Vulcano

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WorldMediterraneanMaltaItalySicilyAeolian IslandsVulcano
Vulcano
38°23.950'N, 014°58.260'E Chart icon.png
lat=38.39917 | lon=14.971 | zoom=12 | y
VulcanoLipari.jpg
Magnify-clip.png
Vulcano looking over Porto Ponente to Lipari'

Vulcano is the southernmost of the Aeolian Islands, lying less than a mile due S of Lipari. Known as Thermessa by the Greeks in view of its many hot springs, it was the Romans who gave the island its present name after Vulcan, god of fire, thus adding a new generic term to the language. Of the island's three original volcanos, only two remain active. A small underwater volcano on the east coast at the bay of Porto di Levante has created the hot mud baths on the shore popular with oflactorally challenged tourists, while the largest, Gran Cratere, looms over the island's northern end, its active fumaroles sending constant clouds of sulfurous steam into the air. The island has two anchorages, Porto di Ponente and Porto di Levante, which offer reasonable shelter in strong winds from NE/SE and NW/SW respectively.

Charts

British Admiralty
172 - Isole Eolie
Italian
915

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 are 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 Mediterranean.

Communication

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Navigation

There are no hazards in the approaches to Vulcano, although there are gusts off the land and in the channel between Volcano and Lipari in strong NW winds.

Berthing

Visiting yachts normally anchor in one of the island's two anchorages, Porto di Ponente Porto di Levante and Porto di Ponente, depending on wind direction. Both anchorages offer good holding in mud in depths ranging from 3.0 to 8.0 metres.

Ports

Mud bunnies and anchorage at Porto di Levante

Porto di Levante

Porto di Levante/wiki/Vulcano#Porto_di_Levante
Harbour icon Porto di Levante [[Vulcano#Porto di Levante|Porto di Levante]] (Vulcano) 38°24.928'N, 014°57.783'E
The bay of Porto di Levante, on the east side of the promontory, is also the main ferry terminal for the island. It is the best place to be in westerlies but is open to winds from NE round to SE. Either anchor moor on the quay in depths of 3.0 – 4.0 metres, clear of the pier where the hydrofoils and ferries berth, or anchor off in the bay to the north of the ferry pier. Depths here range from 3.0 – 10.0 metres and holding is good in mud. It is rather uncomfortable on the quay with regular ferry wash and in most circumstances, you are better off anchoring.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

Porto di Ponente anchorage

Porto di Ponente

Porto di Ponente/wiki/Vulcano#Porto_di_Ponente
Anchorage icon Porto di Ponente [[Vulcano#Porto di Ponente|Porto di Ponente]] 38°25.163'N, 014°57.259'E
Porto di Ponente lies on the west side of the promontory jutting out towards Lipari at the N tip of Vulcano. It offers good shelter in all winds except from W round to N, when Porto di Levante is better sheltered. The entrance is between two sets of rocky pinnacles framing the cove. Anchor in 4.0 – 8.0 metres wherever there is space. The bottom is sand and mud and good holding once your anchor is dug in.

Amenities

Facilities
Water Water can be obtained on the quay in Porto di Levante
Electricity Electricity can be obtained on the quay in Porto di Levante
Toilets ?
Showers ?
Laundry N/A (Not Available).
Garbage Some bins near the ferry pier. Preferable, however, to take it with you
Supplies
Fuel ?
Bottled gas ?
Chandlers N/A
Services
Repairs Mobile crane (20 T) and slipway. Limited repair facilities only.

Pignataro marina on Lipari, with a mobile crane (70 T) and basic engine and electrical repair services, is the best spot for yachts in difficulty.

Internet Wifi reported on the quay in Porto di Levante
Mobile connectivity ?
Vehicle rentals N/A

Provisioning

Limited provisions shops in the town.

Eating out

There are a few small restaurants ashore in the village, which straddles the isthmus between the two anchorages.

Transportation

Ferries to Lipari and the mainland of Sicily.

Tourism

Fumaroles of Gran Cratere overlooking Lipari

Vulcano's greatest attraction is the walk up to the summit of Gran Cratere, which can be undertaken by all but the frailest. The summit has wonderful views of Lipari and the other islands and is dotted with an impressive collection of sulfur-laden fumaroles, testifying to the still active nature of the volcano (it has not erupted since 1890). In Porto di Levante the main attraction for those wishing to 'get down and dirty' is the mudbaths on the beach, where for a small charge you can smear yourself with foul-smelling mud then sit baking in the sun like a contented hippo. Not, however, recommended for those with sensitive olfactory organs.

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 & 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 Vulcano and this page's details validated:



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Names: Athene of Lymington, LifePart2


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