Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a truly memorable to start a gulet charter.
Its diverse landscape, charming coastal towns, and over 620 miles of coastline make it a perfect gulet charter destination. 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.
Also the Island’s proximity to other beautiful islands and coastal destinations makes it an ideal starting point for your trip. From the Aeolian Islands with their volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches and wild landscapes to the attractive coastal towns of southern Italy, there are countless opportunities to explore nearby destinations and create a truly unforgettable yachting adventure.
This is an island steeped in history; discover ancient Greek monuments at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, medieval architecture such as the Morman Palace in Palermo and historic towns such as Ortigia in Syracuse.
Sicily's food scene is world-renowned, and reflects the island's rich history and cultural influences with its combination of Italian, Greek, Arab, and Spanish flavours.
Hop from Sicily to the Aeolian Islands, where you can hike to the summit of Stromboli, relax on beautiful beaches or soak up the glamorous ambience of Panarea.
Sicily offers a diverse range of coastal landscapes, each with its unique beauty and charm; explore the white limestone cliffs and hidden sea caves along the Scala dei Turch or the volcanic landscape of Mount Etna.
Visit locations like the Norman Castle in Milazzo or the Roman Theater in Taormina, which offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the past.
As Europe's most active volcano, Mount Etna is a captivating natural wonder. Relax on deck while admiring the volcano's dramatic presence towering over the island.
This historic hilltop town on Sicily's east coast is renowned for its well-preserved ancient Greek theatre, stunning coastline, and upscale shops and restaurants. Wander the charming streets and take in the panoramic views.
Visit the historic city of Syracuse, located on the southeastern coast of Sicily, home to ancient Greek and Roman ruins, including the impressive Greek theatre and the Ear of Dionysius cave as well as Ortigia, the island's historic centre.
The Val di Noto in the southeastern part of Sicily is renowned for its remarkable Baroque architecture, picturesque towns such as Ragusa and Noto, and rich cultural heritage.
This stunning volcanic archipelago of islands like Lipari, Vulcano, and Stromboli offer impressive lava formations, hot springs, and picturesque fishing villages perfect for swimming, hiking, and enjoying the scenery.
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 | 12.7°C (55°F) | 3.7°C (39°F) | 0.9mm |  SW |
| FEB | 13.3°C (56°F) | 2.5°C (37°F) | 1.4mm | SSW |
| MAR | 16.7°C (62°F) | 5.2°C (41°F) | 1.1mm | W |
| APR | 18.7°C (66°F) | 6.4°C (43°F) | 0.8mm | W |
| MAY | 21.0°C (70°F) | 12.1°C (54°F) | 4.7mm | SSW |
| JUN | 28.3°C (83°F) | 16.0°C (61°F) | 1.3mm | WSW |
| JUL | 37.2°C (99°F) | 21.2°C (70°F) | 0mm | W |
| AUG | 32.7°C (91°F) | 18.6°C (66°F) | 0.1mm | W |
| SEP | 29.9°C (86°F) | 17.5°C (64°F) | 0.0mm | SW |
| OCT | 27.5°C (81°F) | 14.3°C (58°F) | 0.3mm | SSW |
| NOV | 19.1°C (66°F) | 10.0°C (50°F) | 0.6mm | WSW |
| DEC | 15.0°C (59°F) | 6.0°C (43°F) | 0.5mm | 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 Sicily 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 Sicily 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.
Greece 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.
Sicily's historical significance adds another layer to its beauty.
Various civilisations have shaped the island throughout its history, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Normans. This rich cultural heritage is reflected in its architecture, art, and cuisine, creating a unique blend of influences that can be explored to be explored.
Sailing to Syracuse, you'll encounter another UNESCO gem. Once a powerful Greek city-state, Syracuse's archaeological area includes the impressive Greek Theatre, one of the largest in the ancient world. Visit the Ear of Dionysius, a limestone cave with exceptional acoustics, or the ancient Necropolis of Pantalica with it's 5,000 tombs cut from the rocks.
For those seeking a coastal archaeological experience, Selinunte awaits. This impressive Greek site features several temples, an acropolis, and ancient city walls, all easily accessible by boat.
Sicily's natural beauty is as varied as it is stunning. Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, dominates the eastern skyline and its lunar landscape is great for hiking.
The Alcantara Gorge, formed by ancient lava flows from Etna, presents a spectacular sight with its towering basalt walls. Wade through the river or take guided tours to explore its depths. For nature lovers, the Zingaro Nature Reserve is a coastal paradise, offering pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and hiking trails with stunning sea views.
No visit to Sicily is complete without seeing the Scala dei Turchi, a dazzling white marl cliff naturally sculpted into a staircase descending to the sea. The contrast between the white rock and the azure Mediterranean is simply breathtaking.
To experience real Sicilian life, try vibrant street markets like Ballarò or Vucciria in Palermo, or the lively fish market in Catania. These bustling spaces are filled with local produce, traditional foods and regional wines to bring back to your yacht.
Sicily also has a wide variety of attractive coastal towns and fishing villages, perfect for visiting on a gulet. From the medieval streets of Taormina to the colourful markets of Palermo, each town has its own distinct character and local traditions to explore.
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 Sicily, 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.