, 55.40 m
Exploring the scenic coastline of Sicily with its beautiful sandy beaches and charming fishing villages on your own private yacht charter is the ideal holiday for those looking for the ultimate personalised trip. Smell the lemon groves and pine forests, seek out historical monuments, enjoy incredible architecture and a great selection of arts and crafts everywhere. Taste the endless delicious Italian delicacies on offer from pistachios to shellfish. Found off the southern most point of Italy, Sicily is an eclectic mix of Western Mediterranean cultures and significant influence of the north African culture. This is particularly significant in the southern part of the island and on the Egadi islands. Both in the architecture and their cuisine.
From Greek temples and Baroque palazzos to the craters of Mount Etna, there is an abundance of attractions to explore on this island as well as many remote, unspoilt bays and coves to relax in. The intriguing capital, Palmero, is a popular destination for yachts of all sizes and rightly so, with its blend of beautiful churches, dilapidated palazzos, charming restaurants and luxurious modern shopping quarters.
A distinct culinary scene, famous Marsala wine, sweet cannoli … are present wherever you visit in Sicily. One eats well everywhere.
Just off the coastline of Sicily, there is a small cluster of islands – the Aeolian Islands. Follow in the footsteps of Carthaginians, Byzantines, Normans and Greek pirates and charter 25 miles north from the island to reach the gorgeous Aeolian Islands. Named after the god of winds Aeolus, these islands consist of seven volcanic islands and are best seen from your own private yacht. Enjoy exploring the shipwrecks, walking through charming small fishing villages, relax in geothermal sprigs and taste the exceptional locally grown foods on offer.
The islands are intriguing and mystifying. A mixture of rocky coastlines, smouldering craters, and black-sand beaches, these islands are truly unique. Lipari is the largest of the islands. Explore the colourful town of Lipari Town and learn about the archaeological discoveries of the area at the Aeolian Archaeological Museum. Being volcanic, the Aeolian Islands do not offer white sandy beaches. However, you can find a sandy beach on the island of Lipari. Travel on to Panarea. Considered the most exclusive of the islands, Panarea not only has cobblestoned streets and elegant shops to wander through but also a natural tunnel perfect for kayaking through. Nature lovers should head to Stromboli and explore one of Italy’s three active volcanoes. Circle the island and watch the almost constant volcanic activity from the comfort of your yacht or for those adventure seekers, hike to the volcanoes’ crater and watch up close.
Alternatively, start a charter in Trapani and sail west to visit the remote islands of Egadi. But do spend some time in Trapani if possible as it is an incredible town, with the most magnificent and well preserved Medieval town of Erice, right above it, on top of the hill, in its own cloud.
The Egadi archipelago is composed of three main islands named Favignana (the largest), Levanzo, and Marettimo. These phantasmagoria rock islands are wild and untamed. Set within Europe’s largest marine reserve, join Bohemian Sicilians who come here to hide out and reset. This area in particular shows the influence of North Africa, both in its architecture and very much in their culinary specialities. Famous Marsala wine comes from this part of Sicily too and there are some beautiful wineries there, well worth a visit.
There is a wide range of luxury crewed yachts to choose from in Sicily. For those looking at the possibility of a longer charter, of over a week, why not explore both areas, the Aeolian, Palermo, the Egadi.
Here is a selection of yachts available to charter in Sicily and Aeolian islands however, there are plenty more to choose from if you require something slightly different to what you see here.
©2013 High Point Yachting
Specialists in yacht charter. All right reserved.
