Porto Palo
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Porto Palo, Sicily, Italy
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 | 36°40′N, 15°07.55′E |
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 | Local chartlet |
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The harbour of Porto Palo is situated around two miles SW of Capo Passero, the extreme SE point of Sicily. It consists of a large natural bay protected by breakwaters on the eastern and western sides, forming an anchorage much used by trawlers and other small commercial vessels. It is also popular with yachts waiting for suitable winds to head down to the Maltese archipelago sixty miles to the south. Shelter here is good from all directions except SW, when an anchored yacht will find a better protected anchorage two miles to the NE on the north side of Capo Passero.
Charts
- British Admiralty 2123 - Capo Granitola to Capo Passero
- British Admiralty 1941 - Capo Paassero to Capo Colonne
- Italian chart 917 - Da Capo Rassello ad Augusta e Isole Maltesi
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Local Weather
Prevailing winds on the east coast of Sicily are NE during the summer and on the south coast a moderate SW seabreeze predominates. Most of the harbours along the south coast are subject to swell in strong southerly winds which are, however, rare in the summer 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).
There are shallows and reefs around Capo Passero and Punta Porto Palo in the approach from NE and both should be given a clearance of at least 0.5 mile. There are similar reefs around Isola dei Correnti two mile SW, which should be given a similar clearance. There are no further dangers in the approach, although entry could be dangerous in strong southerlies. Enter close to the end of the east breakwater, leaving the red buoy off the west breakwater to port. Depths in the entrance are 6.0 - 7.0 metres and in the anchorage range from 3.5 - 6.5 metres.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
None. The eastern breakwater is quayed, and in theory a yacht may berth bows-to along the outer 50 metres, being careful to avoid the ballasting. Depths here range from 1.8 to 2.8 metres. In practice, however, most of the quay is usually full of working boats and trawlers and there is not much space for a yacht. Most yachts anchor off in 5.0 - 6.0 metres, clear of the numerous moorings on the east side of the bay. The bottom is sand and rock and reasonable holding.
Offshore Islands and Groups
Isola Capo Passero two miles NE. Isole dei Correnti two miles SW. It is possible to anchor off both with care in settled weather, but only as a lunch/swimming stop.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
In southerly or westerly winds, a yacht can anchor just north of Capo Passero inside the island, where the holding is good in sand.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Very limited.
Repairs/Yards
There is a slip and fixed and mobile cranes (30T) at the root of the quay. Limited engine and electrical repairs.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel available at the root of the quay, but difficult to get to in view of the numerous fishing boats moored here. Similarly with water, where the tap at the root of the quay is hard to access. Limited electrical points.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
Little of interest ashore.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Reasonable provisions available from the village 1.5 kilometres to the north.
Eateries
A few trattorias at the harbour and cafes along the beach.
Internet/WiFi
None.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
In the village.
Garbage Disposal
Bins at the root of the quay.
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:
- Data compiled from web research and accounts by other yachts (please update if possible) --Athene of Lymington 15:37, 27 October 2010 (UTC)-
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | Italy | Sicily | Porto Palo | |
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