Sailing to Sicily A map of the best ports and anchorages
Most popular anchorages in Sicily
(Add an anchorage)Always choose the safest spot. Try zooming in to avoid seaweed fields, then click to start your list of favorites.
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I found the turquoise waters and the white pebble beach absolutely stunning, but getting a good hold… Read more about this listing
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Cala Marinella, in the Zingaro Nature Reserve on Sicily’s northwest coast, is a tranquil and beautif… Read more about this listing
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Cala Tonnarella dell’Uzzo, within the Riserva dello Zingaro near San Vito Lo Capo, offers a secluded… Read more about this listing
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Cala Capreria, located in the stunning Riserva dello Zingaro, is a beautiful beach, with a gradual e… Read more about this listing
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Cala della Disa is a stunning cove located within the Zingaro Nature Reserve in Sicily. Accessing Ca… Read more about this listing
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The beach itself is divided into two parts, with the larger beach keeping the Cala Croce name and th… Read more about this listing
Most popular ports and marinas in Sicily
(Add a port)Find a berth for your boat. Keep an eye on the tide and weather forecast, then click to call the port.
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The facilities, could use some updates, and there are concerns about cleanliness and noise. The mari… Read more about this listing
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Despite a few areas that remain off-limits and some less appealing structures, the overall upgrade h… Read more about this listing
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Be cautious the dock is in really bad condition.
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I appreciated the facilities: water and electricity were readily available, and the showers and rest… Read more about this listing
Sicily sailing itinerary
Palermo
We’re sailing clockwise from Palermo. The city was founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians who called it Sis (“flower”). Two Greek colonies were established here at this time, known collectively as Panormos, a name later adopted.
Visit
The Palermo Cathedral, you’ll be struck by its sheer size and the mishmash of architectural styles, a result of centuries of renovations and additions by various rulers.
Shopping
Explore the vibrant street markets like Ballarò and Capo, where you can sample street food, buy fresh produce, and experience the energetic atmosphere of Sicilian life.
Transport
Palermo Airport is located 35km from the city.
Don’t miss
Street Art Hunting: Palermo boasts a dynamic street art scene, with photogenic murals and graffiti that reflect the city’s evolving cultural identity.
Your favorite ports and anchorages in Palermo
(Add a spot)
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The facilities, could use some updates, and there are concerns about cleanliness and noise. The mari... Read more about this listing
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The area has potential, however, there are aspects that could use improvement. Some parts of the mar... Read more about this listing
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Despite a few areas that remain off-limits and some less appealing structures, the overall upgrade h... Read more about this listing
The Aeolian Islands
Get ready to feel the earth rumble beneath your feet — welcome to the Aeolian Islands, named after Aeolus, the Greek god of winds. Also referred as the Lipari Islands, this volcanic archipelago is home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Lipari
Lipari is the largest of the 7 islands with all commodities, and ferries to the surrounding islands.
Stromboli
The Stromboli lights up the night sky with its regular bursts of molten lava, offering an unforgettable fireworks show. The coast of Europe’s most active volcano is steep, but in settled weather visitors anchor at the easternmost point of the island, in front of a large black sand beach.
Vulcano Isola
The word Volcano derives from the name of this island where you can find a better anchorage than in Stromboli, in front of Vulcano Porto. Hike up to the crater’s edge, or just soak in the views from the black sand beaches.
Your favorite ports and anchorages in the Aeolian Islands
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We appreciated the marina’s professionalism and attentive staff, who are always ready to assist with... Read more about this listing
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The sea is never calm during the day, with waves bouncing your boat from all directions. I remember ... Read more about this listing
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A picturesque anchorage near Stromboli, but it’s not without its challenges. The anchorage is mostly... Read more about this listing
Marinello
A very popular beach in the heart of the natural reserve Orientata Laghetti di Marinello.
Visit
The ancient Greek and Roman ruins perched on the cliffs above Marinello Beach. The theater and basilica are must-sees, with stunning views of the coastline below.
Things to do
Take a dip in the unique lagoons that form along Marinello Beach, these shallow pools are constantly changing with the tides.
Your favorite ports and anchorages in Marinello
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The bay’s sandy bottom provides excellent holding, so you can rest easy knowing your anchor will sta... Read more about this listing
Taormina
Taormina is a jewel perched high on the cliffs of Sicily, offering panoramic views to the smoking peak of Mount Etna
Things to do
The town’s ancient Greek theater, Teatro Antico di Taormina, is a standout. This well-preserved amphitheater, dating back to the 3rd century BC, not only hosts performances but also offers some of the most breathtaking views of Mount Etna and the sea.
Beach
Isola Bella is a small island just off the coast. Accessible by a narrow strip of sand, this nature reserve is an ideal spot for a refreshing swim or a walk along the beach.
Garden
At the edge of Taormina, you’ll find the botanical gardens of Villa Comunale, designed by the British Lady Florence Trevelyan. Her influence is evident in the sculptures and floral displays.
Your favorite ports and anchorages in Taormina
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You anchor your boat in a crystal-clear bay, and before you lies the stunning Isola Bella, a tiny is... Read more about this listing
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The sandy patches are decent for anchoring, but be wary of the rocky areas, especially in depths aro... Read more about this listing
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Anchoring in Naxos is a mixed bag depending on the weather and time of year. The sandy seabed offers... Read more about this listing
Siracusa
The bay sits at the frontier between the eastern and western Mediterranean basin. Enormous fleets of all empires have found shelter in this bay for thousands of years, and the old Ortigia is absolutely fantastic.
The only downside of this bay is that weed and shells tend to grow quickly in this brackish water. The mussel farm in the opposite corner surely doesn’t help.Visit
The Cathedral Duomo di Siracusa is built on top of a 5th-century BC Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. The columns of the original temple are embedded in its walls.
Shopping
Ortigia market is the brunch meeting, where you can sample street food, buy fresh produce, and share the atmosphere of a Sicilian morning.
Don’t miss
A coffee at the Fountain of Arethusa, this ancient freshwater spring is steeped in myth, surrounded by lush vegetation and papyrus plants. The legend says that the nymph Arethusa was transformed into this fountain by the goddess Artemis.
Your favorite ports and anchorages in Siracusa
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A delightful marina that comes highly recommended for its exceptional service and friendly atmospher... Read more about this listing
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The bay sits at the frontier between the eastern and western Mediterranean basin. The enormous fleet... Read more about this listing
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Nord della Baia might not be the quintessential picturesque anchorage, but it has its perks. Nestled... Read more about this listing
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