This Italian beauty will leave you wanting more. There simply isn’t enough time for one sailing yacht charter to explore all the fantastic sailing grounds and see all the impressive historical sites that Sicily has to offer. Therefore, let us introduce you to some of them and tell you in detail about the boat rental in Sicily.
What makes sailing holidays in Sicily so popular?
Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island. Together with the surrounding minor islands, it represents the Sicilian region, which is the largest autonomous region in Italy. Due to its advantageous central location, it serves as a good transit station between the eastern and western Mediterranean. The large shoreline is very well suited for secure anchorage, and the prevailing north-westerly winds are great for sailing. In addition, you will find excellent yacht facilities and a variety of harbors, as well as mooring opportunities.
The island is easily accessible due to its 3 airports in Trapani, Palermo and Catania. The main ports are Trapani, Palermo, Messina and Catania, which at the same time are the capitals of their provinces. Messina is the busiest because of the ferry links with the Italian mainland and other places in Sicily, and since this is the stop for Mediterranean cruises. The distance to mainland Italy from Messina is only 5 km. Traveling there by ferry from Civitavecchia, the nearest port to Rome, can be much cheaper than flying there. The Calabria region, which is the southernmost tip of Italy, can also easily serve as a starting point for chartering Aeolian yachts. It has three main airports in Reggio, Lamezia Terme and Crotone.
Sicily enjoys a mild climate, significant tides, rich culture and history, as well as great seafood and cuisine. A dramatic rocky landscape due to the volcanic origin of the island - this is what to see. There are fertile mountains, beautiful aquamarine waters and many hidden bays to peacefully fix.
In addition, Sicily boasts stunning natural attractions such as Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano or Stromboli volcano on the Aeolian Islands, as well as numerous ancient historical sites.
Some relevant information for a bareboat charter in Sicily:
Location: South Continent of Italy
Capital: Palermo
Total coastline: 1,483.9 km (including small islands)
Total area: 25 711 km²
Highest point: Mount Etna, 3,329 m
Main airports: Trapani; Palermo; Catania
Population: approx. 5,100,000
Country Code: +39
Climate: mild, Mediterranean
What are the main charter destinations in Sicily?
The main charter bases are located in Marsala, Trapani, Terrasini, Palermo, Sant'Agate di Militello and Portoroz. Terrasini is very convenient to get to because it is located just 10 km west of Palermo airport. However, all these ports are located just 2 hours from the airport. They are concentrated in the North, because very often charterers go to the Aeolian Islands. You can also hire a yacht from Reggio Calabria on the mainland and cross Messina Street to sail to the Aeolian Islands. In the countries of Messina, there is a system of separation of movement, and for pleasure boats, the coast guard is always recommended before crossing.
The Sicilian western corner has a rocky coastline with many bays, beaches and marinas.
From Trapani go to the three islands of Egadi, which are a nature reserve with moorings and anchors. Fees are collected, and park Rangers coming to the boat collect them and tell them where to visit.
On a plot of about 10 m. Miles between Trapani and Palermo on the north coast there are the beautiful port cities of San Vito lo Capo, Castellammare del Golfo, Balestrat and Terrasini. They all have pontoons to land. Also on the north coast is Palermo. Better than going to its slightly unpleasant and stinking main harbor, it would be to use Marina Villa Igiea with 379 berths for boats up to 65 m or Marina Arenalla with 200 berths for yachts up to 30 meters. Continue along the north coast and explore the medieval town of Cefal and the sheltered port city of Portoroz with good facilities, resorts and restaurants.
Sail through the beautiful Aeolian Islands. They have an amazingly strong, picturesque coastline. The bindings are pretty bare, so it’s safer to go to the port for the night. There is a beautiful, tourist Lipari. Then Stromboli erupts every 20 minutes, releasing ash and lava into the air, which is spectacular at night. Island Volcano makes for an exciting charter destination. You can go straight to the edge of the crater and smell the sulfuric acid. Alicudi, Filicudi, Panarea and Salina are small islands.
Cruise along the popular east coast. From Messina, cover approx. 25 m. Miles to Taormina. Sail along steep cliffs with coves and sandy beaches and around tiny Isola Bella, a nature reserve linked to Sicily through a sandy beach. About 10 m. Further south is the small town of Riposto, where you can stock up on the superb food market. Ca. 20 m. Miles to the south you get to Catania, and this is about another 30 m. Miles to Syracuse. This ancient city has a very good marina, from where you can go straight to the lively historical center.
The twin cities that are worth mentioning in the south are Sciacca, Licata, with its very sheltered marina and the beach resort town of Ragusa, with a mooring of 800 yacht berths up to 20 m.
What important weather systems exist for sailing in Sicily?
Sicily has mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Catania on the east coast has the highest average sunshine hours in all of Europe, from 2.492 per year. It breaks down to 6.8 hours a day. On the island as a whole, July breaks the record with a whopping 14 hours of sunshine per day.
While Sirocco brings hot air from Africa, Mistral softens and cools the summer heat. Northwest winds with a force of 3 - 4 prevail.
There are tidal currents in the Scots of Messina, but they are quite weeks compared to those in the Atlantic or other oceans.
Weather summary for sailing yacht in Sicily:
Months with a maximum average temperature: July, August, 26 °
Months with the lowest average temperature: January / February, 12 °
Month with highest average precipitation: December, 79 mm
Months with the lowest average rainfall: June / July, 10 mm
Average wind speed May - October: 8 - 12 knots
Month with maximum average water temperature: August 27
Months with the lowest average water temperature: February / March, 15 °
High season: mid-April - October
How much does a yacht charter in Sicily cost and what are the different types of charters?
You can rent a yacht with a length of 12 m, for example, from about 2000 euros. Prices are rising depending on the size, model and equipment of the yacht. Daytime charter is available, mainly in the form of rental motorboats. The choice is also between a catamaran charter and a sailing boat or hire of motor yachts. Then there is a charter on a yacht with a crew on a kayak or skippers, and you can choose a crew, including chefs, as well as flight attendants (s) and patrols (s). The latter will certainly take place on large luxury yachts. In Italy, it is often accepted to hire RIBs to explore the area or just go on a pleasant excursion on the water. And flotilla vacations are a very popular type of charter for family sailing holidays.
What other activities besides sailing exist in a bareboat charter in Sicily?
If you like regattas, take a look at the demanding and challenging “Average Sea Race” in October - around a cruise on an island that starts in Malta and then roundabouts Sicily.
Visit Cefalu, a beautiful medieval town on the north coast with the stunning Duomo from 1131.
In Catania, you can admire two Roman amphitheaters. Also visit the open market where amazing fish are sold and the Piazza del Duomo with its impressive cathedral.
Be sure to visit the Aeolian Islands, a superbly beautiful archipelago and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are active volcanoes and quaint cities, such as Lipari with many dive companies and excellent boutiques and restaurants.
At the top of Taormina Mountain, near Mount Etna, visit the famous Theater Antico, an ancient Greco-Roman theater that is still in use today. The meander through the beautiful cobblestone streets and enjoy magnificent views from the top of a high cliff.
Take a tour of Mount Etna on the east coast between Messina and Catania. It covers an area of 1,190 km² and is constantly operational.
Syracuse - a historic ancient city with massive fortifications. It has a little faded charm, a good purchase and a large baroque cathedral that includes parts of a Greek temple built around 500 BC. In the near Necropolis of Pantalika, dating from 700 to 1300 BC, there are thousands of tombs carved into the rock, and this is a fascinating sight.
In the Valley of the Temples, the archaeological site in Agrigento on the south coast, you will find the stunning ancient Greek Temple of Concord, lit at night, as well as six other temples. This is one of the main attractions of Sicily.
Visit the breathtaking Ragusa with many historic sights, churches and amazing architecture.
To soak up the clean, untouched nature, head to the Sila National Park in Calabria, which is said to have the cleanest air in Europe.
Check out the nightlife, that is, Palermo in the Kursaal Kalhesa bar in the restored aristocratic palace and Caffe Internazionale. In Taormina, they live in the Daiquiri lounge or in the Morgana lounge bar.
Try water sports such as diving, snorkeling, fishing, water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, standing places and much more.
Try the tasty and healthy cuisine, which includes a wide range of vegetables and seafood. There are also some very famous sweet dishes, including ice cream and many pastries - so go ahead and enjoy!
