Set sail from Palermo and embark on a voyage to the enchanting Egadi Islands. Discover Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo, each offering crystal-clear waters, secluded coves, and rich history. This sailing itinerary promises an immersive experience in pristine natural beauty and captivating marine life.
Day 1Palermo
Start your sailing vacation from Palermo, the capital of Sicily, a vibrant city rich in history, culture, and gastronomy. This bustling metropolis offers an intriguing mix of architectural styles, reflecting its diverse history under Arab, Norman, and Spanish rule. Key attractions include the stunning Palermo Cathedral, the Norman Palace, and the vibrant markets like Vucciria and Ballarò. The city’s port provides easy access Egadi Islands, as well as other coastal Sicilian gems.
Day 2San Vito Lo Capo
36 nm9 hours
San Vito Lo Capo is a picturesque coastal town renowned for its stunning white sandy beach. The town is surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, particularly the looming Monte Monaco, San Vito Lo Capo. The town hosts the annual Cous Cous Fest, a popular international food festival that celebrates cultural diversity and cuisine. With its beautiful natural setting, vibrant cultural events, and excellent facilities for visitors, San Vito Lo Capo is a delightful stop for sailors exploring Sicily’s Tyrrhenian coast.
Overnight in the marina.
Day 3Favignana
27 nm7 hours
Favignana is known for rich marine life, and beautiful coves ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The island's rugged coastline features a mix of sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. Historically, it was famed for its tuna fisheries, and the old tuna fishery, or "Tonnara," is now a museum that recounts this important aspect of local heritage. Favignana's laid-back atmosphere is complemented by its charming village, where sailors can enjoy local Sicilian cuisine and explore quaint streets on bicycle.
Overnight in the marina.
Day 4Marettimo
14 nm4 hours
Marettimo is known for its rugged, mountainous landscapes and crystal-clear azure waters, a paradise for hikers and divers alike. The island boasts a number of ancient ruins and caves accessible only by boat, offering a glimpse into its rich history and geological formation. The small village on Marettimo provides a quaint and peaceful retreat, with a few restaurants serving freshly caught seafood. The island's remote location ensures that it remains one of the most unspoiled and pristine.
Overnight in the marina.
Day 5Levanzo
13 nm4 hours
Levanzo is distinguished by its quiet charm and stunning natural beauty. The island's village is quaint, with white-washed houses providing a picturesque Mediterranean backdrop. A notable attraction is the Grotta del Genovese, famous for its prehistoric cave paintings and engravings, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the island's ancient past. Levanzo's untouched landscapes and tranquil environment.
Overnight at anchor.
Day 6San Vito lo Capo
25 nm6 hours
Explore the town of San Vito Lo Capo with beautiful Piazza Santuario overlooking the sanctuary-fortress dedicated to San Vito martyr, the saint of the town. Take a walk down to the sea by via Savoia and meet sunset with musicians and street artists.
Day 7Palermo
36 nm9 hours
Back to the base for the check-out procedure.
Optional Stops Along the Route
Marina Galizzi - Palermo
marina
Sailors repeatedly appreciate Marina Galizzi for its outstanding welcome and professionalism, notably the efforts of Antonio, Chiara, and their team. Sailors note the friendly, safe, and clean environment, central location well suited for exploring Palermo, and a family-like atmosphere.
Sitimar Marina in Palermo receives strong shelter and a peaceful setting for its warm welcome, attentive staff, and high service standards. Sailors consistently appreciate the clean, safe facilities and prime location near the historic center. Sailors often rank Sitimar among the best marinas in the Mediterranean and express intentions to return.
The marina's central location in Palermo is consistently appreciated, offering easy access to the city, shops, and restaurants. While facilities are somewhat outdated and there is a lack of showers or toilets, the helpfulness and kindness of the staff often make up for these shortcomings. Criticism mostly concerns the lack of sanitary facilities, but the convenience and urban atmosphere are strong positives.
Villa Igiea marina receives mixed feedback: some appreciate its safety, helpful arrivals, and pleasant setting. However, many visitors criticize the excessive bureaucracy, lack of friendliness, and frequent complaints of high or unclear charges. The impression is mixed but leans negative, though some Sailors have a experience.
This anchorage is well regarded. It is known as a strategic base for visiting Palermo, valued for its convenient location, secure holding, and accessibility to nearby shops and essential services. Sailors note its calmness at night except during festivals or busy weekends.
This marina offers cleanliness, welcoming staff, and well-maintained facilities, although Skippers may find the lack of specific services or find the surrounding area less appealing. Many view it as convenient for short stays and as a base for visiting Palermo, despite limited amenities nearby. Recurring Skippers should note dirty neighborhood streets and pricing that some consider high relative to the level of services provided.
Anchoring at Isola delle Femmine is well regarded. Sailors consistently appreciate the crystal-clear water, peaceful mornings, and the anchorage’s suitability for both day stops and overnight stays in good conditions. Many refer to the sandy bottom and ease of anchoring, making it ideal for swimming, marveling at the scenery, and relaxing.
Sailors generally speak positively about this marina, citing its excellent location near the town center and beach, friendly welcome, and pleasant atmosphere. Mooring assistance and safety are strong points. Drawbacks include occasional shallow depths and distant sanitary facilities, but it remains a useful stopover.
Sailors appreciate the location, charm, and previous management's hospitality. However, recent notes highlight declining facilities, management issues, and high prices that don't match the offering. While the town and surroundings remain attractive, satisfaction has dropped, and more sailors now seek better nearby alternatives.
This marina offers good impressions from sailors for its warm welcome, clean facilities, and proximity to a lively town with restaurants and shops. The port is considered safe and maintains a friendly, inviting atmosphere. Skippers may find entry challenges (sandbanks, narrow channel).
This anchorage is valued for its natural beauty, crystal-clear water, and a stunning beach often paradise-like. Sailors appreciate the lively atmosphere of the nearby town full of restaurants, bars, and shops, though several note it is well touristic and somewhat lacking in local charm. Access ashore is considered easy, which is well liked, and many suggest enjoying walks, local cuisine, and exploring activities.
This anchorage is well regarded. Sailors consistently appreciate the beauty of the area, its turquoise waters, preserved environment, and a white pebble beach. Several mention the nature reserve and opportunities to hike, such as to a nearby cave.
This bay is a stunning place with clear water and impressive rock formations. The panorama and sunset views are especially valued. Sailors often note the anchorage is suitable both for overnight stops and daytime breaks when the weather is settled.
The cove is repeatedly stunning, with impressive rock formations, crystal-clear water, and abundant marine life, making it excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Off-season or during mornings/evenings, the atmosphere is peaceful and memorable, with unforgettable sunrises. During the day, noise from day-trippers and shore parties can impact the tranquility.
The marina offers superb central location in Favignana, friendly and helpful staff, and easy access to town, shops, and attractions. Sailors enjoy the picturesque island and the vibrant atmosphere. Recurring criticism targets the lack of showers and toilets, which many feel do not correspond to the relatively high prices.
Darsena Favignana marina receives mainly good impressions from sailors for its wind and swell protection, efficient mooring procedures, and proximity to a lively, charming town. Sailors appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, cleanliness, and access to great restaurants and local activities, although some note the lack or limited availability of toilets. Guest experience is well satisfactory and the marina is worth considering for a safe, pleasant stay.
Sailors generally find this anchorage to be one of the most beautiful and enjoyable in the area, with crystal-clear water, stunning scenery, and a welcoming atmosphere. Easy access to nearby Favignana is valued, offering various leisure activities, great restaurants, shops, and a lively environment, especially during high season. Many suggest renting bikes and exploring the village.
This anchorage offers crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, and beautiful natural surroundings. Sailors appreciate its tranquility, especially at night and when sheltered from northerly winds. Clean water, marine life, and good swimming make it an attractive stop.
This anchorage is an attractive, tranquil, and scenic spot, with clear blue water and beautiful landscapes. The unspoiled surroundings, swimming and snorkeling opportunities, and star-filled nights make it especially appealing outside peak season.
This anchorage is a wild, beautiful, and spacious bay with impressive sunsets and clear blue waters. The largely undeveloped natural environment attracts those seeking tranquility and a more authentic experience, away from tourist crowds. While access ashore is somewhat limited, the presence of a few beach bars or restaurants adds to the attractiveness of the stop, though the main appeal is the pristine landscape and peaceful atmosphere.
Sailors are very positive about Cala Rossa’s natural beauty, with turquoise water, dramatic white cliffs, and ancient tuff quarries adding character. The bay is especially enjoyable outside the busy summer months, when it feels peaceful and unspoiled. Boat access is excellent, and land excursions add further interest.
This bay is beautiful, wild, and peaceful, with clear water and pristine natural surroundings, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving. Sailors particularly value the tranquility, the absence of dinghies and ferries, and the close contact with unspoiled nature. However, its rocky nature can make anchoring or landing more challenging for some.
Marettimo marina is well regarded by sailors for its unique location, stunning natural surroundings, and welcoming staff. Sailors consistently appreciate the crystal-clear water, beautiful scenery, and the charm of the small village. Despite notable downsides such as high mooring prices and a lack of basic facilities (such as toilets and showers), Sailors generally regard the marina as a must-visit stop for exploring Marettimo.
This small harbor is known for its friendly welcome and helpful staff. The adjoining village is picturesque, with good restaurants at modest prices. It is best suited for a short stay, with nearby historical sites within walking distance.
Sailors describe the anchorage as a scenic, peaceful bay with dramatic rock cliffs and crystal-clear water. Sailors appreciate the access to a pleasant fishing village and the opportunity for excellent hiking. While mobile coverage is limited, several find this adds to the bay's authentic and tranquil experience.
A scenic stop, this bay offers consistently valued for its stunning, wild scenery, remarkably clear water, and abundant marine life. Sailors highlight the excellent starry nights, excellent snorkeling, and a rare sense of peaceful seclusion. Over time, Sailors reflect continued appreciation, with the bay maintaining its high reputation for natural beauty and serenity.
The bay beneath the castle is renowned for its impressive scenery, crystal-clear water, and breathtaking surroundings. Sailors consistently appreciate the natural beauty, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and daytime relaxation. Occasional reports of litter in the water are noted, but the general consensus is very good.
This bay provides consistently stunning, with impressive scenery, crystal clear water, and an impressive natural setting that includes caves and a castle. Sunsets are particularly valued. Access to the castle and natural sites such as caves enhances the experience.
Sailors appreciate this anchorage for its natural beauty and picturesque pine forest backdrop. It is a pleasant stop for enjoying nature and tranquility, especially off-season. Although there is no real beach, many value the chance to relax and hike in the pine woods.
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