Sicily lies in the south of the country and only 3 km of water separates it from the Italian mainland. Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island, surrounded by three seas (the Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean). It is the home of Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano. Opt for a Sicily yacht charter and explore its diverse coast. The north and east coasts are made up of high cliffs with numerous bays and sandy beaches. Going south, the land is flatter, and the beaches become longer.
Sicily’s strategic location at the centre of the Mediterranean has made the island a crossroad of history. Some of the world’s greatest civilizations left their mark creating a unique heritage. Sicily has been a Greek colony, a Roman province, an Arab emirate, and a Norman kingdom, which means that you can explore Europe, Africa and Asia all rolled into one on your Sicily holiday.
Find Your Ideal Yacht in Sicily Sailing Region
Why is Sicily Popular Among Sailors?
Charter a yacht in Sicily as it is the perfect place for a quiet, but adventurous sailing holiday, with a dozen historic and picturesque towns to explore - from the historic city Syracuse to more urban Catania and touristic Taormina. Yachtsmen will enjoy the perfect Mediterranean climate of Sicily, which means it is mostly warm and dry. The northern and western coasts of Sicily are excellent sailing destinations for beginners, fishermen and tourists who want to enjoy the traditional Sicilian cuisine, swim on sandy beaches, and take pictures of ancient monuments.
Starting from Marsala or Trapani will let you explore the Egadi Islands; perfect for serious sailors and for those who are looking for untouched nature. The Aeolian islands and their beautiful and diverse landscape are just a short sail away from Cefalù, Milazzo or Capo d’Orlando.
Yacht Charter in Sicily Sailing Region
A yacht charter in Sicily is ideal for a peaceful yet exciting sailing vacation, with a variety of charming places to discover. If you're not experienced and wish to sail north of Messina or to Lampedusa and Pantelleria islands, it would be recommendable to charter a skippered yacht. Marinas are located all along the island and can accommodate yachts of different sizes.
The marinas are well equipped, and the locals and the marina staff are always at your disposal for a quick chat or some advice on hidden local gems. Considering that Sicily is a world-renowned tourist destination, please keep this in mind when planning your itinerary and book your berth in advance. Sailing in Sicily in spring and autumn will ensure you miss the overly crowded marinas, streets and restaurants that are typical for the summertime.
Best Places to Visit in Sicily Region
Sicily is one of Italy’s most visited and popular destinations for a sailing holiday. A holiday on a charter yacht in the Sicily region would not be complete without a visit to the mesmerizing nearby Aeolian islands. Beautiful towns, well-equipped ports, delicious food and the surrounding islands are what attract many tourists every year to this region.
The capital city of Sicily, Palermo, is also a chaotic and bustling mecca of ancient architecture, medieval streets, and markets.
Siracusa is a historic city notable for its rich Greek and Roman history. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Island of Ortigia, the historic centre of Syracuse and stroll around the charming streets and take a sweet (or savoury) break in many of its bistros. Taormina is one of Sicily’s leading holiday destinations but also a fashionable resort with beaches nearby. The second largest city on the island, Catania, is a vibrant city and a good base to visit Etna that dominates the city’s landscape.
A small archipelago of Aegadian Islands or Egadi Islands lies in sight of Trapani. The archipelago of Egadi is formed by the islands of Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo, the islet of Formica and the rock of Maraone. This small, almost untouched archipelago offers stunning nature, clear blue waters, precious archaeological findings and peaceful low-key stays in cosy fishermen villages.
The seaside town of Trapani is one of the gateways for your trip to Egadi islands. The town itself is worth the visit with the most prominent attractions being the watchtowers (Torre di Ligny and Torre dell’Orologio), and the churches (Chiesa di Sant’Agostino, Cattedrale di San Lorenzo Martire).
Another good starting point for visiting the Egadi islands is the easy-going town of Marsala. However, the town centre itself has an interesting baroque historic centre, and numerous caffes and bistros to soak up the vibe of the town. If you have enough time, make sure to visit the nearby island of Mozia and its saltpans.
Messina is a town known as the gateway to Sicily, has always been associated with the sea and many legends are linked to it (myth of Calapesce, legend of Fata Morgana). In Piazza Duomo you can see the bell tower with one of the largest astronomical clocks in the world. Don’t miss out on the pilar and lighthouse in Capo Peloro.
Important Info for Sailing in Sicily Sailing Region
Best time to sail
April - October
Most popular marinas
Portorosa, Capo D'orlando Marina, Marsala, Marina Di Ragusa, Palermo, Trapani
Nearest airports
Catania-Fontanarossa (CTA), Comiso (CIY), Lampedusa (LMP), Falcone Borsellino Palermo (PMO), Trapani (TPS)
Number of charter yachts
320+
Popular regattas
Regatta Palermo-Montecarlo, Sicily Weekend Regatta
Top attractions
Mount Etna, Neapolis Archaeological Park, Aeolian Islands, Palermo, Taormina, Aegadian Islands
Gastronomy Highlights of Sicily Sailing Region
Sicilian cuisine is influenced by a variety of cultures, including Italian, Greek, Arabic, and Norman. As a result, Sicilian cuisine is a unique blend of flavours and traditions. Some popular dishes from Sicily include: pasta alla Norma, a pasta dish made with eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta cheese; arancini are deep-fried rice balls filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables; sicilian pizza, also known as sfincione, is a thick-crust pizza topped with tomato sauce, anchovies, and cheese; caponata is a sweet and sour vegetable dish made with eggplant, peppers, olives, and capers.
Other popular dishes from Sicily include seafood, such as swordfish and tuna, as well as a variety of meats, such as lamb and pork. Sicilian cuisine is also known for its use of fresh produce, including tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and a variety of herbs and spices.
The highlight of Sicilian gastronomy is its desserts: granitas, gelatos, cannoli (thin tubes stuffed with ricotta, chocolate or candied fruit), Pasta Reale (almond flour paste shaped like fruit) and the Cassata (sponge cake layered with ricotta and candied fruit).
