Portovenere
From CruisersWiki
Portovenere, Italy
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 | 44°03.03′N, 09°50.24′E |
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 | Photo gallery |
 | Local chartlet |
Click for larger view
The small harbour of Portovenere lies at the western entrance to the gulf of La Spezia on the Ligurian coast of Italy, on the E side of the promontory of Punta San Pietro opposite the island of Palmaria. Originally a fishing settlement during the Roman era, it was later fortified by the Genoese as a naval base in the 12th century. Lord Byron, the notorious English poet, once swam across the Gulf of La Spezia from here to the town of Lerici, a distance of over four miles. Today, its picturesque harbour provides moorings for around 30 yachts along its quays. It is invariably busy during the summer months and a yacht may need to anchor off in the bay or at Isola Palmaria.
Charts
- British Admiralty 1998 - Nice to Livorno
- Italian charts 909, 115, 3
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Local Weather
The prevailing winds along the western part of the Ligurian coast during the summer are a SW or SE seabreeze, which rarely gets up much above force 4-5. Along the eastern part of the coast, the winds tend to come more from W or NW and are again usually little more than moderate. While infrequent, gales are not unknown during the spring and early summer and are typically caused by depressions further west in the Golfe du Lion which bring strong N winds as they move further E. In winter, the tramontana, a strong N wind off the Alps, is more frequent, although the libecchio is a strong SW wind that can affect the whole of the Ligurian coast and blow for several days, causing heavy seas.
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 La Garde (Toulon), Roma and Cagliari (Sardinia).
The harbour lies under a mile NE of the promontory of Punta San Pietro, on the end of which sits the conspicuous church of the same name. In calm weather, a yacht can pass through the channel between the promontory and the island of Palmaria immediately to the SE. Keep to the centre of the channel, where there are least depths of 4.0 metres at the NE end. Overhead cables pass over the channel, with a least height of 24 metres. The breakwaters of the harbour are visible where the channel opens out into the Gulf of La Spezia.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
Call Portovenere on VHF channel 09. For advance reservations, telephone on +39 0187 793042 or e-mail [email protected]. There are 32 moorings in the harbour, of which just six are designated for yachts in transit (the pontoons to the N of the harbour are for local residents only). Maximum length 50 metres. Depths in the harbour range from 2.0 to 4.0 metres. Depths shallow to just 1.0 metre off the beach. Shelter in the harbour is good. Toilets and showers.
Offshore Islands and Groups
- Isola Palmaria
- Isola Tino
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
- The nearest safe anchorage is at Isola Palmaria, where a yacht can anchor in one of the bays on the N or E coast of the island, depending on wind direction.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
Limited repairs. Fixed crane (5 T).
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel in the town only. Water and electricity available in the harbour.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The small harbour, surrounded by tall, pastel-coloured houses, is extremely picturesque. The walk out to the historic church of San Pietro at the end of the promontory is a must. The church was built by the Genoese in the 13th century on the site of a former Roman temple to Venus (hence Portovenere). In the town, the Romanesque cathedral of San Lorenzo contains several notable works of art. Overlooking the town is the powerful fortress of Castello Doria, reminding the observer of the strategic importance of the town in earlier times.
Click for larger view
Click for larger view
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Reasonable provisions in the town
Eateries
- Several trattorias and bars along the waterfront and in the town.
Internet/WiFi
No.
Laundry
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Garbage Disposal
Bins near the harbour.
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 (please update if possible)--Athene of Lymington 12:14, 1 December 2010 (UTC)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | Italy | Portovenere | |
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