Porto Ercole
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! <center>[[image:Photo_icon.png]]</center> | ! <center>[[image:Photo_icon.png]]</center> | ||
| - | | [ Photo gallery] | + | | [http://www.panoramio.com/map/#lt=42.393671&ln=11.209531&z=1&k=2&a=1&tab=1 Photo gallery] |
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! <center>[[image:Chart_icon.png]]</center> | ! <center>[[image:Chart_icon.png]]</center> | ||
| - | | [ Local chartlet] | + | | [http://mapserver.mytopo.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=42.393333&lon=11.211333&scale=24000&zoom=50&type=1 Local chartlet] |
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| - | [[Image:PortoErcole2.jpg|350px|thumb|right| Porto Ercole<br/>''Click for larger view'']] | + | [[Image:PortoErcole2.jpg|350px|thumb|right| '''Porto Ercole'''<br/>''Click for larger view'']] |
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The shallow harbour of Porto Ercole lies on the E side of the prominent Argentario peninsula on the Tuscan coast of Italy. The island of [[Giglio]] lies 12 miles WSW and the island of [[Elba]] just over 40 miles NW. The harbour here has over 800 berths on a series of privately managed pontoons. The harbour gets very busy during the summer season and it can be difficult to find space here. The [[Marina di Cala Galera]] half a mile N of Porto Ercole offers an alternative berthing possibility. The town’s main claim to fame is that it was almost certainly here that the celebrated artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio died on his way back to Rome from long exile in 1610. Remains discovered in the ossuary of the church of Sant’ Erasmo were demonstrated in 2010 using DNA and other scientific testing to be those of the revolutionary painter. | The shallow harbour of Porto Ercole lies on the E side of the prominent Argentario peninsula on the Tuscan coast of Italy. The island of [[Giglio]] lies 12 miles WSW and the island of [[Elba]] just over 40 miles NW. The harbour here has over 800 berths on a series of privately managed pontoons. The harbour gets very busy during the summer season and it can be difficult to find space here. The [[Marina di Cala Galera]] half a mile N of Porto Ercole offers an alternative berthing possibility. The town’s main claim to fame is that it was almost certainly here that the celebrated artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio died on his way back to Rome from long exile in 1610. Remains discovered in the ossuary of the church of Sant’ Erasmo were demonstrated in 2010 using DNA and other scientific testing to be those of the revolutionary painter. | ||
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==Charts== | ==Charts== | ||
| - | British Admiralty 1999 | + | * British Admiralty 1999 |
| - | + | * Italian charts 913, 122, 5, 6 | |
| - | Italian charts 913, 122, 5, 6 | + | |
==Radio Nets== | ==Radio Nets== | ||
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==Local Weather== | ==Local Weather== | ||
| - | The prevailing winds along the Tuscan coast are from NW or W and are mostly moderate, rarely rising above force 5. Close inshore, a yacht will often encounter SE or even S winds, especially around the offshore islands, or long periods of calm. A depression passing to the N along the line of the Alps will sometimes cause a libeccio, a strong SW wind that occasionally reaches gale force and causes a heavy swell. In winter, the tramontana is a very strong N or NE wind that blows down off the Alps and can affect most of the NW coast of Italy. | + | The prevailing winds along the Tuscan coast are from NW or W and are mostly moderate, rarely rising above force 5. Close inshore, a yacht will often encounter SE or even S winds, especially around the offshore islands, or long periods of calm. A depression passing to the N along the line of the Alps will sometimes cause a ''libeccio'', a strong SW wind that occasionally reaches gale force and causes a heavy swell. In winter, the ''tramontana'' is a very strong N or NE wind that blows down off the Alps and can affect most of the NW coast of Italy. |
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| + | 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. | * There is a continuous (computerised voice) weather forecast on VHF 68 - first in Italian and then followed with an English translation. | ||
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* The same forecast is given in Italian and English on VHF coastal stations following a notification on channel 16. | * 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]]). | |
| - | * Navtex weather forecasts are broadcast from stations at La Garde (Toulon), Roma and Cagliari (Sardinia). | + | |
==Approach and Navigation== | ==Approach and Navigation== | ||
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==Anchorages== | ==Anchorages== | ||
The most sheltered anchorage in all but strong E winds is just N of [[Marina di Cala Galera]], where a yacht can anchor in 3.0 - 5.0 metres. Holding is good in sand and mud. | The most sheltered anchorage in all but strong E winds is just N of [[Marina di Cala Galera]], where a yacht can anchor in 3.0 - 5.0 metres. Holding is good in sand and mud. | ||
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===Tourism=== | ===Tourism=== | ||
The Spanish, who controlled the Peninsula in the 16th century, recognized the strategic significance of the natural harbour of Porto Ercole. Thus the bay is ringed with a series of powerful fortresses, from the fort of La Rocca at the southern end of the bay to the mighty citadel of Forte Filippo at the northern end. Further afield, there are some lovely walks around the Argentario Peninsula with superb views over the sea over to the Isola del [[Giglio]]. | The Spanish, who controlled the Peninsula in the 16th century, recognized the strategic significance of the natural harbour of Porto Ercole. Thus the bay is ringed with a series of powerful fortresses, from the fort of La Rocca at the southern end of the bay to the mighty citadel of Forte Filippo at the northern end. Further afield, there are some lovely walks around the Argentario Peninsula with superb views over the sea over to the Isola del [[Giglio]]. | ||
| - | + | [[Image:PortoErcoleTown.jpg|350px|thumb|right| '''Porto Ercole, with the castle of La Rocca''' <br/>''Click for larger view'']] | |
===Grocery & Supply Stores=== | ===Grocery & Supply Stores=== | ||
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==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
Links to relevant websites. | Links to relevant websites. | ||
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==References & Publications== | ==References & Publications== | ||
Publications, Guides, etc. | Publications, Guides, etc. | ||
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==''Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)''== | ==''Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)''== | ||
''Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated'': | ''Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated'': | ||
Revision as of 18:10, 7 December 2010
Porto Ercole, Italy
 (Click links for more information)
| |
 | 42°23.6′N, 11°12.68′E |
|---|---|
 | Photo gallery |
 | Local chartlet |
Click for larger view
The shallow harbour of Porto Ercole lies on the E side of the prominent Argentario peninsula on the Tuscan coast of Italy. The island of Giglio lies 12 miles WSW and the island of Elba just over 40 miles NW. The harbour here has over 800 berths on a series of privately managed pontoons. The harbour gets very busy during the summer season and it can be difficult to find space here. The Marina di Cala Galera half a mile N of Porto Ercole offers an alternative berthing possibility. The town’s main claim to fame is that it was almost certainly here that the celebrated artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio died on his way back to Rome from long exile in 1610. Remains discovered in the ossuary of the church of Sant’ Erasmo were demonstrated in 2010 using DNA and other scientific testing to be those of the revolutionary painter.
Charts
- British Admiralty 1999
- Italian charts 913, 122, 5, 6
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Local Weather
The prevailing winds along the Tuscan coast are from NW or W and are mostly moderate, rarely rising above force 5. Close inshore, a yacht will often encounter SE or even S winds, especially around the offshore islands, or long periods of calm. A depression passing to the N along the line of the Alps will sometimes cause a libeccio, a strong SW wind that occasionally reaches gale force and causes a heavy swell. In winter, the tramontana is a very strong N or NE wind that blows down off the Alps and can affect most of the NW coast of Italy.
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 are broadcast from stations at La Garde (Toulon), Roma and Cagliari (Sardinia).
The rocky outcrop of the Argentario Peninsula dominates the flat land to either side and is visible from some distance off. The entrance to Porto Ercole is difficult to spot until it is almost abeam. A small islet immediately S of the headland of Punta Santa Barbara is a useful landmark in the approach. Once past the island (passage inside is possible in calm weather), the fortress of La Rocca and its white lighthouse structure is clearly visible on the headland marking the southern end of the harbour. Entry to the harbour is from NE between a breakwater oriented NNW and the headland at the northern end of the bay.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
The five pontoons are each operated by private concessions and it is unlikely a yacht in transit will find a berth there during busy periods. Smaller yachts in transit (maximum 12 metres, maximum draught 1.5 metres) can moor towards the outer end of the breakwater, where transit berthing is allowed for up to three days. Larger yachts will have to enquire at one of the pontoons (the centre pontoon has the greatest depth - 3.5 metres) or at the quay at the S side of the harbour (2.0 metres) for a berth. If there is space, the best berths are on the short T at the end of each pontoon, where there is room for 2/3 yachts on laid moorings.
Offshore Islands and Groups
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Anchorages
The most sheltered anchorage in all but strong E winds is just N of Marina di Cala Galera, where a yacht can anchor in 3.0 - 5.0 metres. Holding is good in sand and mud.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
Slipway (500 T). Mobile crane (25 T). Fixed crane (5 T). Engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Wood and fiberglass repairs. Sail repairs. Divers.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel station on the jetty just N of the pontoons (0730 - 0930 summer only). Water and electricity on some of the pontoons (not at every berth).
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The Spanish, who controlled the Peninsula in the 16th century, recognized the strategic significance of the natural harbour of Porto Ercole. Thus the bay is ringed with a series of powerful fortresses, from the fort of La Rocca at the southern end of the bay to the mighty citadel of Forte Filippo at the northern end. Further afield, there are some lovely walks around the Argentario Peninsula with superb views over the sea over to the Isola del Giglio.
Click for larger view
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Supermarket and good provisions shopping in the town.
- Fish market on the quay.
Eateries
- Good restaurants in the town
Internet/WiFi
None.
Laundry
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Garbage Disposal
Bins near both harbours.
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
- The Via Aurelia (E80) runs along the coast at the base of the Argentario Peninsula, 12 kilometres E of Santo Stefano.
- Train station at Orbetello, 11 kilometers E of Santo Stefano. Trains to Rome and Pisa.
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:
- Data compiled from web research (please update if possible)--Athene of Lymington 14:13, 7 December 2010 (UTC)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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