Sicily Yacht Charter: Taormina, Syracuse and the Egadi Islands

Baroque towns, Greek temples, an active volcano and three very different seas: Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and one of its most rewarding cruising grounds. A Sicily yacht charter lets you move between Taormina, Syracuse, the Egadi Islands and the Aeolian archipelago without hotel changes or traffic, and anchor in bays you can only reach from the sea. Sicily is also our home: Navawave is based between Milan and Sicily and operates here every summer.

Why charter a yacht in Sicily

Few places combine so much in such short distances. In a single week you can swim below the cliffs of Taormina, walk through the old town of Ortigia in Syracuse, dine in a fishing village on the southern tip of the island and watch Mount Etna from the deck. The coastline changes constantly – volcanic rock on the east, white limestone and turquoise water in the west – and every area has its own food and wine tradition. With a crewed yacht, the captain plans each day around the wind, so you always find a sheltered anchorage.

Where to go: the three main cruising areas

East coast: Taormina, Etna and Syracuse

The most elegant side of Sicily. Start from Riposto (Porto dell’Etna) or Catania, anchor off Isola Bella below Taormina, see the basalt sea stacks of Aci Trezza and continue south to Syracuse and the island of Ortigia. Further south, the Vendicari nature reserve, Marzamemi and Capo Passero offer long beaches and some of the clearest water on the island.

West coast: the Egadi Islands, Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo

From Trapani or Palermo, the Egadi Islands – Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo – are a short cruise away, with the famous turquoise bays of Cala Rossa and Bue Marino. Along the coast, the Zingaro nature reserve, the sea stacks of Scopello and the beach of San Vito Lo Capo complete one of the most beautiful routes in the Mediterranean.

North: the Aeolian Islands

Seven volcanic islands north of Milazzo, from glamorous Panarea to Stromboli and its eruptions at night. They deserve a charter of their own: discover our dedicated Aeolian Islands yacht charter page with a full 7-day itinerary.

Sicily, where every harbour has its own story.

7-day Sicily yacht itinerary: Taormina to Syracuse

Day 1 – Riposto to Taormina

Embark at Porto dell’Etna and cruise north to Taormina. First swim off Isola Bella, then dinner ashore with a view of Etna.

Day 2 – Taormina and Giardini Naxos

A morning in the town, between the Greek theatre and Corso Umberto, and an afternoon at anchor in the bays of Capo Taormina and Giardini Naxos.

Day 3 – Aci Trezza and the Riviera dei Ciclopi

Cruise south along the lava coast to the sea stacks of Aci Trezza, in a marine protected area with excellent snorkelling.

Day 4 – Syracuse and Ortigia

Berth or anchor in the Porto Grande of Syracuse and explore Ortigia: the Cathedral, the Fountain of Arethusa and the market.

Day 5 – Plemmirio and Vendicari

Swim in the marine reserve of Plemmirio, then continue to the long beaches of the Vendicari nature reserve.

Day 6 – Marzamemi and Capo Passero

The southern tip of Sicily, where the Ionian meets the Mediterranean. Evening in the old fishing village of Marzamemi.

Day 7 – Return to Syracuse or Riposto

A last swim stop on the way back for disembarkation and transfer to Catania airport.

Our yachts in Sicily

Our own motor yacht Sea Sons, a 22-metre Ferretti 700 with four cabins, is based in Sicily during the summer season, so there are no long delivery passages. For more freedom ashore, add a dedicated chase boat such as Sea Toy, our 45-knot Magazzù MX-14. As a broker, we also source larger motor yachts, superyachts, sailing yachts and catamarans from trusted owners across the Mediterranean – see the fleet.

Best time to charter a yacht in Sicily

The season runs from May to October. June and September offer warm sea, long days and quieter anchorages; July and August are the liveliest months, so booking early is recommended. The sea stays warm well into October, which makes Sicily one of the best destinations for an autumn charter.

Embarkation ports and airports

For the east coast, the main bases are Riposto (Porto dell’Etna), Catania and Syracuse, all close to Catania airport. For the west, Palermo and Trapani, served by Palermo and Trapani airports. For the Aeolian Islands, Milazzo and Marina di Portorosa. Transfers by car, helicopter or private jet can be arranged through our concierge services.

How to book a Sicily yacht charter

A crewed charter is usually quoted per week, plus VAT and an APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance) for fuel, food and port fees, fully accounted for at the end of the trip. Tell us your dates, number of guests and the experience you have in mind: we reply within 8 hours with a tailored proposal. Contact us or build your itinerary online.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best area of Sicily for a yacht charter?

It depends on what you are looking for. The east coast, from Taormina to Syracuse, is ideal for culture, food and elegant towns; the west coast and the Egadi Islands for turquoise water and wild nature; the Aeolian Islands for volcanoes and island hopping.

Can we combine Sicily and the Aeolian Islands in one week?

Yes. A popular route starts in Milazzo or Portorosa, visits the Aeolian Islands and continues along the Tyrrhenian coast or towards Taormina through the Strait of Messina.

Is a crew included?

Yes, all our yachts are chartered with a professional crew: captain, sailors and, on larger yachts, a chef and stewardess.

Can we add a chase boat or tender?

Yes. A chase boat lets guests reach beaches, villages and restaurants while the yacht stays at anchor.