There is little to say, the charm of the Mediterranean Sea with its colors and traditions is unrivaled in the world. Sailors, fishermen, shipowners and lovers of the sea in general find in our waters an ideal habitat. Italy has no shortage of breathtaking ports and bays, but if you were to be asked to choose ten marinas to see at least once in your life, which would you choose? Here are 10 goodies from all over Italy.
1 – Capri
Sailing on Capri is a spectacle, every year the beautiful waters of the Blue Island, attract thousands and thousands of sailors and tourists. The island in the Gulf of Naples is one of the pearls of the Mediterranean, famous for places like the Faraglioni and the Blue Grotto. The latter is one of the “must” for those who visit Capri and to visit it must pay attention to some tricks. First of all, a visit to the Grotto is only possible when the sea is calm, because in case of rough seas the waves would make entry dangerous. It also functions as a sort of “museum” because you have to pay an entrance fee to enter.
2 – Portofino
Portofino is a small fishing village in Liguria, nestled between the lighthouse of Portofino and the bay of Niasca has long fascinated tycoons of every country who love to sail with their mega yachts in the emerald waters of Portofino. The stretch of coastline around is really impressive with high cliffs overlooking the sea. When you enter these waters remember that you are in a Marine Protected Area. If you decide to moor in the village for a coffee in the square do not miss the opportunity to walk up to the Brown Castle, just 10 minutes walk from the pier. The view from above is really impressive.
3 – Porto Rafael
In the north of Sardinia, a stone’s throw from the Strait of Bonifacio, there is Porto Rafael, in the municipality of Palau. Pink sand is one of the trademarks of this territory, peculiar to the eastern part of the north of the island. We are in front of the archipelago of La Maddalena and the crystal clear waters, the rounded rocks make these places really beautiful. One of the winning features of this village is that it has managed to resist the attacks of building speculation while retaining the charm of a small port of yesteryear, a magical dip in the past. For those who love water sports nearby there is a paradise for windsurfing as Porto Pollo. Two other gulfs not to be missed are the Gulf of Liscia and Porto Pozzo.
4 – Gaeta
The fortified village of Gaeta is rich in historical and artistic beauties that make it one of the most fascinating in the Middle Tyrrhenian Sea. The whole Gulf from Circeo to Terracina without forgetting Sperlonga and Formia represents a perfect stretch of coast where to take a nice boat ride. Just 5 miles from Gaeta there are two very charming bays: Sperlonga and Porto di Santa Maria. The latter is a natural harbor protected to the east by the Punta dello Stendardo where you can sink in 5-10 meters of water. Passing through Gaeta do not forget to visit the Split Mountain and the Cave of the Turk.
5 – Portoferraio
First municipality on the Island of Elba for inhabitants is a real gem. The pastel-coloured houses dominated by Forte Stella, the sixteenth-century cathedral with its decorated façade and the Linguella Tower are the salient features of this town. But let’s return to those who sail: To the south-east of Portoferraio you will find the bay of Magazzini Punta Ottone, where with the right time a stop for swimming is undoubtedly recommended. Another cove not to be missed is Cala Nisporto, also near Portoferraio.
6 – Mattinata/ Vieste
We are in Puglia, in the province of Foggia in the Gargano National Park, a land famous for its white cliffs. In this stretch of coast we were particularly impressed by these three bays. The first is a “must” and is Baia delle Zagare, one of the most beautiful and well known inlets of the Gargano. To the north it is closed by two stacks of white limestone, the Mergoli that do not leave indifferent to sailors who pass through. Six miles south of Vieste there is another pearl, Cala di Pugnochiuso, in an area rich in caves. The third is Cala Campi, two miles from Pugnochiuso, ideal for a nice stage, but watch out for the sirocco.
7 – Murano
North of Venice, Murano is a picturesque village famous all over the world for the precious glass that has been worked in this land for hundreds of years. Murano is in turn composed of seven islets that are joined by bridges and you can get there by sailing in the Canale dei Marani. Due to the speed of the tide that daily digs the seabed, this channel is particularly deep: from 4 meters near the typical bricole up to over 13 meters in the center of the channel.
8 – Porto Venere
North of Venice, Murano is a picturesque village famous all over the world for the precious glass that has been worked in this land for hundreds of years. Murano is in turn composed of seven islets that are joined by bridges and you can get there by sailing in the Canale dei Marani. Due to the speed of the tide that daily digs the seabed, this channel is particularly deep: from 4 meters near the typical bricole up to over 13 meters in the center of the channel.
9 – Favignana
An island where tuna fishing has been one of the main activities for centuries, Favignana is one of the pearls of the Egadi Islands, in the province of Trapani. Favignana is the main town although we will consider the island as a whole. Clear and crystalline waters where every year hundreds of tuna arrive. A dream sea in a pristine paradise, not surprisingly one of the largest marine reserves in Europe. Lido Burrone, Punta Calarossa as well as the inlets of Cala Rotonda, Pirreca and Fumere certainly deserve a stop.
10 –Â Scilla
The promontory north of the Strait of Messina is home to one of the most famous places in Calabria. Defined by many as the “Venice of the South”, it is a place where you can enjoy the sea air to the fullest. A step away from Sicily, the view is always breathtaking, especially at sunset. Scilla stands on a rocky spur and is known to have a truly enchanting sea. One of the most beautiful bays in the area is Palmi Taureana, which is located three miles away from the center of Palmi, which with Scilla is the other most important town on the Costa Viola, dominated by the high cliffs of Aspromonte.
HERE 10 AMAZING PORT IN THE MEDITERRANEA SEA
