Siracusa
is in the south of Sicily, only 40 minutes far from
the air-port of Catania, in a setting of unequalled
beauty and grace, start a voyage of discovery of
the most authentic Sicily, or sail to Malta and
Tunis.
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 Marzamemi
, its name derives from the Arabian words “
Marsa al Hamen”, which mean “ Road of
the turtledoves”. In fact, the first inhabitants
were Arabian people, while the present Marzamemi
was born in 1752, when the Prince of Villadorata
built the Palace, the Loggia, the Chapel, buildings
worth to visit. Moreover, Marzamemi is important
both from an historical and architectonic point
of view (it seems that the anciet city called Ichana
of the VI century b.C was in this area) but also
for its landscape, bird-watching or trekking are
used in this area, but it is from the sea that the
landscape gives its best.
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Malta
The architecture of Malta is signed by the two most
important establishments that had the power on the
island for many years: the Order of the Knights
and the Catholic Church . The first one, in particular,
made all that they could to make of Malta the cultural
centre of their times. In fact, in the island were
build some of the most famous masterpices of the
past, with a particular attention to the art of
architecture. But, all the archipelago is a museum
: the prehistor enigms, the fortifications of the
Knights of Malta, the archaeolical areas which are
everywhere. All around Malta shows its 7.000 years
of history. Valletta is the capital of Malta, and
the commercial and administrative centre of all
the archipelago. Hidden among the little streets
of Valletta there are some of the most important
european masterpieces: buildings, palaces, churches.
The mild climate of Malta made of this island a
good place where it is possible to practise nautical
sports all year along, and a tour around the archipelago
can be done anytime.
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Lampedusa
is in the point where Europe starts and finishs.
It is 9 km long, 61 km far from the Tunesian coast
and 116 far from the Italian one. Lampedusa and
its minor islands, Linosa and Lampione, are the
Pelagie archipelago. Lampedusa is above all a desertic
place - in past times it had been deforested by
some Maltese colonists, who wanted to create new
agricoltural places but sooner they leaved the progect
- . Around the island, in its depths, it is possible
admire a tropic fauna, very rare in the Mediterranean
sea. The coast of Lampedusa is full of little shores
and caves all to discover by the sea. You can start
following the west - route, and you will arrive
in Spaiggia della Guitgia, going on this route there
is Cala Croce, Cala Madonna, Cala Greca and the
very famous Cala Galera. A not deep line of water
divides Lampedusa from the famous Isola dei Conigli
(Island of Rabbits, one time this was populated
only by rabbits).
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 Pantelleria
is the nearest to Africa, 46 miles far from Capo
Bon (Tunisia). Known as the blak pearl of the Mediterranean
Sea for the colour of its shores, blak. The magic
of this island is given by the weave among the sea,
caves, clear waters and hot vapours. Here the wild
nature is linked to the tipical human buldings of
Pantelleria called “Dammuso”, this is
made of thick walls of lava that mantain fresh the
temperature inside it . It is possible to rent them
during the summer. From the sea, the circumnavigation
of the island can start from the harbour of Pantelleria
Centro and sailing following the sunwise route you
will find the San Leonardo lighthouse. Overcrossing
it you will arrive to Bue Marino. Sailing to Cuddia
Randazzo there is the first cave, named Curritia
and the lighthouse of P.ta Spadino. Overcrossing
P.ta Falconetto and P.ta Finestra you enter in the
Gadir Gulf.
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Tunisy
has been conquered, over the centuries, by maritime
civilizations, attracted by its strategic location
just like nowadays yachtsmen sailing this area both
for its beautiful position and its well organized
port facilities The most important Mediterranean
civilizations, from Phoenicians to Romans and Arabs,
considered Tunisia a short of "center access"
to the Mediterranean Sea, and have left here a wide
range of different historical monuments, not found
anywhere else. The Rome and Carthago war is one
of the most important events of the west civilization.
Today Tunisian shoreline has a leading place in
the international tourism market thanks to both
its strategic position and European investments,
which have led to the building of modern holiday
resorts and marinas, as well as the restoration
of existing historical facilities. The charter activity
is well established and several chartering operators,
located in the country main ports, offer a wide
range of boats. Tunisia, however, can be easily
reached from Sicily and the Pelagic islands. Crossing
the Sicily channel is just a few hours navigation
and Pantelleria island lies right off the Tunisian
coast. Sidi Bou Said is a clear example of Tunisian
strategic location. The village, called the Tunisian
Sant Tropez where the traditional Mediterranean
architecture and modern tourist facilities are masterly
mixed together, has characteristic white houses
with turquoise windows and railings and plenty of
green trees, making one believe these are the only
colors available here! Those landing here have the
choice of tasting the unique Turkish coffee at the
famous and traditional Mat Caff, while berthing
in a modern marina where 380 berths are available
(60 for transit traffic). From here, a tour to Carthagòs
ruins and to Tunis (a must for its renowned and
huge Bazaar) can be easily organized. Yachtsmen
will be more attracted by the famous La Galite island,
with beautiful white beaches surrounding it, which
is a real Mediterranean fauna oasis: the rare Pharaoh
Sarago and the Monk Seal (actually almost disappear)
can be found here. The archipelago, placed 40 miles
off the Tunisian coast, was, during the 50's, a
coral fishing colony, while today is almost entirely
occupied from a military facility. La Galite, known
since the down of civilization, as suggested from
the Ipogean tombs found here, were known for the
several fresh water springs used by ancient seamen.
The archipelago can be reached from Biserta, offering
a marina with 200 berths. Tabarka port, currently
under re-building and with a picturesque castle
overlooking it, is a good alternative. More than
100 berths are reserved to pleasure boats, but more
will be available soon. Those looking for a worldly
holiday should steer eastbound indeed, sailing from
La Goulette port located in the Tunis gulf. Here
150 berths (30 for transit traffic) and a Yacht
Club are available, and Tunis is easily reachable.
Sidi Daud and Keliba ports, almost entirely occupied
by fishing vessels, are located on the extreme Tunisian
peninsula end. These two facilities are very characteristic
places but not suitable for large yachts, which
should steer south of Bon cape, where landing can
be found at El Kantaui, offering 160 berths on 3.5
meters water depth. Beni Khiar port, nearby Hammamet,
has a draught limitation to 2.5 meters too, and
only daylight landing (best if assisted by a local
guide) is recommended. Once there , do not miss
a tour to Hammamet, probably the most renowned tourist
center over the entire North African coast: from
Flaubert to Maupassiant, including Oscar Wilde and
Wiston Curchill have all been charmed by this beautiful
town. The fortress, a splendid example of classical
architecture, built in the XV century, and the tourist
resorts in the nearby coast, are beautifully cast
in the surrounding environment, ensuring complete
comfort to vacationers. El Kantaoui, surrounded
by a residential complex, offer a new Mediterranean
boating style. The nearby Sousse town feature a
wonderful natural scenario and port, now mainly
used by fishing vessels. The town is surrounded
by walls and is overlooked by the Khalaf Al Fata
tower, built in 859, on top of which one can enjoy
a breathtaking view, ranging from the town to the
endless sea. Monastir, located at the Hammamet gulf's
extreme end, was once a fortress built on the promontory
to prevent sea invasions; several rules followed
here along the centuries, including the Punic, Roman,
Spanish and Turkish who made it an "Holly City".
Few days spent in Monastir were enough to gain eternal
paradise, and, the legend says, Mohammed stated
that the door to paradise was hidden here. Monastir,
however, is surely a boaters paradise, offering
400 berths and a charming town with characteristic
alleys and stores, overlooked by Ribat castle, for
centuries the seclusion monks see. Further south,
Mahdia port, located just 50 miles from Lampedusa,
offer 610 berths, followed by La Chebba port with
421 berths. In the southernmost part of the Tunisian
coast, nearby Djerba island, there are several minor
landings, where entrance should be considered only
with good weather conditions and with low draught
boats. We suggest to sail, in your maiden voyage
along the Tunisian coast, with a local experienced
skipper on board, however, on common routes, cruises
can be safely undertaken and common marine knowledge
will.
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