San Vito lo Capo
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San Vito lo Capo, Sicily, Italy
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 | 38°10.77′N, 12°44.28′E |
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San Vito lo Capo is a small resort town and harbour on the NW coast of Sicily, some 21 miles NE of Trapani and 18 miles NW of Castellammare del Golfo. Nestling at the foot of the huge Monte Cofano, its beach is one of the finest on the island. The town is best known for its couscous festival during the third week of September, when chefs from eight countries compete to produce the most engaging example of this famous North African dish. The small 'marina' here is a handy port of call for yachts cruising along the north coast of Sicily or on passage to or from Sardinia.
Charts
- British Admiralty 2122 - Bizerte to Capo San Marco
- Italian chart 916
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Local Weather
The prevailing wind on the north coast of Sicily during the summer is a NW seabreeze, which rarely gets up much above force 4-5. While infrequent, gales are not unknown during the spring and early summer and send a heavy swell down onto the north coast. In such conditions, Capo San Vito is a fearsome place to round, especially to windward. In winter, the gregale is a strong NE wind that can affect the whole of the island and blow for several days.
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).
The tall lighthouse on Capo San Vito is visible from several miles off. The headland on which it stands should be given a clearance of at least a mile, especially if approaching from the direction of Trapani. There are shoals extending ¾ mile N of the cape. In strong winds a very confused sea is raised around the cape, which could be dangerous to a small yacht. Once clear of the cape, the breakwaters of San Vito are conspicuous from 2-3 miles off. The harbour is entered from SE between the long northern and shorter southern breakwaters. The better water is towards the northern breakwater.
Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)
Try calling on VHF channel 09 or 16 for berthing instructions on entering the harbour. Alternatively, mill around until you are hailed. Visiting yachts are berthed wherever there is space on one of the five privately operated pontoons. Laid moorings, water and electricity at all berths. Total of 400 berths in depths of 2.0 - 6.0 metres. Maximum length 40 metres. Toilets and showers.
Offshore Islands and Groups
None.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Anchorages
In settled weather, anchor in the bay SE of the harbour in 4.0 - 5.0 metres. Holding is good in sand.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Marine Stores
Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.
Repairs/Yards
Slipway. Some engine and electrical repairs. Divers.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel station on the northern breakwater with depths of 3.0 metres alongside open 0800 - 2000). Water and electricity at all pontoon berths.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
San Vito’s most spectacular asset is its mile-long golden sand beach, which attracts hordes of Italian tourists in July and August. At its northern end, Monte Cofano offers some challenging rock-climbing for experienced climbers. To the south is the Rieserva naturalle dello zingaro, the first natural reserve to be established in Sicily, which extends nearly seven kilometers along the unspoilt coastline of the Gulf of Castellammare. The town itself is not unattractive, with its slightly Moorish feel enhanced by the numerous palm trees. The main street has an impressive Norman church built like a fortress. San Vito is also a useful base for hiring transport to visit the wonderful Doric temple at Segesta.
 Harbour of San Vito |
 San Vito beach |
 Norman church, San Vito |
 San Vito street scene |
Grocery & Supply Stores
Reasonable shopping for provisions in the town.
Eateries
Several good restaurants along the main street. Cous cous is a speciality here.
Internet/WiFi
Available?
Laundry
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Rental outlets in the town.
Garbage Disposal
Bins around 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:
- May 2004 --Athene of Lymington 16:55, 9 November 2010 (UTC)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | Italy | Sicily | San Vito lo Capo | |
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