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Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Remote islands in the Western Med? The Aegadian Islands of Italy

Moorish-Castle-on-Marittimo
Moorish Castle on Marittimo

Just off of the northern tip of Sicily, sits a group of rarely visited islands called the Aegadian Islands or Egadi Islands. While hard to find a remote corner of the Western Mediterranean, this island archipelago would certainly be it. And this is a group of islands that are accessed from another island, the largest island in Italy, Sicily. From the internationally known island of Sicily to the tucked away Aegadian Islands, a yacht charter in this area is an itinerary of either end of the spectrum of island life. And as the mythical "Aegades" of Homer's tale this is a set of islands perhaps better known in antiquity than they are today.

Marettimo Village Streets
Marettimo Village Streets


Marettimo Harbor
Marettimo Harbor

These three islands have been virtually untouched by man. Favignana, Marettimo, and Levanzo are the main islands of this group and are surrounded by "microisles" or crags of rock that dot the waters around these islands. Indian Figs, dwarf palms and Mediterranean shrub covers these islands that are home to many migratory birds.

Marettimo Cliffs and Caves
Marettimo Cliffs and Caves

Favignana is the largest island, and the only one with any overnight accommodation. This accommodation is in the form of camp grounds and simple family style hotels, which is the same for the few restaurants. Levanzo is the smallest Aegadian Island and Marettimo is close by as a large island rising straight out of the sea. These islands are honeycombed with caves and grottos, both inland and along the coast, and feature white cliffs rising out of the ocean topped with a rich and varied vegetation, where many rare botanical species are found having flourished in relative peace and quiet for centuries. The crystal clear waters around each island beckon to divers and snorkelers, along with the many caves and grottos. Visit the Grotto of San Nicola on Favignana to see graffiti left by some the first Prehistoric Inhabitants of this island.

Marettimo-Lighthouse
Marettimo Lighthouse

The waters around these islands are filled with sponges, lobsters and crabs, and sponge gathering was once an industry in these islands. Today, the few islanders mainly make their living from tuna fishing, as these waters are known as the "highways of tuna fish". And tuna and lobster do feature on the menus of the few restaurants, and very fresh tuna is often available for purchase. For a yacht charter out of Sicily, at Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, we suggest including the Aegadian Islands as well in your yacht charter itinerary.

Map-of-Aegadian-Islands
Map of Aegadian Islands

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Monday, February 1, 2010

Giglio, the Unassuming Gem of the Tuscan Islands

Giglio
Giglio

In the southern corner of the Tuscan Islands, and just 16 kilometers off of the Argentario Peninsula, lies the island of Giglio. With a main harbor and anchorage just outside of the main harbor, Giglio is a perfect stop on a yacht charter in this area of the Tyrrhenian Sea. And perched on the top of Giglio is a medieval walled village that rivals the walled village of Eze, but with far fewer tourists, as this walled village is virtually undiscovered by the rest of the world. Giglio can only be reached by private yacht or ferry, so visit on q yacht charter as one of the few summer visitors to this lovely island.



Castello Giglio
Castello Giglio

Giglio Castello is the medieval walled city on top of the tallest granite mountain on Giglio. With very few tourists to the island, there are few taxis and the easiest way to visit this medieval gem is to take the bus up the narrow winding road from Giglio Porto, the main harbor. The oldest town on the island, Giglio Castello is still humming with activity while the residents continue to go about their daily activities. The main gate dates to the 1300’s and opens to a town of buildings jumbled on top of one another separated by a maze of alleys and narrow streets. Explore this area by wandering, as getting lost is impossible, and stop for a bite to eat at one of the local eateries inside the walls for a taste of the strong local wine called Ansonco and hearty country Italian food.

Castello Giglio
Castello Giglio

Giglio is also known for the crystal clear waters surrounding, and long sandy beaches around the perimeter of the island. Diving is also very good along the coast of Giglio with great visibility, underwater caves and ship wrecks from various centuries. And sometimes on a clear day, dolphins and whale calves can be seen frolicking in the surrounding waters. Stop in Giglio for at least a night on your yacht charter of this area to enjoy this island packed with history and water adventures.

Giglio Harbor
Giglio Harbor

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Thursday, January 28, 2010

Imperia Italy, Newport, Rhode Island's sister city in yachting in Italy

Imperia-Italy
Imperia, Italy

With a dual focus on yachting, Newport, Rhode Island and Imperia, Italy are perfect "sister cities". Newport has established "sister cities" throughout the world to exchange social and economic cultures, and Newport and Imperia are a great match as two well known yacht harbors, with a strong history of yachting.


Imperia-Monument-to-Sailors
Imperia; Monument to Sailors

Straddling the River Impero, Imperia is tucked into the Italian Ligurian Riviera between San Remo and Portofino, and is a perfect stop in a yacht charter along this coastline. Birthplace of the famous Admiral Andrea Doria from the 15th century, sailing has always been a part of this coastal town. The town of Imperia was created out of two ancient towns by Mussolini in 1923. This merging of two historic cities, one on either side of the River Impero, leaves Imperia with two old city centers, Porto Maurizio and Oneglia. Of the two old city centers, Porto Maurizio is the more colorful and wealthy area of the city and the main center of yachting.

Imperia-Fishing-Port
Imperia Fishing Port

Keeping pace with yachting, the new Porto di Imperia is due to be opened June 2010. This yachting facility will feature 1400 berths, black water pump out, small shipyard facilities, yacht club and helipad. The economy of Imperia subsists on tourism centered around the harbor, with a growing focus on yachting. However also for the visiting yachtsmen, the area is well known for high quality olive oil, and in town there is a small naval history museum. Include Imperia on your next yacht charter along the Ligurian coast of Italy.

Imperia Old City
Imperia Old City

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