Taormina

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== Taormina, Sicily, Italy ==
== Taormina, Sicily, Italy ==
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| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size: smaller;" | {{Small info}} ''Click links for more information''
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size: smaller;" | {{Small info}} ''Click links for more information''
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! <center>[[image:Chart_icon.png]]</center>
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| [http://mapserver.mytopo.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=37.85&lon=15.2833333&scale=25000&type=0&zoom=100&bpid=MAP0060030900&latlontype=DMS&searchscope=int&CFID=17478611&CFTOKEN=90114837 Local chartlet]
| [http://mapserver.mytopo.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=37.85&lon=15.2833333&scale=25000&type=0&zoom=100&bpid=MAP0060030900&latlontype=DMS&searchscope=int&CFID=17478611&CFTOKEN=90114837 Local chartlet]
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|-
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{{TOCleft}}
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| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size: smaller;" | [[Image:TaorminaView.jpg|350px]]Taormina - ''Click for larger view''
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[[Image:TaorminaView.jpg|345px|thumb|right|Taormina<br/>''Click for larger view'']]
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Taormina on the E coast of [[Sicily]] is one of the most spectacularly sited towns in the whole of [[Italy]], lying on a steep bluff at the foot of Monte Tauro and offering magnificent views over the sea and the brooding, often snow-capped bulk of Mount Etna 28 kilometres to the SW.  Settled by Greeks in the 5th century BC, who built the superbly sited theatre, the town was subsequently occupied by the Romans and became the Sicilian capital under Byzantine rule until its virtual destruction by Saracen invaders at the beginning of the 10th century.  Enough of the town’s historic architecture survives, however, along with its spectacular site, to make Taormina a magnet for tourists from all over the world.  The town and the beaches lying below it are packed during July and August and it can be a relief to return to peace and quiet on your anchored yacht (there is no harbour at Taormina).
Taormina on the E coast of [[Sicily]] is one of the most spectacularly sited towns in the whole of [[Italy]], lying on a steep bluff at the foot of Monte Tauro and offering magnificent views over the sea and the brooding, often snow-capped bulk of Mount Etna 28 kilometres to the SW.  Settled by Greeks in the 5th century BC, who built the superbly sited theatre, the town was subsequently occupied by the Romans and became the Sicilian capital under Byzantine rule until its virtual destruction by Saracen invaders at the beginning of the 10th century.  Enough of the town’s historic architecture survives, however, along with its spectacular site, to make Taormina a magnet for tourists from all over the world.  The town and the beaches lying below it are packed during July and August and it can be a relief to return to peace and quiet on your anchored yacht (there is no harbour at Taormina).
==Charts==
==Charts==
-
Admiralty chart 1941 - Capo Passero to Capo Colonne; chart 1018 - Approach to Stretto Messina
+
; British Admiralty
-
 
+
: 1941 - Capo Passero to Capo Colonne
-
Italian chart 918
+
: 1018 - Approach to Stretto Messina
 +
; Italian
 +
: 918  
==Radio Nets==
==Radio Nets==
-
''Also see [[World MM Nets|World Cruiser's Nets]]''
 
*  
*  
 +
*
 +
 +
''Also see [[World MM Nets|World Cruiser's Nets]]''.
==Local Weather==
==Local Weather==
-
Prevailing winds in the Straits during the summer are from N or NW.  Southerly winds are more common in the spring and winter. In unsettled weather the Straits can be subject to very strong gusts off the land which, combined with the strong currents, can make passage dangerous for smaller yachts.  Currents at Taormina are weaker than in the Straits, although gusts will still be experienced off the high land in NW winds.
+
The prevailing winds around the Aolian Islands during the summer tend to be from NW or NE, although in calm weather seabreezes 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 is 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:
+
Sources for weather forecasts:  
* There is a continuous (computerised voice) weather forecast on VHF 68 - first in Italian and then followed with an English translation.
* 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.
+
* 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).
+
* Navtex weather forecasts are broadcast from stations at Roma, Cagliari ([[Sardinia]]) and Augusta ([[Sicily]])
==Approach and Navigation==
==Approach and Navigation==
The town of Taormina is unmistakeable on its high terraces under Monte Tauro.  A Saracen castle above the town is also very conspicuous.  There is no harbour at Taormina, but in settled weather a yacht may anchor in one of the five anchorages off the town and visit by dinghy.  In winds of any strength from S or E the anchorages are uncomfortable and in gales or near-gales untenable.
The town of Taormina is unmistakeable on its high terraces under Monte Tauro.  A Saracen castle above the town is also very conspicuous.  There is no harbour at Taormina, but in settled weather a yacht may anchor in one of the five anchorages off the town and visit by dinghy.  In winds of any strength from S or E the anchorages are uncomfortable and in gales or near-gales untenable.
-
==Berthing options==
+
==Berthing Options==
Anchorage only.
Anchorage only.
-
 
 
-
==Offshore Islands and Groups==
 
-
None.
 
-
==Marinas & Yacht Clubs==
+
===Marinas & Yacht Clubs===
None.  
None.  
-
==Anchorages==
+
===Anchorages===
All the anchorages below should be used in settled weather only.  If strong winds are forecast from east or south it is wise to head for refuge in Messina or Catania.  All the anchorages are very busy with water sports and may be partly buoyed off for swimming in summer.  The anchorages are listed from north to south.  
All the anchorages below should be used in settled weather only.  If strong winds are forecast from east or south it is wise to head for refuge in Messina or Catania.  All the anchorages are very busy with water sports and may be partly buoyed off for swimming in summer.  The anchorages are listed from north to south.  
-
* '''Mazzaro Bay'''.  A small cove north of Capo S. Andrea.  Beware rocky shoals on the north side of the bay and off the headland on the northern side.  The safest approach is to the landward side of Mazzaro Rock south of the entrance to the cove.  Anchor in 4.0 - 6.0 metres on the south side of the bay.  The holding is good in sand and rock.
+
====Mazzaro Bay====
 +
Mazzaro Bay is small cove north of Capo S. Andrea.  Beware rocky shoals on the north side of the bay and off the headland on the northern side.
-
* '''San Andrea Cove'''.  The cove between Capo S. Andrea and Isola Bella.  Anchor in 5.0 - 8.0 metres on sand and rock.  The bottom has some large rocks and a trip line may be advisable.
+
The safest approach is to the landward side of Mazzaro Rock south of the entrance to the cove.  Anchor in 4.0 - 6.0 metres on the south side of the bay.  The holding is good in sand and rock.
-
* '''Isola Bella'''.  The bay between Isola Bella and Capo Taormina. Anchor wherever there is space in 6.0 - 8.0 metres.  Reasonable holding in sand and rock.
+
====San Andrea Cove====
 +
This cove is between Capo S. Andrea and Isola Bella.
-
* '''Taormina Bay'''.  The wide bay south of Capo Taormina.  Anchor towards the centre of the bay in 5.0 - 10.0 metres on sand.  Good holding.  There are also around 20 orange buoys in place from June to September which may be picked up.  A charge is made.
+
Anchor in 5.0 - 8.0 metres on sand and rock.  The bottom has some large rocks and a trip line may be advisable.
-
* '''Giardini Naxos'''.  A small harbour at the southern end of Taormina Bay. Moor alongside the central portion of the jetty in 3.0 - 4.0 metres, avoiding the sunken wreck lying just off it.  There is space here for up to four yachts.  Alternatively, moor on one of the four floating pontoons if there is space (June to September only).  Depths range from 1.3 metres on the innermost to 4.5 metres on the outermost pontoon.  Water and electricity are usually available on the pontoons.
+
====Isola Bella====
 +
The bay between Isola Bella and Capo Taormina.  Anchor wherever there is space in 6.0 - 8.0 metres.  Reasonable holding in sand and rock.
 +
 
 +
====Taormina Bay====
 +
Taormina Bay is the wide bay south of Capo Taormina.
 +
 
 +
Anchor towards the centre of the bay in 5.0 - 10.0 metres on sand.  Good holding.  There are also around 20 orange buoys in place from June to September which may be picked up.  A charge is made.
 +
 
 +
====Giardini Naxos====
 +
Giardini Naxos is a small harbour at the southern end of Taormina Bay.
 +
 
 +
Moor alongside the central portion of the jetty in 3.0 - 4.0 metres, avoiding the sunken wreck lying just off it.  There is space here for up to four yachts.  Alternatively, moor on one of the four floating pontoons if there is space (June to September only).  Depths range from 1.3 metres on the innermost to 4.5 metres on the outermost pontoon.  Water and electricity are usually available on the pontoons.
 +
 
 +
==Offshore Islands and Groups==
 +
None.
==Yacht Repairs and Services==
==Yacht Repairs and Services==
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====Repairs/Yards====
====Repairs/Yards====
-
None
+
None.
 +
 
====Fuel, Water, & Electricity====
====Fuel, Water, & Electricity====
-
None, unless you can get on the pontoons at Giardini Naxos.
+
None, unless you can get on the pontoons at [[#Giardini Naxos|Giardini Naxos]].
 +
 
 +
==Things to do Ashore==
 +
====Tourism====
 +
The town of Taormina is a ‘must visit’ site, not least for its wonderfully sited Teatro Greco.  In spite of its name a Roman theatre, the natural amphitheatre in which is it built affords superb views down over Taormina and its anchorages and across to Mount Etna.  The town itself revolves around one long street, Corso Umberto, which runs between two gates at either end of the old town walls and is lined with upmarket shops and souvenir patisseries.  Don’t miss the magnificent view from the terrace at the end.  Some interesting Moorish palaces too. The gardens of the Villa Comunale, with their beautiful collection of plants and flowers, are a delight to explore or use as a picnic venue.  Finally, there are several Moorish and later Norman palaces along and near Corso Umberto which are worth at least a look or even a visit if they are open.
-
==Tourism and Things to do Ashore==
+
<center style="clear: both;"><gallery widths="185px" heights="130px" perrow="2">
-
===Tourism===
+
Image:TaorminaTheatre.jpg|The Roman theatre at Taormina<br />''Click for larger view''
-
The town of Taormina is a ‘must visit’ site, not least for its wonderfully sited Teatro Greco.  In spite of its name a Roman theatre, the natural amphitheatre in which is it built affords superb views down over Taormina and its anchorages and across to Mount Etna.  The town itself revolves around one long street, Corso Umberto, which runs between two gates at either end of the old town walls and is lined with upmarket shops and souvenir patisseries.  Don’t miss the magnificent view from the terrace at the end.  Some interesting Moorish palaces too. The gardens of the Villa Comunale, with their beautiful collection of plants and flowers, are a delight to explore or use as a picnic venue.  Finally, there are several Moorish and later Norman palaces along and near Corso Umberto which are worth at least a look or even a visit if they are open.
+
Image:TaorminaTown.jpg|Corso Umberto, Taormina<br />''Click for larger view''
-
<center style="clear: both;"><gallery caption="Gallery" widths="185px" heights="130px" perrow="4">
+
Image:TaorminaGardens.jpg|Villa Comunale gardens<br />''Click for larger view''
-
Image:TaorminaTheatre.jpg|The Roman theatre at Taormina
+
Image:TaorminaBay.jpg|Anchorage at Taormina Bay<br />''Click for larger view''
-
Image:TaorminaTown.jpg|Corso Umberto, Taormina
+
-
Image:TaorminaGardens.jpg|Villa Comunale gardens
+
-
Image:TaorminaBay.jpg|Anchorage at Taormina Bay
+
</gallery></center>
</gallery></center>
-
===Grocery & Supply Stores===
+
====Grocery & Supply Stores====
In Taormina, but a long haul back to the anchorages.
In Taormina, but a long haul back to the anchorages.
-
===Eateries===
+
====Eateries====
All one could wish for in Taormina.
All one could wish for in Taormina.
-
===Internet/WiFi===
+
====Internet/WiFi====
No.
No.
-
===Laundry===
+
====Laundry====
No.
No.
-
===Motorbike & Car Rentals===
+
====Motorbike & Car Rentals====
Rental outlets in Taormina.  
Rental outlets in Taormina.  
-
===Garbage Disposal===
+
====Garbage Disposal====
None.
None.
-
===Transportation===
+
====Transportation====
Transportation (local and/or international)
Transportation (local and/or international)
*
*
Line 109: Line 129:
==Forum Discussions==
==Forum Discussions==
-
List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (see link for requirements)
+
List links to discussion threads on [[Cruising Forums|partnering forums]]. (''see link for requirements'')
*  
*  
Line 117: Line 137:
==References & Publications==
==References & Publications==
-
Publications, Guides, etc.
+
''See [[Italy#References & Publications|Italy]]''.
-
*
+
-
 
+
-
==''Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)''==
+
-
''Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated'':
+
-
* August 2003 --[[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]] 16:11, 12 August 2010 (UTC)
+
-
*
+
==Personal Notes==
==Personal Notes==
Personal experiences?
Personal experiences?
* All the anchorages experience swell in all but the most settled conditions.  However, it is worth a sleepless night for the sake of a visit to Taormina town and its numerous attractions --[[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]] 16:11, 12 August 2010 (UTC)
* All the anchorages experience swell in all but the most settled conditions.  However, it is worth a sleepless night for the sake of a visit to Taormina town and its numerous attractions --[[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]] 16:11, 12 August 2010 (UTC)
 +
 +
====Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)====
 +
''Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated'':
 +
* August 2003 --[[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]] 16:11, 12 August 2010 (UTC)
 +
*
{{Guide2}}
{{Guide2}}
 +
<br/>
<br/>
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|style="color:#000;"|<small>
|style="color:#000;"|<small>
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'''Names''':[[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]]  
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'''Names''': [[User:Lighthouse|Lighthouse]], [[User:Atheneoflymington|Athene of Lymington]]  
</small>
</small>
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<br>
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Revision as of 13:51, 28 January 2013

Taormina, Sicily, Italy

Small info.png Click links for more information
World icon.png
 37°50′N, 15°18′E
Photo icon.png
 Photo gallery
Chart icon.png
 Local chartlet
TaorminaView.jpgTaormina - Click for larger view

Contents

Taormina on the E coast of Sicily is one of the most spectacularly sited towns in the whole of Italy, lying on a steep bluff at the foot of Monte Tauro and offering magnificent views over the sea and the brooding, often snow-capped bulk of Mount Etna 28 kilometres to the SW. Settled by Greeks in the 5th century BC, who built the superbly sited theatre, the town was subsequently occupied by the Romans and became the Sicilian capital under Byzantine rule until its virtual destruction by Saracen invaders at the beginning of the 10th century. Enough of the town’s historic architecture survives, however, along with its spectacular site, to make Taormina a magnet for tourists from all over the world. The town and the beaches lying below it are packed during July and August and it can be a relief to return to peace and quiet on your anchored yacht (there is no harbour at Taormina).

Charts

British Admiralty
1941 - Capo Passero to Capo Colonne
1018 - Approach to Stretto Messina
Italian
918

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Local Weather

The prevailing winds around the Aolian Islands during the summer tend to be from NW or NE, although in calm weather seabreezes 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 is 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 (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 Roma, Cagliari (Sardinia) and Augusta (Sicily)

Approach and Navigation

The town of Taormina is unmistakeable on its high terraces under Monte Tauro. A Saracen castle above the town is also very conspicuous. There is no harbour at Taormina, but in settled weather a yacht may anchor in one of the five anchorages off the town and visit by dinghy. In winds of any strength from S or E the anchorages are uncomfortable and in gales or near-gales untenable.

Berthing Options

Anchorage only.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

All the anchorages below should be used in settled weather only. If strong winds are forecast from east or south it is wise to head for refuge in Messina or Catania. All the anchorages are very busy with water sports and may be partly buoyed off for swimming in summer. The anchorages are listed from north to south.

Mazzaro Bay

Mazzaro Bay is small cove north of Capo S. Andrea. Beware rocky shoals on the north side of the bay and off the headland on the northern side.

The safest approach is to the landward side of Mazzaro Rock south of the entrance to the cove. Anchor in 4.0 - 6.0 metres on the south side of the bay. The holding is good in sand and rock.

San Andrea Cove

This cove is between Capo S. Andrea and Isola Bella.

Anchor in 5.0 - 8.0 metres on sand and rock. The bottom has some large rocks and a trip line may be advisable.

Isola Bella

The bay between Isola Bella and Capo Taormina. Anchor wherever there is space in 6.0 - 8.0 metres. Reasonable holding in sand and rock.

Taormina Bay

Taormina Bay is the wide bay south of Capo Taormina.

Anchor towards the centre of the bay in 5.0 - 10.0 metres on sand. Good holding. There are also around 20 orange buoys in place from June to September which may be picked up. A charge is made.

Giardini Naxos

Giardini Naxos is a small harbour at the southern end of Taormina Bay.

Moor alongside the central portion of the jetty in 3.0 - 4.0 metres, avoiding the sunken wreck lying just off it. There is space here for up to four yachts. Alternatively, moor on one of the four floating pontoons if there is space (June to September only). Depths range from 1.3 metres on the innermost to 4.5 metres on the outermost pontoon. Water and electricity are usually available on the pontoons.

Offshore Islands and Groups

None.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Marine Stores

None.

Repairs/Yards

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

None, unless you can get on the pontoons at Giardini Naxos.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The town of Taormina is a ‘must visit’ site, not least for its wonderfully sited Teatro Greco. In spite of its name a Roman theatre, the natural amphitheatre in which is it built affords superb views down over Taormina and its anchorages and across to Mount Etna. The town itself revolves around one long street, Corso Umberto, which runs between two gates at either end of the old town walls and is lined with upmarket shops and souvenir patisseries. Don’t miss the magnificent view from the terrace at the end. Some interesting Moorish palaces too. The gardens of the Villa Comunale, with their beautiful collection of plants and flowers, are a delight to explore or use as a picnic venue. Finally, there are several Moorish and later Norman palaces along and near Corso Umberto which are worth at least a look or even a visit if they are open.

The Roman theatre at Taormina
Click for larger view

Corso Umberto, Taormina
Click for larger view

Villa Comunale gardens
Click for larger view

Anchorage at Taormina Bay
Click for larger view

Grocery & Supply Stores

In Taormina, but a long haul back to the anchorages.

Eateries

All one could wish for in Taormina.

Internet/WiFi

No.

Laundry

No.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Rental outlets in Taormina.

Garbage Disposal

None.

Transportation

Transportation (local and/or international)

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?

  • All the anchorages experience swell in all but the most settled conditions. However, it is worth a sleepless night for the sake of a visit to Taormina town and its numerous attractions --Athene of Lymington 16:11, 12 August 2010 (UTC)

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

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


Template:Guide2



SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington


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