Vibo Valentia

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Vibo Valentia, Italy

The harbour and town of Vibo Valentia lie on the Calabrian coast of Italy, along the ‘instep’ of the peninsula, around 45 miles NE of the Straits of Messina. Together with Tropea, it offers a useful port of call and replenishment stop for yachts sailing to or from the Straits of Messina or heading over to the Aeolian Islands. Vibo Valentia also has the best organized 'marina' operation that southbound yachts will encounter after leaving the Bay of Naples. Founded around 600 BC as the Greek colony of Hipponion, the town became a Roman colony in 194 BC, when it received its new name of Vibo Valentia. The castle which looms over the town was constructed by the Normans, using materials scavenged from ruined Greek temples on the site. Remains of the ancient Hellenic walls of the town and foundations of the defensive towers can still be seen today. Visiting yachtsmen will relish the excellent shelter provided in the town’s harbour and its well-organized berthing facilities.

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

12

134

Communication

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Islands

None.

Navigation

There are no dangers in the approach to Vibo Valentia. The chimneys and oil storage tanks of the commercial docks and the castle on the hill overlooking the harbour are visible from some distance off. The harbour is entered from ENE. Shelter is good here in most conditions, although a surge develops in strong N/NW winds.

Berthing There are several pontoons in the SE part of the harbour where a yacht may berth. Stella del Sud, Da Carmelo and Orchidea Blu are the main operators. Call on VHF channel 16 for Stella del Sud or 12 for Da Carmelo. The pontoon of Stella del Sud has a good reputation with visiting yachtsmen. It is the S-shaped one to the W of the double-E shaped pontoons of Da Carmelo. In total there are 450 berths on the various pontoons for yachts up to 55 metres. All berths on laid moorings. Depths at the pontoons range from 2.0 to 7.0 metres. Water and electricity on all pontoons. Toilets and showers at Stella del Sud and Da Carmelo. Washing machine at Stella del Sud. Larger yachts may also berth alongside on the commercial quays (with the permission of the harbourmaster) when there are no merchant vessels due in port.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

None.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

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

Repairs/Yards

Slipway. Mobile crane (40T). Engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Hull repairs (all types). Hard standing. Divers.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel station on the quay (24 hrs in summer). Water and electricity points on the pontoons.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The climb up to the castle is suitably bracing; the castle contains a museum. Some 350 metres of the walls of ancient Hipponion remain, along with the foundations of several defensive towers. The cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore e San Leoluca was constructed in the 9th century on the ruins of a Byzantine basilica. Inside is a 18th century marble high altar with a 16th century sculpture of "Madonna della Neve" and a Renaissance triptych.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Some shops around the harbour; more up in the town (15 minutes walk uphill)
• Sisa supermarket one kilometer away

Eateries

• Restaurants and pizzerias near the harbour
• Maria Rosa restaurant is good

nternet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

Washing machine at Stella del Sud.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Bins at all pontoons.

Transportation

• E45 autostrada passes within two miles of town
• Trains to Rome, Naples and Reggio di Calabria

Routes/Passages To/From

List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

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

• Vibo Valentia at the Wikipedia

References & Publications

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 Vibo Valentia and this page's details validated:

• August 2003--Athene of Lymington 16:17, 18 December 2010 (UTC)

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Contributors to this page
Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington