Wintering in Roccella Ionica. We spent the winter of 2017-18 (Oct-Apr) here and can’t sing their praises enough. The marina may not be the prettiest around but it is definitely value for money; they have raised their prices this year but are still, I believe, the cheapest in Italy. The marina is quite isolated. It is a 30-minute walk from town, which is quiet, and if you want to do a big shop or need hardware stores you’ll need a car, the nearest car hire is at Lamezia Terme airport.

If you want kicking nightlife, go elsewhere. The marina is surprisingly well sheltered from the prevailing SW winds that topped 60 kts on a couple of occasions this winter and when the winds pick up the marina staff are very attentive. Facilities are limited, the pizzeria and mini market appear to close for the winter, but there is a dedicated Club House for the sole use of the winter liveaboards and there are occasionally pedal cycles to borrow to get into town.

There are also plans (I stress plans) to provide additional facilities, such as winter storage huts for sails etc and an electric car and or mini bus for transport into town and beyond. The only draw back is that there is little in the way of security and a number of thefts of pedal cycles have occurred. On one occasion Marina Staff out in town saw one stolen bike and retrieved it from the kids riding it and returned it to its owner. (Padlocks are always a good idea)
Having said all this I wish to flag up the biggest selling point of the marina; the Staff. They are brilliant.

Francesco and Alessandra are the nicest, most helpful people we have ever encountered in marina management, anywhere. Very customer focused and can’t do enough to help.
As a wintering location, Roccella is ideal. Inexpensive, protected and a good location on the way to or from Greece or the Adriatic and Albania is within easy reach for non EU visitors needing to leave the EU temporarily. We’re returning for 2018-19 as are a number of others. Well worth considering.

Roccella Ionica – August 2017, my second visit to Porto Delle Grazie – Marina di Roccella. Very nice marina, very well managed, fantastic service. The marina manager Mr Franchesco is always very very helpful. It is a real pleasure to visit there. Despite what is written in the Rob Heikell pilot book, they have dredged the channel entrance to the marina and you can just go in and out using the middle of the channel (this might change in time). The pizza is still there – just fantastic!!!

We spent the winter 16/17 here – well sheltered, very helpful and friendly staff, excellent winter rates, free bikes to go to town. Great markets close by (Saturday and Tuesday). The entrance is regularly dredged now to approx. 3m, however best to call on radio channel 14 to get guidance. Would certainly stay there again, best rates in the Med! 1100 Euros for a winter package for a 53-foot boat including vat, water and electricity!

Roccella and its port have always been one of our favourites in the Med. We have spent the past winter here and have thoroughly enjoyed being here. We lacked for nothing. The plan is to return here again this winter. The liveaboard community this year was very small, but we expect it only to grow. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful, and the marina is actively soliciting winter liveaboards.

When entering, we strongly advise calling in on 14/16 to get assistance to pass through the harbour opening. It does have a tendency to silt up, but it will be dredged to a depth of 3.5m and maintained at that depth.

Now renamed Porto Delle Grazie Roccella Jonica marina Tel. +39 0964 85847 e.mail: info@portodellegrazie.it and charging fees comparable with nearby marinas eg Euros 80 for a 16.5m yacht. Water & Electricity included. Toilet block very far from the pontoon. Wifi at the office only. I believe it is still possible to moor on the quay which is controlled by the Coastia Guardia. Dept at the entrance is 3.5m keeping close the port side of the entrance. Call on channel 16 or 14. Pizza restaurant still there offering 1 or 1/2m pizzas at a good value