Sicily is a fairytale destination for sailing. Surrounded by three seas (Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Mediterranean), shaped as a triangle and neighbored seven famous Aeolian islands named after the God of Winds, Aeolus. This largest Mediterranean island has more than winds and a splendid landscape to offer.
Is it worth visiting Sicily?
Sicily is a fascinating place on Earth. It is an island ideal for people loving ancient history and architecture, active divers, passionate foodies and for nature-lovers. It boasts diversity - you can explore stunning beaches one day, go on a hiking tour the next day or discover one of the numerous world’s famous spots, such as Etna, capital Palermo or Valley of the Temples.
The influence of Europe’s highest active volcano Etna is seen in every part of Sicily. Dark sand on the phenomenal beaches, rich underwater world, magical towns. Because of its volcanic origin, the soil is fertile for growing olives and grapes. Sicilian wines and olive oils are top-notch.
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Sicily carries a rich historical legacy as it was a melting pot of many civilisations. The Sicilian gastronomy and architecture is an unparalleled fusion of several cultures - Arab, Norman, Roman, Greek or Phoenician.
The biggest sailing draw is the area of subtropical volcanic Aeolian islands on the northeast - a great sailing region to expand your sailing skills. Aegadian islands in the West are another great alternative.
Sailing conditions and best routes in Sicily
Sicily enjoys a long sailing season with warm weather and good winds from mid-April to late October. It is a popular tourist destination in the summer, and we strongly advise you to avoid visiting the most popular places in August - that’s when Sicily becomes unpleasantly overcrowded.
The Mediterranean climate has hot summers, only little precipitation, and rainy winters. You can note significant differences in climate - inland is sometimes 5 degrees colder than the average temperature on the coast because of the distance from the sea and the height of the mountains.
The Sicilian shoreline has been formed by north-westerly (NW) Mistral winds prevailing and strong in this area. Even in the summer, they can blow with the force of 20-25 knots, and gusts are expected. While sailing, watch out for tides and rocks around the islands. For the accurate weather forecast, listen to channels 68 and 21.
Best sailing locations
There are several must-see spots in Sicily on every side of the island. You can make all kinds of combinations for your itinerary depending on the starting point and your interests.
Route 1 - North and Northeast to explore Aeolian islands
The northern and northeastern shores have excellent sailing conditions. Choose Palermo or Portorosa as your home marinas. Between these two towns, there are numerous lovely harbours and safe bays.
Swimmers will thrive in the natural pools (Pool of Venus) at the end of Capo di Milazzo. Note that night anchoring is prohibited here. Beach lovers will be amazed by the Cefalé area. Cefalé town will stick in your memory for its scenic promenade and panoramic view from the cliff.
For those willing to make an inland trip and curious about anti-ageing secrets, visit the middle part of Sicily. Madonie nature park has villages with many 100-year-olds living there. A famous archaeological park and sanctuary in Tindari, situated only 3 miles from Portorosa, lies in a bay that provides safe shelter from NW winds. The ruins of an old city are visible to sailors on the sea.
The nearest islands from the Aeolian archipelago are hopped away from Portorosa and must be included in your sailing itinerary when you decide to stay in the northeast.
Route 2 - East for lovers of history and charming towns
The island's eastern side offers another sailing alternative you should try. Count with longer distances (5-10 hours of sailing per day) and, potentially, with a more demanding passage through the Messina Strait. The eastern area is famous for its adorable towns such as Taormina - the most charming city in Italy, Catania - a city built on lava and Syracuse - listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Here is an example of an itinerary:
Portorosa - Ganzirri bay - Catania - Syracuse - Riposto - Taormina - Portorosa
If you are not a novice skipper, start in Portorosa or Milazzo and gradually sail through the Messina Strait to Catania, down to Syracuse, and then back. The passage of Messina is challenging to navigate due to strong currents and ship traffic. If you want to skip this rather stressful experience, start your itinerary in some port after Messina. Taormina and Catania are both convenient gateways for the east coast.
Spend some time in Riposto town to admire Etna in the background; from Riposto, head back to Taormina and then to your home marina. If you have time left, stop by Vulcano island, located 14 miles from Portorosa.
If you sail further below Syracuse, don’t miss out on the archaeological site Vendicari. The safest place close by to stay overnight is Marina di Marzamemi, only 30 minutes by car from Vendicari. Inland lies the baroque town of Noto, protected by UNESCO.
Route 3 - West for Palermo, beach and nature explorers
Another worthy sailing route is from Palermo to the west side. Strolling and sightseeing in the historical centre of Palermo is an unforgettable experience.
Trekking enthusiasts and photography lovers will love their time spent in the natural reserve Zingaro. This place offers impressive views of turquoise water with rocks, caves and beaches. You can easily combine active hiking with beach fun.
Find a diving paradise on a small island north of Palermo - Ustica. It’s a hidden gem with rough beauty and no typical beaches. The Aegadian archipelago, mainly Marettimo and Levanzo islands, will dazzle you with its unspoiled wild nature, caves and majestic cliffs.
Example of itinerary:
Palermo - Zingaro reserve - Trapani - Levanzo - Trapani area - San Vito Lo Capo - Ustica - Palermo
Start in Palermo and sail towards the natural reservation Zingaro first. On your way, drop an anchor in the dreamy anchorage of Scopello and stay in Cala Grottazza or Cala dell Uzzo overnight. Sail further in the direction of the port of Trapani. If the winds are favourable, sail to Levanzo island, located further west. When returning from Trapani, you can easily sail off to the anchorage San Vito Lo Capo, nicknamed the Pearl of Costa Gaia. Swimming and walking on one of the most Italian beaches is an absolute pleasure. After a couple of hours, you will get from San Vito Lo Capo to the island of Ustica. After Ustica, return to Palermo.
Suggested 7-day itinerary in the northeastern Sicily
Sicily is a large island. Getting to know an island’s wonders takes more than seven days of sailing. Take your time to savour rather than rush. Here is the suggested route to get the best out of the Sicilian sailing side.
Portorosa is the largest private port in Sicily, with the best offer of chartered boats. It is an appropriate starting point to set sails off to windy Aeolian islands - the key focus of our suggested route. Feel free to undertake this itinerary the other way around - head off to Capo di Orlando and from there to Vulcano or Lipari. You may avoid hoards of boats sailing to Vulcano as to a first stopover on Sunday.
- Day 1 (Saturday): Portorosa (0 nm)
- Day 2 (Sunday): Portorosa - Vulcano (15 nm)
- Day 3 (Monday): Vulcano - Stromboli (40 nm)
- Day 4 (Tuesday): Stromboli - Salina (25 nm)
- Day 5 (Wednesday): Salina - Lipari (5 - 10 nm)
- Day 6 (Thursday): Lipari - Capo d’Orlando (20 nm)
- Day 7 (Friday): Capo d'Orlando - Tindari - Portorosa (15 nm)
TIP: An option to incorporate more of the north of Sicily: Portorosa (day 1) - Tindari and Capo d’Orlando (day 2 - 15 nm) - Cefalú (day 3 - 35 nm) - San’t Agata di Militelo (as of May 2023 port still under reconstruction - day 4) - Vulcano island (day 5 - 30 nm) - Stromboli (day 6) and Portorosa (day 7 - 40 nm).
Day 1 - Portorosa
Don’t hesitate to add Palermo to your itinerary the day before or after your sailing week. This is the perfect day to enter the Sicilian culinary paradise. Leave every dieting attempt at the port; Sicily is about food. The best street food ever is Sicilian gastronomical treasure arancini (rice balls with various fillings - spinach, buffala, pistachio) or caponata (something like ratatouille). Sailing and wine somehow go together - supply your boat with excellent wines, such as Nero di Avola and Cerasuolo di Vittoria (the only Sicialian wine officially awarded with the highest classification - DOCG).
The historical centre of Palermo is small but cute and eventful. See the Cathedral, Cappuccini catacombs and botanical garden. A great choice of Sicilian gastronomy is found in the restaurant Gagini.
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The whole village of Portorosa has been transformed into a marina, so your boat is in the centre of town. As for the culinary tip, have a bite of stuffed anchovies, rolls of grilled swordfish or fish couscous. An Italian-Arabian mix of fishes and spices hides in pasta con le sarde - sardines, almonds and fennel are favourite combinations.
Day 2 - Portorosa - Aeolian islands (Vulcano) (15 nm)
Aeolian islands are unique. Each of the islands has a different look and feel. What they all have in common is their immense beauty and incredible cuisine.
The nearest Aeolian island to Portorosa is Vulcano. As the name suggests, it is a volcanic island (with a volcano still active). Beaches are covered with black sand, and several spots have thermal waters and a mud.
Where to stay?
Arrive early on this island, especially during the summer. In the north of the island, drop an anchor in Porto di Ponente bay, sheltered from the N, E and SW winds. This bay is highly popular among sailors, and rightly so - it offers a breathtaking view of the volcano, spectacular sunset and access to a hiking route that leads to the Grand Crater. You can glimpse Stromboli from that point.
Once in Vulcano, indulge in Sicilian cuisine. Aeolian islands have their specialities, and easy one-pan meals such as swordfish mixed with capers, tomatoes, and olives are must-try dishes. To get the most out of Sicilian cuisine, a Michelin restaurant II Cappero will satisfy you, although your wallet will be emptier.
In the south of the island (near Gelso town), stay a night in the delightful bay Spiaggia del Cannitello or a fascinating and secluded spot Punta dell´Asino Sud. Both are well protected from N, NW and W winds, and you can walk to Gelso town. Family restaurants da Gaetano and Pina di Maniaci are great choices in the town because of their fresh fish and seafood.
Day 3 - Vulcano - Stromboli (40 nm)
Do you fancy another volcano in paradise? Sail to the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean”. This peculiar island is thanks to the active volcano, a navigation spot visible from far away.
Stromboli’s soil is so fertile that lemon and orange trees and unique flowers are scattered everywhere. The picture of flowing lava will forever stick in your memories. Feel the heat coming from scary eruptions. The most beautiful beach on the island is the virgin beach Forgia Vecchia with black sand. It is tricky to reach it on foot, so better use your dinghy. We don’t recommend spending a night in this bay for the muddy seabed and poor protection.
Where to stay?
There is an overpriced buoy field Marina del Gabbiano located on the east side but with the best access to the town and restaurants. A water taxi drives frequently. Restaurants Da Luciano and Da Giovanni have excellent meal offers with island’s cuisine rich in fish. Make a reservation upfront for a restaurant called Observatory and enjoy another magic hour with an astonishing landscape around. You can get there comfortably by shuttle bus.
In calm wind conditions, you can drop your anchor in the Ficogrande Bay; otherwise, this part is exposed to NW winds. An anchorage Ginostra is well-protected from NW winds, but the seabed consists of rocks and seaweed - have your anchor alarm app on.
Day 4 - Stromboli - Salina (25 nm)
The second largest Aeolian island is known for its green landscape, malvasia wines, capers and chestnuts. The island was named after an artificial lake called “salina” that used to produce salt. Saline island is at the top of “the most beautiful islands of Italy” list. It is the greenest island in the Aeolian archipelago.
The island has three key settlements - Malfa, Leni, and Santa Marina- well-connected by roads meandering in the mountains and crossing flows of lava. If possible, rent a car or scooter and explore the local beauty. Relax in the captivating Pollara Bay, go for a wine tasting in a family vineyard, and eat local specialities. The town Santa Marina with romantic little streets, lies along the massive crater now covered with green vegetation. A lovely fishing village Lingua is located close to Santa Maria. The northern town of Malfa is also famous for its white houses built on the slopes. Rinella is a place sought-after mainly by divers curious about black sandy beaches and seabeds with volcanic activities.
Where to stay?
Undoubtedly, the bays Spiaggia della Pollara and HR Pollara, situated in the northwest, are unique spots for swimming and anchoring. However, they are exposed to NW wind. If you want to visit Malfa town, you better anchor close to Pollara since there are no safe anchorages within Malfa town.
The northeastern bay Pozzi d’ Angello is a protected and excellent shelter when NW winds hit. Your anchor will hold well on a sandy seabed. You can reach Santa Marina town in 20 minutes. To supply electricity and water, get a berth directly at the marina in the city.
In Lingua, use an opportunity to taste excellent wine and the local bread pane cunzato. Visit Hauner Winery for a wine-tasting tour and Da Alfredo restaurant for the best Aeolian specialities. Both places are within walking distance from the anchorage. The anchorage, however, is good only in good conditions as the bottom does not hold the anchor so reliably.
Day 5 - Salina - Lipari (10 nm)
Although the biggest Aeolian island, Lipari, is the most populated, the island maintains an untouched and pristine character. Take your time and succumb to its imposing charm.
The picturesque town of Lipari is typical for its remarkable medieval architecture and maze of streets. Just strolling around and looking at the phenomenal castle will get you in a peaceful mood. Have a break on the piazza Marina Corto with cafés and restaurants overlooking the sea and enjoy granita - a fruit with ice.
One of the most appealing beaches is located in the south and is accessible by boat only. Spiaggia Praia di Vinci is embraced by rocks and set in a stunning environment with crystal clear water.
Where to stay?
There are several good spots in Lipari town. Marina di Porto Pignataro is the most comfortable shelter and is only minutes from the historical centre. Have dinner at Osteria San Bartolo in Lipari for exquisite local dishes. When in Lipari, don´t forget to ask for cannoli, a delightful Italian dessert.
A well-protected and wonderful place to drop your anchor is Punta Crepazza on the south - protected from easterly winds. The above-mentioned beach Praia di Vinci is at this bay.
Situated inland on the slopes of a dormant volcano, the Ristorante Sangre Rojo provides not only perfect sunset memories but also great food.
Day 6 - Lipari - Capo d'Orlando (20 nm)
Either spend another day on Lipari or Vulcano or return to Portorosa in Sicily the next day.
An enchanting place to sail to is Capo d' Orlando, a town with a nice lighthouse and calm sea that is great for swimming. Get a berth in a clean and modern marina Capo di Orlando to enjoy the last glimpse of the Aeolian islands.
Day 7 - Capo d'Orlando - Tindari - Portorosa (15 nm)
If you are still up to some exploration and history time-travelling, have a stopover in Tindari. Tindari Bay is well-protected from the west wind.
As a bonus, hop off in the vicinity of Punta Marinello to relax on one of the most beautiful Italian beaches. The whole peninsula belongs to the natural reserve Laghetti Marinello with caves and lakes. This whole area is still rather undiscovered.
Consider this itinerary suggestion as only a teaser for how your next sailing storytelling could unfold. There are endless places worth seeing.
Your Sicilian adventure is a click away now.
