Lampedusa Sicily

Motor Yacht Charter
Portorosa

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.

What Makes Marina Portorosa Special?

Island Hopping

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.

Cultural Richness

Sicily is steeped in history and culture, with ancient ruins, historic towns, and a unique blend of influences from the Mediterranean and beyond.

Scenic Beauty

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.

Hiking and Nature

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.

Warm Sicilian Hospitality

Experience the friendliness and hospitality of Sicilian locals while dining in family-run trattorias, where you can enjoy homemade dishes made with passion, and sample wines grown on the fertile slopes of the region.

Culinary Delights

Sicily's food scene is a world-renowned, vibrant, and diverse culinary melting pot, reflecting the island's rich history and culture drawn from Italian, Greek, Arab, and Spanish influences.

Italy - Sicily - The famous Temple of Concordia in the Valley of Temples near Agrigento, Sicily, Italy - AdobeStock_631071532

Historical Sites

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.

Not To Be Missed

Visit Charming Coastal Towns

Explore historic towns like Taormina, Syracuse (Siracusa), and Cefalù, known for their ancient ruins, picturesque streets, and vibrant markets.

Sicilian Cuisine

Indulge in Sicilian cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, pasta dishes, arancini, cannoli, and more. Dine at local restaurants or enjoy meals prepared on board.

Visit Natural Reserves

For land-based outdoor adventures, explore natural reserves and hiking trails in places like the Madonie and Nebrodi mountain ranges.

Cultural Sightseeing

Discover historical sites like the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Greek Theater in Taormina, and the Norman Cathedral in Cefalù.

Explore the Aeolian Islands

Discover the stunning beauty of the Aeolian Islands, including Lipari, Vulcano, Stromboli, and more. Each island has its own unique charm, from volcanic landscapes to beautiful beaches.

Wine Tasting

Sicily is known for its wine production. Arrange visits to local vineyards and wineries to taste regional wines like Nero d'Avola and Marsala.

Italy - Sicily - lemons in a market in sicily - AdobeStock_537843272

Local Markets

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.

Best Time To Visit Marina Portorosa

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.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 15.3°C (60°F) 9.4°C (49°F) wind direction 226degSW
FEB 14.5°C (58°F) 8.3°C (47°F) wind direction 195degSSW
MAR 17.2°C (63°F) 10.9°C (52°F) wind direction 226degSW
APR 18.4°C (65°F) 11.9°C (53°F) wind direction 234degSW
MAY 20.7°C (69°F) 16.0°C (61°F) wind direction 207degSSW
JUN 26.2°C (79°F) 20.6°C (69°F) wind direction 145degSE
JUL 33.4°C (92°F) 25.6°C (78°F) wind direction 124degSE
AUG 30.5°C (87°F) 23.8°C (75°F) wind direction 268degW
SEP 27.9°C (82°F) 21.8°C (71°F) wind direction 190degS
OCT 26.9°C (80°F) 20.2°C (68°F) wind direction 209degSSW
NOV 21.4°C (71°F) 15.2°C (59°F) wind direction 244degWSW
DEC 17.3°C (63°F) 11.9°C (53°F) wind direction 232degSW
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Language

The official language of Italy is Italian, and English is also widely spoken.

Currency

The official currency of Italy is the Euro (€)

Tipping

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.

Is A Motor Yacht Right For You

Speed and Range

Motor yachts have powerful engines, so typically offer higher speeds and can cover greater distances than sailing yachts.

Stability

Motor yachts generally provide a more stable platform than the average sailing yacht, both while cruising and at anchor.

Propulsion

Motor yachts rely exclusively on engine power, whereas a sailing yacht typically uses wind and sail as their primary source.

Fuel Consumption

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.

Itinerary Flexibility

Motor yachts are less dependent on wind conditions, allowing for more predictable and potentially wide-ranging itineraries and schedules.

Onboard Experience

The experience on a motor yacht is often more akin to a luxury hotel, with the emphasis on comfort and amenities.

Draft and Boat Hull Depth

Many motor yachts have a relatively shallow draft or hull depth, allowing them to access areas that deeper-keeled sailing yachts cannot.

Crew Specialisation

Crews on motor yachts focus more on navigation, hospitality, and maintaining complex systems, rather than sailing skills.

Target Audience

Motor yacht charters are likely to appeal to those seeking luxury, comfort, and efficiency of travel, rather than the sailing experience itself.

4 PLAY

Layout and Space

Motor yachts often feature more expansive interior spaces and amenities as the design isn't constrained by sailing requirements.

Charter Types In Marina Portorosa

Bareboat Motor Yacht Charters

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.

Skippered Motor Yacht Charters

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.

Crewed Motor Yacht Charters

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.

How To Book

How To Book Your Motor Yacht Charter To The Marina Portorosa.

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.

Pure Thoughts

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.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Motor Yacht?

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.

How Do I Choose The Right Motor Yacht?

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.

When Are The Best Times To Charter A Motor Yacht From Marina Portorosa?

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.

What Type Of Yachts Can I Charter From Marina Portorosa?

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)

How Long Does A Motor Yacht Charter Typically Last?

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.

How Do Charter Fees Work When Chartering A Motor Yacht?

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.

What Happens If There Is A Problem With My Motor Yacht Charter?

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.