Porto Azzurro

From CruisersWiki

Revision as of 12:12, 30 June 2011

Porto Azzurro, Elba, Italy

(Click links for more information)
	42°45.75′N, 10°23.85′E
	[ Photo gallery]
	[ Local chartlet]

Yacht berths at Porto Azzuro
Click for larger view

The harbour of Porto Azzuro is situated at end of a long inlet on the SE side of Elba, dominated by a 17th century fort built during the Spanish occupation of the area. The harbour is very picturesque and in consequence is very busy with tourists during the season. Yacht berths are also at a premium during the busy months of July and August and it may be necessary to anchor on arrival and wait for a berth to become available. It is quite an experience to eat at one of the three restaurants built out on stilts over the water within a few metres of the yacht pontoons.

Charts

British Admiralty 1999 - Livorno to Civitavecchia

Italian chart 193

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets

Local Weather

The bay of Porto Azzuro is well sheltered, although a SE sea breeze sets in during the summer and can send a slight swell into the harbour and anchorages.

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 17th century fort on the peninsula is conspicuous on the approach. The west side of the harbour is filled with small craft moorings.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Visiting yachts usually berth on the outside of the long T-pontoon. Depths range from 2.5 - 6.0 metres. The yacht pontoon is operated by Brokers Mediterranean, who may or may not respond on VHF channel 09. However, there are usually one or two ormeggiatori (mooring staff) on hand to direct you to a berth (or shoo you away if they are full). The pontoons can accommodate around 200 yachts, and 25 places are ostensibly reserved for visitors. During the season, it is wise to arrive early. Even then, you may need to anchor off and wait for a berth to become available.

Offshore Islands and Groups

None.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Anchorages

• Cala di Mola 42°45.6′N, 10°23.46′E lies at the head of the inlet, west of Porto Azzuro. It offers good shelter in all but easterly winds. Anchor in 3.0 - 5.0 metres about half a mile off the beach (the inlet shoals towards the head). The holding is reasonably good in mud. Make sure your anchor is well dug in and holding if going ashore.

• Barbarossa Bay 42°46.02′N, 10°24.48′E lies just under a mile due east of Porto Azzuro. Anchor off the beach at its head in 3.0 - 5.0 metres. The bottom is sand and good holding. Shelter is good from northerlies but there is a swell with anything east in the wind.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

None.

Repairs/Yards

Travel lift (200 tonnes). Mobile crane (4 tonnes). Some engine and electronic repair facilities.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel station on the jetty (0800 - 1930 summer; 0730 - 1230 and 1500 - 1900 winter). Water and electricity available on the pontoon (a charge may be made).

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Apart from exploring the town, there are some good walks up to the citadel and around the bay. The mountain village of Capoliveri about four kilometers to the SW is also worth a visit.

Gallery

’Stilt’ restaurants of Porto Azzuro

The mountain village of Capoliveri

Vineyards near Porto Azzuro

Grocery & Supply Stores

Supermarket and other grocery shops in the town.

Eateries

• The restaurants on stilts, while rather touristy, are fun and the food is surprisingly good

Internet/WiFi

Available?

Laundry

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Bins at the root of the T-pontoon.

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:

• June 2003 --Athene of Lymington 14:35, 4 August 2010 (UTC)

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Template:Guide1

.