La Spezia
From CruisersWiki
| La Spezia Port of Entry
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 The Porto Mercantile (showing Marina Assonautica but prior to the construction of Porto Mirabello SE of the artificial island) |
The port of La Spezia, lying at the head of the gulf of the same name, is one of Italy’s most important naval and commercial harbours. While there is little in the town to make it an essential tourist destination, its good transport links, wide choice of mooring arrangements and excellent range of boatyards make it a useful port of call for yachtsmen planning a quick trip home, making a crew change or undertaking repairs/refitting. Mooring options include the two marinas of Marina del Fezzano and Porto Lotti on the western and eastern outskirts of the town respectively and, in the Porto Mercantile (commercial harbour) close to the town centre, the new, exclusive (and expensive) marina of Porto Mirabello; the older marina of Marina Assonautica and the specialist catamaran pontoon of CAT Sardinia. Other options, especially if you are having work done, include the three yards of Cantiere Valdettano, Navalmare and Cantieri Navali di La Spezia.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 1998 - Nice to Livorno
- Italian
- 909
- 115
- 3
- 59
- 60
Weather
The prevailing winds along the eastern part of the Ligurian coast during the summer are a W or NW seabreeze, which rarely gets up much above force 4-5. While infrequent, gales are not unknown during the spring and early summer and are typically caused by depressions further west in the Golfe du Lion which bring strong N winds as they move further E. In winter, the tramontana, a strong N wind off the Alps, is more frequent, although the libecchio is a strong SW wind that can affect the whole of the Ligurian coast and blow for several days, causing heavy seas.
Sources for weather forecasts:
- 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 are broadcast from stations at La Garde (Toulon), Roma and Cagliari (Sardinia)
Passages
See Mediterranean.
Islands
- Isola Palmaria
- Isola Tino
For the Porto Mercantile (commercial harbour), a yacht should pass either E or W of the long breakwater at the entrance to the gulf, the Diga Foranea, and steer for a group of three chimneys with alternating red and white bands, which lie directly behind the port. The Porto Mercantile lies immediately N of the long breakwaters of the naval harbour to the W. For the approaches to the marinas, see the separate marina entries.
Entrance
La Spezia is a port of entry for Italy. For details see Entrance: Italy.
Berthing
Yacht avoid the Porto Mercantile (commercial harbour) and use one of the marinas.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Anchorages
Bay of Le Grazie
Isola Palmaria
- The bay of Lerici offers good shelter in easterly winds.
Amenities
| Facilities | |
|---|---|
| Water | In all marinas |
| Electricity | In all marinas |
| Toilets | In all marinas except in CAT Sardinia |
| Showers | In all marinas except in CAT Sardinia |
| Laundry | In Porto Lotti |
| Garbage | Bins at all marinas |
| Supplies | |
| Fuel | In Porto Lotti and Porto Mirabello |
| Bottled gas | ? |
| Chandlers | In Porto Lotti and Porto Mirabello |
| Services | |
| Repairs |
|
| Internet | WiFi in Porto Lotti and Porto Mirabello |
| Mobile connectivity | ? |
| Vehicle rentals | In Porto Mirabello |
Provisioning
- Numerous provisions shops in the town.
- Minimarket in Porto Lotti and Porto Mirabello
Eating out
- Numerous restaurants and bars on the waterfront and in the town
- Restaurant in Porto Lotti, Porto Mirabello
- Bar in Marina del Fezzano, Porto Lotti, Porto Mirabello
Transportation
Tourism
La Spezia is not the most attractive of towns, but is still worth a day to explore. The pedestrianised Via del Prione in the old town takes its name from the pietrone or large stone, from where public announcements were once read. The Museo Amedeo Lia, an art gallery in a restored 17th century convent, contains a wonderful range of works by Italian master such as Tintoretto, Titian and Veronese. The 14th century Castello di San Giorgio contains an archaeological museum. Of particular interest to yachtsmen is the Museu Tecnico Navale, one of Italy’s most important naval museums, which contains figureheads from ships of the 15th - 17th centuries, ship models of all periods and mementoes of Italy’s 20the century naval exploits.
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
References
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 La Spezia and this page's details validated:
- Data compiled from web research (please update if possible)--Athene of Lymington 16:09, 1 December 2010 (UTC)
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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington |
