Ports Dossier 2015 – Discovering the Southern Tyrrhenian and Sicily

We continue with the third installment, dedicated to the southern Tyrrhenian Sea and Sicily, on our journey to discover the main marinas and equipped ports on the Italian coast: we will start with an overview of the mooring situation (complete with indicative prices), then we will point out an ideal itinerary and finally propose the “list” of marinas in the analyzed area.

NAVY ANALYSIS
What encompasses the coast of Campania, with the pearls of the Amalfi Coast and beyond, as well as the Parthenopean islands and the whole of Sicily with all its beautiful archipelagos, is a vast area of sea very suitable, of course, for recreational tourism. And that is why in fact there are a good number of equipped marinas there, 37, and a total of 29 thousand berths. To be used to then embark on cruises to the Aeolian Islands, Egadi Islands, Capri and Ischia, just to name a few of the top destinations. But while marinas located along the Campania coast are attractive as bases especially for boaters from southern Italian cities, Naples above all, slightly different is the case in Sicily. Here in fact it is possible to make a similar point to the one we made for Sardinia, namely how the spread of low-cost flights have led shipowners from all over Italy to manierastantially relocate their boats here. A change that is taking place especially in the north and west marinas of the island, where the Palermo and Trapani airports are located. Returning to Campania for a moment, this is home to some of the largest marinas in Italy, such as the recently opened, state-of-the-art Marina d’Arechi in Salerno.

THE ITINERARIES.
Campania Felix
Beyond the beautiful city of Naples there are many points of interest on the Campania coast, starting with the cavern of Cumae and the mythical Sibyl overlooking the Campi Flegrei Park. Not far away is the Gulf of Pozzuoli with the Flavian Amphitheater, while in the historic center of Naples to be discovered are the districts of Mergellina and Posillipo and the pizzerias where eating is a must. Below Mount Vesuvius and its green slopes rich in unspoiled nature are the incredible archaeological areas of Herculaneum and Pompeii. Just beyond here are the inimitable resorts that dot the Amalfi and Sorrento coastlines, from Furore to Vico Equense, from Paraiano to Nerano, from Sorrento to Positano and Amalfi. Even further south we enjoy the marine and terrestrial beauty offered by the Cilento peninsula, with the archaeological area of Paestum and the magical promontory of Palinuro.

Discovering the Parthenopean Islands
If Ischia and Procida, as well as the very small Vivara, Nisida and Gaiola, are known as the Phlegrean Islands having a common geological origin with the Campi Flegrei area, different because it is karst is Capri, which is, however, lumped with the others under the name of the Parthenopean Islands. All are magnificent and not to be missed starting with Ischia, the largest of the Phlegrean islands. It is home to the charming village of the same name, divided into the quarters of Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte. The Piazzetta, the Blue Grotto, the Faraglioni, Marina Piccola, Anacapri and Monte Tiberio: these are just some of the beauties of Capri, an island just 10 square kilometers wide set in front of the Amalfi Coast and already a tourist destination for the Romans.

Sicily, magnificent land
The island separated from the rest of Italy by the Strait of Messina is the largest in the Mediterranean and a magical and fascinating place that has bewitched artists and emperors since antiquity, just as it captivates tourists today. Its northern coast is home to the capital Palermo, a magnificent city rich in historical monuments, but also a fine set of must-see destinations, starting with the Zingaro Nature Reserve and the seaside village of Castellammare del Golfo. No less fascinating is Cefalù past which one arrives at the magical Tindari. Below Mount Etna, the incredible 3,350-meter-high active volcano, here are other unique destinations such as the seaside resorts Taormina and Giardini Naxos, as well as the beautiful city of Catania. And still further south is Syracuse, the enchanted city by the sea in which the Greek Theater and the seaside district of Ortigia are visited. In front of Africa, along the southern coast of Sicily finally opens up an area of contrasts and undisputed charm, where we go from the sand dunes of Sampieri beach to the cliffs of the Scala dei Turchi. While alone Agrigento with its spectacular Valley of the Temples is worth a visit. Finally to the east are the historic towns of Trapani, Marsala and Erice, the latter village perched before the sea with imposing Norman walls.

Strolling through the Aeolian Islands
The archipelago includes the seven “sisters” Stromboli, Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Alicudi, and Filicudi, which extend in an area of about 15 miles E to W and 30 miles N to S, in an “ipsilon” shape. It is famous for being surrounded by crystal-clear sea, but also because the islands are all beautiful and one different from the other. Here is Vulcan with the Levante Beach mud pool and the scenic Grand Crater. Then there is Lipari, between the turquoise water of Porticello and the old fortified village. So Salina, as wild and lush as nearby Panarea is mundane and fascinating. More detached is Stromboli, where to take a dip at the black beach of Ficogrande or a nighttime climb to see the volcano of La Sciara. Finally, the two tiny Alicudi and Filicudi on which to disembark to discover the lonely atmosphere of “hidden” corners of the Mediterranean.

Other islands, down as far as Pantelleria
They are in order from north to south, Ustica, Egadi archipelago, Pantelleria and Pelagie group: each has very special characteristics that make it a gem to visit. Starting from Ustica, a lava and basalt island that is considered a paradise first and foremost for those who love diving and sea caves. The Egadi Islands, i.e., Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo lie just off the coast of Trapani and are famous for the clarity of their waters and the centuries-old ritual of the “mattanza” of tuna. “Abandoned” to itself in the Sicilian Channel, Pantelleria is an exclusive tourist destination where spectacular bays such as Cala Tramontana open up. Finally, the Pelagie Islands, or Linosa and Lampedusa: here nature reigns supreme thanks in part to the protected Marine Reserve.

THE “LIST” OF EQUIPPED MARINAS AND PORTS
Marina di Maglietta www.sudcantieri.it
Marina di Santa Lucia www.ormeggioslucia.com
Marina Piccola in Sorrento www.portoturisticosorrento.com
Marina di Cassano www.marinadicassano.it
Port of Amalfi www.portodiamalfi.com
Marina d’Arechi www.marinadarechi.com
Marina Cala dei Normanni www.marinaarenella.it
Marina Villa Igiea www.marinavillaigiea.com
Marina Presidiana Cefalù www.marina-service.net
Marina di Portorosa www.marinadiportorosa.com
Neptune Marina www.marinadelnettuno.it
Marina di Riposto www.portodelletna.com
Marina di Siracusa www.marinayachtingsr.it
Yacht Club Marzamemi www.yachtmarzamemi.it
Marina di Ragusa www.portoturisticomarinadiragusa.it
Marina di Cala del Sole www.marinadicaladelsole.it

EXPLORE OUR PORTS DOSSIER