Marettimo — Cala Manione
Cala Manione Marettimo · Marettimo NE cove
37°58.7'N 12°04.1'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
rock
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Fair holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
75m in Cala Manione on rocky bottom with sand patches — firm setting required. In NE above F3, shift to Scalo Maestro (S of the castle headland) for better shelter from NE. Marettimo is the furthest and most remote Egadi island — carry full provisions and water.
About This Anchorage
Marettimo is the westernmost and most remote of the Egadi Islands — and, many would argue, the most beautiful. The island has an extraordinary diversity of marine environments, extensive underwater caves (including the famous Grotta del Cammello and the Grotta della Bombarda), and was designated a Riserva Naturale. The Punta Troia castle (Norman/Spanish, 13th–18th century) on the NE cape towers over Cala Manione. The anchorages on the E side are the most accessible in settled summer conditions. The Battle of the Egadi Islands (241 BC, First Punic War) was fought in the waters surrounding Marettimo — the site where Rome's decisive naval victory ended the war. The AMP permit (BlueDiscovery app) is mandatory.
Protected From
W · NW · SW
Exposed To
N · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Zone C anchoring on sand with AMP permit. Zone B: buoys only.
- Maximum stay
- 5 days
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Egadi AMP PERMIT MANDATORY — BlueDiscovery app or ampisoleegadi.it. All Egadi AMP restrictions apply throughout Marettimo waters.
Restrictions: Egadi AMP rules apply throughout. No anchoring on Posidonia. Cave diving requires AMP/local authorization. Protect archaeological sensitivity zone (Battle of Egadi Islands site).
Hazards
- !Remote location: No fuel, limited medical facilities, no all-weather harbour — carry all provisions, emergency fuel, and be self-sufficient
- !Rocky seabed throughout: The E and W coasts of Marettimo are predominantly rock — anchoring requires careful survey; snorkel before setting
- !Wind from all quadrants: Marettimo's W position in the Egadi makes it exposed to both Libeccio (SW) and Tramontana (N) — weather windows are critical
- !Cave diving hazards: The Marettimo sea caves are spectacular but require experience and proper equipment — always dive with a buddy and tell someone your plan
Skipper's Tips
- →The sea caves of Marettimo (accessible by dinghy) are a highlight of Sicilian sailing — the Grotta del Cammello (named for a rock formation resembling a camel) is a 40-minute dinghy ride from the village
- →The Sentiero del Saraceno hiking trail from the village to the Byzantine chapel (Cappella Normanna) offers extraordinary views — allow 3 hours for the round trip
- →Marettimo's village (W coast) has a genuinely traditional Sicilian atmosphere — the fishing community is welcoming and the fresh tuna (when in season, May–June) at the village restaurant is extraordinary
- →The crossing from Levanzo to Marettimo (14nm) passes through the most historically charged waters of the Mediterranean — the First Punic War ended here in 241 BC when the Roman fleet defeated the Carthaginians
Facilities
Small restaurants in Marettimo village (on W side of island). Fuel at Favignana (14nm by sea). Very limited provisioning — carry full supplies.
Nearest provisions: Marettimo village (1.5nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
Best May–June and September–October. July–August brings more visitors but Marettimo remains far less crowded than Favignana. The island rewards sailors who make the longest passage in the Egadi group.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
Scirocco and Tramontana can make Sicilian anchorages untenable in hours. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — so you sleep safely.
Download Free for iOS