The further southwards you sail, the more beautiful becomes Italy – this opinion seems to be shared by many sailors. Fantastic beaches, lonely bays and mountains covered with greenery dominate the scenery.
Location & Approach The exact position of the marina is in the Gulf of Saint Eufemina on the western shore of Calabria, relatively near the town of Tropea. It’s close to the commercial port which somewhat decreases its potential due to the traffic and the noise, but the Vibo Valentia marina is a great starting point for trips to the Lipari islands, a frequented place by Italian and foreign recreational sailors alike.
Adding to the traffic in the summer months are the hydrofoils that leave for the Lipari islands between June and September, but luckily, the harbor is large enough to accommodate many boats and also provide space for maneuvering. The marina is safely positioned in between two large breakwaters, one straight one to the north, slightly curving towards the entry point, and a smaller, perpendicular one from which the berthing piers are connected.
The coordinates for the marina are 38° 42' 58, 16° 7' 50", and the approach is pretty simple since the bay is wide and deep enough even for commercial vessels. The only time the approach is made difficult in when there are strong winds blowing from the east, which can cause waves inside the marina and also make berthing difficult.
Infrastructure & Ambience Most of the berths are located along the eastern breakwater since the southern shore cannot be used to its full length due to construction work. However, there are plenty berths for incoming vessels, even ones of large size thanks to the deep waters of the St. Eufemina Gulf.
The services here include showers and toilets, an extensive shipyard, thanks to the proximity of the commercial harbor, which comes equipped with a fuelling station for petrol and diesel, 2 slipways, a mechanic service and a mobile crane. Water and electricity connections can be found at the berth.
The region is well worth visiting, not only for the neighboring islands (the marina is a starting point for the Aeolian island group) but also for the countryside. There are many old towns and ports here and the region of Calabria is well known to regulars for its distinct beauty. The town of Vibo Valentia offers plenty of dining and entertainment experiences.