Palmi / Tonnara di Palmi
Tonnara di Palmi · Lido di Palmi · Capo Palmi anchorage
38°21.7'N 15°51.3'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Excellent holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 4–6m on excellent sand holding — one of the best-holding anchorages on the Tyrrhenian Calabrian coast. Clean sand allows easy anchoring. However, exposure to S and SW means this is a settled-weather anchorage only. If Libeccio is forecast, depart early to Bagnara (8nm S) which has slightly better N protection.
About This Anchorage
Palmi is a small coastal town north of Bagnara Calabra, clustered at the base of the Aspromonte massif near the dramatic headland of Capo Palmi. The Tonnara di Palmi — the former tuna trap and processing plant — operated until the 1970s when the Atlantic bluefin tuna populations collapsed. The old tonnara building (now repurposed) sits on the shore of the bay. The anchorage off the former tonnara site has excellent sand holding and crystal-clear Tyrrhenian water. The Scogli di Palmi, a scatter of rocky islets off the headland, provide additional navigational character and wind shadows. Palmi is home to the Casa della Cultura Leonida Repaci — a remarkable museum complex including the Museo Calabrese d'Etnografia e Folklore (one of the finest folk art museums in Italy) and the Pinacoteca gallery. The surrounding area produces some of the finest Calabrian olive oil.
Protected From
N · NE · NW
Exposed To
S · SE · SW
Setting Your Anchor
Calabrian anchorages vary from excellent sand to mixed rock — always verify holding by backing down firmly before leaving the boat unattended. In the Capo Rizzuto AMP, anchoring on Posidonia carries fines of €500–€3,000 — confirm sandy bottom visually or by snorkel. Posidonia prohibition applies in all Italian waters. In the Strait of Messina area, current load on the anchor can be equivalent to a Force 4 wind — use a minimum 5:1 scope and back down at engine speed to simulate current load.
Overnight Anchoring
Overnight anchoring on the Calabrian Tyrrhenian coast requires a firm Libeccio contingency plan. Libeccio (W/SW) can reach Force 6–7 within hours with little warning — ensure you have an escape route to Porto Vibo Marina or another sheltered harbour. On the Ionian coast, Scirocco (SE/S) from the open Mediterranean can build quickly. Near the Strait of Messina, anchor current load is significant — monitor the anchor alarm closely; a 2–3 kn current through the anchorage can work even a well-set anchor loose over several hours.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Respect swimmer zones on the Lido beach in summer (marked buoys). No Posidonia anchoring. Navigate the Scogli di Palmi with care — the rocks are awash and unlit; give a 200m clearance.
Hazards
- !Libeccio (SW): Strong exposure to S and SW — Libeccio arrives without much warning on this coast; fair-weather anchorage only
- !Scogli di Palmi: Rocky islets off the headland — navigate with care; approach from the S to avoid the rocks on the N side of the headland
- !Shallow approach: The sandy bottom is clean but the approach from seaward requires care to stay outside the 3m line until clearly in the bay
Skipper's Tips
- →The anchorage off the old tonnara site is one of the clearest-water spots on the Tyrrhenian Calabrian coast — bring a mask; the white sand bottom in 4–6m is exceptionally visible
- →Visit the Museo Calabrese d'Etnografia e Folklore in Palmi — the folk art, costumes, and agricultural tools collection is one of the most complete records of traditional Calabrian culture
- →The Aspromonte massif visible behind Palmi is one of Italy's most dramatic national parks — a day trip inland by car is worthwhile for the dramatic gorges and mountain villages
- →Anchor off the Tonnara beach rather than the Lido di Palmi beach (further N) — the Tonnara site has cleaner sand and better holding
Facilities
Beach bar restaurant at the Lido di Palmi in summer. Town restaurants accessible by a short walk or dinghy landing. Better provisioning at Bagnara (8nm S) or Gioia Tauro marina (10nm N).
Nearest provisions: Palmi town (0.8nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
June–September in settled weather. Fair-weather anchorage — not suitable in S or SW wind. Quiet and uncrowded compared to nearby tourist spots. The beach is excellent for a mid-voyage swimming stop.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Sleep Peacefully at Palmi / Tonnara di Palmi
On the Calabrian coast, Libeccio arrives fast and without warning. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously through the night and alerts you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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