Question 1

Where do superyachts berth in Sicily?

Accepted Answer

On the Ionian side, Marina di Riposto — Porto dell'Etna, at the volcano's foot and six nautical miles from Taormina — takes yachts to 80 metres with an 8-metre draft. On the Tyrrhenian side, Marina Villa Igiea in Palermo, the yacht harbour beside the Rocco Forte hotel, holds around 400 berths, and Marina Yachting Siracusa berths yachts to 60 metres in Ortigia's Porto Grande.

Question 2

When's the best time to charter Sicily?

Accepted Answer

May to October. July and August are warmest and busiest; May, June, September and October are quieter, with the Sirocco — a hot southerly wind off North Africa — the main weather variable to watch through the season.

Question 3

What's the nearest airport for a Sicily charter?

Accepted Answer

Catania (CTA) serves the Ionian coast — Taormina, Etna and Marina di Riposto are around 30 minutes away, with FBO handling on site. Palermo (PMO) serves the Tyrrhenian side, about 40 minutes from Marina Villa Igiea. Trapani (TPS) is closest for the Egadi Islands, a short hydrofoil crossing from the town's port.

Question 4

Do you need a permit for the Egadi Islands?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area, among the largest in the Mediterranean, charges a daily entry fee and divides the water into four zones, from a no-entry integral reserve to open navigation; mooring buoys are laid at the main coves on Favignana.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Air, day °C	10	11	12	15	19	26	28	28	25	20	16	12
Sea °C	16	15	15	17	20	24	28	28	26	25	21	18
Wind, peak kt	8	8	8	8	7	6	6	7	7	7	8	9

Sicily

The year, measured

The yachts that run these waters