Information for boatowners in Marina di Cala del Sole

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Marina di Cala del Sole

 * Official site for the marina
 * Corso Argentina, snc 92027 - Licata (Ag)
 * tel. +39 0922 1837134
 * Whatsapp +39 376 05 09 000
 * VHF – canale 74 / 156.725 Mhz
 * Coordinate 37°05′,17 N 13°56′,53 E
 * No fuel available in the marina or commercial port. Nearest diesel here is Esso in Piazza Linares. By sea it's Marina di Ragusa.
 * Maria is the senior office manager ably supported by Frederik, Roberta and Mary. They are all very friendly and helpful. All speak English except I believe, Mary


 * Boatowners FB page


 * WhatsApp Link for day to day chat. Birgit currently administering
 * Boatowners Central Name/Email spreadsheet. Currently managed by Wolfgang on s/v Antares. Get yourself on the list for info distribution!

Licata: the City of Liberty

 * The story of Licata dates back to the Bronze Age and before. There is plenty on the www (see Useful Websites) but as a starter try
 * Phintias, Alilicata, Licata, Vigata?
 * There's a book "A Bell for Adano" by John Hersey. It's a fictionalized version of the 1943 Allied landing in Licata and the story of the bell of the townhall. There is also a movie based on this novel.
 * Battle of Cape Ecnomus Possibly the largest naval battle in history.


 * Local news
 * Licata Here
 * News and Insights

Historical sites

 * Soprintendenza Beni Culturali Ed Ambientali
 * Archaeological museum, a must. Piazza Sant'Angelo. One section devoted to a gold horde discovered just below the castle
 * Museo del Mare, Piazza Sant'Angelo
 * In the entrance are "finds" from the Anglo-American landing in 1943. In the courtyard various models of stone and bronze anchors and numerous amphorae are exhibited. Free entry. Guide books with English translations available
 * Chiesa Madre Duomo Corso Vittorio Emanuele
 * The beautiful "Mother" church of Licata. Notable for the Black Christ and its story.
 * Castel Sant'Angelo
 * Nice walking route to the castle and beach, see on map
 * Chiesa di Maria S.S. di Pompei
 * The interesting thing about this church are the tunnels which were ancient habitations for Sicilians and later Greeks.
 * Valley of the Temples
 * The Valley of the Temples is an archaeological site near Agrigento and is an outstanding example of ancient Greek art and architecture
 * Villa Romana del Casale
 * The Villa Romana del Casale is a large, elaborate Roman villa close to the town of Piazza Armerina. Excavations have revealed an extraordinary collections of Roman mosaics. If you thought the bikini was invented in the 60's....

Do

 * Pilates, Italian lessons...


 * Fitness Training
 * Wednesday mornings outside, next to the fountain. Phipps room if weather grim! 9.30
 * Don't forget your mats and weights
 * Market visit
 * Thursday morning market stroll. Meet outside the office at 10a.m. See "Street market" entry
 * Crochet and Knitting Get-together.
 * Friday afternoon 1 pm Caffe Lettererio

Hospital and Pharmacies

 * Hospital
 * Ospedale San Giacomo d’Altopasso, Contrada Cannavecchia
 * Both inpatient and outpatient services offered

If you think you don't need a hospital there is the “guardia medica” (medical guard). It is a kind of free clinic open 24/7. It is located in Piazza Elena, 20


 * Pharmacies
 * Pharmacies are all open Monday-Friday from 8/9 am until 8 pm. At night and on weekends check the duty pharmacy. " farmacia di turno". This changes every week and there is a monthly calendar. In the link you will find this information: the page is updated often.
 * Duty Pharmacies


 * Farmacia Gagliano Dr. Teresa. Piazza Progresso
 * Farmacia Sant'Angelo Piazza Linares


 * Dentists
 * Dentists seem plentiful via a Google search but we currently have info on only two.


 * Dott.ssa Frederica Puccio, Corso Umberto 15. tel. 0922 073125
 * Recommended by the pharmacy close by. Impressed by their service.
 * "Specialist degree in dentistry and dentures" "Dentistry and orthodontics"


 * Beauty Dental
 * Very professional, well organised, bright, clean practice.

Boating community social events

 * Happy Hour every Tuesday and Friday in Café Letterario and Blue Sky Bar. Starts at 18:00.
 * Barbeque every Sunday on east side of Marina at 13:00.
 * One euro for charcoal plus a donation of an imaginative dish for general consumption. Byo meat/vegetables/whatever. Tools available.

Restaurants


There are an incredible number of restaurants in Licata. These are just a few, mostly the closest. Most restaurants are closed on Monday lunchtime and open in the evening at 8pm.


 * Luna
 * Marina restaurant with a good reputation.


 * SarniBistro Restaurant, see on map
 * This cafe/restaurant is in the shopping mall on the right as you enter and does cheap, fresh meals at lunchtime. Check out the "specials" pictured above the serving counter. Wide choice of snacks throughout the day, own cooked pizzas. Coffee bar and pastries as well


 * Genki Sushi
 * 5 minute walk from the marina entrance. Not only sushi but wide range of dishes. You are given a slip of paper to order. Write the dish numbers and the quantity but be careful as on busy nights the young staff can take stuff to the wrong tables! Reasonably priced with an "eat all can" currently 17.50€/evening 15.50€/lunchtime but choosing carefully you can have a good meal for less.


 * Logico, see on map
 * On the way towards town this restaurant seems to not welcome new customers and is the haunt of the local "bourgeoisie". The card machine is highly unreliable so cash is required. Opening hours irregular and not advertised.


 * La Madia, Corso F. Re Capriata, 22
 * Licata's very own 2 star Michelin restaurant. Closed in January. They have also a shop selling their products, Uovo di Seppia, Corso Filippo Re Capriata, 31. Uovo di Seppia


 * La Bottega
 * The restaurant specialising in Sicilian gastronomia is in the Relais Villa Giuliana. It is a taxi ride away.


 * Trattoria Duomo, Piazza Duomo, 8 see on map
 * Lunch and dinner.


 * De Gustibus
 * The chef is French trained so expect a Sicilian/French/Italian type fusion menu. One of very few restaurants that is open for Sunday lunch during the Winter months. (Closed due to family reasons Sunday 29 January)


 * L`Oste E Il Sacrestano Via Sant`Andrea,19
 * Michelin "Bib" listed. January open only for Friday and Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch. News found facebook


 * La Taverna del Duca Via Sant'Adrea,9
 * Highly rated seafood restaurant


 * Curó Via Martinez,10
 * Fast food but high quality. Takeaway and sit down next to Blue Sky but food not to be taken to the bar.


 * OASI Beach - Osteria del Mare
 * Excellent seafood restaurant with beach and bar attached. A good thirty plus minute walk but well worth it especially in the warmer weather. Turn right at the Commercial centre, walk over the bridge, bear right at the end of the bridge and again at the t-junction....keep going and you will see a large, green sign. Turn right down the little lane. The Oasi fish soup is a wonder!


 * Gullivers
 * Via Castello, A few minutes from the entrance to the marina. Perfect in the summer months for eating under the outside awning.


 * Curo' Trattoria Via Gabriele D'Annunzio,2
 * Sicilian/Palermo trattoria. Fixed menus: fish (deep fried) plus side dishes or a BBQ meat platter.

Pizzeria

 * Il Mulino
 * Pizzeria next to Blue Sky. A favourite for Happy Hour evenings. If a regular pizza is too big specify a "baby". Attractive restaurant at the rear.


 * Fauzzeria, Corso Vittorio Emanuele
 * also gluten free pizza.


 * Ristorante Pizzeria Alkala, Corsa Umberto 5
 * "Forno a legna" Wood-fired pizza

Bars

 * Blue Sky Bar
 * Simply a bar with good music also hosting "Happy Hours" every Tuesday and Friday.


 * La Drogheria Corsa Roma 22
 * Local guide: "Short but excellent selection of craft beers. Long list of spirits and of cocktails. Nice location and very good burgers. Always crowded. Indoor and outdoor seating available. No doubts, it's the best bar in town for either a drink or a meal." Hours 18.00-02.00 Town centre.
 * Felix Lido
 * Excellent beach bar on Marinello Beach. Very natural in the quiet months but "umbrellered" in high season. Get to by walking along the beach (12/15 mins) and it is just around the first small headland. First section of the beach provides very safe but shallow swimming

Cafes

 * Café Letterario
 * Marina Cafeteria hosting "Happy Hours" every Tuesday and Friday. Selection of lunchtime/afternoon meals.


 * Cafè Sant'Angelo, Piazza Sant Angelo
 * A favourite with liveaboards. The sunny, square provides protection from wind. No draught beer but Messina in bottle.


 * Caffuccino
 * Upmarket cafe with lovely patisserie and excellent lunches. Waitress service, pay at the till by the door when leaving. On the corner of the Corsa Umberto and Piazza Linares.


 * Kadinsky cafe Via Palma 96
 * En route to MD and Lidl Supermarkets. An ideal stop with excellent coffee and a choice of quality lunches.


 * Bar Gondar, Via Mogadiscio, 43
 * Opposite Frutteria di Rosso. Opens early, closes late. Very popular with locals


 * Bar Florio, Corso Filippo Re Capriata
 * Best granita in Licata, excellent gelato


 * Very nice cafe/restaurant on first floor of the San Giorgio Commercial Centre


 * Aurora. See under "Hidden shops"

Buy
NOTE: Most shops open at 9am and close between 1pm and 4pm. Some shops and bars do not open at all until the evening.

Supermarkets

 * Centro il porto
 * Shopping Mall at the entrance to the marina. Opens 9 a.m. each day


 * Conad
 * In the shopping mall next to the marina. Well stocked and nearest supermarket. Lamb available in the butchery only on Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings. Open 9.00/20.30 weekdays. Saturday closes 21.00, Sunday 13.30


 * MD 121 Via Palma
 * A more limited range than Lidl which is a bit further on. A good range of spirits and beers with a fresh meat counter (no lamb seen) and fresh fish from a cold cabinet. Kadinsky cafe on the way/way back does excellent coffee and cornetto plus lunches


 * Lidl, 322 Via Palma
 * Very well stocked with regular discount offers. Very active website with current and future "extra" discount offers You can often find random fresh meat discounted as being close to its sell-by date.


 * La Frutteria Di Russo Salvatore corner of Via Egitto and Via Generale dalla Chiesa.
 * Excellent fruit and veg market just ten minutes walk from the marina. Past Logico restaurant and the Carabieri, turn right and you'll find it on the left after a short walk. Cheaper stuff outside, fresher inside. Very reasonable prices.


 * SIDIS supermarket Piano Mangiscasale
 * Useful little supermarket just a couple of minutes from the fruit market (Fruitteria Di Russo)


 * San Giorgio Commercial Centre
 * Big, edge of town, shopping mall. Many shops including a Euronics branch, Bricook: a large hardware store which is useful for many different things, a SIDIS supermarket, many clothes shop and a very nice cafe on the first floor.

Specialist Food shops
It is worth mentioning that the bread from the local bakeries is superior to the industrial stuff sold in Conad. It is also a lot cheaper! Some panificio seem not to bake but sell the same stuff as in Conad.


 * Panificio Alessandro Campisi see on map
 * Small bakery just behind the Piazza Sant’Angelo. They speak English (with a New York accent!). Excellent bread. Selection of whole grain bread and once a week (Thursday) local spicy bread, Muffuletta. They open very early and also on Sundays "in the summertime". Muffulettu Licatese The story of muffuletta.


 * Panificio del Corso
 * At the corner of Corso Umberto and Via Sole this is an entertaining bakery with pretty good bread.


 * Pescheria del Porto
 * Fresh fish shop behind the shopping mall.


 * For ice cream, go to Piazza Attilio Regolo. see on map
 * 4 different ice cream shops, mainly open in summer - even very late in the evening - occasionally also during winter, on good weather. Gelateria La Dolce Vita, Camilleri, Chupiteria, Azzurro. Find your favourite! La Dolce Vita makes all their own.


 * Pasticceria Lauria Via Barrile,18
 * Cake shop with, reputedly, the best arancini. Fresh at 17.30

Hidden shops (the type you could easily walk by with just a small entrance)

 * Spare parts, bits and pieces for gas stoves and gas appliances sold in a van, which is parked on Thursdays - on market day, near the market area - in the corner of Via Generale La Marmora and Via Gela. map


 * Pasticceria Impero di Munda Angelo, Piazza Linares
 * Reputed to be the best cannoli in town! They fill them freshly.


 * Superettes, Piazza Linares
 * Super delicatessen selling the best local produce. Excellent cheeses and salamis.


 * Aurora Via Campobello, 113.
 * Seemingly just a cafe from the outside if you go through the door on the left you enter a vast emporium of high quality produce. Continue through and you will find a more sophisticated cafe/bar area with a huge range of rare local wines. Sadly it is about a 25 minute walk.


 * Via Martinez/Via Donna Ignese
 * There are several small interesting shops around the "crossroads" where these two lanes join at Via Sant Andrea. Known for selling quality specialist things such as real Bronte pistachios or the local Nero d'Avola at 2e a litre. In the old "Marina" district. Well worth a little adventure.

Supply shops (Stuff we might need onboard)

 * Nautilhouse Licata, boat and marine supplies in the marina see on map
 * If Andrea does not have something, he can most likely order it for you. Also makes sails and does repairs.


 * Nautica Bosa, the other boat chandlery, close to yards


 * Fai da Te - Ferramenta di Verderame Vincenzo
 * You can get f.e. oxalic acid from there (roughly 5€/kg). Big inside so plenty to search through for the "bit" you need.
 * Enzo’s place is a good starting point for the search. If Enzo doesn’t have it he waves his hand in the direction you should go.


 * Car stuff, also several type of engine oil, in the corner of Corso Serrovira and Via Gaetano di Pasquali.  see on map
 * Nearby there are two small hardware stores "Ferramenta" with huge storage behind the counter. Study before visit the thing you are looking for in Italian to get what you want, as they only speak Italian.

Useful shops

 * Elena Moda Via Palma 181
 * Known as the Chinese" shop because...it's run by Chinese folk. Described as a clothing shop is does indeed sell huge amounts of cheap clothing but behind the that section is a vast array of bits 'n pieces....worth a trip just to see what's there. Conveniently opposite Enoteca Mangiarecina.


 * Enoteca Mangiarecina, Via Palma 40
 * Draught wine shop which also sells an interesting range of spirits and quality wines. At the point of writing (1/2023) Nero d'Avola is 2e a (plastic re-fillable) 75cl bottle. Marsala 4e. You can order with Whatsapp and they deliver to your gangway. +39 329 725 0740


 * Bricoline, Via Praga general hardware store


 * PaperPoint Cartolibreria 1 Via Egitto
 * Stationery Shop. Believed to be able to print Boat Cards. Very close to the Frutteria di Rosso fruit market


 * Allegro Alfonso Via la Lumia 7
 * Hairdresser 8.30am opening +39(0)922770221. Close to Sant Angelo bar!


 * Bosa Bike Via Ammiraglio Domenico Cammilleri
 * Bicycle shop with spares


 * Cicli ZappullaVia Palma 226
 * Bicycle shop with spares. They have inner tubes for foldable bikes.


 * UniEuro 198/200 Via Gela (Generic website)
 * Friendly and helpful electrical supply shop with many small appliances e.g. mini-ovens

Street Stalls
You will find many street stalls selling just about anything. Prices on fresh produce never shown.


 * Friday fish van in front of Fai da te (This and that) hardware shop close to Blue Sky Bar


 * Several fresh and very cheap vegetable stalls on a Monday and Tuesday mornings opposite the Post Office

Street Markets

 * St Angelo Market in May
 * A huge market that fills the centre of Licata....a day's entertainment!


 * Weekly market on Thursdays See on map
 * Everything and anything. Food, spices, antipasto, plants, fish (only winter), clothing, fabrics, shoes, kitchenware. It is a very large area. Don´t buy cheese there, though. Admire the travelling coffee machine!


 * Monday morning
 * Various vegetable stalls, fresh and cheap, close to the Post Office

Specialist Boat Service Suppliers

 * Boat repair, hauling, development
 * Boat Service
 * Elia di Prima "We make your boat problems go away"


 * Matthew Paterson
 * Friendly Australian who is a long-time resident of Licata. He has contacts with most of the local artisans and can organise work on your boat. "Yacht/sail boat reperation and services"


 * Sail repairs
 * Sisail in Ragusa
 * Nautilhouse Andrea at the Marina Chandlery


 * Upholstery and bimini
 * Emanuele Corbo, Via G.Amendola 53, Tel. 0922893700. He also sell canvas by meter.


 * Electrics
 * Guiseppe Vedda, Via Principe di Napoli, 20A. Also expert in Raymarine autopilots. https://www.vedda.it/
 * Mr Vedda is a very busy guy so difficult to get hold of. Use Boat Services which works with Mr Vedda to survey and discuss your needs first.


 * Boatyards
 * Cantiere Oceanica - Giuseppe Incorvaia
 * Guiseppe speaks reasonable English and organises boat hauling and short term boat storage. It's best to arrange via your service provider who will co-ordinate lift-time, work-time and hard storage.


 * Anchor and chain regalvanizing in Ragusa, 1,5€/kg + IVA (spring 2022) Cappello Group


 * Metalwork, stainles steel pipes Metaltek inox-work See on map

Banks/ATM's/Post Office
Note that, generally, best exchange rates are those in banks and not standalone units They are also the safest.


 * Banca Popolare Sant'Angelo (standalone)
 * Nearest ATM. Outside Shopping Mall
 * ATM also at the top (left side) of Corso Vittoria Emanuele. Nearest to Blue Sky bar
 * ATM at the Post Office Piazza Linares. It is thought the have best exchange rates
 * ATM near the Frutteria di Russo on the Via Mogadiscio
 * Post Office Piazza Linares (Main/Central) Via Cristoforo Colombo (West near boatyard)

Pet Care

 * Animal Centre
 * Essentials for pet life including food
 * Ambulatorio Veterinario Francesco D’Assisi, Via Borromini, 12 +39 339 451 6796
 * Veterinarian 4.8 star Google score. Please note that some boatowners have experienced problems here.
 * Studio Veterinario,Via Gaetano de Pasquali, 83, +39 0922 891466
 * Veterinarian 4.6 star Google score. Matt has offered to contact/translate for you if help needed.
 * [https://clinicaveterinariacatania.it/ 24/7 Emergency clinic in Catania

Bus

 * Bus between Licata and Catania airport, search timetable
 * Bus is the best option to go or come.
 * You can get tickets from the Bar Sport next to the bus station
 * There is also a small mini-bus service from the bus station which is very pleasant and you stop about half-way for a coffee!


 * Bus Licata - Palermo search timetable
 * To go to Palermo airport it is necessary to take two buses. One to get to Palermo and another to Punta Raisi airport. Once you arrive at the central station you catch another bus, company “Prestia e Comandé”. Timetables and prices [ https://www.prestiaecomande.it/] To return to Licata do the opposite!


 * Bus Agrigento - Licata - Gela - Comiso airport, Timetable


 * Long distance. There is a direct bus from Licata bus station to different parts of Italy; Rome, Bari, Firenze etc. The bus drives to the ferry and cross the Strait of Messina. Search for timetables

Train

 * Regional train, train station on map with three daily services to directions of Ragusa and Caltanisetta (connected to Catania, from Catania overnight train to mainland, Rome, Milan etc.). Search for timetables

Car rentals

 * Incardona, see on map. Not the cheapest but very good service.

Laundry

 * Laundry at the marina next to Nautilhouse chandlery.
 * Note: only the biggest machine uses warm water (as at 20/01/23). Open 24/7.
 * Use machine to exchange coins (1e&2e 50c) for tokens which operate the machines. 4e (2 tokens) a (cold) wash 8e for big/hot wash. 4e to dry. The tokens often do not work easily. Persist and change the way you put them (flick, spin or slow!) in the slot. Letterario does not give change.


 * 'A Pila - Lavanderia Self-service, see on map 10€/washing, 10€/dryer

Gas, propane and butane tank refills

 * Mondo Gas Di Sciascia Maicol, Via Venezia 536, Gela
 * You normally have to leave tanks and collect later.
 * Shop for gas appliances and refill Italian gas bottles, on Corso Umberto. They deliver bottle to marina with their Ape. One of the guys speaks German. You can also ask office to call them and come to change your Italian bottle.
 * Elettrodelta, servizio gas, Via Bevilacqua 96, Gela Elettrodelta. Fill also CampingGaz. Google maps shows it is closed, but was open 12/2022. see on Map

Misc

 * Where do I get an Italian SIM card?
 * In the shopping mall. In front of the CONAD supermarket you will find an ILIAD booth. Or you can go to the store called HI-TECH located in Piazza Linares 28.
 * Where do I throw away used oil and used filters?
 * In Italy this type of waste is not supposed to be disposed of in ecological areas or regular bins. The Marina office has said to leave old oil etc. in front of the first garage P side, where it will be collected by the oil elves.
 * Main Post Office, Piazza Linares
 * It has a slightly unusual security system. You wait outside until they press a button and the green light on the door lights up. It limits the number of people inside. One out, one in!

Emergency Information

 * Action in case of any emergency.
 * In Italy there is a generic emergency number which is: 112. If you ring 112 you will be directed to one of the following specific numbers:
 * State Police 113 (accidents, theft, etc.)
 * Urgent and emergency medical service: 118 (Only health issues)
 * Fire Brigade: 115 (fires, weather emergencies)
 * Where do I go if my passport/ID get lost/stolen?
 * To the police station Via Campobello, 106
 * Where do I go if I have to report a crime?
 * To the police station Via Campobello or to the Carabinieri station Via Salvo D'Acquisto 2
 * Where do I pay a fine
 * A fine e.g. a parking fine can be paid online on the website of the municipality of residence if the offence was detected by the Municipal Police; otherwise, for fines made by the Police or Carabinieri to the post office or, in some cases, to affiliated tobacco shops "Tabacchi". Experience suggests that the Post Office is easiest.


 * Useful info: tobacco shops do not only sell cigarettes. They offer numerous services including: bill payments, phone recharges, postepay recharges, lottery tickets.

Useful Websites

 * Tourism website
 * News
 * Licata News website
 * Licata: My little-known house in Sicily
 * A great deal of useful historic information
 * Wikitravel - Licata
 * Wikipedia - Licata
 * Watch this space!
 * A cultural portal. Festivals and Events coming soon in Sicily. Auto-translator needed unless you speak Italian.
 * Flavours of Sicily!
 * The best of Sicily's food and wine: products, recipes and places

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