Vulcano
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Vulcano Cruising Guide
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 | 38°24.85′N, 14°58.10′E |
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 | Photo gallery |
 | Local chartlet |
 Vulcano looking over Porto Ponente to Lipari - Click for larger view
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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 olfactorally challenged tourists, while the largest, Gran Cratere, looms over the island's northern end, its active fumaroles sending constant clouds of sulphurous 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
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
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).
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 Options
Visiting yachts normally anchor in one of the island's two anchorages, Porto di Ponente and Porto di Levante, depending on wind direction. Both anchorages offer good holding in mud in depths ranging from 3.0 to 8.0 metres.
Anchorages
Click for larger view
Porto di Ponente
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.
Porto di Levante
Click for larger view
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.
Yacht Services and 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.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
No fuel. Water or electricity can be obtained on the quay in Porto di Levante.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
Click for larger view
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 sulphur-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.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Limited provisions shops in the town.
Eateries
There are a few small restaurants ashore in the village, which straddles the isthmus between the two anchorages.
Internet/WiFi
Wifi reported on the quay in Porto di Levante.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
None.
Garbage Disposal
Some bins near the ferry pier. Preferable, however, to take it with you.
Transportation
- Ferries to Lipari and the mainland of Sicily.
Routes/Passages To/From Vulcano
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?
- There can't be many anchorages where you can stroll up to the crater of an active volcano and still be back aboard in time for breakfast! --Athene of Lymington 14:43, 14 November 2010 (UTC)
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- May 2004--Athene of Lymington 14:43, 14 November 2010 (UTC)
- Sept 2012 --LifePart2
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Names: Athene of Lymington |
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| | HOMEPAGE | Wiki Contents | Mediterranean | Italy | Aeolian Islands | Vulcano | |
