Scilla
Chianalea di Scilla · Scilla Castle anchorage · Scilla Tyrrhenian
38°15.3'N 15°43.0'E
Strait of Messina — Current Warning
This anchorage is at or near the Strait of Messina. Currents reach 3–5 kn (up to 7 kn at springs). Current reversal every ~6 hours — slack water window only 15–30 min. NEVER transit wind-against-current. Ferry traffic every 15 minutes — monitor VHF Ch 16 continuously. Plan all movements with current tables.
Depth
8–18m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
110m
Holding
Fair holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
110m
110m in 10–15m depth. The deep, rocky nature of the Scilla anchorage makes this one of the more challenging on the Calabrian coast. Have significant chain (60m+) and back down hard to find a sandy patch. This is the N entrance to the Strait of Messina — currents begin to be felt here; the northgoing (Montante) current sets toward the Calabrian coast. In any N or NW wind, the anchorage is untenable — depart to Bagnara Calabra (8nm N) or proceed S through the Strait.
About This Anchorage
Scilla occupies one of the most dramatic sites on the Italian coast — a volcanic sea stack crowned by the Norman Castello Ruffo, with the ancient fishing village of Chianalea clinging to the rocks at its base. This is the Scylla of Greek mythology, the six-headed monster who dragged sailors from their ships in the Strait of Messina (Charybdis, the whirlpool, being on the Sicilian side at Cariddi). The castle now contains the town museum. Scilla is famous for its swordfishing tradition — in June and August the passarelle boats (traditional swordfishing vessels with a 30m-high mast and a 50m bowsprit from which a lookout spots the fish) operate from the harbour, a sight unchanged for centuries. The town beach (Lido beach, to the N of the castle) is a local favourite. As the northern gateway to the Strait of Messina, currents begin to accelerate here — plan any Strait transit carefully from Scilla.
Protected From
W · SW
Exposed To
N · NE · NW
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.
Scilla offshore anchorage — N of the castle rock
Depth: 8–18m · Bottom: sand, rock · Alarm: 110m
Anchor to the N of the Scilla castle rock (Castello Ruffo) in 8–18m on mixed sand and rock. This is a deep anchorage — have at least 60m of chain. Holding is fair on the sandy patches but poor where rock predominates. Protected from W through SW. Exposed to N and NW — Tramontana creates uncomfortable conditions and the Strait of Messina current funnels close to the headland. This is the Scylla of Homer's Odyssey — the mythological six-headed monster dwelling in the rocks here. The swordfishing (pesce spada) boats (passarelle — with their long bowsprits) are a local sight in June–August.
Chianalea beach — small day anchorage
Depth: 3–6m · Bottom: sand, pebble · Alarm: 70m
The tiny Chianalea fishing village — sometimes called the 'Little Venice of the South' for its houses built directly over the sea on stilts — has a small beach with brief day anchoring in 3–6m on sand and pebble. Very limited swing room and exposed to NE. Day visit only. Landing by dinghy on the small beach to explore the village is a highlight.
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 the swordfishing boat exclusion around the passarelle operations (Jun–Aug) — do not anchor in their working area. Strait of Messina transit: follow the traffic separation scheme if applicable. Keep clear of the ferry lanes (Villa San Giovanni ferries cross 3nm S of Scilla). VHF Ch 16 mandatory.
Hazards
- !Strait of Messina currents: Current begins to accelerate at Scilla — can reach 2–3 kn even north of the narrows. Plan transit timing carefully; consult current tables and aim for slack water
- !Deep rocky seabed: 8–18m with rock predominating — anchor placement is critical; drag risk is real if anchor lands on rock rather than sandy patch
- !Tramontana (N)/NW exposure: The anchorage is exposed to N and NW — Tramontana makes this untenable; depart immediately if forecast above F3–4 from N
- !Swordfishing passarelle boats: In June–August these extraordinary vessels (30m mast, 50m bowsprit) operate in the surrounding waters — maintain awareness and give them clear passage
Skipper's Tips
- →Visit Chianalea by dinghy — the fishing village built on the rocks with narrow alleyways, boats kept under the houses, and restaurants overlooking the sea is one of the most atmospheric in southern Italy
- →Check the Strait of Messina current tables before arriving — Scilla is the ideal waiting anchorage to time your S-bound transit for the southward (Scendente) current
- →Watch the passarelle swordfishing boats in June–August at dawn — they depart from Scilla at first light to work the Strait; the silhouette of the high mast against the sunrise is extraordinary
- →The Castello Ruffo (castle museum) is a short walk up from Chianalea — the views from the castle walls back over the Strait of Messina toward Sicily are exceptional
Facilities
Excellent restaurants in Chianalea village — the swordfish (pesce spada) is a speciality, particularly in the traditional 'salmoriglio' preparation (olive oil, lemon, oregano). Several restaurants built directly over the sea. Provisions at Bagnara Calabra (8nm N) or Villa San Giovanni (10nm S).
Nearest provisions: Bagnara Calabra (8nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, July, August, September
May–September. Scilla is primarily a day-stop or short overnight anchorage due to the deep, rocky bottom and Strait exposure. Best used as a staging point for timing a Strait of Messina transit. The swordfishing season (June–August) adds unique character. Avoid in N/NW winds.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Sleep Peacefully at Scilla
Near the Strait of Messina, currents can load your anchor all night — even a well-set hook can drag in 3–5 kn of sustained current. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously and wakes you the moment anything changes.
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