Italy - Sicily - The beautiful harbour of Levanzo in Sicily.

Yacht Charter
Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a truly memorable to start a yacht charter.

Its diverse landscape, charming coastal towns, and over 620 miles of coastline make it a perfect yacht 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.

What Makes Sicily Special?

Cultural Heritage

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.

Culinary Delights

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.

Island Exploration

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.

Coastal Landscapes

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.

Hiking Trips

If you fancy stretching your legs, you can also experience Sicily's natural beauty while learning about its history by embarking on a hiking trip such as exploring the Alcantara Gorge or Mount Etna.

Warm Sicilian Welcomes

Experience the friendliness and hospitality of Sicilian locals while dining in family-run trattorias, where you can savour homemade dishes and local wines.

Italy - Sicily -Greek theatre. Taormina, Sicily, Italy - iStock-181882585

Historical Sites

Visit locations like the Norman Castle in Milazzo or the Roman Theater in Taormina, which offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the past.

Not To Be Missed

Marvel at Mount Etna

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.

Visit Historic Taormina

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.

Syracuse City

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.

Visit The Val Di Noto

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.

Egadi Islands

Explore the charming town of Favignana, known for its tuna fishing tradition, snorkel in the marine reserve of Marettimo, and hike to the ancient fortress of Castello di Santa Caterina on Levanzo.

Visit Palermo

Visit Sicily's vibrant capital, known for its history, architecture, and delicious food.

Italy - Aeolian Islands - Alicudi Hotels

Explore the Aeolian Islands

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.

Best Time To Visit Sicily

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 12.7°C (55°F) 3.7°C (39°F) wind direction 231degSW
FEB 13.3°C (56°F) 2.5°C (37°F) wind direction 198degSSW
MAR 16.7°C (62°F) 5.2°C (41°F) wind direction 264degW
APR 18.7°C (66°F) 6.4°C (43°F) wind direction 261degW
MAY 21.0°C (70°F) 12.1°C (54°F) wind direction 196degSSW
JUN 28.3°C (83°F) 16.0°C (61°F) wind direction 255degWSW
JUL 37.2°C (99°F) 21.2°C (70°F) wind direction 263degW
AUG 32.7°C (91°F) 18.6°C (66°F) wind direction 271degW
SEP 29.9°C (86°F) 17.5°C (64°F) wind direction 221degSW
OCT 27.5°C (81°F) 14.3°C (58°F) wind direction 210degSSW
NOV 19.1°C (66°F) 10.0°C (50°F) wind direction 247degWSW
DEC 15.0°C (59°F) 6.0°C (43°F) wind direction 222degSW
* 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.

Boat Types In Sicily

Is A Yacht Charter Right For For You

Unique Perspectives

See coastlines and islands from vantage points inaccessible to land-based travellers.

Freedom to Explore

On a yacht charter, you have the freedom to plan your own itinerary and visit multiple destinations, with the journeys between them being part of the fun.

Connection with Nature

A yacht charter allows you to experience the sea, wind, and sky up close, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life native to your cruising area.

Water Sports

Enjoy activities like snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding with equipment readily available and often supplied with your charter boat.

Wellbeing

If you're looking for a total break from your everyday routine, a sailing holiday provides a truly different experience. Being rocked gently by the waves while surrounded by stunning nature is guaranteed to lower your stress levels.

Access to Secluded Spots

On a yacht charter, you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.

Customisable Itinerary

The weather doesn’t always do what you want, but with a boat you can easily adjust your plans based on weather, preferences, or unexpected discoveries.

Cultural Immersion

On a yacht charter you tend to visit multiple ports and interact with locals, which is great for experiencing the cultural life of your destination country in more depth.

Value for Groups

When comparing costs for accommodations, meals, and activities for larger groups, yacht charters often provide better value than a land based holiday.

Foxtrot, Hanse 458

Relax

The rhythmic motion of waves and the peaceful marine environment are the perfect tonic for getting away from it all.

Charter Types In Sicily

Bareboat Yacht Charters

A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Sicily 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 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 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 Yacht Charters

With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Sicily 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 Yacht Charters

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.

How To Book

How To Book Your Yacht Charter From Sicily.

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 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

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 yacht. From the medieval streets of Taormina to the colourful markets of Palermo, each town has its own distinct character and local traditions to explore.

Also Discover

FAQ's

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

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.

When Are The Best Times To Charter A Yacht From Sicily?

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 Sicily?

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 Yacht Charter Typically Last?

The typical times for a 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 Yacht?

Once you've found your perfect 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 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.