th century cathedral as well as some prehistoric dolmen tombs. One of the town’s most famous sons was the virtuoso guitarist and composer Mauro Giulini, who was born here in 1781. Today, cruising yachts can usually find a berth in the harbour at the municipal pontoons or in the small basin of the Italian Lega Navale.

Charts

British Admiralty

186

Italian

921

31

196

Weather

During the summer months the prevailing winds in the Adriatic are light to moderate coastal seabreezes. In spring and autumn, northerly winds are more frequent and can quickly rise to near gale force, especially in the northern Adriatic, where the much-feared “bora” is caused by high pressure over the mountains to the NE coupled with low pressure over southern Italy. Fortunately, the fiercest “bora” is normally to be expected in the winter months. Thunderstorms are occasionally experienced in spring and especially autumn and can be accompanied by violent winds of gale force and above. Luckily they are rarely long-lasting. In the southern Adriatic, the “scirocco”, a S/SE wind blowing up from North Africa which can last for several days, is more common. Unlike the “bora”, which can arrive without warning, a “scirocco” tends to build in strength over 24-48 hours, sometimes reaching gale force (especially in winter).

Sources for weather information:

• There is a continuous (computerised voice) weather forecast on VHF 68 - first in Italian and then followed with an English translation
• The same forecast is given in Italian and English on VHF coastal stations following a notification on channel 16
• Navtex weather forecasts covering the Adriatic are broadcast from stations at Roma, Trieste, Kerkyra (Greece) and Split (Croatia)

Passages

See Adriatic.

Islands

None.

Communication

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Navigation

The harbour is protected with a long breakwater, Molo della Liberta, oriented WNW/ESE. Entrance is from SE. Depths in the entrance are 6.0 - 8.0 metres. Once in the harbour, the Lega Navale berths are directly opposite the entrance at the root of the mole; turn to port for the municipal pontoons. An above-water rock, La Cassa, lies at the head of the pontoons but is very conspicuous. The entrance can be dangerous with strong onshore winds, which send a reflected swell back off the coast.

Berthing

Yachts are most likely to find a berth on the pontoons at the southern end of the harbour, operated by Bisceglie Approdi (Bisceglie Landings), where there are a total of 420 berths for yachts up to 25 metres. Depths at the pontoons range from just over a metre inshore to 2.5 metres at the outer end. Laid moorings at all berths. Water and electricity on the pontoons.

The Italian Lega Navale has additional berths in the basin at the root of the northern breakwater, the Diga di Ponente, for 110 vessels of up to 20 metres. Depths here range from less than a metre inshore to 2.6 metres at the outer end of the small pier. Laid moorings at all berths. Water and electricity on the pontoons.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

• Italian Lega Navale

Anchorages

The nearest anchorage is at Cala Pantano, two miles SE of the harbour. Settled weather only.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.

Repairs/Yards

Slipway. Fixed and mobile cranes. Engine and electrical repairs. Wood and fiberglass hull repairs. Divers.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel station on the quay at the NW end of the harbour, near the Lega Navale. Water and electricity on the pontoons.

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The old town of Bisceglie is attractive - if a little shabby - with several 15th and 16th century houses and a beautiful Romanesque 13th century cathedral of Santo Pietro. The even older 12th century church of Santa Margherita is also worth a visit. Also in the vicinity are several megalithic tombs or dolmens.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Provisions shops in the town.

Eateries

Restaurants and pizzerias in the town.

Internet/WiFi

Internet cafe in the town.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Rental outlet in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Bins close to the pontoons.

Transportation

• Buses to Trani, Bari and other local destinations.
• Local and international flights from Bari airport (26 kms).
• Train connections to most major cities.

Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forums

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

Links

• Bisceglie at the Wikipedia

References & Publications

See Italy.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.

Verified by

Date of member's last visit to Bisceglie and this page's details validated:

• Data compiled from web research (please update if possible)--Athene of Lymington 14:02, 29 December 2010 (UTC)

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Contributors to this page
Names: Athene of Lymington