Sailboat Charter in Sicily

Top Reasons to charter a sailboat in Sicily

Glorious Beaches

Sicily is home to beaches which rival those of the tropics… with unbelievably clear, sparkling waters and vast stretches of perfectly powdery sands, the island is made up of the most blissful coastline for a sailboat charter. Try out San Vito Lo Capo, a bay sheltered by Mount Monaco with stunning turquoise waters and soft sands; a beautiful, popular spot for tourists and locals alike. You can charter from Cefalù, an attractive coastal city in the north of Sicily which is home to two postcard-worthy beaches: Mazzaforno and Settefrati, located to the west of the city.

Cuisine

Thanks to the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean, the cuisine of Sicily is a gastronomic heaven. Street food is often the best bet if you want to try the most authentic recipes, for example Pani ca meusa, a sesame flavoured bread stuffed with veal spleen and lungs (it may sound scary but it’s a true specialty in Palermo, so definitely worth a try if you’re chartering from here!). Or for something slightly less bold, give Pane e pannelle a go; chickpea fritters served between bread as a sandwich; another favourite in Palermo. If you’re looking for fine dining during your sailboat charter in Sicily, you should opt for seafood, as here you will get the best of the best, with many restaurants serving up delectable dishes of the freshest local catch- including sea urchin!

Landscapes

The scenery in Sicily is some of the best Italy, and even Europe has to offer; so, if you’re a nature lover, it’s the perfect place for your sailboat charter. One of the most beautiful spots is the Aeolian Islands; located off the north east of Sicily, this magnificent archipelago is home to some striking landscapes. There are a number of volcanoes, including Mt. Etna, which you can get incredible views of from the enchanting hilltop town of Taormina, and Stromboli, where you can climb up to the crater with a guide for once-in-a-lifetime views. If you have a few days before or after your sailboat charter, it’s worth visiting the Alcantara Gorge where rivers, mountains and lakes meet to create a stunning gorge.

Explore: Palermo

The capital of Sicily, Palermo is a must-visit, with every element of culture packed into one city, it’s a great way to get a glimpse of local life and traditions. If you rent a boat from here, or even just pass through during your navigation, there’s a few things that you don’t want to miss! Firstly, your sailboat charter would not be complete without a visit to the iconic cathedral which demonstrates some of the copious magnificent architecture scattered all over Sicily. Explore the bustling food markets or simply relax on Mondello beach, located only a short bus ride from the centre, or even spend an evening at Teatro Massimo, and see a world-class opera in the third largest opera house in Europe (which also featured in the final scenes of the Godfather!). You won’t be short of choice of exciting activities to satisfy every taste during a sailboat charter in Sicily!

Sailing Conditions in Sicily

With more than a thousand kilometres of coastline to explore during your sailboat charter, Sicily is a dream to navigate. Sailing the Mediterranean in the summer months means gorgeous weather and moderate winds (but watch out for the mistral, and check regular forecasts!), with long days of golden sunshine as you cruise your sailboat through sapphire waters. In addition, the popularity of Sicily as a nautical destination means that marinas an harbours are well-established and fully equipped with anything you might need during your charter!