Blue Ocean Club
9 days · 9 stops

Western Sicily & The Egadi Jewels

The sun warms the ancient stones of Palermo as you step aboard, the scent of citrus and sea salt in the air. This is a journey into Sicily’s wild western heart, a cruise from the capital’s vibrant chaos to the startlingly clear waters of the Egadi archipelago. Days unfold between swims in electric-blue coves, exploring ancient tuna fisheries, and dining on cuisine infused with centuries of history. From the dramatic cliffs of Marettimo to the salt pans of Marsala, western Sicily reveals its raw, sun-drenched beauty, culminating in the elegant port of Trapani.

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  1. DAY 01

    Palermo

    Your charter begins in Palermo, a city of glorious decay and vibrant energy. From your berth at Marina Villa Igiea, the grandeur of Norman palaces and the calls of vendors in the Ballarò market beckon. Moor beneath the imposing Monte Pellegrino and prepare to immerse yourself in a city where every corner reveals another layer of history.

    • Explore the UNESCO-listed Arab-Norman architecture of the Palatine Chapel.
    • Wander the chaotic, sensory-rich Ballarò or Vucciria markets.
    • Visit the Teatro Massimo, Italy's largest opera house.
    • Discover the eerie and fascinating Capuchin Catacombs.
    Anchorage
    Marina Villa Igiea
    Dining
    Osteria dei Vespri for refined Sicilian cuisine, or sample street food specialities like 'pani ca' meusa'.
  2. DAY 02

    Castellammare del Golfo

    A gentle morning cruise west brings you to the dramatic embrace of Castellammare del Golfo. The town cascades down the hillside to its historic harbour, watched over by an ancient Arab-Norman castle. The air is thick with the scent of salt and sizzling seafood from the waterfront trattorias, promising an authentic taste of maritime Sicily.

    • Swim in the clear waters by the old tuna fishery (tonnara) of nearby Scopello.
    • Hike a coastal trail in the Zingaro Nature Reserve, Sicily's first natural reserve.
    • Explore the waterfront castle and its small ethnographical museum.
    • Enjoy an aperitivo with views across the sweeping gulf.
    Anchorage
    Porto di Castellammare del Golfo or anchor in the bay.
    Dining
    La Cambusa, for exceptionally fresh fish served right on the harbour.
  3. DAY 03

    San Vito Lo Capo

    Arrive at the stunning crescent bay of San Vito Lo Capo, where white sand meets turquoise water under the watch of Monte Monaco. This North African-influenced town is a haven for beach lovers, famed for its annual Cous Cous Fest. The low-slung white houses and palm trees create a distinctly exotic feel, a world away from Palermo's urban buzz.

    • Relax on the expansive, Caribbean-like San Vito Lo Capo beach.
    • Sample the local speciality, fish couscous, a legacy of the town's heritage.
    • Hike the trails of Monte Monaco for panoramic views of the coastline.
    • Visit the sanctuary-fortress in the centre of the town.
    Anchorage
    Anchor in the Baia di San Vito Lo Capo.
    Dining
    Ristorante Profumi di Cous Cous for an authentic taste of the town's signature dish.
  4. DAY 04

    Favignana

    Cruise across to Favignana, the largest of the Egadi Islands, shaped like a butterfly on the sea. Drop anchor in the astonishingly clear waters of Cala Rossa, where ancient tuff quarries frame a sea of impossible blue. The island’s past is tied to the Florio family and the historic 'mattanza' tuna harvest, a story told by the imposing fishery on the waterfront.

    • Swim and snorkel in the world-renowned, vivid waters of Cala Rossa.
    • Visit the former Florio tuna fishery, now an excellent museum on the island's history.
    • Cycle the island's flat terrain to discover hidden coves like Cala Azzurra.
    • Explore the main town of Favignana and its lively piazza for an evening aperitivo.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage at Cala Rossa (day) or berths at Porto di Favignana (night).
    Dining
    Osteria del Sotto Sale for creative dishes using local salt and island produce.
  5. DAY 05

    Favignana (South Coast)

    Discover the gentler southern coast of Favignana. The waters at Cala Azzurra live up to their name, offering a shallow, sandy-bottomed haven for a relaxed day of swimming and watersports. The landscape here is less severe than the north, with low cliffs and easy access to the sea, perfect for a tranquil afternoon spent with the yacht's toys.

    • Anchor and swim in the calm, turquoise waters of Cala Azzurra.
    • Use the yacht's paddleboards and seabobs in the sheltered bay of Lido Burrone.
    • Visit the ancient Roman quarries at Scalo Cavallo.
    • Enjoy sundowners on board with an uninterrupted view of the Sicilian coast.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage at Cala Azzurra or nearby coves.
    Dining
    An alfresco dinner prepared by the yacht's chef, featuring freshly caught local fish.
  6. DAY 06

    Levanzo

    A short cruise north brings you to Levanzo, the smallest and most serene of the Egadi isles. Time seems to slow down here, with a tiny, picture-perfect harbour being the island's only settlement. The air is still, and the island offers a walker's paradise, criss-crossed with old mule tracks leading to secluded coves and prehistoric caves.

    • Visit the Grotta del Genovese to see its remarkable prehistoric paintings (book ahead).
    • Snorkel in the crystalline waters of Cala Fredda or Cala Minnola.
    • Walk the coastal path for stunning views over the archipelago.
    • Enjoy the quiet simplicity of the small, white-washed fishing village.
    Anchorage
    Anchor off Cala Fredda or take a mooring buoy at the harbour.
    Dining
    Ristorante Arcobaleno for simple, delicious seafood in the village.
  7. DAY 07

    Marettimo

    Venture to Marettimo, the most distant and mountainous of the Egadi Islands. Its dramatic dolomite cliffs plunge into a deep blue sea, riddled with some of Sicily's most spectacular sea caves. This is a destination for nature lovers, with superb hiking trails and a protected marine reserve teeming with life, feeling truly remote and unspoilt.

    • Take a tender or local boat trip to explore the stunning sea caves (Grotte).
    • Hike the trails towards the Pizzo Falcone or the Roman-era ruins.
    • Dive or snorkel in the pristine waters of the Marine Protected Area.
    • Stroll through the quiet, authentic fishing village.
    Anchorage
    Mooring buoys at the port of Marettimo (permits required for the marine reserve).
    Dining
    La Scaletta, for traditional island cuisine with a focus on its famed lobster soup.
  8. DAY 08

    Marsala & The Stagnone Lagoon

    Cruise back towards the Sicilian mainland, approaching the unique landscape of the Stagnone Lagoon. Anchor with views of historic windmills turning slowly over shallow salt pans that shimmer pink and silver in the sun. The air is saline, and the horizon is dotted with the low-lying islands of the lagoon, including ancient Mozia.

    • Visit the historic salt pans ('saline') of Marsala and the Windmill Museum.
    • Take a tender to the island of Mozia to explore its Punic and Phoenician ruins.
    • Enjoy a wine tasting at a historic Marsala winery, such as Cantine Florio.
    • Watch the sunset over the salt pans, a truly memorable spectacle.
    Anchorage
    Anchor in the Stagnone Lagoon (check depth) or berth at Marsala Marina.
    Dining
    A wine-pairing dinner at Mamma Caura, overlooking the salt pans at sunset.
  9. DAY 09

    Trapani

    A final, short cruise takes you into the elegant, scythe-shaped port of Trapani. Its historic centre is a fine collection of baroque palazzi and churches, polished by the sea breeze. This city, with its proud maritime history of coral fishing and salt production, provides a cultured and convenient point for your disembarkation.

    • Wander the charming, sea-lapped streets of the old town centre.
    • Take the cable car up to the medieval hilltop town of Erice for incredible views.
    • Visit the Torre di Ligny, a 17th-century watchtower and museum at the city's tip.
    • Enjoy a final Sicilian pastry from a local 'pasticceria' like Pasticceria Maria Grammatico in Erice.
    Anchorage
    Porto di Trapani
    Dining
    A final lunch at Serisso 47 for innovative Sicilian seafood before disembarking.
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