Cruise in Sicily

Your Catamaran Cruise in Sicily

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and is perfect for your catamaran cruise in Italy. It is located off the south-western coast of Italy. Sicily has a rich history and has been occupied by various civilisations such as the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans. The island is known for its picturesque coastlines, historic towns, active volcanoes and cultural heritage, including the Valley of the Temples, Mount Etna and Palermo. Sicilian cuisine is also highly regarded, with pasta alla Norma and arancini among the most famous dishes.

Set sail and discover the island of Italy on your catamaran! Whether you book your holiday on board your yacht or catamaran, Sicily has so much to offer you!

For example, explore ancient ruin sites such as the Valley of the Temples, Agrigento and the Roman Villa del Casale on the island. Or visit the cities of Palermo, Syracuse and Catania and experience the mix of Norman, Baroque, and Greek influences in their architecture and culture. Catania is a historic port city on the east coast of Sicily at the foot of an active volcano, so while on your cruise, you can say you also hiked to the top of a volcano!

Sicily will delight you with its beautiful scenery, which you can discover on your charter.

On your itinerary; Hike or take the cable car to the summit of Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, enjoy the picturesque coastlines and beaches, such as Mondello Beach in Palermo or the beaches of Taormina; and sample the local cuisine, including dishes such as Pasta alla Norma, Arancini and Cannoli. Alternatively, take a scenic drive along the coast and experience the country's charming towns, vineyards and rolling hills first-hand.

On your Sicilian sailing trip, visit the mosaics in Monreale Cathedral, one of the finest examples of Norman architecture worldwide. Also not to be missed on your charter is the historic market in Palermo - here, you can sample delicious local cheese, fruit and street food!

10 Reasons to Book a Cruise in Sicily

  1. Stunning coastline: Experience the seaside paradise of Sicily, where coastal views and crystal clear waters will take your breath away.

2. Beautiful nature: Sicily boasts some of the world's most beautiful beaches, with white sand and turquoise waters inviting you to explore. The stunning beaches are the perfect location to spend your day with a good book to read, free from stress or responsibilities. You'll also discover a wealth of natural parks and reserves offering stunning views of mountains, forests, and wildlife, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers.

3. Ancient history: Discover Sicily's rich history as you explore archaeological sites and ruins dating back thousands of years. You'll be immersed in the island's fascinating past, from ancient temples to historical sites like cathedrals and castles.

4. Delicious Sicilian gastronomy: Satisfy your taste buds with Sicily's renowned cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, mouthwatering pasta dishes, and delectable sweet pastries. Allow yourself to indulge in the world's best Italian cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

5. Favourable sailing conditions: Sicily's steady winds and calm waters make it a sailor's paradise, with excellent sailing conditions for sailors of every level. Even beginner sailors can easily navigate these waters, making it the perfect destination for a sailing adventure.

6. Vibrant culture: Sicily has a unique culture blending Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, and Spanish infleunces together.

7. Warm Mediterranean climate: With warm temperatures, Sicily is the ideal place for sailing and sunbathing!

8. Countless marinas: Sicily hosts a variety of well-equipped marinas where you can moor your sailboat and explore Sicily's secrets!

9. Rich marine life: Sicily's waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and colourful fish.

10. Active volcano: As you sail along the coast, you'll be treated to the dramatic backdrop of Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, looming over the eastern coast of Sicily, adding an extra element of excitement to your journey!

The Aeolian Islands

This group of seven islands off the northern coast of Sicily is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for their scenery and natural beauty, including active volcanoes, clear blue waters, and rugged landscapes.

From west to east, the seven Aeolian Islands are:

• Alicudi-known for its rugged terrain, hiking trails, and secluded beaches.


• Filicud- home to picturesque fishing villages and some of the region's best scuba diving.
 
• Salina- known for its lush vegetation, vineyards, and the largest freshwater lake in the Aeolian Islands.


• Lipari- the largest island and home to Lipari Town, offering a volcanic landscape and famous beaches. Don't miss the chance to visit the Castle of Lipari and the Aeolian Archaeological Museum to learn about the island's rich history.


• Vulcano- known for its active volcano, hot springs, and mud baths, offering stunning views of the surrounding islands from the volcano's crater.


• Panarea- a small island known for its upscale atmosphere, trendy nightlife, and boutiques.


• Stromboli- known for its highly active volcano, offering visitors a chance to hike up to the summit to witness the spectacular eruptions and lava flows.

Our Favourite Towns in Sicily:

Messina, the third-largest city on the northeastern coast of Sicily, Italy, has a variety of attractions and sights for visitors to enjoy!

What we recommend: 

Make your way to the heart of Messina and discover the awe-inspiring Cathedral in the main square. This remarkable attraction is a must-see, featuring an astronomical clock that chimes at noon, leaving visitors in wonder.

If you're a lover of art and history, the Regional Museum of Messina is the perfect destination for you. This museum boasts an extensive collection of artifacts and art pieces from various periods, including ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, medieval paintings, and Baroque masterpieces.

Located in the center of the main square, the Fountain of Orion is a sight to behold. This impressive fountain features a statue of the mythological figure Orion surrounded by sea creatures, making it a breathtaking spectacle for visitors.

Taormina is a beautiful hilltop town located on the east coast of Sicily, Italy. Just a short drive from Messina, Taormina boasts a stunning Greek theater, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking sea views. 

What we recommend:

When in Taormina, make sure to check out the ancient Greek Theater, a magnificent amphitheater that dates back to the 3rd century BC and is undoubtedly one of the town's most renowned landmarks. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the surrounding sea from here.

For a leisurely stroll, head to Corso Umberto, the bustling pedestrian street that serves as Taormina's main artery. Admire the historic buildings, browse the shops, and stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants lining the street.

If you're in the mood for some sun, sea, and sand, venture to Isola Bella, a small island just off the coast of Taormina. This idyllic spot boasts a gorgeous pebble beach and crystal-clear waters, making it the perfect destination for swimming and sunbathing.

To delve deeper into Taormina's rich history, explore the Palazzo Corvaja, a 14th-century palace that now houses a museum dedicated to the town's past. Admire the stunning architectural details, including a magnificent courtyard, as you peruse the exhibits.

Finally, don't miss the opportunity to take a cable car to Mazzarò beach, a beautiful spot just a stone's throw from Taormina. Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the stunning views before heading back to town.

Take a Tour:

• Visit Mount Etna: Take a guided tour of Europe's largest active volcano, and learn about its geology and history. You can even hike to the summit of Mount Etna and witness the island's stunning landscape from a new point of view.
• Wine Tasting Tours: Sicily is home to some of Italy's best wines, and you can visit several vineyards and wineries. Take a wine-tasting tour and sample some of the island's best wines while learning about wine-making.
• Food Tours: Sicilian cuisine is world-renowned for its unique flavors and fresh ingredients. Take a food tour and discover the joys of Sicilian cuisine. Try some of the island's best dishes, including Caponata, Pasta alla Norma, and of course, cannoli.
• Palermo Street Food Tour: Take a street food tour of Palermo, Sicily’s capital, and try some of the city's most popular street food, including panelle, arancine, and sfincione.
• Valley of the Temples Tour: Visit the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the ancient Greek ruins, including the Temple of Concordia, the Temple of Juno, and the Temple of Zeus.

Tips for your catamaran cruise:

Take a boat trip to the Aeolian Islands to see volcanic underwater activities and thermal baths.

Visit a local festival or cultural event like the Carnevale di Acireale or the Taormina Film Festival.

How to get to your charter in Sicily:

There are a few ways to get to your boat or catamaran in Sicily, Italy and start your dream cruise.

Fly: you can land at one of the Sicilian airports, such as Palermo, Catania or Trapani and then take a taxi, shuttle bus or hire car to reach the marina for your charter, where your boat or catamaran is moored.

Ferry: If you are coming from mainland Italy, you can take a ferry from various ports such as Naples, Genoa or Civitavecchia to reach Sicily and get to your charter.

Train: If you are in mainland Italy, you can take a train to one of the Sicilian cities such as Messina, Palermo or Catania and then take a taxi or bus to reach the marina and start your charter at sea.

Before you embark on your cruise, it is best to check with the marina or port to see if a shuttle service is provided or if you need to arrange your own transport. You can also ask your GlobeSailor booking advisor for recommendations on how best to get to your boat.

Sailing conditions and climate for your catamaran in Sicily:

Sailing conditions in Sicily's sea vary depending on the season and location. Here's what you should be prepared for on your holiday:

In the summer months (July to September), the weather is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. The wind at sea is usually light to moderate, with the sea breeze picking up in the afternoon. This is a good time to explore the Aeolian Islands or the Strait of Messina.

In the spring and autumn months (April to June and October to November), temperatures are milder, and there is occasional rain. Winds are generally moderate and can be gusty in some areas.

Winter in Sicily can be cool and rainy, with temperatures between 10°C and 15°C. You should be prepared for strong winds, especially in the Strait of Messina and the east coast.

Cruise options with GlobeSailor in Sicily

We offer many ships and cruises to guests who wish to travel here. Whether you wish to spend your days lazily cruising along the coast, relaxing on the ship's deck, or exploring the many destinations the coastline offers. We have a package to suit any guest! A cruise is a complete luxury experience as it includes all the comforts on board in our price. 

Our skipper and crew shall take care of the itinerary during your sailing days, freeing you from worry and stress as they offer you exceptional luxury service. A skipper chooses the best route for sailing, and the other crew members remain at your disposal to take care of all the essential details (no matter how small!) onboard and in your cabins to make your trip outstanding. Booking a cabin on a sailing cruise can be a great way to meet new people and make friends while exploring the area and on the ship's deck.

You will have all the comforts in your private cabin or suite without worrying about anything. Each guest can book a single, double or even sometimes a suite on board our cruises. A single cabin is usually a single bed for a guest, whereas a double cabin has a double bed which is usually booked for two people. There is also an option on certain boats to book a double cabin for individual use, meaning that one person has booked a double bed. There will be a bathroom and shower on board your cruise. Depending on the cabin and cruise you book, you may have a private toilet and shower in your own cabin. 

The crew will take care of the onboard dining (breakfast, lunch and/or dinner, depending on the cruise package) with traditional gastronomic flavours of Italy, which are included in the full board. You will also enjoy the luxury of having the deck regularly cleaned by the hostess. Our experienced crews can take care of all the details, leaving you to do all the relaxing in the sun.

Without worrying about anything, you will have all the comforts in your private cabin. The crew prepares the food, which is included in the full board. You shall also benefit from the luxury of the hostess regularly cleaning the common area.

Book your Cabin Cruise in the Mediterranean now!

We have many cruises available for your group: sailboat, catamaran or gulet in a private cabin or suite with board and excursions included. A sailing trip along the Mediterranean shore is one of our most demanded cabin cruises and receives rave reviews yearly. Even if you are not an expert in navigation, a cabin cruise includes the experience of living closely with the ins and outs of crewing the ship for the week.

If your ideal vacation day consists of relaxing on the deck of a ship in the sun, then a GlobeSailor cruise is the thing for you! The cruise price may often seem higher than usual, but this includes a paid skipper and crew to take care of all your cruise needs. Under the care of a professional skipper, the yacht or catamaran will be managed expertly. Allowing cabin cruise passengers to fully focus on discovering some of the many best destinations in the area. Cruises with a skipper are also an opportunity to visit their itinerary's many places of interest. Each stop during the cruise at one of the ports offers many sightseeing or relaxation activities, allowing you to make the most of your trip! So don't worry about how many days your cruise lasts because the itinerary is designed so that no places of interest are missed!

The primary information is available in the description of each cruise, but do not hesitate to contact your cruise consultant with any queries you may have. As a travel agency, we are happy to advise you about life onboard, the characteristics of the cabins, your flight, and the complete itinerary included in each cruise offer. Call, email or find our free quote form on our website to get in contact and learn more!

Do you already have dates in mind for your trip? If not, then we can help you! When choosing dates for your cruise, consider the weather conditions most suitable for you. If you prefer a gentle breeze of crisp air, it is often better to travel to the Mediterranean in winter. However, if you are unafraid of the heat, summertime dates might suit you better. But don't worry; our ships also come with the convenience of air conditioning onboard so that all passengers can fully enjoy the summer heat! The sailing high season in the Mediterranean (Greece, Italy, Turkey, Croatia, France etc.) starts in May and ends in September, with June and July being the most popular time to rent one of our ships.

So what are you waiting for? Discover our range cruises and find the ideal price for your cruise in the Mediterranean.
 

A sailing holiday is a truly special experience that will give you and your crew a lifetime of memories. It's an opportunity to disconnect from the fast-paced world and reconnect with nature and yourself, all while doing so on a luxurious yacht!

Book with GlobeSailor, and let us make your dream sailing trip a reality! We strive to offer you cruises at the best price. With an experienced crew on onboard to ensure your trip is perfect, right down to the minor details. Make your summer a special one with a GlobeSailor sailing holiday. Contact us now!