1 Jun 2024
22 minute read
How do I plan a sailing route in Italy?
22 minute read
Unforgettable yachting holidays in Sicily area
Sicily is a strong base for catamaran charter in Italy. Board in Palermo, Trapani, Capo d’Orlando, Portorosa, or Milazzo. Routes reach the Aeolian and Egadi islands with good weather windows. Summer brings thermal breezes, with Mistral or Sirocco at times. Plan departures early and aim for shelter by mid-afternoon.
Choose bareboat or a crewed catamaran. We arrange park permits, moorings, and fuel stops. Briefings cover restricted zones, Posidonia rules, and fallback harbors. For Stromboli and the Egadi MPA, we follow local notices to mariners and official mooring fields.
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What you can expect to see
Aeolian Islands, Lipari to Stromboli
Base in Milazzo or Capo d’Orlando for a short hop to Vulcano and Lipari. Porto Pignataro and Marina Lunga offer services and fuel. Swim at Vulcano’s black-sand beaches and anchor on sand in Porto Ponente when settled. Panarea gives clear anchorages at Cala Junco and Basiluzzo for day stops. At Stromboli, view the Sciara del Fuoco from a safe distance and respect exclusion zones. Salina’s Santa Marina provides shore power and good provisioning. Filicudi and Alicudi feel remote, with rollier nights, so pick settled forecasts.
Egadi Islands, Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo
Sail from Trapani or Marsala. Buy Egadi MPA permits in town or online and use the marked buoys. Cala Rossa and Bue Marino on Favignana offer clear water and sand patches, no anchoring on Posidonia. Levanzo’s village quay suits short stops, then move to sheltered coves before dusk. Marettimo sits further west with steep hills and clean water, best in stable weather. Return along the salt pans near Marsala for a scenic finish.
Eastern Sicily, Taormina and Siracusa
From Riposto or Catania, anchor under Taormina for views of Isola Bella. Swell builds with onshore breeze, so set plenty of scope. Time transits in the Strait of Messina for current and traffic, VHF calls as required. Siracusa’s Grand Harbour gives room, with easy tender rides to Ortygia. Fuel, water, and markets sit close to the quay. For a quiet finale, pick Vendicari or Marzamemi in settled conditions and respect marine zones.
