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 motor yacht 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 motor yacht.
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.
For luxury and comfort on the water, a motor yacht charter from Marina Portorosa is hard to beat with many offering a range of activities from water sports to spa treatments to enhance your experience.
Depending on the individual yacht's amenities, you can try out jet skis, paddleboards, kayaks and more. The power of most motor yachts also means you can cover more ground and explore a greater variety of locations. This combination of luxury, freedom and relaxation is what motor yacht charters are all about.
A luxury motor yacht charter from Marina Portorosa offers custom-designed vessels boasting cutting-edge technology and lavish amenities.
With a wide array of water toys available, the yachts powerful engines and advanced stabilisation systems ensure smooth, swift travel to your chosen destinations.
While onboard, a highly skilled crew, including trained chefs and wellness experts, provide impeccable, personalised service.
A luxury motor yacht charter isn't just a vacation; it's an immersive journey and a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and tailored luxury.
Motor yachts have powerful engines, so typically offer higher speeds and can cover greater distances than sailing yachts.
Motor yachts generally provide a more stable platform than the average sailing yacht, both while cruising and at anchor.
Motor yachts rely exclusively on engine power, whereas a sailing yacht typically uses wind and sail as their primary source.
While they can cover more range in shorter times than sailing yachts, this means motor yachts consume more fuel which can affect your final costs for the charter.
Motor yachts are less dependent on wind conditions, allowing for more predictable and potentially wide-ranging itineraries and schedules.
The experience on a motor yacht is often more akin to a luxury hotel, with the emphasis on comfort and amenities.
Many motor yachts have a relatively shallow draft or hull depth, allowing them to access areas that deeper-keeled sailing yachts cannot.
Motor yachts often feature more expansive interior spaces and amenities as the design isn't constrained by sailing requirements.
A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Marina Portorosa and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our motor yacht fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a motor yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Marina Portorosa and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
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 motor yacht 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 motor yacht 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 motor yacht 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 motor yacht, 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.