Located off the southern coast of Italy, yacht charter clients will find much to explore from historic towns to cruising the beautiful Tyrrhenian coastline and eating wonderful cuisine on a Sicily yacht charter.
Sicily has a different feel than mainland Italy with quaint fishing villages, Arab and Norman architecture and diverse scenery ranging from volcanic lava flows to deserted beaches.
5 Reasons To Charter A Yacht in Sicily
Whether you dream of a sailing vacation around Sicily or a private crewed yacht charter taking in the sights of Sicily and southern Italy, we can help you discover the beauty of the largest island in the Mediterranean and why it is a popular yacht charter destination.
1. Island hopping : The Aeolian and Aegadian Islands
The UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands are a fascinating archipelago of islands with wildly diverse topography from the beaches of Salina, to the lava formations on Vulcano and hot springs at Panarea. Volcanic in origin, a particular highlight is seeing Stromboli from the sea, one of the world’s continually active volcanoes.
Popular with tourists in high season, the 5 Aegadian Islands (Egadi Islands) include Marettimo, Levanzo and Favignana and they are excellent places to visit by private yacht for diving and swimming. The islands have picturesque coastal fishing villages, prehistoric caves and some truly beautiful beaches worth visiting on a Sicily yacht charter.
2. Wonderful history
Sicily’s history spans the millennia and its architecture and monuments originate from many rulers spanning from the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, French, Spanish and the Bourbons. Yacht charter guests will delve into cultural highlights such as the Neolithic cave paintings at the Grotta del Genovese, the famous medieval cathedral of Monreale, the Archaeology Museum in Tyche or the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento with towering Doric columns.
3. Port life and beyond
Marina Villa Igiea in Palermo, Marina di Portorosa, Taormina and Messina are great ports that offer a gateway for Sicily yacht charters to provision for a charter or simply relax ashore and soak up the sights. From shopping in Portorosa to exploring the Greek Theatres at Taormina or Siracusa or fishing in the Strait of Messina, there are plenty of things to see and do when renting a private yacht in Sicily.
4. Volcanic attractions
Sicily and her islands are rugged and volcanic. Explore the extinct volcano Filo dell’Arpa on Alicudi, walk the crater rim of Fossa di Vulcano or admire the hulk of Mount Etna as you cruise along the coast to Catania. Stromboli is the main fiery attraction of Sicily and you can take guided walks to the summit or admire the volcanic activity from a distance at sea – an unforgettable moment on your Sicily yacht charter!
5. Nature and wildlife
The seabeds surrounding the volcanic island of Ustica are protected as a natural marine reserve and fantastic for snorkeling and diving. Try diving at Punta Castagna at Lipari in the Aeolian Islands or swim in the clear blue sea at Torre Salsa where you may chance a sighting of a sea turtle.
Lascari Beach is a pleasant break from the bustle of Palermo, San Vito Lo Capo is a fantastic town in northwestern Sicily to watch the sunset over the aquamarine water or spend an afternoon lazing on a lounger at San Lorenzo Beach near Noto in the southeast of Sicily before birdwatching at the Vendicari Nature Reserve.
The Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, Sicily’s first nature reserve, offers unspoiled coastline with walking trails and is well known for beaches with clear water and rich fishlife – we suggest Cala Della Disa, Cala Marinella or Cala Beretta, ideal for a day’s swimming, paddle boarding or using your private yacht’s water toys.
Because much of Sicily is mountainous, time ashore can encompass land activities such as rock climbing and hiking. All wonderful opportunities to discover Sicily before enjoying a Negroni and heading back to your yacht!
When to visit Sicily on yacht charter
As with most Mediterranean destinations, the warmest months are July and August. May and October are still pleasant temperatures and ideal shoulder seasons for a Sicilian yacht charter as prices for restaurants and beach bars can be higher in peak season, especially at the Aeolian Islands.
Sicily yacht charter : Book a private yacht or crewed boat
Sicily is one of the top charter destinations in the Mediterranean and you won’t be disappointed. With amazing history, stunning architecture, beautiful beaches and superb cuisine, contact 212 Yachts to arrange your Sicilian yacht charter with a large portfolio of yachts available for charter in the Mediterranean.