Sicily & the Aeolian Islands
Volcanic islands, ancient ruins, and the finest Sicilian cuisine on a 7-day yacht charter
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Embarkation
- Palermo (La Cala Marina)
- Disembarkation
- Taormina (Porto di Giardini Naxos)
- Best season
- June – September
- Total distance
- 195 NM
Overview
Sicily and the Aeolian Islands offer one of the Mediterranean's most diverse and rewarding yacht charter experiences. This 7-day itinerary combines the cultural richness of Sicily's north coast with the raw volcanic beauty of the Aeolian archipelago — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why Charter in Sicily?
Sicily sits at the crossroads of Mediterranean civilisation. Greek temples, Norman cathedrals, Baroque palazzos, and bustling street markets create a tapestry of culture unlike anywhere else. The Aeolian Islands — seven volcanic gems rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea — offer dramatic landscapes, thermal springs, and some of Italy's most exclusive anchorages.
Best Time to Visit
The charter season runs from June to September, with July and August being the warmest months. September offers pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds.
Local Cuisine
Sicilian cuisine is legendary: arancini, pasta alla Norma, fresh swordfish, granita, and cannoli. The Aeolian Islands add their own specialities — capers from Salina, Malvasia wine, and the freshest seafood imaginable.
Highlights
- Palermo's historic markets and Norman architecture
- Cefalù's medieval cathedral and beach
- Stromboli's active volcano at night
- Lipari's pumice beaches
- Panarea's exclusive nightlife
- Taormina's Greek Theatre with Etna views
Day by day
Day 1: Palermo — Capital of Contrasts
Palermo
Morning: Arrive at Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport and transfer to La Cala Marina. Board your yacht and enjoy a welcome champagne reception on the sundeck overlooking the historic harbour.
Afternoon: Explore Palermo's vibrant Ballarò and Vucciria markets with a private food guide. Visit the Norman Palace and its stunning Cappella Palatina with Byzantine mosaics.
Evening: Dinner at Bye Bye Blues, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Mondello. Return to the yacht for cocktails under the stars.
Day 2: Cefalù — Medieval Jewel
Palermo → Cefalù · 38 nm
Morning: Depart Palermo and cruise east along Sicily's dramatic north coast. Enjoy breakfast on the aft deck as the coastline unfolds.
Afternoon: Arrive in Cefalù and anchor in the crystal-clear bay. Explore the medieval town, visit the magnificent Norman Cathedral, and climb La Rocca for panoramic views.
Evening: Dine aboard with Sicilian specialities prepared by your chef — fresh tuna tartare, pasta con le sarde, and Sicilian cassata.
Day 3: Vulcano — Island of Fire
Cefalù → Vulcano · 52 nm
Morning: Cross the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Aeolian Islands. The volcanic silhouette of Vulcano appears on the horizon as you approach.
Afternoon: Anchor at Porto di Ponente and enjoy the famous black sand beach. For the adventurous, hike to the Gran Cratere for sulphurous fumaroles and sweeping views. Try the natural thermal mud baths.
Evening: Sundowner cocktails watching the sunset over the sea, followed by dinner aboard featuring local Malvasia wine from Salina.
Day 4: Lipari — Queen of the Aeolians
Vulcano → Lipari · 8 nm
Morning: Short cruise to Lipari, the largest and most vibrant of the Aeolian Islands. Visit the Archaeological Museum housed in a medieval castle, one of the finest in the Mediterranean.
Afternoon: Swim at the stunning white pumice beaches of Porticello. Explore the charming town with its pastel-coloured houses, boutiques, and gelaterias.
Evening: Dinner ashore at E Pulera, a romantic garden restaurant serving traditional Aeolian cuisine under the stars.
Day 5: Panarea — The Jet-Set Island
Lipari → Panarea · 18 nm
Morning: Cruise to Panarea, the smallest and most exclusive of the Aeolian Islands. Anchor in the turquoise waters of Cala Junco, one of the most beautiful bays in the Mediterranean.
Afternoon: Explore the car-free village on foot, admiring the whitewashed houses draped in bougainvillea. Visit the Bronze Age village of Capo Milazzese. Swim and snorkel around the dramatic rock formations.
Evening: Panarea comes alive at night — enjoy cocktails at Raya, the legendary open-air bar and club perched on the hillside with views of Stromboli.
Day 6: Stromboli — The Lighthouse of the Mediterranean
Panarea → Stromboli · 12 nm
Morning: Cruise to Stromboli, one of the world's most active volcanoes. The dramatic cone rises 924 metres from the sea, with a permanent plume of smoke.
Afternoon: Explore the charming village of San Vincenzo with its black sand beaches. For the adventurous, arrange a guided hike to the summit (advance booking required). Alternatively, take the tender along the Sciara del Fuoco.
Evening: The highlight of the trip: anchor off the Sciara del Fuoco after dark to witness Stromboli's spectacular eruptions lighting up the night sky. An unforgettable dinner aboard with this natural fireworks display.
Day 7: Taormina — Grand Finale
Stromboli → Taormina · 67 nm
Morning: Depart Stromboli and cruise south along the Sicilian coast towards Taormina. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and final swim from the yacht.
Afternoon: Arrive at Giardini Naxos and take a tender ashore. Visit Taormina's famous Greek Theatre with its breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Stroll along Corso Umberto for last-minute shopping.
Evening: Farewell dinner aboard overlooking the twinkling lights of Taormina. Disembark the following morning for your transfer to Catania Airport.
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Yachts cruising in Sicily
- MARICAN FOREVER — 32 m · Ferretti · 12 guests · Home port: Italy | Sicily · Weekly charter rate from €67,500/week
- DIANA II — 33 m · Ferretti · 12 guests · Home port: Italy | Sicily · Weekly charter rate from €62,500/week
- DANIDA — 27 m · Sanlorenzo · 12 guests · Home port: Italy | Sicily · Weekly charter rate from €60,000/week
- SANDS — 36 m · Maiora · 12 guests · Home port: Italy | Sicily · Weekly charter rate from €55,000/week
- SOPHIA — 28 m · Pershing · 11 guests · Home port: Italy | Sicily · Weekly charter rate from €42,500/week
- UNICKA — 27 m · Sanlorenzo · 12 guests · Home port: Italy | Sicily · Weekly charter rate from €34,500/week
- ETHNA — 30 m · Custom Line · 12 guests · Home port: Italy | Sicily · Weekly charter rate from €31,500/week
- JAJARO — 31 m · Tecnomar · 12 guests · Home port: Italy | Sicily · Weekly charter rate from €31,000/week
- NIGHTFLOWER — 35 m · Other · 10 guests · Home port: Italy | Sicily · Weekly charter rate from €30,000/week
- E3 — 26 m · Ferretti · 12 guests · Home port: Italy | Sicily · Weekly charter rate from €27,500/week
- EOLIA — 26 m · Ferretti · 12 guests · Home port: Italy | Sicily · Weekly charter rate from €26,000/week
- LUCKY — 24 m · Sanlorenzo · 12 guests · Home port: Italy | Sicily · Weekly charter rate from €24,500/week