MARETTIMO

• ITMMO
• Latitude: 37.966
• Longitude: 12.0761
• West Mediterranean
• Port in Italy

Location: Trapani Sicily 91010 Italy

Marettimo is a part of the Egadi Islands, situated off the western coast of Sicily, Italy. This picturesque island is known for its rugged landscape, clear waters, and charming small village atmosphere. While Marettimo is more renowned for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for hiking, diving, and exploring sea caves, it also has a modest port that caters mainly to small boats, ferries, and local fishing vessels.

Port Description:

1. Location:

   • Coordinates: Approx. 37.9667° N Latitude, 12.0833° E Longitude
   • Situated on the southeast coast of the island of Marettimo.

2. Port Infrastructure:

   • Breakwater: The port is sheltered by breakwaters, ensuring protection from prevailing winds and rough seas.
   • Quay/Piers: The port has several small docks and piers where boats can moor. Facilities are relatively basic but sufficient for the island's needs.
   • Marina: There is no formal marina community like those found in larger ports, but designated areas are available for local and visiting boats.

3. Facilities and Services:

   • Mooring: Mainly aimed at small boats, local fishing boats, and occasional tourist vessels.
   • Water and Electricity: Limited provisions are available; it's advisable for visiting vessels to check in advance.
   • Fuel: There's no dedicated fuel station; provisioning typically requires arrangements with local suppliers.
   • Repair Services: Limited repair services available; for major repairs, it's often necessary to go to the mainland or larger nearby islands.
   • Waste Disposal: Basic waste disposal services are provided, ensuring the island maintains its natural beauty.

4. Navigation:

   • Entry to the port is straightforward but should be approached with caution due to the shallow waters in some areas. Local knowledge can be very beneficial for first-time visitors.
   • Seasonal changes, primarily summer influxes, can increase boat traffic and occupancy.

5. Commercial Activity:

   • Primarily oriented towards fishing and small-scale tourism.
   • No large-scale commercial shipping activities are typically conducted at the port.

6. Passenger and Tourist Services:

   • Ferries: Regular ferry services connect Marettimo with nearby Trapani on the mainland and other Egadi Islands, more frequent during the tourist season.
   • Tours: Various small boats offer tours around the island, focusing on its natural attractions such as sea caves and snorkeling/diving spots.

7. Surrounding Area:

   • Marettimo Village: The main settlement area, within walking distance from the port, offers accommodations, eateries, and small shops.
   • Natural Attractions: Marettimo is part of a protected marine area, making it a hotspot for diving, snorkeling, and eco-tourism.

Specifications:

• Berth Length: Varies with the largest accommodating medium-sized ferries and smaller docks for personal and fishing boats.
• Depth: Generally shallow, varying from 2 to 5 meters, adequate for small to medium-sized boats.
• Max Vessel Size: Small to medium vessels; large commercial ships are not suitable due to the limited infrastructure.

Environmental Considerations:

• Marettimo takes pride in maintaining a pristine environment. Efforts are made to minimize environmental impact, including guidelines for waste disposal and restrictions on certain types of watercraft and activities.

Conclusion:

The port of Marettimo, though modest, serves as a vital gateway to the island, supporting the local fishing industry and tourism activities. Visitors planning to moor at the port should be prepared for basic facilities and enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of this lesser-known gem in the Mediterranean.