The port of Mazara del Vallo is Sicily’s only canal port. It is divided into three basins: the outer harbor, the fishing boat dock (or “new port”), and the canal port. The history of the canal port dates back to ancient times; carved out at the mouth of the Mazaro River, it has always been an important hub for maritime traffic within the Mediterranean.

In 600 B.C. the Greeks also used it as a commercial Emporium; the Romans continued to consider it a landmark for their maritime trade but it was with the Arabs that the port of Mazara del Vallo began to be counted among the island’s main ports.

Between 1800 and 1900, the large fishing fleet began to take shape; it currently consists of more than 4,300 vessels. In fact, the port is the main base for deep-sea fishing vessels in the entire Mediterranean, with an annual catch of approximately 200,000 quintals of fish.

The commercial port is protected on the east side by a breakwater and the Levante pier; on the west side, protection is provided by the new Ponente pier. To access the commercial port basin, you must contact the maritime authority in advance.

To enter, one must keep to the centerline of the port mouth, which is easily identified as it is marked by 3 lights: one with red flashes placed on the head of the new West Pier, one with green flashes on the head of the curved antemural seawall, and the one with a fixed red light, signaling the southern edge of the South Pier.

The depth of the seabed varies greatly. In the outer harbor basin, the depth is about 6–7 meters; in the new harbor, it is around 5 meters, while in the harbor channel, it ranges from 2 to 3 meters.

The port of Mazara del Vallo serves many important functions. First and foremost, it is an industrial port, as it is home to a large number of shipyards; in particular, these shipyards specialize in the construction of medium-tonnage vessels and offer a full range of repair services for hulls and engines through their numerous mechanical workshops.

The port then serves the function of oil supply, thanks to the existence of a coastal fuel depot.

Commercial movement occurs at the Mokarta docks, where cruise ships in transit dock, and Roger II, the latter equipped with 4 silos for bulk cement storage.

Passenger transport services , on the other hand, operate from the Ammiraglio Francese pier , located in the New Port basin, and the Giovan Battista Quinci pier, situated on the eastern side of the port’s exit.

Small boats can refill their water supplies along the docks at Molo C.te Caito. The docks are also equipped with electrical outlets and phone booths.

There are no boat hoists for recreational boats. There are no fuel stations inside the harbor, but there are a few nearby.

Near the port of Mazara del Vallo, there are two small ports: the ADINA port, managed by the Mazara Yachting Association, and the small port of S. Vito. The latter is located 0.7 NM east of the commercial port and consists of a 90-meter-long breakwater and a groyne. Following an eviction order from the Harbor Master’s Office, the S. Vito marina is currently out of use.