Taormina
From CruisersWiki
| Taormina
| |
     
| |
 Taormina |
Taormina on the E coast of Sicily is one of the most spectacularly sited towns in the whole of Italy, lying on a steep bluff at the foot of Monte Tauro and offering magnificent views over the sea and the brooding, often snow-capped bulk of Mount Etna 28 kilometres to the SW. The town and the beaches lying below it are packed during July and August and it can be a relief to return to peace and quiet on your anchored yacht (there is no harbour at Taormina).
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 1941 - Capo Passero to Capo Colonne
- 1018 - Approach to Stretto Messina
- Italian
- 918
Weather
The prevailing winds around the Aeolian Islands during the summer tend to be from NW or NE, although in calm weather sea breezes can be encountered from any direction blowing onto and between the islands. While infrequent, gales are not unknown during the spring and early summer and careful forward planning is necessary as there are only two harbours which offer adequate shelter (and even then, not in strong southerlies). In winter, the gregale is a strong NE wind that can affect the whole of the island group and blow for several days.
Sources for weather forecasts:
- There is a continuous (computerized 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)
Passages
See Aegean to West Mediterranean Passages.
Islands
None.
Communication
Add here VHF channel for coastguard, harbor masters. etc.
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
The town of Taormina is unmistakable on its high terraces under Monte Tauro. A Saracen castle above the town is also very conspicuous. There is no harbour at Taormina, but in settled weather, a yacht may anchor in one of the five anchorages off the town and visit by dinghy. In winds of any strength from S or E the anchorages are uncomfortable and in gales or near-gales untenable.
Berthing
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Giardini Naxos
Giardini Naxos is a small harbour at the southern end of Taormina Bay.
Moor alongside the central portion of the jetty in 3.0 - 4.0 metres, avoiding the 
sunken wreck [[Taormina#sunken wreck|sunken wreck]] lying just off it. There is space here for up to four yachts. Alternatively, moor on one of the four floating pontoons if there is space (June to September only). Depths range from 1.3 metres on the innermost to 4.5 metres on the outermost pontoon. Water and electricity are usually available on the pontoons.
- [email protected]; Tel: +39 (95) 0930628; Mob: +39 (392) 198 2811; VHF channel XX
- Address:
- Hours:
Anchorages
All the anchorages below should be used in settled weather only. If strong winds are forecast from east or south it is wise to head for refuge in Messina or Catania. All the anchorages are very busy with water sports and maybe partly buoyed off for swimming in summer. The anchorages are listed from north to south.
Taormina Bay
Taormina Bay is the wide bay south of Capo Taormina.
Anchor towards the centre of the bay in 5.0 - 10.0 metres on sand. Good holding. There are also around 20 orange buoys in place from June to September suitable for boats up to 140 ft. Reservations can be made with George Rizzo +39 335 82 24656 Yacht Hotel. While somewhat expensive, they provide security in the swell that can develop and most importantly they provide dinghy service which is valuable as it is difficult to leave a dinghy along the beach.Isola Bella
San Andrea Cove
This cove is between Capo S. Andrea and Isola Bella.
Anchor in 5.0 - 8.0 metres on sand and rock. The bottom has some large rocks and a trip line may be advisable.Mazzaro Bay
Mazzaro Bay is small cove north of Capo S. Andrea. Beware rocky shoals on the north side of the bay and off the headland on the northern side.
The safest approach is to the landward side of Mazzaro Rock south of the entrance to the cove. Anchor in 4.0 - 6.0 metres on the south side of the bay. The holding is good in sand and rock.Amenities
| Facilities | |
|---|---|
| Water | None, unless you can get on the pontoons at Giardini Naxos |
| Electricity | None, unless you can get on the pontoons at Giardini Naxos |
| Toilets | ? |
| Showers | ? |
| Laundry | ? |
| Garbage | Yacht Hotel will dispose of your garbage |
| Supplies | |
| Fuel | None, unless you can get on the pontoons at Giardini Naxos |
| Bottled gas | ? |
| Chandlers | None |
| Services | |
| Repairs | None |
| Internet | None |
| Mobile connectivity | ? |
| Vehicle rentals | Rental outlets in Taormina |
Provisioning
In Taormina, but a long haul back to the anchorages.
Eating out
All one could wish for in Taormina.
- Il Barcailo 37:51.4 15:18.1 is in a pretty cove you can dinghy to. Food is excellent.
Transportation
List transportation (local and/or international.)
Tourism
History
Settled by Greeks in the 5th century BC, who built the superbly sited theatre, the town was subsequently occupied by the Romans and became the Sicilian capital under Byzantine rule until its virtual destruction by Saracen invaders at the beginning of the 10th century. Enough of the town’s historic architecture survives, however, along with its spectacular site, to make Taormina a magnet for tourists from all over the world.
Places to Visit
The town of Taormina is a ‘must visit’ site, not least for its wonderfully sited Teatro Greco. In spite of its name a Roman theatre, the natural amphitheatre in which is it built affords superb views down over Taormina and its anchorages and across to Mount Etna. The town itself revolves around one long street, Corso Umberto, which runs between two gates at either end of the old town walls and is lined with upmarket shops and souvenir patisseries. Don’t miss the magnificent view from the terrace at the end. Some interesting Moorish palaces too. The gardens of the Villa Comunale, with their beautiful collection of plants and flowers, are a delight to explore or use as a picnic venue. Finally, there are several Moorish and later Norman palaces along and near Corso Umberto which are worth at least a look or even a visit if they are open.
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
References
See Italy.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Taormina and this page's details validated:
- August 2003 --Athene of Lymington 16:11, 12 August 2010 (UTC)
- July 2016 --Monterey
| This is a usable page of the cruising guide. However, please contribute if you can to help it grow further. Click on Comments to add your personal notes on this page or to discuss its contents. Alternatively, if you feel confident to edit the page, click on the edit tab at the top and enter your changes directly. |
 Contributors to this page |
|---|
|
Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington, Monterey |
