Southern Sicily: Wintering in Marina di Ragusa
Dave Elliott of SY Scarlett (a Jeanneau 42i) is an American sailor currently wintering in Marina di Ragusa. This report will be of interest to any American cruisers in the Med particularly concerned about the Schengen restrictions.
Published 12 years ago, updated 6 years ago
I can only say good things about Marina di Ragusa. It is situated in southern Sicily, just about the central hub of the Med, and about 55 miles from Malta.
It is a very modern marina, perhaps 4 years old. It has about 200 cruising yachts wintering over. The number of liveaboards has dropped to about 60 people over the Christmas period. But with the international airport at Catania only 90 minutes away on a direct bus, more will be returning every day.
The marina is cheap with a six-month contract on our 42 footers costing 1,170 euros, electricity and water are extra to this. We use about 1 euro of electricity per day. The marina staff are always on hand and are very, helpful. English is spoken here in abundance.
There is, or was, a very large American group here, as well as English, Northern Europeans, French, Germans, Kiwis and Aussies. Another attractive incentive to non-EU sailors is that it appears Italians do not seem to take any notice of the Schengen agreement, there is no checking of the 90-day rule for non-EU citizens. Then there is the fact that Tunisia is only 200nm away.
There is a fine social atmosphere with all sorts of options, such as Italian classes, art, music, walking groups, electronics workshops, gym and more. There is a very nice and useful little town with good shops, cafes, chandlery and a choice of 3 good supermarkets and a weekly produce market. They are all within walking distance or a very short bike ride. Local food is great and cheap, as is the Sicilian wine. The locals are very friendly and there appear to be no problems with security or theft.
The weather is mild (so far), the temperature for Christmas day was 18 degrees and sunny with a light wind. It does not freeze here.
Many of us plan to travel to Monastir or Hamamet in Tunisia in the Spring to get work done on our boats. The work there is very good and very inexpensive. To pull our boat out, anti-foul and polish it all over is will less than 400 euros.
Life is good and very busy at Marina di Ragusa.
Dave Elliott
SY Scarlett
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Related to following destinations: Italy, Marina di Ragusa, Sicily
Just to add a newer info on price, I paid 2015/2016 for 42″ 1.500€