Palermo
via Long.
Sail a 7-day yacht charter from Palermo through Mondello, Cefalù, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Ustica & return—hidden coves, volcanic isles & Sicilian charm.
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 → Mondello
A gentle 5 NM passage from Palermo’s bustle to Mondello’s elegant shores. Anchor in clear turquoise waters, explore the Art Nouveau pier, and savour local specialities ashore as the sun dips below the horizon.
Distance
5 NM
Sailing
~1h 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 → Mondello
Depart Palermo mid-afternoon for the short five-nautical-mile sail west to Mondello, a graceful curve of sand fringed with Art Nouveau villas. The approach offers a clear view of Monte Pellegrino, a landmark for centuries. Drop anchor in the bay where the water is a startling turquoise over a sandy bottom, perfect for a pre-dinner swim straight off the stern. Later, dinghy ashore to the famous Antica Focacceria San Francesco, a Palermo institution, for a taste of their signature pasta con le sarde, the aroma of wild fennel mingling with the salty air. Mondello’s promenade offers a refined evening stroll, a stark contrast to Palermo's vibrant chaos.
Things to do
Swim in the clear turquoise waters of Mondello Bay
Stroll the historic Art Nouveau pier
Dine at Antica Focacceria San Francesco
Enjoy sunset views of Monte Pellegrino
Mooring tip
Anchor in sand in 5-7 metres; holding is good. Dinghy ashore to access the beach clubs and restaurants.
Mondello → Cefalù
Depart Mondello mid-morning for the 30-nautical-mile passage east along Sicily's crumpled northern coast towards Cefalù. The approach is dominated by the Rocca, a dramatic limestone headland topped with ancient ruins, and the magnificent Norman cathedral. Moor stern-to in Cefalù's small harbour, a tight squeeze in season but worth the effort for the direct access to the town. Spend the afternoon climbing the serpentine path to the Castello di Cefalù for panoramic views of the terracotta roofs and your catamaran below, the scent of wild herbs on the breeze. Cool off with a swim at Spiaggia di Mazzaforno, a local favourite with smooth, wave-polished stones. For dinner, Bastione offers a prime position overlooking the water, where the distant lights of returning fishing boats create a magical horizon.
Things to do
Climb to Castello di Cefalù ruins for sweeping views
Swim and relax at Spiaggia di Mazzaforno
Explore the Norman cathedral's glittering mosaics
Dine at Bastione for sunset harbour vistas
Mooring tip
Cefalù harbour stern-to moorings are limited; contact the harbourmaster ahead for availability and confirm draft.
Cefalù → Lipari
Depart Cefalù mid-morning for the 30-nautical-mile passage east towards the Aeolian Islands, volcanic sentinels rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Aim for Lipari, the archipelago's largest island, and its main harbour, Marina Lunga. After securing stern-to on the quay, explore the Castello di Lipari, a fortified citadel housing Greek tombs and Roman ruins, offering panoramic views. Later, kayak north to the striking white Pumice Quarries, where the sheer cliffs radiate an almost ethereal glow. As dusk settles, join the passeggiata along Marina Corta, watching local fishermen mend nets and perhaps sampling totani rings with a glass of Malvasia.
Things to do
Explore the Castello di Lipari citadel and its museum
Kayak to the stark white Pumice Quarries
Join the sunset passeggiata along Marina Corta
Sample totani rings with local Malvasia wine
Mooring tip
Lipari's Marina Lunga offers stern-to mooring with lazy-lines; fuel is available on the north quay.
Lipari → Salina
Today's 12-nautical-mile passage heads northwest to Salina, known as the 'green island' for its lush vegetation. Arrive at Santa Marina, the main harbour, and moor stern-to amidst pastel-coloured buildings draped in caper vines. After settling the boat, consider a hike into the dense cloud forest of Monte Fossa delle Felci, a dormant volcano and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, for panoramic views. Alternatively, relax on shore with a granita di gelsi (mulberry ice) at the famed Da Alfredo. For dinner, seek out a trattoria in the hills where spaghetti al nero di seppia is served under a canopy of stars, perhaps with the faint glow of fireflies adding to the enchantment as the Levantine breeze dies down.
Things to do
Moor stern-to in Santa Marina's picturesque harbour
Hike the cloud forest of Monte Fossa delle Felci
Enjoy mulberry granita at Da Alfredo
Dine on squid ink spaghetti at a local vineyard
Mooring tip
Santa Marina harbour offers stern-to moorings; arrive early in season as space is limited.
Salina → Panarea
Depart Salina mid-morning for the 12-nautical-mile passage east to Panarea, the smallest and most exclusive of the Aeolian Islands. Drop anchor off Basiluzzo, the largest islet, where the discerning can snorkel the submerged remnants of a Roman villa, its mosaic floors now home to sapphire-hued damselfish. Ashore, a short dinghy ride takes you to the mainland's western side, where a steep path leads to the Neolithic village of Capo Milazzesi, offering panoramic views across the archipelago. As dusk settles, consider a quiet swim in the black sand of Spiaggia della Zimmari before the evening's cicadas begin their song. Panarea is car-free, lending a serene atmosphere after the day-trippers depart.
Things to do
Snorkel submerged Roman ruins off Basiluzzo
Hike to the Neolithic village at Capo Milazzesi
Swim in the black sand beach of Spiaggia della Zimmari
Explore Panarea's car-free village lanes
Mooring tip
Anchor in 5-10 m sand and weed off Basiluzzo; holding is fair to good. Limited dinghy dock space.
Panarea → Ustica
A 45 NM passage east-southeast to Ustica, Sicily's northernmost island and a designated marine reserve. This open-water sail rewards with the island’s dramatic volcanic coastline. Anchor in Cala Sidoti, a protected bay with clear water ideal for a late afternoon swim. Ashore, rent bicycles to explore the island's quiet roads, stopping at the lighthouse at Punta Spalmatore for panoramic views. Dinner is at Trattoria da Umberto, a local favourite known for its unique Ustican lentils, a dish that speaks of the island’s volcanic soil and salty air. The island's commitment to conservation is palpable, making it a serene end to the day.
Things to do
Dive or snorkel the Grotta dei Gamberi's underwater caves
Cycle to Punta Spalmatore lighthouse for island views
Taste unique Ustican lentils at Trattoria da Umberto
Swim in the clear waters of Cala Sidoti
Mooring tip
Anchor stern-to in Cala Sidoti's sand and rock bottom, or take a mooring buoy; holding is generally good.
Ustica → Palermo
Cast off from Ustica for the 30-nautical-mile run south-east towards Palermo. The passage offers a final chance to enjoy the open sea, perhaps catching sight of dolphins before the Sicilian coastline appears. Pass the stark tower of Isola delle Femmine, a sentinel guarding age-old maritime stories. Before entering the bustling Palermo harbour, take one last opportunity for a refreshing dip in the crystalline waters of Cala Sidoti, a secluded bay known for its clear waters and tranquil atmosphere. Disembark in Palermo, the vibrant capital, with the scent of citrus and the distant sounds of the city promising urban adventures.
Things to do
Sail past the historic Isola delle Femmine tower
Enjoy a final swim at Cala Sidoti
Explore Palermo's bustling markets and historic sites
Sample authentic Palermo street food
Mooring tip
Palermo's Marina Villa Igiea offers stern-to mooring with good shelter; book well in advance during peak season.
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