Palermo
round-trip.
Sail from Palermo to San Vito Lo Capo, Favignana, Marettimo & Levanzo. Discover hidden coves, historic Sicilian towns & pristine Mediterranean island beauty.
Day-by-day route
Click any pin on the map or any day in the Route summary below to see the daily stop, narrative, and photos.
Palermo → San Vito Lo Capo
Sail west from Palermo's historic harbour, tracing Sicily's coast past Zingaro's ochre cliffs. Anchor in San Vito Lo Capo's clear crescent bay, then savour couscous alla trapanese at a local trattoria as Monte Monaco glows at sunset.
Distance
30 NM
Sailing
~6h at 5 kn
Route at a glance
Best season
May – mid-October (peak Jun & Sep)
Duration
7 days · Sat – Sat
Departure
Palermo
Sailing area
Sicily
Route summary
Click any day to jump back to the map and see its photos, narrative, and mooring tip.
Day-by-day journey
Named anchorages, restaurants, and route notes for every leg of the week — written by sailors who’ve actually run this passage.
Palermo → San Vito Lo Capo
Depart Palermo's bustling harbour mid-morning for the 30 NM passage west along Sicily's dramatic northern coast. The route offers striking views of the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, its limestone cliffs plunging into the turquoise sea. Aim for the sheltered crescent of San Vito Lo Capo, dropping anchor in the bay's western section over sand and rock in 5-7 metres. The water is exceptionally clear, revealing the seabed perfectly. As dusk approaches, row ashore to join the locals for dinner at a seaside trattoria, perhaps sampling the regional specialty, couscous alla trapanese, a legacy of North African influence. The imposing silhouette of Monte Monaco provides a stunning backdrop as the sun dips below the horizon.
Things to do
Anchor in San Vito Lo Capo's clear crescent bay
Dine on couscous alla trapanese seaside
Walk to the lighthouse for sunset views
Explore the town's colourful streets
Mooring tip
Anchor in the bay's western section over sand and rock, holding is good. No marina facilities, dinghy ashore.
San Vito → Favignana
The 25-nautical-mile reach southeast under the morning scirocco brings you to Favignana, the butterfly-shaped queen of the Egadi islands. Drop anchor in the turquoise waters of Bue Marino, a former quarry area now known for its surreal sea caves and deserted tonnara factories. Explore the dramatic Cala Rossa, where ancient Romans once gathered tuna and limestone cliffs plunge into the sea. By late afternoon, secure stern-to moorings in the small harbour and head to Trattoria del Marinaio. Their signature busiate pasta, tossed with a vibrant Trapani pesto, is a taste of the island's bounty, best enjoyed as the cicadas begin their evening chorus.
Things to do
Sail the 25 NM scirocco reach to Favignana
Explore Bue Marino's sea caves and old tonnara
Swim and photograph the dramatic Cala Rossa cliffs
Dine on busiate pasta at Trattoria del Marinaio
Mooring tip
Favignana harbour offers stern-to moorings; arrive early in season as space is limited.
Favignana → Marettimo
A 12 NM passage west from Favignana brings you to Marettimo, the most mountainous and least developed of the Egadi Islands. Drop anchor in Cala Bianca, a cove of startlingly blue water framed by limestone cliffs that echo the calls of kingfishers. The island's interior is laced with ancient donkey paths, one leading to the ruins of a 12th-century Norman castle offering panoramic views. For a unique aquatic experience, swim through the submerged archway of the Grotta del Cammello, a natural cathedral carved by the sea. As dusk settles, dinghy ashore to Da Enzo, a local institution where Nonna's pesce alla stemperata, a sweet-and-sour fish dish, is served amidst whispers of the island's seafaring smuggling past. The air here is thick with the scent of wild herbs and the hum of cicadas.
Things to do
Anchor at Cala Bianca for swimming and exploring
Hike to the 12th-century Norman castle ruins
Swim through the Grotta del Cammello's archway
Dine at Da Enzo for traditional pesce alla stemperata
Mooring tip
Anchor in Cala Bianca in sand and rock, holding is fair. Dinghy ashore for Da Enzo and village access.
Marettimo → Levanzo
Make the 10-nautical-mile passage east to Levanzo, the smallest and perhaps most charming of the Egadi Islands. Anchor in the sheltered bay of Cala Dogana, the island's only harbour, then take your dinghy or kayak to explore the Grotta del Genovese. This sea cave holds remarkable Neolithic cave paintings depicting dancers and Ice Age deer, a testament to human presence stretching back millennia. Later, row ashore to Cala Fredda, a secluded pebble beach where the gentle lapping of waves barely disturbs the afternoon stillness. For dinner, find a waterfront trattoria and savour freshly harvested sea urchins, their briny creaminess a perfect counterpoint to a glass of local Nero d'Avola, the cicadas providing the evening's soundtrack.
Things to do
Kayak to the Grotta del Genovese cave paintings
Swim and relax at Cala Fredda pebble beach
Enjoy sea urchins at a Cala Dogana trattoria
Explore Levanzo village on foot
Mooring tip
Anchor stern-to in Cala Dogana's clear water over sand and rock, holding is fair.
Levanzo → San Vito Lo Capo
The 20-nautical-mile passage north from Levanzo brings you to the dramatic Cala di San Vito Lo Capo, dominated by the town's iconic limestone cliffs. Drop anchor in the bay's clear, sandy bottom, perfect for a last swim before heading ashore. The town itself offers a lively harbour front and the historic Santuario di San Vito, a former Byzantine fortress. As dusk paints the sky, find yourself at a waterfront bar like Bar Monte Monaco, enjoying the local speciality, 'granita di mandorle', amidst the gentle hum of local life. This is a perfect spot to reflect on your journey, with the scent of salt and pine in the air.
Things to do
Anchor in Cala di San Vito Lo Capo
Swim in the bay's clear waters
Visit the Santuario di San Vito
Enjoy granita di mandorle at Bar Monte Monaco
Mooring tip
Anchor in 5-10 metres of sand on the bay's western side; holding is excellent. No mooring lines available.
San Vito → Terrasini
Depart San Vito Lo Capo mid-morning for the 18-nautical-mile passage east towards Terrasini, a working fishing harbour that retains its authentic Sicilian charm. As you approach, the colourful fishing boats bobbing in the marina and laundry flapping from balconies under Baroque architecture set a relaxed scene. Navigate towards the dramatic cliffs of Pizzo Cane, keeping a keen eye out for the hidden sea caves near Capo Rama – a perfect spot for a mid-afternoon swim. Moor stern-to in Terrasini's harbour, noting the excellent holding in sand, before heading ashore. Seek out the local market for the season's first blood oranges. For dinner, La Cambusa offers superb seafood, their signature pasta con le sarde a testament to the island's culinary heritage, enjoyed with views over the harbour as the sun dips low.
Things to do
Explore Terrasini's fishing harbour and market
Discover sea caves by dinghy near Capo Rama
Swim in the clear waters off Pizzo Cane
Dine at La Cambusa for local seafood
Mooring tip
Terrasini harbour offers stern-to mooring with good sand holding; fuel is available on the quay.
Terrasini → Palermo
Make the 15-nautical-mile passage east to Palermo, a final chance to enjoy the Adriatic wind before returning the yacht. Consider a stop en route at the nature reserve of Capo Gallo, or anchor for a last swim in the crystalline waters off Isola delle Femmine. As the sun begins its descent, casting a golden hue over the city, make your way to the Marina di Villa Igeia. Disembark and allow the vibrant chaos of the Vucciria Market, a sensory explosion of street food and local life, to imprint itself on your memory. Later, perhaps, the mosaics of the Palatine Chapel will gleam under the evening lights, a perfect end to your Sicilian adventure.
Things to do
Swim the clear waters off Isola delle Femmine
Explore the Vucciria Market's street food stalls
Visit the Palatine Chapel's glittering mosaics
Enjoy a final panino con panelle
Mooring tip
Marina di Villa Igeia offers stern-to mooring; fuel available. Book ahead in high season, especially for larger vessels.
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