Nautilus Yachting > Yacht Charter > Italian Yacht Charter > Sicily
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The Aeolian Islands provide a wonderfully unique and dramatic backdrop for your yacht charter in Italy. Lying 25 miles off the northeast coast of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea, this archipelago of volcanic islands consists of 7 inhabited islands along with several smaller uninhabited islands. The islands are stepped in history and make a fascinating location for a sailing holiday in the Mediterranean.
Choose a bareboat or skippered yacht charter from Portorosa, Sicily and spend the week snorkelling, exploring coastal villages, sampling the delicious local food and encountering active volcanoes! Stromboli continues to be active and often provides a spectacular light show after dark, with giant flames and molten rock spraying from its crater. A visit to the island of Vulcano will have you smelling the sulphurous smoke that makes its way out of the many fumaroles but persevere and you will be rewarded with breath-taking views from the top of the crater!
Sicily is a popular sailing holiday destination blessed with fresh sailing winds, spectacular scenery, picturesque harbours, welcoming locals and delicious local food!
Yacht Charters from:
7 nights / 3 cabins
Average winds Force 4, stronger Mistral winds can hit in August Find out more...
Portorosa is on the north coast, an ideal starting point for sailing to the Aeolian islands.
Rugged and barren, with lava eroded into fantastic shapes by the wind. There are therapeutic mud baths ashore.
The only active volcano in the area, Stomboli is over 300 feet high and is visible for miles. The spectacular eruptive phenomena which can be admired from the sea! At night the red flow from the lava flow on the northwest coast is most impressive.
Unspoilt and undeveloped, with stunning snorkelling and diving.
One of the first national parks that was created in Sicily – it’s a peaceful island with all its original beauty.
The main and most populated island with a busy harbour. The port is small and busy. An excellent Aeolean museum exhibits remains from prehistoric through Phoenician, Greek, Carthaginian, Roman Byzantine, Norman and Spanish.
Start your journey in Trapani. Embrace in the beautiful sights and landscapes this island has to offer and enjoy a traditional Sicilian meal to begin your week on the water.
Set sail to Favignana, the largest of the Egadi Islands. Visit the shallow, calm waters of Cala Rossa or explore the beaches and coves on this picturesque island.
Make your way to Marettimo, this Island is the most remote and quiet Island. On arrival the islands caves are a must-see alongside Grotta del Cammello. In this authentic hideaway enjoy a delicious freshly caught meal by the local fisherman.
Sail on to Levanzo the smallest of the Egadi Islands. A great place to sit on anchor. Delve into the islands ancient history and visit the famous Grotta del Genovese to witness the prehistoric cave paintings.
Journey on to San Vito Lo Capo and relax on the beautiful sandy beach or, discover the bight town filled with beautiful flower-filled alleyways and explore the town's famous lighthouse dating back to 1859.
On your penultimate day set off to Riserva Dello Zingaro, a nature reserve, with natural coves and crystal-clear waters. Drop Anchor in one of the secluded bays for swimming and indulge in a final meal on the water.
Return to Trapani and make a stop in one of the many bays for a refreshing swim on the way back. Once back in Trapani, reflect on the week’s unforgettable experiences and memories over a glass of local wine.
Sicily has ideal conditions for a sailing holiday. The normal summer winds are from the north-west average Force 4, occasionally from the west. Stronger mistral winds can blow in August, lasting 1-2 days. Summer temperatures average 24-28ºC.
We have rated this destination a 'Level 2' (levels info) and you will need RYA Day Skipper or ICC qualification for bareboat charters in Sicily.
You can see all of the bases we offer in Italy along with the level ratings here so that you can find the most suitable destination for you. If you are at all unsure about a destination then please get in touch and our sales team will be more than happy to make their recommendations for you.
EasyJet, British Airways and Ryanair all have flights to Palermo on Saturdays. With daily flights, you can add on a few days for a city break in Palermo before or after your charter.
The transfer time to Portorosa is approximately 2 hours by car or 3 hours by train.
For more information on things to see and do in Sicily on your yacht charter please click HERE
The best time to take a sailing holiday in Italy is between May and October, with peak season being June, July, and August.
High Season
The most popular time to visit Italy is during the summer months of June, July and August. Summer temperatures average 24-30ºC with winds averaging Force 4. Winds are usually strongest in the afternoons and die down in the evenings. Stronger mistral winds can blow during the month of August, lasting 1-2 days. Many top destinations in Italy are very popular in July and August with visitors arriving from overseas as well as other parts of Italy.
Shoulder Season
May, September and October see lower average temperatures and smaller crowds. Flights will often be cheaper during the shoulder season as well as having greater yacht availability.
Low Season
November-April is the low season in Italy but may be suitable for those looking for a quieter sailing holiday in Italy with lower temperatures. Daytime temperatures can still be very pleasant with the nights cooling considerably.
Italy enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate with a long summer and mild winters.
May & September
The weather is warm but not too hot with average temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 28ºC (68ºF to 82ºF) and the crowds are lower than the peak summer season. Sea temperatures in September are still very pleasant for swimming and snorkelling. During May sea temperatures will be slowly rising after the cooler winter months.
Late May & June
The crowds are still relatively low but the temperatures have started to rise (average 24-28ºC / 75-82ºF) and the waters begin to get warm enough for swimming.
July and August
This is when the waters are at their warmest and it is also the peak tourist time due to the school summer holidays. The main Italian holiday destinations are a hub of activity with Italians and overseas tourists filling the beaches and piazzas. July and August see the highest temperatures, averaging 28-30ºC.
October
This is the end of the main sailing season and a good opportunity to take advantage of lower prices and lighter crowds. The weather is on average 21 - 23ºC and the waters are still warm enough to enjoy a spot of swimming.
Italy is among the best sailing destinations in the Mediterranean. Several areas are ideal for yacht charters and sailing holidays with excellent sailing conditions, warm summer temperatures and plenty to see and do.
Sardinia
Sailing in Sardinia gives you access to the Maddalena National Park with its beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear waters that have been likened to the Caribbean. The famous pink beach on Budelli is a must-visit when sailing in Sardinia. You can also take the opportunity to visit neighbouring Corsica and marvel at the impressive entrance to Bonifaccio. Stop off at the Lavezzi islands for fantastic snorkelling.
Sicily
A fascinating location for a sailing holiday in Italy. Yacht charters from Sicily involve snorkelling, sampling delicious local food, exploring seaside villages and encountering live volcanoes! The Aeolian Islands, lying 25 miles off the northeast coast of Sicily are an archipelago of volcanic islands consisting of 7 inhabited islands along with several smaller uninhabited islands.
Amalfi Coast / Gulf of Naples
One of the most celebrated stretches of coastline with dramatic cliffs and pastel coloured villages cascading down the mountainside, a sailing holiday on the Amalfi Coast is a unique experience. Alongside the popular seaside towns of Positano, Amalfi and Sorrento, you also have the chance to visit the nearby islands of Ischia, Procida, Vivara and the achingly stylish Capri.
Tuscany
Start your sailing holiday from Punta Ala or Scarlino on the west coast of Italy and explore the enchanting Tuscan islands. The Tuscan Archipelago National Park covers over 600 square kilometres of sea and includes the 7 main islands of Elba, Capraia, Giannutri, Giglio, Gorgona, Montecristo and Pianosa, along with a range of smaller islands.
In general, the best sailing conditions in Italy are from May to October when you can enjoy warm waters, clear skies and reliable winds.
During the summer months winds from the north-north-west average Force 4 in Sardinia. Stronger mistral winds can blow in August, lasting 1-2 days.
Sicily has ideal conditions for a sailing holiday. The normal summer winds are from the north-west, average Force 4, occasionally from the west. Like Sardinia, stronger mistral winds can blow in August, lasting 1-2 days.
The Gulf of Naples has great sailing conditions for a yacht charter with prevailing wind in the summer from the south-west and averaging Force 2-5. Winds are usually strongest in the afternoon, dying off at sunset. Stronger mistral winds can blow in August, lasting 1-2 days.
Tuscany sees prevailing wind in the summer from the west to north-west. There will frequently be south-east winds around Capraia, Elba and the mainland coast down to Giannutri, and frequent periods of calm. Often there will be a light westerly wind at night.
Whilst on your yacht charter in Italy, you will find many modern marinas with excellent facilities. Marina fees can vary considerably depending on the location, facilities and time of year but during the summer months you can expect to pay between €50 and €150 for a 40 foot yacht in a marina.
There are also many great anchorages in Italy where mooring fees will not apply and combining a few anchorages with marinas is a good way of keeping mooring costs down. Some anchorages will still incur a fee and the use of mooring buoys typically costs between €20-€50 per night.
For bareboat charters in Italy you will need RYA Day Skipper or ICC qualification.
Italy is a top holiday destination with tourists flocking to Italian hot spots year-round in order to get a taste of "la dolce vita". With an abundance of excellent places to visit in Italy, it is hard to pick just a few but if you are considering a sailing holiday in Italy then there are several places which stand out for us here at Nautilus.
There is nothing quite like the impressive backdrop of the Aeolian Islands whilst on a sailing holiday in Italy. This archipelago of volcanic islands consists of 7 inhabited islands along with several smaller uninhabited islands. The islands are stepped in history and make a fascinating location for a sailing holiday in the Mediterranean.
A sailing holiday in Sardinia would not be complete without a visit to the Maddalena National Park - a haven for those looking for peaceful waters and stunning beaches. The marine park is full of beautiful spots including the famous pink beach, "spiaggia rosa", on Budelli and the delightful harbour at La Maddelana, a fishing village with harbourside restaurants which is incredibly popular during the summer months.
The Amalfi Coast is an iconic stretch of coastline that exudes an air of Italian sophistication. Dramatic cliffs and pastel coloured villages cascade down the mountainside towards the sea and the pretty, winding streets are a treat to explore. After a great day sailing and wandering the bougainvillea-lined streets, sit and relax in one of the many excellent trattorias to enjoy a delicious meal and an ice-cold limoncello.
The Tuscan island of Elba is a popular holiday spot for Italians and for very good reason. The indented coastline shelters many attractive harbours and beautiful beaches whilst on land, nature lovers will be in their element exploring the countless hiking and mountain bike trails (including the challenging but worthwhile climb to the top of Mount Capanne), exploring the butterfly sanctuary in the hills surrounding Mount Perone or enjoying a soak in the island's thermal baths.
A 1 - 2 week yacht charter will give you the most relaxed sailing experience when exploring Italy. From encountering active volcanoes to diving into the vast underwater world of the marine parks, we have a range of itineraries to make sure you see the best sailing spots in Italy.
The cost of your yacht charter depends on several factors:
The type and size of the yacht you book will dictate the price. A 1 week charter on a 2 - 3 cabin monohull starts around £1200 in low season whereas 1 week on a luxury catamaran with a skipper in high season could be upwards of £10,000. These are the 2 extremes of the scale for a 1 week yacht charter in Italy and we offer plenty of choices in between.
1 week is a popular choice amongst our sailors and makes the perfect getaway however a longer charter will give you more time to explore all Italy has to offer.
Lower-priced yacht charters are available in the shoulder-season of April, May, September and October with prices starting to rise in June before peaking in July and August.
Don't have any sailing experience? No problem! We offer several skippered and crewed options so you can enjoy the yachting lifestyle without the stress. From a simple skippered yacht to fully crewed options, we can arrange a charter to suit your needs.
My role in Nautilus Yachting generally means I spend my days researching sailing locations, checking availability, and confirming yacht prices. Over the years, I have seen some fantastic options pop up in Sicily, combining top-quality sailing with unmissable seasonal discounts.
With that in mind, I decided that this year I should head there myself and take advantage of the significant discounts that arise during October Half Term.
Once I discovered a two-year old 47' Dufour 470 for £1600 I took this as a sign to gather my crew, head to Sicily and skipper the biggest yacht I have chartered since getting my Day Skipper.
The day started with an early flight from London Gatwick to Catania Airport. There were lots of options for flights to the Island, however, this one from Gatwick offered the best balance of price and number of hours sleep the night before. The marinas serving the Aeolian Islands are a fair distance from the airport, and hiring a car proved to be the most cost-effective way of getting to the marina. A car also meant we could provision from one of the local supermarkets, as well as providing an opportunity to stop for a nice lunch before boarding the boat at 5pm. Its was during the orientation that we realised the Dufour 470 is a big boat. Four double cabins, four heads and a skipper cabin (if your skipper is 5'7" or below). Once orientated, we unpacked settled in and sought out one of the marina restaurants for Pizza and a cold glass of something nice.
Checking the week's weather and following the hints and tips of the base, our week's sailing looked to be a leisurely two-day sail to Stromboli, followed by island hopping on the way back to the marina. Leaving the marina at 10 am, we tentatively took the boat out of the marina. Porto Rosa Marina, although filled with boats, is a wide marina with lots of room to manoeuvre, which was a relief when taking out a 47' boat for the first time. Once in open water with just 4-5kts of wind, we opened up the engine. Just as we got going, we spotted a pod of dolphins feeding just 100m away. Just as the excitement of that died down, another member of the crew spotted lots of dorsal fins from a second pod popping out of the water. An amazing start to the holiday.
With today's wind skirting around 6 kts, we spent the day motoring, raising and lowering the sails, and desperately trying to see more dolphins. The day ended with us anchored in the strait between Lipari and Volcana. We enjoyed a late afternoon swim and one of the best sunsets I have had aboard a boat.
A new day and waking up to being the only boat in a quiet bay was a fantastic reminder of why I love sailing off-season. My early morning of bright blue sky and a morning coffee on deck was interrupted by a local fisherman asking if we wanted to buy any of today's catch. With my broken Italian and their broken English, we realised we were okay for fish, and he pootled off to find his next customer. Today looked to be the longest day of sailing, so we got moving. We called the marina in Stromboli, booked a mooring buoy for the evening and headed into the wind. Motorsailing for most of the day, we experienced some really surreal moments of sailing between and towards a smoking volcano. As we got closer to Stromboli and its familiar conical shape, we spotted villages perched on the hillside. As we drew closer to the Marina, we could see the bustling tourist village of Stromboli, with its black sand and thriving tourist industry. Almost as soon as we arrived, we were asked if we wanted a tour of the volcano, and you could hear the thump of a helicopter taking tourists to see the lava flow. We decided against the 5-hour trek to see the lava as this would have meant staying an extra night. Instead, we headed ashore for a meal. Heading up the hill, we discovered Ingrid's a restaurant named after Ingrid Bergman from the film Stromboli. Ingrid provided our second pizza for the trip, copious cocktails, and breathtaking views of Marina del Gabbiano and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
We woke this morning to the boat rolling. We were very thankful that we followed the base manager's instructions and chose to see Stromboli on the calmest day of the week, as the marina is quite exposed. We set off around Strombolicchio, a small rock to the east of Stromboli, and around the North Side of the Island. The North Face is the active side of the Island, and even during the day, you can see the red glow on the smoke billowing out of the volcano. Mental note, next time book a tour. Sailing from Stromboli to Salina, we stopped near Lisca Bianca, Panarea, for a swim. Here, there are underwater vents that release bubbles into the water 5m below the water line. The area has no anchoring in the area, so we set about drawing straws to see who had to look after the boat while the others enjoyed themselves. While on the island of Panarea itself, there are vents on the shoreline that 'hiss' as the waves come in over them, well worth a visit.Arriving in Salina, we were surprised to see a marina so new it was still being finished. But wide, easy mooring here meant it was a low-stress berth tonight.
With a short sail today, we decided on a late start and took the time to explore Salina. We are glad that we did. Salina is a great village and a fantastic place to restock. The high street contains a bakery, a fishmonger, butchers, grocers, and more. The high street was virtually a complete supermarket that runs the length of the village, selling great local fresh produce. Leaving the marina, the wind really picked up, and checking the Windy App, it looked like Friday would be a storm-bound day. However, today's sail was the best so far, glorious sailing, 4.5 kts with just the foresail. Deciding that another night on anchor would be great. We anchored at the very bottom of Vulcano. Again, we had our own in our private bay and spent a fantastic afternoon swimming and line fishing off the back of the boat.
Checking the wind apps, Thursday night and Friday were expected to have 30-plus kts of wind. We decided to call it a day and head back to Portorosa and the safety of home port. Today we experienced the full range of October weather. The day gave us glorious 28-degree heat and sunshine all the way to the marina. Then just as the sun set, the wind hit the island. By nine at night, we were happy that we had headed back to the marina. We could hear the wind whistling through the masts in the marina, as we relaxed at the bar with steins of beer.
With that in mind, an early end to a fabulous week, and another amazing example of why October is an amazing month to sail. Sicily turned out to be a great location for an amazing week on the water. I can happily recommend the area and will certainly head back again, while for me, the first time skippering outside of Croatia and Greece, a little part of me wonders why more people don't consider this fabulous region.
If you have your next bareboat yacht charter or flotilla holiday booked, your thoughts may now be turning to what to pack! Whether you are heading to the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean or jetting off to sail in the warm breezes of the Caribbean, we have a few suggestions for you for useful items to pack for your next sailing holiday.
We took a look at the destinations which are currently top of the list and have been surprised by a few of the entries! Tried and tested favourites for your yacht charters stand alongside a few newcomers, keeping things interesting and allowing a few lesser-known sailing areas to have their place in the limelight.
For those of you who jetted off at the beginning of the summer or for those who wanted to ‘wait and see’, September and October offer fantastic sailing conditions in many areas and a chance to explore without the intense heat and crowds of summer.
Call our knowledgeable sailing specialists for the latest advice and recommendations on the sailing areas most suited to you.
Arrange a call back from one of our specialists (Mon-Fri: 0900-1730).
