Approach Vieste / Manfredonia

Vieste

The harbour of Vieste lies on the Adriatic coast of Italy at the easternmost tip of the Promontorio del Gargano, the ‘spur’ projecting from the ‘boot’ of the peninsula. It is the closest point to the coast of Croatia some 70 miles NNE.

Map of Gargano Port of Vieste

VIESTE

A former Greek city and later Roman colony, Vieste’s strategic position at the end of the promontory and its partially sheltered natural harbour caused it to be fought over during succeeding centuries by Byzantines, Normans, Venetians and Saracens. The latter, under the Turkish privateer Turgut (Dragut) Reis, carried out a particularly brutal attack in 1554, during which all those inhabitants who could not be sold into slavery were beheaded on a stone, the Chianca Amara (Bitter Stone), still preserved in the old town. Today the town is a popular tourist resort in view of its fine beaches and easy access to the Gargano National Park.

Local Weather

During the summer months the prevailing winds in the Adriatic are light to moderate coastal seabreezes. In spring and autumn, northerly winds are more frequent and can quickly rise to near gale force, especially in the northern Adriatic, where the much-feared “bora” is caused by high pressure over the mountains to the NE coupled with low pressure over southern Italy. Fortunately, the fiercest “bora” is normally to be expected in the winter months. Thunderstorms are occasionally experienced in spring and especially autumn and can be accompanied by violent winds of gale force and above. Luckily they are rarely long-lasting. In the southern Adriatic, the “scirocco”, a S/SE wind blowing up from North Africa which can last for several days, is more common. Unlike the “bora”, which can arrive without warning, a “scirocco” tends to build in strength over 24-48 hours, sometimes reaching gale force (especially in winter). Approach and Navigation

The harbour of Vieste lies in a bight protected from S by the rocky headland of Punta San Francesco, from E by the small island of Isola Santa Eufemia and from N by a long breakwater. Entrance is between this northern breakwater and a shorter, eastern breakwater extending N and W from the island. Smaller vessels use the channel between the island and the mainland, but depths here are little more than 1.0 - 1.5 metres and it is not for yachts. The lighthouse on the island is conspicuous from several miles off. In the approach from S, give the headland of Punta San Francesco a generous clearance as there is an underwater rock lying 100 metres E of it. Shelter in Vieste harbour is good, although strong NE winds create an uncomfortable swell.

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

The old town of Vieste, perched on high cliffs overlooking the harbour, is a delight to explore, with narrow, cobbled streets and arcaded passages along the clifftop. On the Via Cimagliaon is the Chianca Amara (Bitter Stone), on which several thousand inhabitants of the town were beheaded by the Turks in 1554. The cathedral, originally 11th century but much altered, has original columns and an ornate painted ceiling. It contains a much-venerated wooden statue of Santa Maria di Merino, discovered on a beach north of Vieste. At the top of the town is a castle built by Frederick II in 1240 (now occupied by the military). With transport, it is possible to visit the Gargano National Park and its wonderful ancient broadleaf Umbra Forest (Shady Forest). The peninsula also includes the charming mountain village of Vico del Gargano and fishing harbour and village of Peschici, both well worth a visit. For those of a religious bent, the village of Monte Sant’ Angelo has a spooky grotto over which a church was constructed following a miraculous incident involving a recumbent cow and a bending arrow (use your imagination) and a subsequent 5th century appearance of St Michael to a local bishop. A further 15 kilometres inland is the rather tacky religious conclave of San Giovanni Rotondo (of Padre Pio fame). While the town is rather touristy and exploitative of the faithful, seven million of whom visit each year, the simple grandeur of Padre Pio’s black marble tomb is rather moving. A tipical local tender-boat (100 pax transport) disponible for to vist the famous and characteristics marine caves and the beautiful bay along the Gargano coast between Manfredonia and Vieste.

Manfredonia

Manfredonia is a large commercial port situated on the Adriatic coast of Italy at the head of the eponymous gulf. Originally a Greek settlement, the town was taken and colonized by Rome in 189 BC. Later an important Norman stronghold, the whole town was abandoned in 1223 because of continual malarial outbreaks and rebuilt between 1256 and 1263 by Manfred, ruler of the 13th century Kingdom of Sicily. The town was expanded under Angevin rule until being almost destroyed by the Turks in 1620. Little remains today of the mediaeval town other than the restored castle and a few sections of the town walls. The harbour of Manfredonia has limited facilities for yachts but is a useful port of call if caught out by adverse weather on this coast. Shelter here is good, especially when a particularly vicious bora is blowing.

Local Weather

During the summer months the prevailing winds in the Adriatic are light to moderate coastal seabreezes. In spring and autumn, northerly winds are more frequent and can quickly rise to near gale force, especially in the northern Adriatic, where the much-feared “bora” is caused by high pressure over the mountains to the NE coupled with low pressure over southern Italy. Fortunately, the fiercest “bora” is normally to be expected in the winter months. Thunderstorms are occasionally experienced in spring and especially autumn and can be accompanied by violent winds of gale force and above. Luckily they are rarely long-lasting. In the southern Adriatic, the “scirocco”, a S/SE wind blowing up from North Africa which can last for several days, is more common. Unlike the “bora”, which can arrive without warning, a “scirocco” tends to build in strength over 24-48 hours, sometimes reaching gale force (especially in winter). Sources for weather information:

Approach and Navigation to old port of Manfredonia

The harbour is protected by a two long breakwaters extending SE from the shore. To the NE of the harbour is a two mile long jetty which is conspicuous in the approach from any direction (but also a potential hazard if approaching from N). The breakwaters of the harbour and buildings of the town are clearly visible when closer in. The harbour is entered from due S. Depths in the entrance are 6.5 - 7.5 metres. Beware of the numerous mooring buoys in the harbour. Shelter here is good in all weathers except strong S/SE winds.

In the Porto Vecchio, berthing alongside the outer part of the western breakwater, the Molo di Ponente, is permitted with the prior approval of the port authorities. Maximum length 180 metres. Depths 6.0 metres.

Old port

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

There is not a huge amount to do as a tourist in Manfredonia. The castle looming over the NE end of the harbour, begun by the Hohenstaufen dynasty and completed by the Angevins, is well restored and worth a visit.

The castle of Manfredonia

St. Leonardo Abbay Abbay of Sipontum Abbay of Pulsano

Monte Sant’Angelo - Sant Michael church

San Giovanni Rotondo – Padre Pio Sanctuary

Grocery & Supply Stores

 Numerous provisions shops in the town.

Eateries

 Several restaurants and pizzerias in the town.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

 Rental outlets in the town.

Transportation

 Buses to most other local destinations.  Local and international flights from Bari airport (100 kms).  Train connections to most major cities.