Would you like to start your Palermo sailing trip from Sicily? Palermo, located on the northwestern coast of Sicily, is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts. The city is the perfect starting point for a Mediterranean sailing trip with its beautiful bays, mild Mediterranean climate, and charming ports. From the beaches of Mondello to the Aeolian Islands, Palermo offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage that makes every trip unique.
- What is the best month to sail in Palermo?
- Where to sail from Palermo? – ports and islands
- How can you get to Palermo?
- Sailing from Palermo town – itineraries
What is the best month to sail in Palermo?
Palermo offers excellent sailing conditions all year round, the best time for sailing is from May to October, with warm weather, favourable winds and ideal sailing conditions.
Spring (March- May): Temperatures range between 15-22°C, with increasing sunshine. Winds are mostly light to moderate (8-15 knots), but occasionally, the sirocco can strengthen from Africa.
Summer (June- August): Hot, sunny weather (25-35°C), with minimal rainfall. The morning breeze strengthens during the day, and the maestrale blows at 10-20 knots. The sea is calm, the ports are crowded, and the water temperature is 23-27°C.
Autumn (September-November): Still pleasantly warm in September (20-28°C), cooler by November. The wind is more variable, with occasional strong sirocco winds from Africa. The ports are less crowded, making it ideal for late season sailing.
Winter (December- February): Mild weather (10-16°C), with frequent rain and thunderstorms. The northwesterly maestrale wind often strengthens, with sudden gusts. The sea is rougher, making it more suitable for experienced sailors or for shorter coastal trips.
Where to sail from Palermo? – ports and islands
Ustica
A small volcanic island about 36 nautical miles north of Palermo, Ustica is a paradise for divers and nature lovers. The island is known for its crystal clear waters, marine reserves and stunning underwater caves. It offers pleasant boat trips with charming fishing villages and breathtaking coastal scenery.
Aeolian Islands
Located northeast of Palermo, this UNESCO-listed archipelago is famous for its volcanic islands, beautiful beaches and unique landscapes. Lipari, Stromboli and Vulcano are among the most popular islands, each offering a mix of adventure, relaxation and cultural heritage. Sailing the Aeolian Islands offers incredible views of the active volcanoes.
Castellammare del Golfo
Located about 40 nautical miles southwest of Palermo, this beautiful seaside town is known for its historic port, stunning cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The nearby Zingaro Nature Reserve offers sandy beaches and beautiful hiking trails. It’s a great stopover for those who want to enjoy both sailing and nature.
San Vito Lo Capo
One of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily, San Vito Lo Capo is renowned for its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. The town’s relaxed atmosphere, with excellent seafood restaurants and the stunning backdrop of Monte Monaco, makes for an unforgettable experience. It is perfect for a relaxing stopover or for exploring the nearby Riserva dello Zingaro.
How can you get to Palermo?
Palermo offers a number of convenient options for reaching the city from abroad, both by air and by sea.
By air
Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO), also known as Palermo Airport, is the city’s main international gateway. It has direct flights from major European cities, including London, Paris, Berlin and Barcelona. Travelers from outside Europe can connect via larger hubs such as Rome, Milan or Madrid. From the airport, you can reach the city centre by taxi, rental car, shuttle bus or Trinacria Express train.
By ferry
Palermo’s port receives ferries from several Mediterranean cities, including Naples, Genoa, Civitavecchia (Rome) and Tunis. Ferry travel is a great option for those arriving by car or looking for a bit of a sea journey. Depending on the departure city, ferries can last between 10 and 20 hours, with both regular and overnight cabins available.
Sailing from Palermo town – itineraries
Sailing route West of Palermo
Day 1. Palermo – San Vito Lo Capo
67 km (36 nm), sailing time: 6 h Depart from Palermo, the capital of Sicily, a bustling city rich in history, culture and gastronomy. The first stop is San Vito Lo Capo, a charming little town famous for its white sandy beach. This town is home to the annual Cous Cous, a popular international food festival that celebrates cultural diversity and cuisine. With its beautiful natural surroundings and lively cultural events, it is an excellent stop for sailors exploring the Tyrrhenian coast of Sicily.
Day 2. San Vito Lo Capo – Favignana
50 km (27 nm), sailing time: 5 h Favignana is known for its rich marine life and beautiful bays, which provide a suitable environment for both snorkeling and swimming. The island’s coastline is dotted with sandy beaches and rocky areas. Historically famous for its tuna fishing, it is worth visiting the “Tonnara” museum, which presents this important aspect of the local heritage. Favignana’s relaxed atmosphere is complemented by its charming village, where sailors can sample local Sicilian cuisine.
Day 3. Favignana – Marettimo
26 km (14 nm), sailing time: 2 h Marettimo is known for its stunning mountain scenery and crystal-clear azure waters, making it a paradise for hikers and divers. The island boasts several ancient ruins and caves, accessible only by boat, offering a glimpse into its rich history and geological wonders. The small village of Marettimo offers a pleasant atmosphere, with excellent restaurants serving freshly caught seafood. The island’s remote location ensures that it remains one of the most unspoilt gems of Sicily.
Day 4. Marettimo – Levanzo
24 km (13 nm), sailing time: 2 h Levanzo is characterised by its peaceful setting and stunning natural beauty. The island’s village is full of spectacular whitewashed houses, which provide a picturesque Mediterranean backdrop. A notable attraction is the Grotta del Genovese, famous for its prehistoric cave paintings and engravings. These ancient sites offer a fascinating insight into the island’s ancient past.
Day 5. Levanzo – San Vito lo Capo
48 km (26 nm), sailing time: 4 h Discover the town of San Vito Lo Capo with its beautiful Piazza Santuario, overlooking the sanctuary and fortress of the town’s patron saint, the martyr San Vito. Stroll down to the sea on Via Savoia and meet musicians and street artists at sunset.
Day 6. San Vito lo Capo – Terrasini
30 km (16 nm), sailing time: 3 h Terrasini is a charming seaside town in Sicily, near Palermo. The town is famous for its magnificent red cliffs called Cala Rossa, as well as its beautiful sandy beaches, ideal for relaxation and water sports. Its historic old town welcomes visitors with its charming squares, colorful houses and excellent restaurants.
Day 7. Terrasini – Palermo
41 km (22 nm), sailing time: 4 h As your sailing adventure draws to a close, return to Palermo, the starting point of your journey. Enjoy a leisurely sail along the Sicilian coast and reflect on the memories you have collected along the way. Take the opportunity to anchor in a secluded bay for a final swim in the Mediterranean. When you return to Palermo, be sure to explore the city’s bustling markets, historic sites, and sample its famous street food, including arancini and panelle.
Sailing route East of Palermo
Day 1. Palermo – Mondello 11 km (6 nm), Day 2. Mondello – Cefalù 50 km (27 nm), Day 3. Cefalù – Lipari 43 km (23 nm), Day 4. Lipari – Salina 15 km (8 nm), Day 5. Salina – Panarea 19 km (10 nm), Day 6. Panarea – Ustica 46 km (25 nm), Day 7. Ustica – Palermo 52 km (28 nm)
boat rental Palermo
