Sicily Yacht Charter Sailing Sample Itinerary
Let Epic Yacht Charters customize your next unforgettable Italy vacation. Below are some sample itineraries showing a few of the destinations you will visit on your crewed charter yacht vacation.
Discover Sicily by sailing yacht on this comprehensive circumnavigation of the Mediterranean’s largest island. This Sicily yacht charter sailing sample itinerary explores ancient Greek temples at Agrigento and Syracuse, volcanic Aeolian Islands including Stromboli and Vulcano, and baroque coastal cities like Taormina and Cefalù. Your Sicily yacht charter combines 3,000 years of history with pristine anchorages, from the turquoise waters of San Vito Lo Capo to the dramatic cliffs of the Zingaro Nature Reserve. Sicily sailing offers unique experiences like witnessing active volcanoes, exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, and savoring authentic Sicilian cuisine in traditional fishing harbors
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DAY 1
CATANIA TO TAORMINA
Your sailing catamaran awaits at Catania where you will meet your crew before boarding. The first destination leads to Taormina which lies 25 nautical miles north from the dramatic eastern coastline of Sicily.
The town of Taormina stands at a cliff height of 200 meters above sea level while providing breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. The ancient Greek settlement of Taormina showcases medieval architecture in pristine condition alongside high-end shopping and dining establishments that attract international visitors. The volcano’s active state meets the unspoiled Mediterranean waters to produce breathtaking views.
The bay below Taormina provides anchorage while the cable car transports visitors to the town center. The ancient Greek Theater stands as Sicily’s leading archaeological site because it hosts modern performances under the majestic combination of Mount Etna and the sea.
DAY 2
TAORMINA TO GIARDINI NAXOS
Spend the morning exploring Taormina’s narrow cobblestone streets, visiting the Palazzo Corvaja and the beautiful public gardens with panoramic views. The town’s elevated position offers perfect photo opportunities of the coastline below.
Sail the short distance to Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily founded in 734 BC. The seaside resort of Giardini Naxos provides visitors with excellent beaches and crystal-clear waters and authentic Sicilian atmosphere in a setting that avoids the crowds of Taormina.
The bay provides excellent protection for sailing catamarans and beautiful swimming opportunities. The archaeological site features ancient Greek ruins which blend into pristine beaches. Local trattorias serve fresh seafood and traditional Sicilian dishes including arancini and caponata for dinner.
DAY 3
GIARDINI NAXOS TO LIPARI
The journey begins with a 35-nautical-mile sail to Lipari which stands as the largest island in the Aeolian Islands. The Aeolian Islands present the Mediterranean with its most striking landscapes through their active volcanoes and thermal springs and crystal-clear waters.
The town of Lipari displays its white buildings and tight alleys and its ancient Greek foundation castle. The volcanic nature of the island produces distinctive black and white beaches together with pumice quarries and striking coastal rock formations.
The picturesque Marina Corta serves as our anchoring point because it offers a harbor surrounded by colorful houses and waterfront restaurants. The castle contains an archaeological museum which displays artifacts from 6,000 years of island history including artifacts from ancient Greek and Roman times.
DAY 4
LIPARI TO VULCANO
A 5-nautical-mile sailing journey will take you to Vulcano which showcases its active volcanic nature and healing thermal springs. The island features distinctive geological attractions which include sulfur vents and thermal mud pools and volcanic black sand shores.
The crater rim hike provides breathtaking views of the Aeolian archipelago and Sicilian coastline from its summit. The 90-minute ascent leads visitors to breathtaking views of the entire Aeolian archipelago and Sicilian coastline while allowing them to observe an active volcanic crater.
The thermal mud baths and hot springs at the site have been used for therapeutic purposes since Roman times. The natural spa experience at this location combines the warmth of volcanic springs with the coolness of Mediterranean waters.
DAY 5
VULCANO TO STROMBOLI
Sail 20 nautical miles to Stromboli, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, continuously erupting for over 2,000 years. The island presents breathtaking natural firework displays which become most visible during the night hours after sunset.
The island’s unique cone structure emerges from the ocean to reach a height of 924 meters and forms an impressive sight for sailors. The tiny Stromboli village presents an authentic island experience through its traditional architecture and local dining options and breathtaking volcano vistas.
Local experts will guide you to safe viewing areas during an evening excursion to the crater. The nightly eruptions produce breathtaking lava shows against the darkness of the sky which make for remarkable photographs and natural shows.
DAY 6
STROMBOLI TO PANAREA
Travel 12 nautical miles to Panarea which stands as the smallest exclusive island among the Aeolian Islands. The island of Panarea draws worldwide visitors because of its untouched natural beauty and luxurious hotels and active social activities.
Panarea presents itself with dramatic white cliffs and hidden coves and crystal-clear waters that make it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The compact size of the island enables visitors to walk between prehistoric settlements and breathtaking observation points.
The uninhabited volcanic islets Basiluzzo and Lisca Bianca provide secluded anchorages and excellent swimming opportunities to visitors. The underwater volcanic activity produces distinctive snorkeling experiences through its warm water springs and rare marine species.
DAY 7
PANAREA TO SALINA
The sailing journey will take you 15 nautical miles to Salina which stands as the greenest Aeolian Island while famous for its capers and Malvasia wine and its dramatic twin peaks. The island’s agricultural heritage combined with its lush vegetation presents a unique view of volcanic island existence.
Salina Island presents visitors with picturesque fishing settlements and outstanding hiking paths and superior dining options among all Aeolian Islands. The volcanic soil of Salina Island creates exceptional local products through its fertile ground which produces both famous Salina capers and sweet Malvasia wine.
The local wineries and caper farms welcome visitors to experience traditional farming practices which remain unaltered since ancient times. The island’s protected natural areas provide outstanding hiking trails which reveal breathtaking views of both the surrounding islands and the Sicilian coastline.
DAY 8
SALINA TO CATANIA
Start your last day with a swim in Salina’s clean waters before beginning the 45-nautical-mile sailing journey back to Catania. The sailing route offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna together with the Sicilian coastline.
The ship will reach Catania during the early part of the afternoon for passengers to leave the vessel. Guests who have evening flights can discover the UNESCO World Heritage baroque historic center of Catania which showcases beautiful architecture made from volcanic stone.
Visit the famous fish market which stands as one of Italy’s most vibrant markets to taste street food delights such as arancini and granita. The city skyline of Catania is ruled by Mount Etna while volcano excursions remain available for passengers with extended departure times.
The Sicily sailing itinerary spans 157 nautical miles throughout 8 days with daily sailing distances ranging between 20-25 nautical miles suitable for sailing catamarans to explore eastern Sicily and the Aeolian Islands’ volcanic landscapes and cultural heritage.
