Sciacca

From CruisersWiki

Sciacca is situated about 30 miles NW of Porto Empedocle and a similar distance SE of Mazara del Vallo in Sicily. The large commercial harbour lying below the bluff on which the town sits has three pontoons for leisure craft on its western side.

Charts

Admiralty

2123 - Capo Granitola to Capo Passero

Italian

916

Weather

The prevailing wind on the south coast of Sicily during the summer is a SW sea breeze, which rarely gets up much above force 4-5. Most of the harbours along the south coast are liable to swell in strong southerly winds which are, however, rare outside the winter months.

• From May to September, possibility of fog banks with SE winds. -- s/v Seatern 04:41, 3 October 2013 (BST)

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 Cruiser's Nets

Navigation

No hazards in the approach, although Sciacca is a busy fishing harbour and fishing vessels often enter and exit at speed. The harbour is entered from NNW. The yacht pontoons are to port once inside the entrance. Depths in the basin are 5.0 - 7.0 metres.

Warning: From May to September, possibility of fog banks with SE winds.

Berthing

There are three pontoons for yachts, one with 150 berths operated by the Circulo Nautico di Corallo and two operated by the Italian Lega Navale with 300 berths. Both can accommodate yachts in transit of up to 20 metres, subject to availability. Try Circulo Nautico di Corallo on VHF channel 14 or Lega Navale on VHF channel 12. During the season, it is likely that an ormeggiator (mooring attendant) will be on hand to help you moor and relieve you of a small gratuity.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Anchorages

Nearest secure anchorage is at Porto Empedocle.

Amenities

Facilities
Water	On the pontoons
Electricity	On the pontoons
Toilets	In both marinas
Showers	In Lega Navale Italiana
Laundry	In Lega Navale Italiana
Garbage	Bins on the parking lot just outside the marinas
Supplies
Fuel	Fuel station on the western quay south of the pontoons (0800 - 2000)
Bottled gas	?
Chandlers	?
Services
Repairs	Slipway. Fixed and mobile cranes. Engine, electrical and electronic repairs. Wood and fiberglass repairs. Divers
Internet	WiFi in Lega Navale Italiana
Mobile connectivity	?
Vehicle rentals	?

Provisioning

• Good supermarkets and provisions shops in the town
• Supermarket just on the other side of the road/parking lot of Lega Navale Italiana (200 meters). -- s/v Seatern 04:34, 3 October 2013 (BST)

Eating out

• Many good trattorias in the old town.
• The Ristorante Miramar has great views of the harbour and does a good spaghetti alla vongole --Athene of Lymington 16:44, 29 October 2010 (UTC).

Transportation

List transportation (local and/or international.)

Tourism

History

Sciacca was originally a 5th century BC Greek settlement named Thermae after the hot springs in the area, the town was later occupied by the Saracens, who laid out the early street plan and constructed the defensive walls in the 9th century AD. The town was subsequently further expanded by the Normans and it is their mediaeval street layout that mostly survives today.

Places to Visit

• The old town, Terravecchia, built on the bluff overlooking the harbour, still retains its mediaeval street plan and is well worth the climb from the port. Around its numerous squares are interesting 15th and 16th century palaces, a 12th century cathedral, some grand baroque houses and shops selling colourful local ceramics. The town is also a good base for a visit to the magnificent Doric temple at Selinunte 20 km to the west.
• Also worth a visit is the nearby Terme (hot bath). -- s/v Seatern 04:36, 3 October 2013 (BST)

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

• Sciacca at the Wikipedia
• Sciacca at the Wikivoyage
• Sciacca (Pagine Azzurre)

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 Sciacca and this page's details validated:

• May 2004 --Athene of Lymington 16:44, 29 October 2010 (UTC)
• September 2013 --s/v Seatern 04:31, 3 October 2013 (BST)

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, s/v Seatern