Licata
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Licata, Sicily, Italy
 (Click links for more information)
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 | 37°05.17′N, 13°56.53′E |
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Licata is situated on the S coast of Sicily some 18 miles west of Gela and 45 miles SE of San Leone. Established in the third century BC on the banks of the River Salso, little remains of the ancient Greek city. The Byzantines, Normans and Aragonese all left their mark on the city, but it’s real expansion came in the 20th century, when Licata was developed as a major port for the shipment of sulphur and asphalt mined in the hinterland. Today, the city survives mainly on the fishing industry and a growing tourist industry. The harbour itself is undergoing considerable investment which is planned to create one of the largest marinas in the Western Mediterranean, Marina di Cala del Sole, with a total of 1,500 berths. As at Sept 2010 the breakwaters for the new marina are in place but no pontoons.
Charts
- British Admiralty 2123 - Capo Granitola to Capo Passero
- Italian chart 917 - Da Capo Rassello ad Augusta e Isole Maltesi
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Local Weather
The prevailing wind on the south coast of Sicily during the summer is a SW seabreeze, which rarely gets up much above force 4-5. Most of the harbours along the south coast are liable to swell in strong southerly winds which are, however, rare outside the winter months. 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 Roma, Cagliari (Sardinia) and Augusta (Sicily).
Like many of the harbours along this coast, Licata is subject to silting. However, constant dredging maintains depths of over 10.0 metres in the entrance and 4.0 - 5.0 metres throughout most of the inner harbour. The long E and W breakwaters are very conspicuous from some distance off and the outer harbour is entered from due S.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
- Info required
Offshore Islands and Groups
None.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
- The Stella Maris yacht club has a long catwalk in the central basin of the inner harbour, the Darsena di Marianello, with laid moorings for around 150 vessels of maximum 20 metres. Water and electricity are available on the catwalk. Depths along the catwalk range from 1.5 metres at the inner end to 2.5 at the outer end. In October 2009 the pontoons appeared so run down that mooring here hardly seems possible any more, though with care one boat might get in at the southern end.
- The huge Marina di Cala del Sole is under construction in the eastern basin and will offer every conceivable marina facility once completed. As at Sept 2010 the breakwaters for the new marina are in place but no pontoons. See website for more details.
Anchorages
- In October 2009 it was possible to anchor in the area intended for the new marina where the holding appeared good in depths of 4 - 5 metres. However, once the new marina is complete, anchoring here will not be possible. Getting ashore in this area is not so easy and yachts anchored here were dinghying round to the main commercial harbour to get ashore.
The nearest alternative anchorages are Gela, 18 miles E or the small fishing harbour of Marina di Palma 15 miles W.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
- A store on the waterfront towards the E has marine equipment though this is aimed primarily at the local fishing boats.
Repairs/Yards
The Marina di Cala del Sole project includes the development of a boatyard and associated workshops, including facilities for lift out and storage. It may take some time, however, for these facilities to be fully established following completion of the marina, scheduled for March 2011 (??!!). Currently basic engine and electrical repairs can be arranged through the Stella Maris. Slipway and mobile crane (40T) in the Darsena di Marianello.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel station on the eastern quay of the Darsena di Marianello. Further fuel station to be constructed in the Marina di Cala del Sole. Water and electricity at Stella Maris catwalk and planned on all pontoons in the new Marina di Cala del Sole.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
Most tourists come to Licata for the beaches, although the old town around Monte Sant’Angelo is worth exploring.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Numerous supermarkets and provisions shops in the town. Shopping centre planned in the new Marina di Cala del Sole.
Eateries
Many restaurants in the town, with more planned for the Marina di Cala del Sole.
Internet/WiFi
Available?
Laundry
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Outlets in the town.
Garbage Disposal
Bins around the harbour.
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- Information compiled from web research and accounts by yachtsmen (please update if possible) --Athene of Lymington 12:03, 29 October 2010 (UTC)
Personal Notes
We crept in here in the dark and felt our way very slowly into the planned marina area. The inner breakwaters protecting the marina area did not have lights but it was a calm clear night and possible to make out the breakwaters. Harder to spot was the unlit small fishing boat between the breakwaters. October 2009 --Wayward 
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | Italy | Sicily | Licata | |
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