Sample Itinerary
West Sicily & Egadi Islands
Luxury Yacht Charter in West Sicily & Egadi Islands
A crewed yacht charter in West Sicily and the Egadi Islands is a truly unique experience. This lesser-known itinerary is rich in Sicilian culture, food, wine, archeological sites, festivals and hospitality.
– Sample Itinerary and Video courtesy Sailing Catamaran OMBRE BLU ³.
The itinerary has many different possibilities and we will design it specifically to your needs. We recommend at least 10 days to make the most of the trip.
Just a half-hour by car from Palermo International Airport, the fascinating city of Palermo is a wonderful place to start the adventure. Our private driver will transfer you from the airport, where your private yacht will be waiting. Palermo is famous for its fascinating street markets, palazzi, cathedrals and theaters.
In the afternoon, we will sail to the famous beach town of Mondello, where wealthy Palermitanis enjoy their weekend homes. After breakfast in Mondello, we set sail to the beautiful island of Ustica – a Diver’s paradise. Trying to catch a tuna on the way is a priority!
The tiny volcanic island of Ustìca – measuring just 3.3 sq miles – is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Unspoiled by tourism, its magnificent seabeds are protected as a natural marine reserve, capturing an abundance of life in its clear turquoise waters. Numerous grottos and caves. A haven for diving, snorkeling and paddling! One or two nights can be spent at the island, either on the dock in the quaint town or on a marine park buoy.
After a relaxing breakfast enjoying the nature in Ustica, we set sail for San Vito Lo Capo, this cape is the most Northern point of Sicily and the setting is white sand and clear waters with a mountainous Sicilian backdrop. A picturesque fishermen’s village is the setting for the late afternoon and evening. San Vito Lo Capo is home to an annual Cous Cous festival (September), tasting this dish is a must in one of the traditional restaurants.
After breakfast in San Vito, we set sail to the first of the magnificent Egadi Islands, Levanzo, voted by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the ‘Most beautiful coastal towns’ in Italy. Highlights are a walk in town, diving the amphora remains from the Punic Wars, a tour of the famous Grotta del Genovese, featuring pre-historic drawings and carvings and paddling the crystal-clear waters.
We set sail to the west to Marettimo, the most remote of the Egadi Islands. A fishing village with virtually no cars, it’s like walking back in time. The island is a Marine Nature Reserve, where one can enjoy unparalleled beauty in the blue waters and caves. On-land, one can take the easy hike to the Case Romane ruins and 12th century church. Donkey Trekking is also a great way to enjoy visiting some of the more remote parts of the island. Great seafood restaurants in an unmatched romantic setting!
In the morning, we will enjoy a relaxing sail to Favignana. The largest of the Egadi Islands and famous for Tuna fishing, a feature of the port is the stunning building of the Tonnara Florio. Ashore there is a lovely village, a scenic walk to the Aragonese Castle of Santa Caterina, while around the island there are many beautiful isolated bays and caves to enjoy.
South to Marsala, highlights are a visit to the Phoenician island colony of Motya and history museum. The shallow lagoon and salt flats that surround this area played ‘theatre’ to the Punic Wars between the Romans and the Carthaginians. Visit the Marsala Navy museum, featuring the remains of a Carthaginian warship, re-constructed from findings in the bay. Taste the Marsala at the Florio distillery, just across the road from the port.
North to Trapani, an enchanting old-Sicilian town and home to the best Cannoli (ricotta dessert) in all of Sicily! From Trapani you will enjoy a trip to the Archaeological Site of Segesta, featuring the best-preserved ancient Doric temple (5th Century BC) and ruins. The site’s ancient amphitheatre, set on a hill, boasts a magnificent position (25 mins by car).
In the late afternoon, take the gondola up to visit the Medieval hilltop town of Erice.
Transfer time back to Palermo Airport is one hour. There is also an airport in Trapani with daily flights to Rome.
All of this awaits you on a yacht charter in West Sicily and the Egadi Islands!
– Sample Itinerary courtesy Sailing Catamaran OMBRE BLU ³.
