Crotone, located on the SE coast of Italy, has a population of about 59 000. The town and port stands on a point 43 m high, with two harbours; Porto Nuovo the main harbour lying on the N of the point, and Porto Vecchio used by smaller vessels, lying on the S side of the point. Owing to the scarcity of harbours of refuge along this coast, both of these harbours are often congested in winter.