Yacht Charter in Sicily

3 Reasons to Charter a Yacht in Sicily

Fascinating History

The island of Sicily is known for its fascinating heritage. With countless historical sites and ancient remains worth visiting, Sicily is a great destination for a yacht charter, as you’ll have more than enough to explore at your moorings. Agrigento’s ‘Valley of the Temples’ (the remains of the city of Akragas, which date back to the 6th century BC) is the key site, as it is home to some of the world’s best-preserved Greek temples! Some of the most famous remains within this vast archaeological site include the Temple of Concord and the Temple of Juno. The stunning clifftop town of Taormina is full of history, with Torre dell’Orologio, a 12th-century clocktower in the centre, and most notably, the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an Ancient Greco-Roman theatre which is still used to this day!

Mouth-watering Food

Like the rest of Italy, the cuisine of Sicily is exquisite and envied everywhere! It could be argued that it’s one of the best things about a yacht charter in Sicily, as you’ll be feasting on mouth-watering dishes every day, such as Arancini (deep fried rice balls often filled with ragù or ham and cheese). Much of the cuisine includes traditional Mediterranean ingredients, but the locals add a Sicilian variation or twist. Why not use your yacht charter holiday as an excuse to indulge in every type of delicacy in the region, for example, Cassatelle alla Trapanese or Panella, typical street food in Palermo.

Beautiful Beaches

The island's stunning coastline is one of the main things that makes Sicily such an attractive spot for a yacht charter. Head to the nature reserve, Torre Salsa, which is home to beautiful beaches, a rich array of wildlife, and colourful orchids that cloak the mountains. Or for breathtaking, unique scenery, moor your boat in Agrigento and visit the ‘Turkish Steps’, astonishing limestone cliffs which over time have eroded to form white ‘steps’, with a stunning view of the ravishing turquoise sea. If you would rather something a little more understated and charming, there’s a pretty cove coated in golden sands at Calamosche, which will delight any visitor!

The best destinations to visit in Sicily

Taormina

Located on the east coast of Sicily, Taormina is a charming hilltop town that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby Mount Etna. It is a popular tourist destination known for its ancient Greek theatre, picturesque streets, and beautiful natural scenery.

One of the town's most impressive landmarks is the Ancient Greek Theatre, built in the 3rd century BC and still used for performances today. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the sea while experiencing the theatre's rich history.

The Corso Umberto is Taormina's main street, a picturesque pedestrian street lined with charming shops, cafes, and restaurants. It's a great place to stroll and enjoy the town's unique atmosphere.

Palermo

Palermo is the bustling capital city of Sicily, located on the island's northern coast. Its rich history and cultural heritage make it a popular tourist destination. Palermo boasts many beautiful attractions, including the stunning Norman Palace. This palace complex was built in the 12th century by the Norman rulers of Sicily and is now home to the Sicilian Regional Assembly. The Cathedral of Palermo is another beautiful landmark that dates back to the 12th century. Palermo is known for its mix of architectural styles, including Norman, Gothic, and Baroque.

Trapani

Trapani is a charming coastal town located on the west coast of Sicily, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and delicious cuisine.

One of the most famous landmarks in Trapani is the Torre di Ligny, a 17th-century watchtower that now houses a museum showcasing Trapani's history and culture. Visitors can enjoy stunning sea and town view from the tower's rooftop terrace.

Portorosa

Portorosa is a beautiful marina on the north coast of Sicily, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is a popular tourist destination for its stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful beaches.

The Portorosa marina is full of boats and yachts, and visitors can easily explore the nearby Aeolian Islands on their yacht charter, a group of seven islands known for their volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and unique natural beauty.

Portorosa is also a great destination for beach lovers, with several beautiful beaches nearby, including Tonnarella Beach, known for its fine sand and crystal-clear waters. Other nearby beaches include Grotte Beach, Ponente Beach, and Capo Calavà Beach.

The Aeolian Islands

Made up of seven islands, the Aeolian Islands is a UNESCO-protected slice of paradise. Located just off Sicily’s north-eastern coast in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Aeolian islands are characterised by their unique volcanic terrain, sparkling waters and astonishing nature! You can begin your yacht charter from the largest island, Lipari, home to various incredible attractions, for example, Quattrocchi, a view point located 3km west of the town, where you are met with glorious views of sapphire waters, impressive cliffs, and the volcano on the (aptly named) neighbouring island of Vulcano. Head to the tiny Panarea islands for the best diving opportunities, or relish the dramatic beauty of the cliff-surrounded beach of Spiaggia Valle i Muria.

Best Tours Available in Sicily

There are a number of tours available in Sicily and the surrounding area for guests to enjoy. If you have a specific type of tour in mind, talk to your booking advisor or captain/skipper (if your boat is crewed) for more details)

Historical tours

Visit the Palermo Cathedral, the Norman Palace, and renowned street markets like Ballar and Vucciria on a tour of Sicily's bustling capital city.Discover the amazing archaeological site in Agrigento, home to well-preserved ancient Greek temples known as the Valley of the Temples.Visit the historic city of Syracuse, which features the Greek Theater, the Ear of Dionysius, and the enchanting Ortigia Island.

Tours to Mount Etna:

Experience an off-road journey to Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano, and take in a breathtaking view of the surroundings on a Mount Etna Tour.Add a wine-tasting tour to nearby vineyards to your Mount Etna trip, where you can sample some of Sicily's best wines.

Wine and food tours:

Discover the gastronomic joys of Sicily's street food culture on a street food tour in Palermo while sampling arancini, panelle, sfincione, and other regional favourites.Visit the town of Marsala, renowned for its fortified wine, and partake in wine tastings at nearby wineries.

Remember to visit Modica, renowned for its old-world methods of creating chocolate, and indulge in delectable chocolate sampling!

Tour of Baroque Architecture

Visit the Baroque cities of Noto, Ragusa, and Modica, renowned for their stunning structures, enchanting streets, and historical attractions.

Beach and nature tours:

Discover the gorgeous Zingaro Nature Reserve, which offers hiking paths, lovely beaches, and breathtaking landscapes on Sicily's northwest coast.Visit the lovely village of Taormina and Isola Bella.

Sailing Conditions

Like the rest of Italy, Sicily experiences the typical, glorious Mediterranean climate. This means your yacht charter will consist of long, sunny days of golden sunshine, with temperatures averaging 30 degrees on most days.

The best time of year for a boat rental in Sicily

Although guests can sail in Italy any time of the year, the best time to go is in the summer. From June to September is when guests will experience the best weather and the calmest water. Not only are the sailing conditions better at this time of the year, but the high season is when most activities and events will occur in Sicily, making your yacht charter holiday even more exciting! Some popular events include the Taormina Film Fest, the Ortigia Sound System Festival in Syracuse, and the Palermo Summer Festival.

When planning a yacht rental holiday, you also need to decide on the length of your charter. Our yacht charters are usually bookable for a minimum of one week. We recommend guests spend one to two weeks sailing in the Sicilian area. If you feel like you have seen everything in Sicily, it is very easy to sail to other parts of the Italian coast and experience something new!

Do you already have dates in mind for your trip? Contact one of our expert charter advisors, who can provide all the details you need to decide on your boat rental. Please note that the price of a yacht charter will vary depending on the time of year. If you choose to charter a yacht in the high season, the price will likely be higher than other less popular times of the year.

Choosing the perfect boat to rent

Regarding yacht rental, the options can seem overwhelming! At GlobeSailor, we have boats of all shapes and sizes for you to rent. Our yachts range in length, cabins, berths, boat model, build year, add-ons such as a dinghy or water sports equipment, and price.

Your cabins will vary depending on the sailboat or catamaran you choose. Usually, cabins will be single or doubles, meaning they can accommodate one or two people. There are also double cabins for individual use available on some boats, which is a cabin type for one guest who wishes to have more space aboard the yacht.

We offer guests a choice between a sailboat, catamaran, motor boat, luxury yacht, gulet or even houseboat! The choices are endless!

Most guests choose either a sailboat or a catamaran to rent. Both boats have unique characteristics to satisfy the varying needs of clients.

A monohull or a sailboat is a traditional boat with one hull (mono!). It is focused on performance and offers sailors the traditional sailing experience. Many sailors like the traditional feel of a monohull. A monohull might be best for you if you fancy yourself a true captain of the seas! GlobeSailor has many boat rentals for our guests, including popular models like Oceanis or DuFour Grand Large.

Catamarans have more than one hull. The multihull of a catamaran offers its guests more stability as the boat is equipped to rock less against the ocean waves. A catamaran is also more spacious than a monohull. Catamarans usually range from 30 feet to 60 feet, with the average length being around 45 feet. Catamarans have less heeling (tilting) than monohulls, providing passengers with a more comfortable and stable ride. Catamarans also have a shallower draft, which means they can sail in waters with a low tide and get closer to shore. The GlobeSailor catamaran fleet is massive, offering guests options for whatever charters they have in mind. Popular models, such as the Lagoon 46 and the Bali 4.5 model, can be found on our website.

Sailing Bareboat or With a Crew

Sailing bareboat or with a skipper and crew is a personal preference and depends on several factors, such as experience, comfort level, and budget. Suppose you are an experienced sailor with a good understanding of navigation. In that case, yacht charters without a skipper (also called bareboat) can be a rewarding adventure, providing more freedom and flexibility to explore the destination at your own pace. However, if you are a beginner or prefer a more relaxed sailing holiday, sailing with a skipper is the best option. A skipper is like the captain of the boat, and they can provide guidance, share their local knowledge, and ensure the safety of the crew and the yacht.

There is also an option to have a hostess or a cook crew member on board the GlobeSailor yachts. A hostess is responsible for making two daily meals (usually breakfast and lunch) and will take care of the boat's upkeep (tidying common areas etc.). A cook is responsible for making all three meals on board the boat. Both crewed options allow clients to eat Sicilian-inspired dishes aboard a beautiful sailboat. Some guests prefer to add a hostess to their yacht charter as it allows them to sail to a different marina each night and find the best authentic Italian restaurants on land. Sailing with a full crew offers guests an extra element of luxury as all the details are taken care of for you by the wonderful crew.

Please note the price of your charter will vary depending on whether you choose a bareboat or a crewed option. Each crew member you add to your charter is a different price and might change depending on your yacht type. To enquire about the price of each option, please contact one of our booking advisors who can provide you with more details on each rental.