Syracusa - and finally heading for Greece

We left Licata at first light, heading for Porto Paulo on the southernmost tip of Sicily - motoring, as there was no wind at all.  Our first night on anchor was not particularly comfortable, we should have tucked in nearer the breakwater as there was a surprising amount of swell and anything on the boat that could rattle certainly did!

The next day's sail to Syracusa made up for it though - a beat, but a good 15 to 20 kts of breeze blew away some of the Licata cobwebs and the natural anchorage here is very well protected even in strong winds.

Syracusa caters for tourists - the Old Town on the island of Ortygia is connected by several bridges and has plenty of charm, street markets, cafes and restaurants.

Heading into the harbour - the anchorage in the distance, passing the yacht ACE.  It can apparently be rented for €1m per week.

Old Town Ortygia - alternative plant pots.

One of the bridges connecting the Island to the mainland - and a bit of local art.

Piazza del Duomo, the 18th Century Cathedral in Ortygia, Syracusa.

Spiderman - more Local Art

A local busker - there were several very young musicians plying their trade in the town.

The highlight was the market - especially the many fish stalls:

I do NOT want to catch a Tuna this size!

Not sure what kind of fish they are, but these guys were experts at filleting them - no knives were used.  Very tasty.

No visit to Syracusa would be complete with out visiting the Historic sights

The Roman Theatre - looking very unloved.  There was a €10 entrance charge, but not a single bit of information could be found at the site, in any language!  Our guide book tells us that it dates from the 1st to 5th Centuries BC and was used for chariot racing.

The Greek Theatre - again no information at the site - but on alternate years it is used for the production of classical plays during the summer months, and for this it is covered in wooden staging - which is what you can see now.

But - the real highlight for us was the quarry:  Dating back to Roman times, it consisted of enormous caves created by the quarrying.  The shapes of the building blocks clearly visible in the ceiling and the walls.

On close examination, Ian can be seen in the quarry. I know he's only little …

So - tomorrow we set off for Greece, heading for Pilos, which should take us two to three days.

We're finally leaving Licata

We've spent longer here than we planned, but plans were always made for changing …  Anyway, the Marina de Cala del Sole, Licata has been a great place to overwinter, but we are now finally able to drag ourselves away and head for Greece.

We have very fond memories of Licata and have made some great friends here amongst the very multi national 'livaboard' community of fellow sailors.

The winter in Sicily was quite fierce at times

Licata Harbour breakwater being put through it's paces

And the resulting piles of rubbish that blow in and get caught on the breakwater.

The occasional very foggy days,  lots and lots of rain.

And plenty of opportunities to try out our new tender - the PortaBote - not only can you sail it, row or motor but it folds flat and can be stored along the guard rails.  Fantastic.  Apparently it also can't sink but fortunately we've not tested that out as yet.

There is a regular weekly market in Licata where bargains abound.

Artificial flowers 

A Market vendor and piles of salted dried cod - best kept in the fresh air, that smell is very pungent!

No idea what kind of fish this is but it's readily available in the Market.

Anyone for a bra?  There were literally thousands of them.

Rather less orderly, the shoes.

The sweets.  And there were lots more to choose from.

Nutella really is everywhere - it is very common to see Nutella Pizza on the menu.  We never tried it.

Part of the charm of Licata has been the festivals - Christmas was almost washed out by the weather, but they made up for it with Easter and the more recent Festival of Saint Angelo

 

Easter in Licata

Religion is very much alive here

The Festival of Saint Angelo involved the carrying of religious relics between Churches and a fantastic number of very well organised marching bands.

The magnificent silver casket, presumably containing the Holy Relics.

Keeping tradition very much alive, there were three newly built wooden towers which are carried on poles and literally raced through the streets.

We are not sure exactly what part these gentlemen played in the Festival but they took it very seriously.

Girl Bands and Boy Bands, marching by the Marina

No idea at all how this fitted into the festival, but it was definitely the day to come on horseback.  Dress code optional!

Licata is a traditional market town, and as well as the genuine market there is endless opportunity to buy from individual farmers who sell their produce from the back of their vans in the streets.  When we first arrived it was grapes, then oranges and now much more varied as we get further into the growing season.

Fruit and Veg - or at least onions and tomatoes.

Potatoes - €3 for a bag

And fish, by the handful.

And to finish, a photo of one of the many three wheeled vans that can be found all over Sicily.

We plan to head off tomorrow morning - in the general direction of Greece.