Porto Falconera — Caorle Approaches
Caorle outer anchorage · Valle Altanea roadstead · Porto di Caorle anchorage
45°34.9'N 12°51.7'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
90m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
90m
90m on sand in 4–7m. The Northern Adriatic coast is essentially a lee shore in any E or NE wind — this anchorage is comfortable only in settled offshore (W/NW) conditions. Bora from NE and Scirocco from SE are both directly threatening. Use only in stable high-pressure summer conditions; depart on first forecast of any offshore wind.
About This Anchorage
Caorle is a charming, authentic Venetian-era fishing town — the old city on a rocky promontory with its distinctive round campanile is one of the most photogenic in the Northern Adriatic. The surrounding coastal lagoons and Valle Altanea fish farms make the area rich in seafood. The outer anchorage provides a fair weather coastal stop before the less-visited stretch of Adriatic coast between Venice and Trieste. Caorle's fish restaurants are celebrated — the moeche (soft-shell crabs), schie (tiny lagoon shrimp), and cuttlefish risotto are local specialities. The Porto Falconera inlet gives access to the inner lagoon and town quay by dinghy.
Protected From
NW · W · SW
Exposed To
N · NE · E · SE
Setting Your Anchor
Anchoring on Posidonia oceanica meadows is prohibited throughout Italian waters under the EU Habitats Directive and is actively enforced — fines range from €500–€3,000. In the Venice Lagoon, always navigate within marked channels (bricole); mud banks outside channels can be as shallow as 0.3m. In AMP zones throughout Italy, check for Zone A/B/C designations before anchoring.
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free. Town quay (pontoon berths) available from €15–€30/night.
- Maximum stay
- 3 days
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Keep clear of the beach swimming exclusion zones (marked with buoys, 200m from beach in summer). Fishing net buoys scattered offshore — proceed slowly and watch for nets at night.
Hazards
- !Lee shore exposure: The entire Northern Adriatic coast is a lee shore in NE Bora and E/SE Scirocco — departure at the first sign of offshore wind development is essential; do not be caught here in a Bora
- !Fishing nets: Extensive fixed and drift net fisheries along the Caorle coast — proceed slowly (5 kts) when approaching or departing, particularly at night; many nets are poorly marked
- !Shoaling river inlet: The Livenza river mouth silts regularly; approach depths to the inner harbour are variable — enter only near HW and with current chart information
- !Beach boat traffic: Summer beach season brings high-powered RIBs and jet skis from the beach resorts — remain 300m offshore from beach areas
Skipper's Tips
- →The old town cathedral campanile (cylindrical Romanesque tower, 12th century) is visible from 10+ nm offshore — a reliable approach landmark on the featureless Adriatic coast
- →Take the dinghy into the Caorle fish market (Pescaria) early morning (by 07:30) for the freshest catch of the day — ask vendors what is caught locally versus farmed
- →The Caorle lagoon (Valle Altanea) can be explored by dinghy — the fish farms (valli da pesca) are traditional Venetian lagoon management systems, still working today
- →Approach the Livenza inlet only on a rising tide and use the buoyed channel on the south side of the entrance — the north bar is very shallow
Facilities
Caorle has excellent fish restaurants in the old town (10-minute dinghy ride from anchorage). Osteria Le Botteghe and Al Pescatore are local favourites — fresh lagoon seafood at reasonable prices.
Nearest provisions: Caorle town (2nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
June–September for fair-weather coastal anchoring. This is strictly a settled-weather stop on the low-energy Adriatic coast. Spring and autumn: increased Bora and Scirocco frequency; only for experienced crews with fast weather eye.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 90m
In the Northern Adriatic, the Bora can build from calm to 60+ km/h while you sleep. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — alerting you the moment your anchor starts to drag.
Download Free for iOS