Is Sicily good for sailing? Sicily is one of the most versatile sailing destinations in the Mediterranean. Volcanic landscapes, historic port towns, quiet family bays and challenging stretches of true open sea meet in a single region. In this guide, we not only show you where to sail in Sicily, but also help you decide which route is right for you – based on experience, weather and expectations. Ports, islands, wind conditions, 1-week itinerary suggestions and logical decision-making criteria all in one place – to make sailing in Sicily a real experience, not a compromise.

This story highlights the following bullet points on Sicily:

• What is the best month to sail Sicily?
• 5 reasons, why Sicily is good for sailing?
• Where to sail in Sicily? – ports and islands
• Sail in Sicily! Sicily sailing tours

What is the best month to sail Sicily?

Sicily is a year-round destination, but not all seasons are ideal for all levels of experience. The best time to sail is from May to October, with warm weather, favourable winds, and ideal sailing conditions.
Spring (March-May) : Temperatures (15-22°C), with increasing sunshine. Winds are mostly light to moderate (8-15 knots), with occasional strong Sirocco winds from Africa.
Summer (June-August): Weather is warm (25-35°C), sunny, with minimal rainfall. Winds are light morning breezes, increasing to maestrale winds in the afternoon, reaching 10-20 knots. Calm seas, busy ports, warm water (23-27°C).
Autumn (September-November): Weather is still warm, 20-28°C in September, cool in November. Winds are more variable, sometimes sirocco (hot, strong) from Africa. Less crowded than in summer, excellent in the late season.
Winter (December-February): Weather is mild (10-16°C), with occasional thunderstorms and rain. Winds are stronger northwesterly (maestrale) and sudden gusts. Rougher seas, best for experienced sailors or short coastal trips.

5 reasons why Sicily is good for sailing?

Ideal Weather Conditions

Sicily enjoys a long sailing season from May to October, with warm temperatures, steady winds and calm seas. The maestrale (northwest) and sirocco (south) winds provide exciting but manageable sailing conditions. Even in the peak summer months, the morning breeze and afternoon breeze make it a perfect spot for beginners and experienced sailors alike.

Beautiful Islands to Explore

Sicily is surrounded by beautiful archipelagos, including the Lipari, Aegadian and Pelagie Islands. Each with its own unique landscape, from volcanic craters (Stromboli) to hidden coves (Favignana) and pristine beaches (Lampedusa). These islands offer endless possibilities for sailors.

Rich History and Culture

Sailing in Sicily is not just about the sea; It’s a journey through thousands of years of history. Ancient Greek ruins, Norman castles and picturesque fishing villages make every stop an adventure. Ports like Palermo, Syracuse and Cefalù offer a mix of cultural heritage, delicious cuisine and vibrant local life.

Culinary experience

Sicilian cuisine is some of the best in Italy. From fresh seafood and pasta alla Norma to world-famous cannoli and Marsala wine, the island’s flavours are a must-try. Many ports are close to local markets and traditional trattorias.

Varied sailing experiences

Whether you prefer quiet harbours, adventurous passages or bustling ports, Sicily has it all. You can cruise along the rugged northern coast, explore historic towns or relax in secluded bays with turquoise waters. Its strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea makes it an excellent stopover for longer trips to Malta, Sardinia or the Italian mainland.

Where to sail in Sicily? – ports and islands

When you leave Sicily behind, you can find many smaller or bigger islands that await you to discover them in the sea, when you sail there. Rent a boat in Sicily and enjoy the waves taking you to the most beautiful bays of the island – in the perfect balance of tranquillity and adventure.

Northern direction

If you sail north, you can spot the Lipari islands, which have a volcanic origin. You also find Lipari (Éoli), Vulcano, Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi, Stromboli and Panarea islands here, of which Vulcano and Stromboli are active volcanoes until today. UNESCO World Heritage has added the Lipari Islands to its list of world heritage sights.

North-western direction

If you turn northwest from the island, you find the island of Ustica. The village with the same name covers almost the whole area of the island. This small island with an area of 8.24 km² It is fast and easy to sail round and offers a pleasant view to visitors.

Western direction

If you turn west, you find the Egadi-island groups and Pantelleria island near Sicily. The Egadi-islands is a collection of several islands, as you see from their name. The islands consist of two small and three large islands, Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo, Formica, and Maraone (the latter two are actually just two small rocks). The three larger islands are inhabited and popular destinations among tourists. Summers here are long and hot, with consistently high summer temperatures, often around 30–35 °C, while in the coldest month the temperature rarely drops below 5 °C. The other island in this direction is Pantelleria.

South-western direction

Pantelleria islands are 100 km from Sicily and cover an area of 83 km². It is important to know that the island is closer to Tunisia than to Sicily. When you keep looking toward the island, you can realise that its only border is the endless blue horizon. If you sail to the southwest, you find the last island group, the Pelagie Islands. The island consists of three islands located between Tunisia and Sicíly. Although the islands are part of Sicily, two of them (Lampione and Lampedusa) belong geologically to the African plate, administratively, they are part of Sicily. While Lampione is uninhabited, Lampedusa is inhabited. These are the islands to spot the breeding place of loggerhead sea turtles.

Marina del Nettuno

The port is known for its proximity to the Aeolian-islands, a popular destination for boaters. It is located near the center of Milazzo, making it easy to reach the city and its historical attractions. It can accommodate more than 140 boats with a maximum length of 50 meters, with no depth limit. Milazzo yacht charters

Port of Trapani

The historic port of Trapani on the west coast of Sicily offers a fascinating mix of history and culture. It has about 50-60 seats. The maximum length of the ships can be 30 meters. yacht charter in Trapani

Marina di Marsala

Located on the west coast of Sicily, Marina di Marsala is a modern port known for its proximity to the world-famous Marsala wine region. The harbor has approximately 30-40 berths for 30-40 meter yachts and leisure boats. Marsala yacht charter

Port of Palermo

The bustling port of Palermo, the capital of Sicily, offers a lively atmosphere and a rich historical heritage. A busy port with several docks for cargo ships, ferries, cruise ships and yachts. Palemo is a great starting point for exploring other parts of Sicily or the Aeolian Islands. boat rental Palermo

Marina di Ragusa

Located on the southern coast of Sicily, Marina di Ragusa is a small charming port known for its calm atmosphere and proximity to beautiful beaches. Discover the historic center of Ragusa, protected by UNESCO, and the labyrinth of winding streets. boat rental Ragusa

Marina di Portorosa

The marina is in the north of the island along a 4,000-meter-long quay. It is a really elegant and modern port in the neighbourhood of Fumari. It is adequately insured and protects you from wind. LThe ipari Islands are very close, just a few kilometres away. The sea bottom is 3.5-5 meters here, while the port basin is 2.5-3.5 meters deep.
Sicily and its surroundings offer a wealth of attractions for those sailing there. The first description shows a one-week itinerary that shows the most beautiful places and the most interesting islands of the island. The date of the itinerary depends on the weather and how much time we want to spend in a given place. : Intermediate-advanced. Open sea sections: yes.

How to choose?

Sicily is not a “route”. Sicily is a matter of choice – and the right choice will make it a relaxing, exciting or truly challenging sailing experience.

• If you are planning your first offshore sailing trip or are travelling with your family: choose the Egadi Islands. Short distances, protected waters, little stress on the open sea.
• If you are already experienced and want a special natural experience: the active volcanoes and more open sections of the Aeolian Islands offer a true Mediterranean adventure.
• In the summer high season: northern and western routes with more stable winds.
• In the pre- and post-season: southern, shorter crossings, flexible schedules.