Isole Egadi
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Egadi Islands, Sicily
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| 37°55.95′N, 12°19.45′E |
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| Photo gallery |
| Local chartlet |
Anchorage in the Egadi Islands - Click for larger view |
The Egadi Islands consist of a group of three small, rocky islands, Isola Favignana, Isola Levanzo and Isola Marettimo, lying some 6-10 miles off the harbour of Trapani at the extreme NW corner of Sicily. They were the site of a major naval battle in 241 BC which effectively ended Carthaginian resistance during the First Punic War. The islands are famous for the former annual tuna catch, the mattanza (massacre), when tuna migrating through the channel between the islands and Sicily were trapped in nets and butchered for the canning industry. Nets are still set off the island from 1 April to 15 July. Latterly however, with the decline in tuna numbers, tourism has assumed increasing importance in the population’s struggle for survival. The largest island, Isola Favignana, offers secure anchorages on both N and S sides where protection should be found in most winds.
IMPORTANT NOTE August 2014 - it is now necessary to have a cruising permit for the Egadi Islands. Permits can be obtained online at http://www.ampisoleegadi.it/ (Italian only but Google Translate works well). There have also been reports that fines of €200 have been levied for not having a cruising permit. --Sailabroad
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 2122 - Bizerte to Capo San Marco
- Italian
- 916
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Weather
See Italy - weather.
There are no dangers in the approaches, although a current sets NE between the islands and can run at up to 1.0 knot. Most of the islands are rock-strewn around the coasts and it is wise to stay half a mile offshore unless you have a large-scale chart.
Berthing Options
Ports
Cala Principale, Favignana
Cala Principale (as the name suggests) is the principal harbour of the islands. Space here is limited, especially during the season. Anchor moor stern-to or go alongside the small L-shaped jetty off the beach wherever there is room, avoiding the fuel berth and the reserved areas marked with yellow lines. Depths here range from 2.0 - 3.0 metres. Mooring is also allowed on the Molo San Leonardo in depths of 4.0 - 5.0 metres between the hours of 1930 and 0730. The T-shaped pontoon further inshore is operated by the Club Nautico Favignana and is for small craft only. Open to winds from NW round to NNE. In settled weather, there are a number of small coves on the S side of the island that are also worth exploring.
Scala Nuova, Isola Marettimo
Scala Nuova is a small harbour off the hamlet of Marettimo on the E side of the island. A long pontoon has been installed inside the harbour, with depths ranging from 1.5 metres at the inner end to 4.5 metres at the outer. Yachts of up to 24.0 metres can be accommodated. Water and electricity on the pontoon.
The harbour is open to winds from S round to NE.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
Other anchorages exist, especially along the southern coast of I. Favignana. Those listed are a small sample.
Cala Dogona, Isola Levanzo
Cala Dogona is a diminutive cove off the hamlet of Levanzo on the S side of the island. Anchor east of the small breakwater in 4.0 - 5.0 metres in sand and weed, ensuring you are well clear of the ferry access on the eastern side of the bay. Smaller yachts (max 10.0 metres) may be able to find space on the end of the jetty, where depths are 2.5 - 4.5metres. Open to winds from the S sector but protected from the N, swell may get around the E end of the island.
Cala Fredda
This Cala is slightly to the E of Cala Dogona. It is deep (10-12m) until close in with few obvious sand patches. It is protected from the ferry wash in Dogona, wind protection as for C. Dogona.
Cala Rossa, Isola Favignana
37°55.4′N, 12°21.8′E Open to wind from the N sector.
Cala Azzura, Isola Favignana
37°54.5′N, 12°21.7′E Nice anchorage surrounded by low cliffs with a small beach. Good holding in sand patches (5-8m) but much weed elsewhere. Open to wind from the S sector.
Punta Longa, Isola Favingnana
Anchor either side of the point in 5-8 metres, many sand patches and good holding, open to wind from the S sector. There are two small harbours, the more central asked for a fee to moor the dinghy. It is, however, a short walk into town from the S side of the island and well worth it. There is also a summer bus service, roughly hourly.
Marine Services
Marine Stores
None noted
Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards
- Limited repairs at Cala Principale on Favignana and Scala Nuova, Isola Marettimo. Slipway and mobile crane at both. Divers.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- station (0800 - 1930) in Cala Principale, Favignana
- Water
- on the quay (via a water man) in Cala Principale, Favignana
- on the quayScala Nuova, Isola Marettimo
- Electricity
- on the quayScala Nuova, Isola Marettimo
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The main attraction of the Egadi Islands is the numerous rocky coves, many with small sandy beaches, lapped by crystal-clear waters. Away from the towns, the islands are criss-crossed by excellent walking paths (on Marettimo there are no roads at all).
- Levanzo island is famous for its Grotta del Genovese, a cave with traces of Neolithic cave paintings of animal and human figures.
- Favignana: Old Tuna factory has now been transformed into a Museum about tuna fishing and processing - €4.00 entrance fee includes free guided tour. -- s/v Seatern 04:57, 3 October 2013 (BST)
Grocery & Supply Stores
Limited provisions on Isola Favignana in Favignana town. In season this is a bustling community with at least three supermarkets
Eateries
A good supply of trattorias in Isola Favignana. Fewer in Marettimo and Levanzo.
Internet/WiFi
None noted.
Laundry
None noted.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Scooter and cycle hire on Isola Favignano.
Garbage Disposal
Bins at all harbours.
Transportation
- Ferries from Trapani
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?
- Delightful and mostly off the beaten track for Brits, many Italian & French boats at anchor in August 2013 --RobbieW
Last Visited
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- May 2004 --Athene of Lymington 15:38, 9 November 2010 (UTC)
- August 2013 --RobbieW 16:25, 20 August 2013 (BST)
Contributors to this page |
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Names: Athene of Lymington, RobbieW |
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