Yacht charter in Sicily & the Aeolian Islands
Cruising Sicily and the volcanic Aeolian archipelago offers varied itineraries, from active volcanic landscapes to historic coastal towns. Distances between the seven main Aeolian islands are short, providing deep-water anchorages and bays sheltered from prevailing northwesterly winds. Mainland Sicily features historic ports, anchorages along the northern and eastern coasts, and open-water passages. This cruising ground suits charterers interested in geology, coastal history, swimming, and relaxed island-hopping combined with Sicilian coastal cruising.
Best time to charter
The charter season runs from May to October. July and August bring settled, warm weather and light breezes, but anchorages and ports are crowded. May, June, September, and October offer quieter cruising grounds with pleasant temperatures and steady westerly or northwesterly winds. Scirocco winds from the south-east can develop occasionally, generating uncomfortable swells in exposed southern anchorages, while late summer can bring isolated afternoon squalls.
Anchorages and harbours to know
Cala degli Zimmari (Panarea)
This sandy bay south of Panarea offers secure holding in northwesterly winds, serving as an authorised anchorage near restricted Cala Junco.
Porto Pignataro (Lipari)
Located north of Lipari town, this sheltered harbour provides marina berths and safe holding, alternative to the restricted waters of Marina Corta.
Pollara (Salina)
A circular bay beneath volcanic cliffs on Salina's western coast, providing sheltered day anchorage over sand and rock in calm summer conditions.
Sciara del Fuoco (Stromboli)
Yachts can drift offshore in deep water to observe Stromboli's nocturnal eruptions, adhering to local maritime authority exclusion distances.
Baia di Ponente (Vulcano)
This bay provides good shelter from easterly winds and reliable holding on a sandy seabed, situated across the isthmus from Porto di Levante.
Practical tips
- Getting there: Catania (CTA) and Palermo (PMO). Milazzo, the usual departure port for the Aeolian Islands, is about 2 hours by road from Catania; Palermo's marinas are about 35 minutes from Palermo airport.
- Charter tax: Italian VAT of about 22% is usually added to the charter fee (Can be reduced pro rata for documented time outside EU waters.).
- Anchoring restrictions and exclusion zones are established by Capitaneria di Porto ordinances rather than a regional marine park; consult local maritime notices before dropping anchor.
- Milazzo, the usual departure port for the Aeolian Islands, is about 2 hours by road from Catania; Palermo's marinas are about 35 minutes from Palermo airport.
- Stock primary provisions at base marinas in Milazzo or Palermo, as island supermarkets on Salina and Lipari have smaller inventories and limited dockside access.
- Maintain a strict watch and secure mooring lines, as high-speed commercial hydrofoils and ferries generate considerable wash between the islands and near harbour entrances.