A Sail around Sicily, where a sea of art, culture and nature will seduce you and become eternal love

 

A Sail around Sicily, where a sea of art, culture and nature will seduce you and become eternal love

Here’s a 7-day sailing itinerary around Sicily (with onshore activities) that balances scenic sailing legs with cultural, historical, and culinary stops. I’ll keep sailing distances reasonable so you can enjoy both the sea and the land.

Day 1 – Palermo → Cefalù (approx. 35 NM)

Sail: Depart from Palermo, sail along the northern coast to Cefalù.

Onshore:

Stroll through Cefalù’s charming medieval streets.

Visit the UNESCO-listed Norman Cathedral with its Byzantine mosaics.

Enjoy a beachside aperitivo at sunset.

Day 2 – Cefalù → Aeolian Islands (Vulcano) (approx. 50 NM)

Sail: Head north to the Aeolian Islands, anchoring at Vulcano.

Onshore:

Hike up to the Gran Cratere for panoramic island views.

Take a dip in the island’s natural sulfur mud baths.

Fresh seafood dinner in Porto di Levante.

Day 3 – Vulcano → Lipari → Panarea (approx. 20 NM total)

Sail: Short hop to Lipari in the morning, then continue to Panarea.

Onshore:

Lipari: Visit the Archaeological Museum and stroll through the pastel-colored old town.

Panarea: Chic boutiques, whitewashed houses, and a lively nightlife scene.

Sunset walk to Capo Milazzese ruins.

Day 4 – Panarea → Stromboli (approx. 12 NM)

Sail: A leisurely sail to Stromboli.

Onshore:

Evening guided hike to Stromboli’s volcano (or watch eruptions from the sea at night).

Relax at black-sand beaches.

Local specialties: fiery pasta alla Stromboliana.

Day 5 – Stromboli → Taormina (Giardini Naxos) (approx. 60 NM)

Sail: Longer passage south along the Ionian coast.

Onshore:

Visit Taormina’s Greek Theatre with views of Mt. Etna.

Stroll Corso Umberto for shopping and gelato.

Optional excursion to Mount Etna wineries.

Day 6 – Taormina → Siracusa (approx. 45 NM)

Sail: Down the Ionian coast to historic Siracusa.

Onshore:

Explore Ortigia Island (Baroque piazzas, seafood markets).

Visit the Greek Theatre and Ear of Dionysius in the archaeological park.

Dinner by the harbor with Sicilian wine.

Day 7 – Siracusa → Marzamemi (approx. 25 NM)

Sail: Final leg to the picturesque fishing village of Marzamemi.

Onshore:

Wander cobbled streets and the old tuna fishery (tonnara).

Enjoy a farewell feast of pasta con le sarde and Nero d’Avola wine.

Relax at nearby sandy beaches before disembarking.

✨ Notes & Tips:

Sicily is big! This itinerary only covers northern, eastern, and southeastern Sicily plus the Aeolian Islands (a favorite route).

If you prefer to fully circumnavigate Sicily, you’d need 14+ days.

Winds: Expect NW mistral and local breezes in summer.

Best season: May–October (July/August busiest).

Would you like help planning your next trip?

Please let us know about your sailing experience and where you're planning to go by using our Contact Form on this Blog, with your requirements to receive immediate help and assistance and using our Vast Knowledge and Experience to Help and Guide You.

WITH 12,000 RENTAL YACHTS ACROSS 60 COUNTRIES WHICH ONE WILL YOU CHOOSE ?

#yachts2rentnow

Discover the Timeless Beauty of Rhodes

 Sailing in Rhodes offers stunning coastlines, beautiful beaches, and excellent sailing conditions,

 making it a perfect destination for both novice and experienced sailors.

Day 1

Rhodes → Symi

~20‑25 nautical miles (≈3‑4h)

Depart from Mandraki Marina/Rhodes harbour. Sail to Symi. On arrival: explore the harbour of Gialos (colorful neoclassical houses), visit Panormitis Monastery (if time/interest), dine by the waterfront. Swim/snorkel in bays around the island (e.g. Agios Georgios). Relax and unwind. Day 2 Symi → Tilos ~20 NM-ish, moderate sail In Tilos: hike to Agios Panteleimon Monastery; walk through the castle, enjoy the sunset. Spend time on Livadia Beach. Perhaps a visit to Megalo Chorio (traditional villages). Night in Livadia port. Day 3 Tilos → Nisyros ~15‑20 NM   Nisyros is volcanic: visit the crater at Stefanos, explore Nikia (village perched on crater’s rim), thermal springs around Pale (if time), stroll Mandraki village. Optional dinner of local specialities.   Day 4 Nisyros → Kos Short sail (~14‑20 NM)   Kos is larger / more bustling: visit Asklepion (ancient healing centre), the ancient Agora, maybe Casa Romana or Roman Odeon. If inclined, rent bikes or scooters to explore more of the island; enjoy the town’s waterfront and evening atmosphere.    Day 5 Kos → Chalki via Tilos (or direct) Depending on splits, could have 3‑5h sailing plus stops   On Chalki: very quiet, slower pace. Explore the port Nimporio, hike to Chorio (abandoned village), relax on secluded beaches (Ftenagia, Pontamos). Eat fresh fish, enjoy sunset peace.   Day 6 Chalki → Rhodes (with possible stop at Alimia or another islet) Moderate sail (~30‑40 NM)   On return to Rhodes, stop at a quiet anchorage/islet to swim/snorkel. Once in Rhodes, explore the Old Town: Palace of the Grand Master, walk city walls, visit museums. Enjoy Rhodes’ local food &  nightlife.     Day 7 Rhodes (either relaxing day or local adventures) Minimal sailing   Depending on your flight/ferry time: relax on Rhodes beaches (e.g. Elli, Kallithea), do a wine tasting or cooking class, kayak or go sea cave swimming, or a jeep safari into the interior. Finish up in     Mandraki, farewell dinner in Old Town.    Onshore / Other Activity Ideas To sprinkle through the week (especially on non‑sailing or semi‑sailing days): Archaeology & history: Lindos & its acropolis; Rhodes Old Town; Ancient Kamiros; possibly an archaeological site on Kos; Mandraki on Rhodes.  Hiking / nature walks: On Tilos; around crater on Nisyros; trails on Chalki; inland Rhodes villages; coastal hikes. Swimming & snorkelling: Bays near Symi, Alimia, beaches on Chalki & Rhodes; volcanic shores of Nisyros; maybe around islets. Watersports: Windsurfing / kitesurfing especially at Prasonisi (south of Rhodes), at Theologos, Ialyssos etc.  Culinary experiences: Local tavernas; seafood, local wine; perhaps a cooking class in Symi or Rhodes.  Cultural immersion: Visit monasteries, local markets, traditional villages; learn about local crafts. Tips & Logistics Best months are May‑June or September, milder winds, fewer crowds. July‑August hot and busy. Be mindful of Meltemi winds (stronger winds in summer) which can affect sailing times and anchorages. Mooring vs anchorage: plan for both; some nights docking in harbours, others anchoring in bays depending on facilities. Provisioning: stock up in larger islands (Rhodes, Kos) for fuel, food etc before heading to quiet islands. Flexibility: allow extra time in case you want to linger somewhere beautiful, or weather forces a change. Would you like help planning your next trip? Please let us know about your sailing experience and where you're planning to go by using our Contact Form on this Blog, with your requirements to receive immediate help and assistance and using our Vast Knowledge and Experience to Help and Guide You. WITH 12,000 RENTAL YACHTS ACROSS 60 COUNTRIES WHICH ONE WILL YOU CHOOSE ? #yachts2rentnow