The chic Taormina, one of Italy's most historic holiday resorts, is a picturesque small town situated high above the Ionian Sea on Sicily's eastern coast. It has been a popular and trendy destination for over a century, and its hotels and restaurants are well-versed in welcoming international visitors. Not only are the views over Mount Etna, an active volcano, spellbinding, but Taormina is also known for its ancient Greek theatre, its many churches, numerous ruins and fantastic restaurants and bars.
Stromboli is the northernmost island of this archipelago, which can be easily reached from mainland Sicily or from any of the other Aeolian Islands. It is the only island in the world with a permanently active volcano that juts sharply out of the sea, making it a unique charter destination. Because of the small size of this remote island, land transport is not available, making it an idyllic, unspoilt destination, excellent for exploring.
Panarea is the ideal destination for a luxurious island getaway. Everyone has heard of Capri, but in Italy however, the locals know of Panarea. During the summer, VIPs, actors, and Italy's affluent youth flock to this glamorous little island for yachting vacations, romantic getaways, and late-night parties. Even though Panarea has a rich history, including the remains of a Bronze Age village, tourism has not affected it much and it is still an authentic destination.
In the north of Sicily, part of the Aeolian islands, lies Salina Island which has been inhabited since the 4th century. It is a picturesque island destination and a popular destination off which you can easily anchor your yacht for an amazing view of the island's dramatic landscape.
Lipari offers an excellent choice of beaches and anchors for family charters, along with beautiful churches and museums to please lovers of history & culture. One will also find a delicious choice of local cuisine from the world renowned chefs in the lovely restaurants on the island.
Located at the southern most end of the Aeolian islands, Vulcano Island is named after the Roman god of fire and is of course home to an active volcano which has had frequent eruptions. Don't be put off by the smell of sulphur - it has fantastic hiking paths, beaches that are characterised by dark, volcanic sand and mud baths which are said to have beneficial properties.
Cefalu is situated on the north-east of Sicily's coast and is about 70 kilometers from the eastern edge of Palermo, while Catania is about 180 kilometers north-west. A charter from Cefalu is often considered as part of a Sicilian route as it is one of the undiscovered gems of the Mediterranean. Cefalo has a great beach and old, winding medieval streets, with lovely restaurants overlooking the rugged coast, serving lovely southern Sicilian cuisine. Cefalu is home to an impressive Norman cathedral with its Byzantine mosaics and imposing twin towers, making it one of the most impressive in Europe.
The western coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea is home to many treasures and San Vito Lo Capo is one of them. Summer travelers and sailors fall hard for this corner close to Palermo thanks to the wide sandy beaches and clear blue seas. San Vito Beach is a sight for sore eyes with its white sands and soft waves sitting beneath the shadow of the impressive Monte Monaco.
An impressive Blue Flag beach, it stretches on for almost 3km and offers plenty of pretty spots for sipping a Sicilian wine and watching the light change colour. Pay a visit to the nearby Tonnara del Secco with its old ruins and tales of gigantic tuna. Take the tender to Bue Marino’s Cove to see why it was awarded the most beautiful cove in Italy. Back on land and there’s a nearby nature reserve to visit to stock up on the sweet scents and sights of flora and fauna.
Off the western coast of Sicily, the enchanting Egadi Islands are ever enticing with their promise of wild bohemian living. Sshh, these islands are a favoured secret with Sicilians looking to dodge the crowds and rest easy against a backdrop of tiny streets, champagne seas, and abundant sunshine. Made up of three islands - Favignana, Levanzo, and Marretimmo, a visit to these islands also puts you closer to Tunisia rather than mainland Europe - only adding to the sense of sizzling far awayness that can feel so tempting.
Cruising these islands and dropping anchor means ancient ways of fishing, dining on impeccable food, and time standing still in a thousand different ways. Amble through a world of sleepy piazzas, stunning stretches of coast, and local artists as you explore the Egadi Islands.
Palermo, Sicily's capital, is a beautiful, historically rich Sicilian city with wonderful architecture, culture and gastronomy. This ancient European city has existed here for almost three thousand years and during that time, it has been influenced by various cultures. It is particularly noted for it's Norman architecture, churches and palaces. Palermo has numerous points of interest that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Palazzo Reale with the Cappella Palatine, the Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti and the Cattedrale di Palermo to name just a few.