Portorosa, nestled between Palermo and Catania in Sicily, is home to the largest marina on this stunning Mediterranean island and an excellent place to start your gulet charter.
In addition to Sicily's 620 miles of coastline, it's the gateway to the nearby Aeolian Islands, making Portorosa a perfect jumping off point but before you make passage to Panarea or Stromboli though, Sicily is fabulous to explore by boat.
Its rich cultural heritage is reflected in the architecture, art, and cuisine, and the sheer number of historic sites on the island mean it's virtually an open-air museum of antiquity.
Locally grown produce, including the famous Sicilian lemons, is superb and there is an abundance of fresh seafood. Whether in a local restaurant or on board your yacht, every meal is an opportunity to savour the island's fabulous food and wine.
It's a fairly short passage from Portorosa to the Aeolian Islands and it's well worth adding them to your itinerary. Each one is unique, from the bustling streets of Lipari to the volcanic landscapes of Stromboli or the laid back glamour of Panarea.
Sicily is steeped in history and culture, with ancient ruins, historic towns, and a unique blend of influences from the Mediterranean and beyond.
Portorosa and Sicily are located in a region renowned for its stunning natural beauty, offering varied and picturesque coastlines and crystal-clear waters, and there's no better place to drink in the views than from the deck of your gulet.
You can also experience Sicily and the Aeolian Islands' natural beauty by embarking on hiking and nature tours. For example, exploring the Alcantara Gorge or hiking Mount Etna or Stromboli.
Sites like the Norman Castle in Milazzo, the Roman Theatre in Taormina or the Temple of Concordia near Agrigento offer an insight into Sicily's rich history, and fabulous views of the surrounding landscape.
Explore historic towns like Taormina, Syracuse (Siracusa), and Cefalù, known for their ancient ruins, picturesque streets, and vibrant markets.
Indulge in Sicilian cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, pasta dishes, arancini, cannoli, and more. Dine at local restaurants or enjoy meals prepared on board.
For land-based outdoor adventures, explore natural reserves and hiking trails in places like the Madonie and Nebrodi mountain ranges.
Discover historical sites like the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Greek Theater in Taormina, and the Norman Cathedral in Cefalù.
Visit local markets in coastal towns to sample fresh produce, seafood, and artisanal products; it's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
The season runs from April to October, with July and August being the peak months with the highest temperatures and most visitors. April to June and September to October are much quieter, and the temperatures are lower, but they are perfect for those looking to get away for a quieter experience.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 15.3°C (60°F) | 9.4°C (49°F) | 1.8mm |  SW |
| FEB | 14.5°C (58°F) | 8.3°C (47°F) | 2.0mm | SSW |
| MAR | 17.2°C (63°F) | 10.9°C (52°F) | 1.3mm | SW |
| APR | 18.4°C (65°F) | 11.9°C (53°F) | 4.5mm | SW |
| MAY | 20.7°C (69°F) | 16.0°C (61°F) | 5.4mm | SSW |
| JUN | 26.2°C (79°F) | 20.6°C (69°F) | 1.5mm | SE |
| JUL | 33.4°C (92°F) | 25.6°C (78°F) | 0.1mm | SE |
| AUG | 30.5°C (87°F) | 23.8°C (75°F) | 0.3mm | W |
| SEP | 27.9°C (82°F) | 21.8°C (71°F) | 1.7mm | S |
| OCT | 26.9°C (80°F) | 20.2°C (68°F) | 0.4mm | SSW |
| NOV | 21.4°C (71°F) | 15.2°C (59°F) | 1.8mm | WSW |
| DEC | 17.3°C (63°F) | 11.9°C (53°F) | 1.0mm | SW |
The official language of Italy is Italian, and English is also widely spoken.
The official currency of Italy is the Euro (€)
Tipping is generally not obligatory in Italy, and a service charge is often added to a bill, but it is appreciated for good service to give something.
These two or three-masted boats are the perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional charm, and make a fantastic platform for exploring Marina Portorosa and beyond.
Gulets will typically have a professional chef on board who can accommodate dietary preferences while providing exceptional dining.
Sailing on a Gulet is a unique and memorable experience in itself. The feeling of connection with the sea and exploring exciting new locations, all while being superbly looked after by your crew makes for a very special holiday indeed.
With recent advances in the luxury Gulet charter market, this is an excellent choice for a truly magical charter. From the moment you step aboard, every detail is testament to the skills of master craftsmen and designers, with stylish staterooms and cabins sitting alongside fantastically spacious decks for basking in the Mediterranean sun.
On a luxury Gulet charter your crew will include a professional chef to create the perfect menu, catering to all tastes and dietary requirements. This bespoke treatment extends to your itinerary and activities; whether you’re looking for adrenaline-fuelled watersports, deserted coves for private swimming or sundowners on deck before dinner, the expert crew will ensure you have a truly luxurious charter experience.
While Gulets do have sails, they're often motor-sailed or purely motored. Even when under sail, the experience is generally more relaxed and less hands-on than on a typical sailing yacht.
Gulets are designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. They usually feature a large aft deck for dining and lounging, and a spacious foredeck for sunbathing.
Gulets can accommodate larger groups, typically ranging from 6 to 12 guests, making them ideal for families or groups of friends.
Gulets usually come with a full crew, including a captain, chef, and hostess, providing a more hotel-like experience.
Gulet charters tend to travel at a slower pace than large motor yachts, emphasizing relaxation and coastal exploration rather than covering long distances.
Many Gulets feature a full-sized galley, allowing for elaborate meal preparation and are typically known for their excellent onboard cuisine.
Gulet charters often focus on coastal cruising, with frequent stops for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring small ports and bays.
A Gulet is a traditional wooden sailing boat, originating from Turkey. It typically has two or three masts and a wide beam (width), which provides lots of deck space for socialising, eating and relaxing on board.
A crewed Gulet charter from Marina Portorosa offers a unique way to explore the stunning Mediterranean coastline. These traditional wooden sailing boats combine the charm of old-world craftsmanship with modern world amenities, and all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
Italy is one of the most popular charter destinations in the Mediterranean. Therefore, it is best to book your dream boat in advance, typically six months ahead, to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream gulet via the the link, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the build your trip link to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
Portorosa, nestled between Palermo and Catania, is home to the largest marina on the stunning Mediterranean island of Sicily.
Its diverse coastal landscape, charming coastal towns, and over 620 miles of coastline make it a perfect gulet charter destination. Portorosa is also the gateway to the nearby Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Italy’s most beautiful locations.
Sicily's historical significance adds to its charm. Various civilisations, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans, have shaped the island throughout its history. This rich cultural heritage is reflected in its architecture, art, and cuisine, creating a unique blend of influences to explore: this island is an open-air museum. From the striking ancient ruins of Agrigento and Segesta to the magnificent baroque buildings of Siracusa and Noto, Sicily offers a fascinating journey back in time.
Sicilian cuisine is world-renowned and a celebration of the Mediterranean's bounty. The island's fertile soil yields abundant fruits, vegetables, and grains. Citrus groves carpet the landscape, producing some of the world's finest oranges, lemons, and mandarins, and there is plenty of fresh seafood and pasta, with every meal being an opportunity to savour the island's rich history.
Portorosa is strategically located near the Aeolian Islands, which offer diverse landscapes, from the fiery eruptions of Stromboli to the serene beauty of Salina, the white beaches and turquoise blue sea of Lipari, to the unspoilt and chic Island of Panarea. Explore quaint villages, swim in stunning clear seas, and hike ancient volcanoes for an unforgettable adventure.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.
When chartering a yacht from Marina Portorosa, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.
For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, and September are genuinely the golden months, but the summer months are also popular, though the anchorages are busier.
There are typically five main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Italy, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, Gulets and Luxury Yachts (including Superyachts)
The typical times for a gulet charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.
Once you've found your perfect gulet, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.
The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.