Aegadian Islands Sailing Holiday from Sicily Catamaran Cabin Charter Itinerary
Sicily, IT
7 days cruise, 20 dates available
Sailboat
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
A relaxed catamaran cruise from Trapani exploring Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo through island hopping, swimming stops and authentic Sicilian coastal life
The Aegadian Islands, located just off the western coast of Sicily, offer one of the most accessible and rewarding sailing holiday routes in the Mediterranean. Departing from Trapani, this catamaran cruise itinerary combines short navigation distances with a high concentration of natural highlights, making it ideal for a balanced mix of sailing, swimming and island exploration.
The archipelago includes three main islands, Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo, along with smaller uninhabited islets. Each stop reveals a different aspect of the region: from the flat, bike friendly landscapes and turquoise coves of Favignana, to the quiet atmosphere and archaeological heritage of Levanzo, and the rugged, mountainous scenery of Marettimo.
Sailing in the Egadi Islands is characterized by relatively short passages, clear waters and steady winds, creating ideal conditions for both experienced sailors and first time guests. Life on board follows a natural rhythm shaped by the sea: mornings often begin with a swim in a quiet bay, followed by short navigation legs, lunches at anchor, and afternoons exploring villages or snorkeling in protected marine areas.
This island hopping itinerary also connects with Sicily’s maritime traditions. The historic tuna fisheries, particularly around Favignana, reflect a long standing relationship between the islands and the sea, still visible in local culture and cuisine. Sailing here is not just about landscapes, but about experiencing a slower, more authentic Mediterranean lifestyle where nature and heritage remain closely intertwined.
Choosing a catamaran cruise in the Aegadian Islands means accessing hidden coves unreachable by land, enjoying stable and comfortable navigation, and discovering three distinct islands within one compact and varied sailing area.
Itinerary
Day1
Boarding in Palermo
Arrival in Palermo marks the beginning of your sailing holiday along the northern coast of Sicily. Boarding usually takes place in the afternoon, with time to settle into your cabin and meet the skipper and fellow guests. A short briefing introduces the route, onboard life and safety procedures.
Once ready and weather permitting, the catamaran leaves the harbor for a first short navigation towards Isola delle Femmine or Terrasini. This initial sail offers a gentle introduction to the week, with views of Palermo fading into a rugged coastline shaped by cliffs and small coves. Dinner is relaxed, either on board or at anchor, while the first night is spent in a quiet bay surrounded by open sea and soft evening light.
Day2
Sailing to San Vito Lo Capo and Zingaro Nature Reserve
After breakfast on board, the route heads west following one of the most scenic coastal stretches in Sicily. The navigation towards the Zingaro Nature Reserve covers approximately 25 to 30 nautical miles, offering steady sailing conditions and impressive views.
Approaching the reserve by sea reveals hidden coves and steep limestone cliffs inaccessible by land. A swim or snorkeling stop is often planned near Cala del Leone, where the water is particularly clear. The day continues towards San Vito Lo Capo, known for its wide sandy beach and relaxed coastal atmosphere. The evening can be spent ashore or on board, with the boat anchored in the bay facing the illuminated village.
Day3
Sailing to Favignana
The itinerary shifts from mainland sailing to true island hopping as the catamaran heads offshore towards Favignana, around 20 nautical miles away. The open sea crossing is balanced by stable navigation and wide horizons.
Arrival is typically planned near Cala Rossa, one of the most recognizable bays in the Aegadian Islands, with intense blue water and sculpted rock formations. The afternoon is dedicated to swimming, relaxing or exploring the island. Optional visits include Palazzo Florio, linked to the historic tuna industry that shaped local culture. The evening follows a slow rhythm, with dinner on board or ashore near the harbor.
Day4
Navigation to Marettimo
The day begins with a coastal navigation around Favignana, including possible stops at Cala Pozzo or Cala Rotonda. These areas are known for calm anchorage and excellent snorkeling conditions.
In the afternoon, the route continues west for about 15 nautical miles towards Marettimo, the most remote island of the archipelago. Its mountainous landscape and limited development create a quieter and more natural environment compared to the other islands. Arrival is planned in the port area or a protected bay, with time to explore the village or enjoy the calm atmosphere on board.
Day5
Marettimo caves and sailing to Levanzo
The morning is dedicated to exploring Marettimo’s coastline, known for its marine caves. Access depends on sea conditions, often using a tender or local small boats to reach places such as the Grotta del Cammello or Grotta Perciata.
After lunch and some free time, the catamaran sails northeast for about 10 nautical miles towards Levanzo. The arrival at sunset highlights the island’s small harbor and simple architecture. The evening is quiet, with limited nightlife and a focus on the natural surroundings.
Day6
Levanzo and return to San Vito Lo Capo
The day begins at anchor near Levanzo, with time for a swim in Cala Fredda, known for its clear seabed and calm waters. Optional excursions include the Grotta del Genovese, an important archaeological site with prehistoric drawings.
Later in the day, the itinerary turns back towards the Sicilian coast with a longer navigation of around 25 nautical miles. The sail offers time to relax, sunbathe or share the final moments of the journey. Arrival in San Vito Lo Capo is expected by late afternoon or evening, depending on conditions.
Day7
Sailing along Zingaro Nature Reserve and return to Palermo
The final day includes an early departure from San Vito Lo Capo, heading back towards Palermo along the Zingaro coastline. This last navigation, approximately 30 nautical miles, often includes a final swim stop in Cala Tonnarella or Cala Marinella. The return sail offers a gradual transition from island life back to the city atmosphere. Arrival in Palermo is scheduled in the late afternoon, followed by disembarkation.
Important Note This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, currents and marine activity. Dive sites and schedule are adjusted daily by the team to ensure safety and the best possible underwater experience.
Cruise price details
Entire yacht price
€ 6141.89
€ 4545
Book the entire yacht for a private trip
Included in the price
Entire boat rental
Tender
Mooring at the base
Complete equipment of the boat
Yacht additional fees
Mandatory Extras: €650,00 - Damage waiver, final cleaning, 1 set of bed linen and towels per guest, dinghy with outboard engine, initial supply of fuel, gas, and water, first and last night in the home harbor
Skipper: €1.860,00
Security Deposit: €600,00
Extra services
Hostess: €1.400,00
Early check in at 02:30 pm: €300,00
Sea tax Egadi Islands (only if cruised through): €80,00
Dufour 470 Modern Sailing Yacht for Sicily and Aegadian Islands Cruises
The Dufour 470 is a recent generation sailing yacht designed for comfortable and efficient cruising along the coast of Sicily and the Aegadian Islands. Based in Palermo, this monohull offers a balanced onboard experience that combines smooth navigation with well organized living spaces, making it suitable for a structured sailing itinerary with multiple stops.
The layout is designed to support both social interaction and privacy. The cockpit functions as the main gathering area during the day, used for meals, navigation and relaxation at anchor, while the interior saloon provides a sheltered and comfortable space during navigation or evenings. Cabins are arranged to accommodate small groups, offering a practical level of separation between guests and crew.
Life on board follows the natural rhythm of a sailing holiday. Mornings often begin with direct access to the sea from the stern platform, followed by short navigation legs between islands. The open deck and well connected indoor spaces make it easy to move between sun exposure and shade throughout the day.
The Dufour 470 is built for cruising rather than performance sailing, ensuring stable handling and a smooth ride even during longer crossings such as routes between the Sicilian coast and the Aegadian archipelago. The overall atmosphere on board is informal and functional, focused on enjoying the sea, sharing common spaces and maintaining a comfortable base while exploring different anchorages.
While the exact onboard configuration may vary slightly, the experience remains consistent with a modern Mediterranean sailing yacht designed for island hopping itineraries, relaxed navigation and time spent at anchor in natural bays.
Yacht
Model
2025 Dufour 470
Length
14.9 m
Yacht services
Air conditioning
Yes
Accommodations
Max guests
11
Double cabins
4
Bathrooms
4
Private Bathrooms
No
Crew
0
Chef on board
No
Other facilities
Electric winches: 1
Autopilot
Chart plotter in cockpit
Generator
Air condition
Solar Panels
Bow thruster
Convertible table
Electric toilet
Refrigerator
Cockpit cushions
Outboard engine: 2.3HP
Bimini
Sprayhood
Teak Cockpit
Teak deck
Inverter
Cockpit speakers
Radio-CD player
Cabins
Standard Double Cabin
3
cabin capacity
double bed
Cruise activities and tips
Travel activities
Aegadian Islands Sailing Activities Marine Caves Culture and Island Exploration (On Demand)
This sailing itinerary through the Aegadian Islands combines light adventure, cultural discovery and relaxed coastal exploration. Each activity is naturally integrated into the rhythm of a catamaran cruise, allowing time both in the water and on land, without rushing between destinations. From marine cave visits to prehistoric archaeology and small island villages, the experience reflects the diversity of this part of Sicily.
Marine cave exploration by dinghy in Marettimo (On Demand)
The coastline of Marettimo is shaped by erosion and time, creating a network of sea caves accessible only in calm conditions and often reached by dinghy. Guided visits typically include Grotta del Cammello and Grotta della Pipa, each with distinct formations and light effects.
Inside the caves, natural light filters through narrow openings, creating reflections that shift between deep blue and emerald green. The water is usually calm, allowing for slow exploration, short swims or simply drifting near the entrance. This activity adds a more exploratory dimension to the sailing holiday, combining navigation skills, local knowledge and geological observation.
Visit to Grotta del Genovese in Levanzo (On Demand)
On the island of Levanzo, the Grotta del Genovese offers one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. The cave contains prehistoric engravings and paintings dating back over 10,000 years, depicting animals such as tuna, deer and dolphins alongside human figures.
Access is possible by a short coastal hike or by small boat, depending on conditions. Visits are guided to ensure preservation and to provide context about the techniques and historical importance of the site. This stop introduces a cultural layer to the itinerary, connecting the sailing route with early human presence in the region.
Walking tour of the village of Marettimo (On Demand)
A walk through Marettimo village reveals a slower and more traditional side of island life. The settlement is small and largely unchanged, with white houses, quiet streets and minimal traffic. Moving on foot from the harbor, it is easy to observe daily routines such as fishing activities or small scale food preparation.
Points of interest include the Church of San Giuseppe and local artisan shops offering regional products like capers, almond sweets and handmade goods. This activity requires little effort but provides a deeper understanding of the island’s identity, complementing the more active and sea focused parts of the sailing itinerary.
Travel organizer tips
What to pack for a sailing holiday?
Pack smart for your yacht charter: choose a soft bag instead of a hard suitcase, bring lightweight layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and non-slip shoes for onboard use. A couple of swimsuits and motion sickness remedies can also make a big difference. Each boat has limited storage, so pack light, but wisely! Need help building the perfect list? Read our full guide: What to pack in a suitcase for a yacht charter
What’s a Typical Day Like on a Yacht Charter?
Start your day with a swim in a quiet bay, sail to hidden beaches or seaside villages, and enjoy a slow lunch on deck. Afternoons mean snorkeling, sunbathing, or exploring ashore. As the sun sets, your boat anchors in a scenic cove or near a harbor, ready for a relaxed dinner and a night under the stars. Curious about the full experience? Discover more in our guide: What’s a typical day like on a sailing holiday?
Who Handles Cooking and Cleaning on a Yacht Charter?
On skipper-only charters, guests usually share cooking and cleaning duties, think salads, pasta, and good teamwork. If there's a hostess, light meals and tidying are included, but it's still a casual, collaborative vibe. On fully crewed yachts, you’ll enjoy full service with a chef and crew managing everything. Want to know what’s included in your setup? Read the full guide: Who takes care of cooking and cleaning on a sailing charter?
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather During a Sailing Holiday?
Summer sailing holidays rarely face major weather issues, but when the sea gets rough, skippers adjust the route for your safety. Expect protected bays, marina stops, or a change in plan. These moments often lead to unexpected gems: local towns to explore, time to relax on board, or cozy dinners ashore. Curious about how crews handle these changes? Read the full FAQ: What to do in case of adverse weather conditions or changes to the itinerary
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
