Tremiti Islands — Cala dei Turchi (Capraia)
Cala dei Turchi Tremiti · Caprara island anchorage · Capara islet cove
42°08.1'N 15°30.6'E
Depth
6–15m
Bottom
rock
Alarm Radius
95m
Holding
Fair holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
95m
95m in Cala dei Turchi in 8–12m depth. Fair holding only on rock/sand — set anchor firmly and dive/snorkel to check before relying on it overnight. In any W or NW wind above F3, the cove becomes exposed — the only reliable shelter in the Tremiti group is the tiny pier at San Nicola (overnight 19:00–08:00) or departure to the mainland at Termoli or Rodi Garganico.
About This Anchorage
The Tremiti Islands (Isole Tremiti) are the only islands in the Adriatic Sea belonging to Italy — a small archipelago 20nm from the Gargano peninsula, composing San Domino (the largest, with sea caves and forest), San Nicola (the fortified village and abbey), Capraia/Caparra (uninhabited), Cretaccio (a sea stack), and Pianosa (a strict reserve, inaccessible). The islands are part of the Gargano National Park and a marine nature reserve. The medieval fortified abbey of Santa Maria al Mare on San Nicola (founded 1000 AD, expanded by Benedictines and Cistercians) is a remarkable heritage site. The sea caves of San Domino (accessible by local boat tours) are the primary tourist attraction. The reserve is featureless and low-lying with no all-weather harbour — visit only in settled weather.
Protected From
E · NE
Exposed To
W · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free to anchor. Porto San Nicola pier: contact harbour authority for any overnight mooring fee.
- Maximum stay
- 3 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No advance permit for general navigation around the islands. Pianosa islet: STRICTLY NO ENTRY within 500m (marked with yellow buoys). Diving in sensitive zones: authorized guides only. Capitaneria di Porto Manfredonia Ch 16 for current restrictions. No landing on Cretaccio rock.
Restrictions: Pianosa islet: no navigation within 500m (yellow buoy marked), no fishing, no diving. No fishing without reserve permit throughout the islands. Anchoring on Posidonia prohibited. San Nicola pier: yachts only 19:00–08:00, max 15m LOA. Speed limit 5 kn throughout the reserve area.
Hazards
- !No all-weather harbour: The Tremiti have no sheltered harbour — the only options in deteriorating weather are the San Nicola pier (19:00–08:00, limited) or immediate departure to Termoli or Rodi Garganico marina on the mainland
- !Bora risk (Adriatic): The Bora (NE katabatic wind) can reach the S Adriatic in autumn/winter — onset is rapid; departure to the mainland must be immediate if Bora is forecast above F5
- !Pianosa exclusion: The 500m exclusion around Pianosa is marked with buoys but can be difficult to see at night or in poor visibility; give the islet a 1nm berth at night
- !Rocky seabed: Most anchorage areas have rocky bottoms — holding is unreliable; snorkel to check before overnight anchoring
Skipper's Tips
- →The sea caves of San Domino (accessible by local tour boat from San Nicola harbour) include the Grotta delle Rondinelle, Grotta del Bue Marino, and the Grotta delle Viole — the interior rock colours are extraordinary
- →The San Nicola abbey church (Basilica di Santa Maria al Mare) contains a beautiful 11th-century wooden crucifix and Byzantine artwork — the fortress walls around it were built by Frederick II
- →Tremiti is best visited as a 1–2 day excursion from the Gargano (Vieste or Peschici) rather than as an overnight anchorage — the lack of shelter makes extended stays risky
- →The dive sites around Capraia/Caparra (particularly the N side with walls and caves in 15–30m) are among the finest in the S Adriatic — local dive operators from San Domino run trips
Facilities
Restaurants and bars on San Domino island (accessible by ferry from San Nicola). Fuel at Termoli (20nm) or Rodi Garganico (mainland, 15nm). Limited provisioning on the islands — carry full supplies from the mainland.
Nearest provisions: Vieste (Gargano mainland) (15nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September ONLY due to the lack of all-weather shelter. In autumn (October), the Bora risk makes the islands dangerous for overnight stays. The reserve is accessible year-round by ferry from Manfredonia, Vieste, and Termoli.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 95m
The Adriatic Bora arrives fast. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position all night — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
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