Palermo

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* Good trattorias around the port area.
* Good trattorias around the port area.
* ''Ristorante Palazzo Trabucco'' near Piazza Marina is highly recommended --[[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]] 12:47, 11 November 2010 (UTC)
* ''Ristorante Palazzo Trabucco'' near Piazza Marina is highly recommended --[[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]] 12:47, 11 November 2010 (UTC)
 +
* ''Ferro di Cavallo'' on Via Venezia is good value and busy, for lunch arrive before 13.00 --[[User:RobbieW|RobbieW]] 07:59, 29 August 2013 (BST)
====Internet/WiFi====
====Internet/WiFi====

Revision as of 06:59, 29 August 2013

Palermo, Sicily, Italy

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38°07.20′N, 13°22.65′E
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Photo gallery
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Local chartlet
PalermoPort.jpgPorto Commerciale, Palermo - Click for larger view

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, has a long and distinguished history. Founded by the Carthaginians around 750 BC, it was subsequently an important port for both Roman and Byzantine empires. Taken by the Saracens in 827 AD, Palermo became the capital of the island, a situation which continued after its conquest by the Normans in 1071 AD. By the 12th century, the city was widely regarded as one of the finest and most cultured cities in Europe. Both Arab and Norman influence is evident in much of the architecture that survives in the modern city. However, much of the city was heavily damaged in World War II and the area around the harbour is particularly decrepit even today. Nevertheless, Palermo’s fine churches and cathedral and its wonderful Norman and Byzantine mosaics make it an essential stopover when cruising the northern coast of Sicily. The city is also a good base for exploring the attractions of the interior, especially the breathtaking Norman cathedral at Monreale 10 km to the SW. Visiting yachts normally berth at one of the yacht club berths along the mole at the SW end of the Porto Commerciale or in the large marina at Aquasanta one mile to the N.

Charts

British Admiralty
1976 - Capo di Bonifati to Capo San Vito
963 - Porto di Palermo
Italian
916
255

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Local Weather

The prevailing winds around the Aolian Islands during the summer tend to be from NW or NE, although in calm weather seabreezes can be encountered from any direction blowing onto and between the islands. While infrequent, gales are not unknown during the spring and early summer and careful forward planning is necessary as there are only two harbours which offer adequate shelter (and even then, not in strong southerlies). In winter, the gregale is a strong NE wind that can affect the whole of the island group and blow for several days.

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).

Approach and Navigation

The high land of Capo Gallo six miles N of Palermo is conspicuous from some distance off. Closer in, the cranes of the commercial harbour are clearly visible. The yacht berths are at the southern end of the commercial harbour (not to be confused with the industrial harbour immediately to the N). Ferries enter and leave the commercial harbour at speed, so care is needed on the approach.

Berthing Options

Most yachts seek a berth at one of the various yacht clubs and concessions that occupy the length of Molo Bersagliere, the mole enclosing the inner harbour. Depths along the quay are 5.0 - 7.0 metres and yachts of up to 40 metres can be accommodated. Berths here can be in short supply in busy periods, but it is usually possible to negotiate a space outside the mid July to end August holiday season. Yachts can also pass through to the inner cala at the end of the inlet, where there are spaces for around 150 vessels on pontoons. However, it is usually packed in here and you will get little sleep with all the traffic noise, so you are better off on the mole if possible. Laid moorings, water and electricity at all berths. Toilets and showers at the yacht clubs.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Anchorages

None.

Offshore Islands and Groups

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

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

Repairs/Yards

Slipway (up to 100T). Fixed and mobile cranes (50T). Outdoor storage. Engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Steel, wood and fiberglass repairs. Divers.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel station on the Molo Bersagliere (08.00-13.00 and 14.00-18.30). Water and electricity at the yacht berths.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Most of Palermo’s attractions are within easy walking distance of the harbour. A stroll up Corso Vittorio Emmanuele to Piazza Pretoria with its stunning Florentine-designed fountain, decorated with over twenty superb marble statues, is a must. The baroque Chiesa di San Giuseppe dei Teatini, is worth a visit for its interior, profusely decorated with marble and covered in frescoes. Another must is the 12th century Norman church of La Martorana, founded by George of Antioch and covered with beautiful gilded mosaics of the nativity and saints. Palermo Cathedral is an interesting architectural mish-mash of styles (mainly Norman/Arab) with an incongruous late 18th century dome. To the north of the old town, through the Porta Nuova, a 16th century town gate, is the Palazzo Normanni, the regional seat of government. The attraction here is the wonderful Capella Palatina, the interior of which is completely covered with magnificent gilded Byzantine mosaics (be prepared for long queues, especially in summer). For even more wonderful mosaics, an absolute must is a visit to the Norman cathedral at Monreale, half an hour away by bus. Although the exterior is rather plain, the interior is covered from floor to ceiling with a breathtakingly beautiful series of mosaics of Old and New Testament scenes, the martyrdoms of Saints Paul and Peter and an awe-inspiring Christos Pantokrator in the central apse. The adjacent Benedictine cloisters are also worth a visit once you have got your breath back.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Numerous shops and supermarkets in the town

Eateries

  • Good trattorias around the port area.
  • Ristorante Palazzo Trabucco near Piazza Marina is highly recommended --Athene of Lymington 12:47, 11 November 2010 (UTC)
  • Ferro di Cavallo on Via Venezia is good value and busy, for lunch arrive before 13.00 --RobbieW 07:59, 29 August 2013 (BST)

Internet/WiFi

Available?

Laundry

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Several outlets in the town

Garbage Disposal

Bins at all the yacht clubs.

Transportation

Transportation (local and/or international)

  • Airport at Punta Raisi, 32 km to W of Palermo. Domestic and international flights.
  • Local and intercity train service, including to Naples and Rome
  • Local and intercity buses covering most Sicilian towns.
  • Ferries to Cagliari (Sardinia), Naples, Livorno, Genoa and the island of Ustica. Summer-only service to the Aeolian Islands.

Routes/Passages To/From Palermo

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

See Italy.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

  • We berthed for five nights at the Yacht Club del Mediterraneo (€45 per night requested but a discount was offered immediately) and were made to feel very welcome.--Athene of Lymington 12:47, 11 November 2010 (UTC)

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:


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SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Athene of Lymington


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