Montenegro

[SDudgeon]

I've enjoyed bareboating in Croatia and am now considering Montenegro, Sicily or the Ligurian region in Italy. Advice?

[Seaworthy Lass]

Welcome to CF SDudgeon.
I have spent several months in the NE part of Sicily. What did you want to know?

[SDudgeon]

Thanks for your reply. Is it easy sailing (surely)? Are mooring and anchorages generally available and affordable? Is the traffic heavy in June amongst the Aeolian Islands? Is watching the plume of a volcano from your cockpit as awesome as it sounds? Is it a good way to spend a week?

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by SDudgeon

Thanks for your reply. Is it easy sailing (surely)? Are mooring and anchorages generally available and affordable? Is the traffic heavy in June amongst the Aeolian Islands? Is watching the plume of a volcano from your cockpit as awesome as it sounds? Is it a good way to spend a week?

We spent September-March in the Aeloian islands area, so I can't comment about sailing conditions in summer. It is an absolutely lovely area, but anchorages are more limited than they are in Greece. Yes, it is awesome seeing smoking volcanoes. The walk to the top of Vulcano was a good one, with spectacular views when you get to the top. We never had a chance to sail around active Stromboli at night, but apparently that is unforgettable. Panarea just south of Stromboli was very beautiful. I loved Lipari too. Near Portorosa marina where I imagine you would charter from, there is a lovely spot to anchor off Sicily itself - under Capo Tindari in the shelter of the huge sand spit that is unmarked on many maps. There is. Greek/Roman theatre on the cliff top near the Tindari church that is well worth visiting.

I would say you could have a fantastic week cruising this area.

PS If anchoring at Vulcano the western side was excellent, the eastern bay had very poor holding.

[Buena Vista]

Can't comment on Montenegro.

Sicily, we only spent time in the south and east, not that impressed, although the old town (Ortiga) at Siracusa was special and a good anchorage. Time pressures restricted adventures in Sicily (Schengen) but a friend who has spent time in the north enjoyed it very much.

Liguria is fantastic, although not a wealth of anchorages. Tuscan Islands (Elba et al) has plenty of anchoring opportunities and easy sail to Corsica, also Porto Venere & La Spezia. Lots of marinas although crowded and expensive in July/August, maybe next year it will be better for visitors as I believe lots of boats have fled Italy due to new taxation laws. We loved this region; Cinque Terre, Portofino (use Santa Margherita, Portofino way too expensive), easy access to Pisa and Florence (train from La Spezia), Genoa (Molo Vecchio right in the old town and not expensive). Lots of history and very nice people.

[Seaworthy Lass]

Lipari:

[Seaworthy Lass]

Panarea:

[Seaworthy Lass]

Vulcano:

[Seaworthy Lass]

Top of Vulcano (the spec in the bay is our boat, its also in the previous two shots):

[Seaworthy Lass]

As you can see it is a beautiful area

[Toys_with_time]

Originally Posted by SDudgeon

I've enjoyed bareboating in Croatia and am now considering Montenegro, Sicily or the Ligurian region in Italy. Advice?

We were in Aeolian islands in July this year and loved it and didnt find it too crowded. Arranged to sail past Stromboli at night but only gave us one small burp of lava then nothing. Lipari is great with anchorage options away from main town. The sulphur smell on Volcano discourages lingering.
Then went to Sicily and explored SE corner by water and by land and is definetely somewhere we want to go back to and is very close to Aeolian Islands (could hire a car after sailing in Aeolian islands). The Baroque towns area around Ragusa is amazing plus the Roman Villa (Romana del Casale) with incredible mosaics. Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily) - UNESCO World Heritage Centre Villa Romana del Casale - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Afterwards were in Montenegro in early September and liked the Fjord all the way up to Kotor (stunning town) where u can anchor just off the quay for free. Entry formalities were easy, quick and cheap and the whole country was a pleasant change after the constant $$$$$ attitude in Croatia but coastal places to go in Motenegro are more limited as is a very small country.

Wishing u fair winds

TwT