Villanova di Ostuni
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| Villanova di Ostuni
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 Villanova harbour - Click for larger view |
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The small harbour of Villanova lies on the Adriatic coast of Italy 22 miles NW of the port of Brindisi and 10 kilometres N of the town of Ostuni on the ‘heel’ of the Italian peninsula. While the harbour is relatively shallow and usually busy, a yacht with modest draught can usually find a berth here on the pontoons run by the Italian Lega Navale. Shelter here is good in all conditions except strong easterlies, when a very uncomfortable swell develops.
Local Weather
During the summer months the prevailing winds in the Adriatic are light to moderate coastal seabreezes. In spring and autumn, northerly winds are more frequent and can quickly rise to near gale force, especially in the northern Adriatic, where the much-feared “bora” is caused by high pressure over the mountains to the NE coupled with low pressure over southern Italy. Fortunately, the fiercest “bora” is normally to be expected in the winter months. Thunderstorms are occasionally experienced in spring and especially autumn and can be accompanied by violent winds of gale force and above. Luckily they are rarely long-lasting. In the southern Adriatic, the “scirocco”, a S/SE wind blowing up from North Africa which can last for several days, is more common. Unlike the “bora”, which can arrive without warning, a “scirocco” tends to build in strength over 24-48 hours, sometimes reaching gale force (especially in winter).
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 covering the Adriatic are broadcast from stations at Roma, Trieste, Kerkyra (Greece) and Split (Croatia)
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 186
- Italian
- 920
- 29
- 30
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
There are numerous rocky shoals along the coast and a yacht should keep at least half a mile offshore in the approach. The harbour breakwater and a conspicuous square tower on the headland SE of the entrance will be seen when closer in. Entrance to the harbour is from due E. Beware of a dangerous rock, usually just awash, that lies around 200 metres E of the entrance, close to the approach line. Depths in the harbour entrance are 3.0 - 5.0 metres and in the port from 1.5 to 3.0 metres.
Berthing Options
There are three pontoons in the harbour extending from the S and SW sides. The two westernmost pontoons are private. The larger, easternmost pontoons just inside the short breakwater are run by the Italian Lega Navale. There are around 250 berths here for vessels up to 18.0 metres. Members of the Lega Navale can berth here for up to three days without charge. Non-members are accepted in adverse weather conditions or if there is no alternative space in the harbour. Try calling the Lega Navale on VHF channel 73 or telephone: +39 0831 359277. Laid moorings on the pontoons. Water and electricity. Toilets and showers at the Lega Navale.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Anchorages
None.
Offshore Islands and Groups
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 (20 T). Basic engine and electrical repairs. Fiberglass hull repairs. Sail repairs. Divers.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel by tanker. Water and electricity on the pontoons of the Lega Navale.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
There is little of real interest in Villanova except some 16th century coastal defensive towers. However, the town of Ostuni 10 km S of the harbour is a gem, its citadel perched atop a hill and still retaining its defensive walls. It is referred to locally as ‘La Citta Blanca’ in view of its numerous white-painted old buildings. The citadel contains numerous palazzi as well as a cathedral and bishop’s palace.
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Provisions shops in the town. Better supplies in Ostuni.
Eateries
- Restaurants and pizzerias in the town.
Internet/WiFi
None.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
- Rental outlets in Ostuni.
Garbage Disposal
Bins at the harbour.
Transportation
- Buses to Ostuni and other local destinations.
- Local flights to Rome, Naples, Milan, Bolgona and Pisa from Brindisi airport.
- Trains to Bari, Lecce and Taranto and most major cities from Ostuni.
Routes/Passages To/From
See Adriatic.
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
- Ostuni at Wikipedia
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 web research (please update if possible) --Athene of Lymington 13:07, 24 December 2010 (UTC)
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Names: Athene of Lymington |
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