Tropea

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Revision as of 13:09, 24 January 2013

Tropea, Italy

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	38°40.81′N, 15°54.31′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet
Tropea harbour from SW - Click for larger view

The town and harbour of Tropea lie on the Calabrian coast of Italy, along the instep of the peninsula, some 35 miles NE of the Straits of Messina and 10 miles W of Vibo Valentia. Settled as far back as the Neolithic age, the town was already well established by the Hellenic period; numerous burials dating back to the 7th and 9th centuries BC have been unearthed here. During the Roman period the town rejoiced in the name of Portus Herculis, having been founded in Roman belief by the eponymous hero. After changing hands over the centuries between the Saracens established in Sicily and the Byzantines, Tropea finally fell under the dominion of the Normans, who built the town’s impressive cathedral in the 12th century. Today Tropea is a busy and lively beach resort and its modern harbour accommodates over 600 yachts of up to 50 metres. Together with Vibo Valentia it is a popular stopping-off point for yachts bound to and from the Straits of Messina, Sicily and the Aeolian Islands.

Local Weather

Winds along the Calabrian Coast of Italy are generally light in the summer months. The most notable feature is a SW seabreeze that kicks in in late morning and blows at little more than Force 2 - 4 until the evening. Thundery conditions are not infrequent during early Spring and Autumn, and associated winds can sometimes reach gale force and kick up a substantial sea. In winter, gales can blow from both NW and S and entry to and exit from some of the harbours along the coast can become hazardous.

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 are broadcast from stations at La Garde (Toulon), Roma and Cagliari (Sardinia)

Charts

British Admiralty

1976

Italian

915

13

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Approach and Navigation

There are no dangers in the approach from N. A yacht approaching from S should keep at least a mile offshore after rounding Capo Vaticano to avoid isolated reefs off the shoreline. Once closer in, the town of Tropea on top of its steep cliffs is conspicuous. The harbour entrance is subject to silting, especially the area immediately S of the end of the breakwater, where depths can be less than 2.0 metres. A yacht should therefore keep inshore, close to the inner harbour mole, where depths are 6.0 metres. Be alert to tripper boats leaving at speed for the Aeolian Islands from the inner mole. Shelter is good here in most conditions, although strong NE winds cause a surge.

Berthing options

Inside the harbour there are three long pontoons in the inner basin (to port on entry) and six further short pontoons laid perpendicular to the breakwater. The pontoons and associated quays provide berths for up to 650 vessels of up to 50 metres. It is unknown whether any are reserved for yachts in transit. Visiting yachts are most likely to be assigned a berth on the three inner pontoons if there is space. Laid moorings on all pontoons. Depths on the pontoons are from 2.5 - 4.0 metres and along the breakwater from 2.5 - 6.0 metres. There are water and electricity points on all the pontoons. Toilets and showers. Wifi.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Anchorages

It is possible to anchor in the harbour (in extreme weather conditions only) in depths of 4.0 - 5.0 metres. Holding is good in mud and sand.

Offshore Islands and Groups

• Aeolian Islands.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

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

Repairs/Yards

Boatyard. Travel lift. Hard standing. Slipway. Mobile crane. Engine, electrical and electronic repairs. All kinds of hull repairs.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel station on the quay (0930 - 1830 summer only). Water and electricity points on the pontoons.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The town of Tropea was constructed in a solid defensive position on top of steepling chalk cliffs. The walk up the steep steps from the harbour for a visit is well worthwhile. There are numerous old churches and palazzi in the town and the views down over the beach and across to the islet of Isola Bella with its Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria are superb. The 12th century Norman castle and the bishop’s palace with its collection of religious art are worth exploring.

Tropea town on its rocky cliffs
Click for larger view

Isola Bella and its monastery of Santa Maria
Click for larger view

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Minimarket at the harbour
• Better provisions shops up in the town.
• Tropea is famous for its red onions.

Eateries

• Restaurant and pizzeria near the harbour

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

Yes (in the harbour).

Motorbike & Car Rentals

None.

Garbage Disposal

Some bins around the harbour.

Transportation

• The E45 autostrada passes around 28 kilometres E of the harbour.
• Trains to Reggio di Calabria, Naples and Rome from Tropea station.

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?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

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

• Data compiled from internet research (please update if possible)--Athene of Lymington 16:26, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

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