Porto Santa Margherita

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Revision as of 20:55, 10 June 2015

Porto Santa Margherita, Italy

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	45°35.1′N, 12°52.08′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet
Porto Santa Margherita - Click for larger view]]

Porto Santa Margherita is a huge, purpose-built leisure development and marina complex at the mouth of the river Livenza on the Adriatic coast of Italy near the town of Caorle, eight miles NE of Cortellazzo and six miles SW of the entrance to Portobaseleghe on the Litoranea Veneta. The development contains a marina, Marina 4, and a further marina, Darsena dell’Orologio, provides additional berthing 1400 metres up a side canal towards the town of Caorle. Between them the marinas provide a total of 930 berths for yachts up to 22 metres. Depths over the bar at the river entrance are around 3.0 - 3.5 metres only at low water and entrance is inadvisable with draft of 2.0 metres or more except close to high water and in settled conditions. In any event, it is preferable to enter Porto Santa Margherita on a rising tide in case of silting.

Charts

British Admiralty

204

Italian

924

38

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Local Weather

During the summer months the prevailing winds in the Adriatic are light to moderate coastal seabreezes. In spring and autumn, northerly winds are more frequent and can quickly rise to near gale force, especially in the northern Adriatic, where the much-feared “bora” is caused by high pressure over the mountains to the NE coupled with low pressure over southern Italy. Fortunately, the fiercest “bora” is normally to be expected in the winter months. Thunderstorms are occasionally experienced in spring and especially autumn and can be accompanied by violent winds of gale force and above. Luckily they are rarely long-lasting. Fog is a further hazard often encountered in the lagoon of Venice, especially in the early and late season.

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 covering the Adriatic are broadcast from stations at Roma, Trieste, Kerkyra (Greece) and Split (Croatia)

Approach and Navigation

The entrance to the river Livenza lies at 45°35.1′N, 12°52.08′E. The entrance is protected by two 500-metre long converging breakwaters. The entrance is prone to silting and depths are currently (June 2015) around 3.0 - 3.5 metres at low water. Entry should therefore only be attempted close to high water and on a rising tide and never in strong onshore winds. Beware of the seasonal ferry (April - September) that exits the river at speed. Marina 4 is situated 400 metres upstream on the port side of the channel. Access is along a narrow channel through a pair of lock gates (used to maintain depths in the marina) with a width of 7.4 metres. For Darsena dell’Orologio, take the right fork in the river 100 metres beyond Marina 4 into the Canale dell’Orologio and follow the channel for a further 1400 metres. The basin of Darsena dell’Orologio is to starboard, close to the town of Caorle and is accessed via a very narrow gate.

Berthing Options

The two berthing options are:

• Marina 4 with 450 berths for yachts up to 22 metres in depths of 2.5 - 3.5 metres, and
• Darsena dell’Orologio with 480 berths for yachts up to 20 metres in depths of 3.0 metres

Click on the appropriate link for details.

Anchorages

Anchoring in the river is not recommended.

Offshore Islands and Groups

None.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

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

Repairs/Yards

See marina entries for details.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

See marina entries for details.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Caorle cathedral has an 11th century belltower
Click for larger view

The old town of Caorle is fully pedestrianised
Click for larger view

Caorle boasts miles of beaches
Click for larger view

Porto Santa Margherita is essentially a huge leisure development and, although well provided with shops, has very little of tourist interest. However, the old town of Caorle is more historic and is a pleasant 30-45 minute walk from Marina 4 along the canalised river or 25 minutes along the seafront. Darsena dell’Orologio is to the N of the old town, about 10-15 minutes walk. The 11th century cathedral of Caorle has an unusual cylindrical belltower and some notable paintings from the Venetian school. At the end of the beach is the charming little church of Santuario della Madonna dell'Angelo, built to house a statue of the Virgin caught in their nets by a group of fishermen in the 7th century.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Supermarket and good provisions shops close to Marina 4.
• Provisions shops 10-15minutes from Darsena dell’Orologio.

Eateries

• Numerous bars and restaurants in Porto Margherita.
• Huge choice in old town of Caorle.
• Ristorante Antico Petronia in old town is highly recommended for seafood pasta. --Athene of Lymington

Internet/WiFi

At Marina 4 ( a charge is made).

Laundry

Free laundry at Marina 4.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Rental outlets in Porto Santa Margherita and Caorle.

Garbage Disposal

Bins at the marina.

Transportation

• A ferry shuttle operates to carry cars and foot passengers across the river between Porto Margherita and Caorle from 0730 to 2200.

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

See Italy.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

• Marina 4 is a good option for overnighting along this coast and is 40 per cent cheaper than Lignano Sabbiadoro. --Athene of Lymington

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

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

• June 2015 --Athene of Lymington

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