Umberto Lambertini, a 68-year-old retired architect and experienced yachtsman, thought to send us his personal ranking of five ports perfectly embedded in the urban context, from north to south: “When it was not possible for me to give bottom in the roadstead, I always chose ports set in the heart of historic cities and towns.”
1. MARINA PORTO ANTICO, GENOA
“It’s a bit long to reach from the sea-once you enter the port of Genoa it takes about 25 minutes-but the Marina Porto Antico is just the ideal facility if you’re looking for a mooring inside the city. The Aquarium is just a stone’s throw away, as is the old port and the old town with its maze of alleys, patrician palaces and typical trattorias.”
Berths: 270 | VHF Channel: 74
Tel: 010 2470039 | www.marinaportoantico.it
2. YACHT CLUB PIER, LIVORNO
“Those who say Livorno has little to offer from a tourist point of view are very wrong. I found a very lively city. I moored at the Yacht Club Livorno marina: it’s not a Marina, so don’t expect fingers and malls. But it is very good value for money and the staff is very friendly and services in good numbers. In a ten-minute walk I reached the historic center, which reminded me in a small way of Venice.”
Berths: 120 (draft 4 m) | VHF channel: 9
Tel: 0586 894123
3. NAUTICAL BASE FLAVIO GIOIA, GAETA (LATINA)
“Gaeta for those who sail is a must-see destination. I stopped at the Flavio Gioia Nautical Base, which is nestled between the new town and the medieval village, one of the most beautiful in Italy-a prime location. In a few minutes’ walk I was at the splendid Aragonese Castle: and if you happen to be there, try the octopus tiella in one of the various restaurants!”
Berths: 250 | VHF Channel: 9
Tel: 0771 311013 | www.basenautica.com
4. PORTUS KARALIS, CAGLIARI
“Once I arrived in southern Sardinia, I could not help but stop in Cagliari, one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean, with its historic center perched around the casteddu. Fortunately, I was able to find space at Portus Karalis, which is really in the heart of the city: it pays to make reservations because there are not many berths.”
Berths: 118 | VHF Channel: 9
Tel: 070 653535 | www.portuskaralis.com
5. SANTA LUCIA NAUTICAL SERVICES COOPERATIVE, NAPLES
“Just below the Castel dell’Ovo in Naples is Borgo Marinari; I stopped at the dock of Cooperativa Servizi Nautici S. Lucia. Better place I couldn’t find: I found a family atmosphere and exquisitely Neapolitan hospitality. Just a few minutes away is the heart of Naples.”
Berths: 100 | VHF channel: 16 and 72
Tel: 081 7645517 | www.ormeggioslucia.com
