Things to do in the Aeolian Islands: the 15 best ideas for your vacation in 2026

The horseback ride along the seashore of Catania's Playa is also suitable for children and beginners.

The hour-long horseback ride starts from the stables and takes place on the shoreline of the long beach in the Gulf of Catania: the Plaja.

In front of you you will admire the volcano Etna towering over the city, making a unique panorama, perfect for your souvenir photos.

Recommended clothing includes long pants and closed-toe shoes. The facility will provide you with all the equipment you need to ride a horse, including helmet (mandatory).

The shared boat tour from the port of Giardini Naxos allows you to enjoy a unique experience along the Taormina coastline with friends or family.

The excursion lasts about 2 hours and a swimming stop is planned.

The first stop is the Grotta della Conchiglia, famous for its distinctive shape and turquoise waters.

You will then sail to the Faraglioni of Capo Taormina, imposing rocks that provide breathtaking scenery.

The navigation will continue to the famous Isola Bella, the heart of the nature reserve: here you can take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the bay.

The next stop is the magical Blue Grotto, where the filtering light creates striking blue reflections.

Before returning to the port of departure you will skirt the Bay of Mazzarò, one of the most fascinating stretches of coastline.

Embark on an excursion off the Sicilian coast starting from the port of Giardini Naxos on this 2-hour shared boat tour with dolphin spotting.

The first stop is Isola Bella, an authentic jewel set in the bay, connected to the coast by a romantic tongue of sand.

Navigation will then continue to the striking Blue Grotto, where lights and reflections provide a unique spectacle of blue hues.

Afterwards, you will push out to sea for an exciting dolphin watching moment: in the hours near sunset, dolphins swim free in small groups.

The tour will end with a sunset aperitif in the middle of the sea, surrounded by the Sicilian coast and with Mount Etna in the background.

Explore the slopes of Mount Etna on a guided hike of about 20 km through lava fields, volcanic caves, and a broom forest.

You’ll set out from an elevation of 2,000 meters in the town of Nicolosi (CT) and follow a route that alternates between paved and unpaved roads, without exceeding the starting elevation. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll discover eruptive fissures and lava channels, observing the formations that characterize the volcano’s landscape.

During the hike, you’ll explore caves and lava tunnels, visit a distinctive lava-stone building, and traverse a broom forest, winding through the vegetation and expanses of volcanic rock.

Visit the Bay of Taormina aboard a wooden gozzo boat that will transport you to the most striking beauty of the Mediterranean, passing by Sicily's most fascinating caves and coves, such as the Blue Grotto and the Grotta degli Innamorati.

The excursion departs from Giardini Naxos and will have you explore the Isola Bella Marine Reserve, the Blue Grotto, the Grotta degli Innamorati, and the Grotta dei Coralli. You will also discover the bays of Mazzarò and San Nicola, cruising the Sicilian coast around Taormina.

During the navigation you will be offered an apericena on board based on typical Sicilian products.

During the navigation you will be able to search for and spot dolphins, with a little luck. You can finally take a dip in the water during one of the stops on the itinerary.

Maximum capacity: 24 people.

Half-day sailing excursion from Palermo to Mondello Bay or Capo Zafferano

Set sail aboard a comfortable sailboat that can accommodate up to 10 people.

Depending on the weather conditions, you will head for Mondello Bay or Capo Zafferano.

In the first case, you will pass by the striking caves of Villa Igea, which can be reached by tender for a refreshing swim.

In the second route, you will land at Capo Zafferano, where you can swim at the beach of the Frenchmen or in the crystal-clear waters of Lido del Carabiniere.

Day trip by sailboat to the Gulf of Mondello from Palermo.

Board a comfortable sailboat that can accommodate up to 10 people and be guided by an experienced skipper, who will share with you stories and trivia about the places you will visit.

Sailing to Mondello Bay you will pass through the fascinating caves of Villa Igea, which you can reach by tender for a refreshing swim.

During the day you can explore the coast by SUP or engage in snorkeling, admiring the colorful seabed and crystal clear waters of Sicily.

The day will be enhanced by a lunch on board with typical products.

If conditions permit, on your return you can enjoy a picturesque sunset over the sea before returning to port.

The half-day mini-cruise allows you to discover Mondello on board a shared or exclusive boat departing from Palermo and guided by an experienced skipper.

This experience is perfect for spending a relaxing day with friends or family.

You will sail to Mondello making a few stops for swimming in the sea. During the outing you will visit the most beautiful coves on the coast and receive explanations from the skipper who can answer your curiosities about the area.

Before returning you will be offered an aperitif with prosecco, chips and bruschetta.

In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility after booking.

Discover the coast of Palermo by sailing through crystal clear waters and some of the mostù suggestive stretches of the Sicilian coastline.

During the excursion you can admire beautiful locations such as Mondello, Sferracavallo, Capaci and the Nature Reserve of Isola delle Femmine, make swimming stops in the most beautiful waters of the coast and relax surrounded by breathtaking views.

The skipper will accompany you during the experience with curiosities, stories and anecdotes, making the sailing even more engaging.

You will also find snorkeling equipment on board and enjoy a typical aperitif.

The excursion è is available in three different tours, with different duration and itinerary, from the most complete full-day tour to the shortest sunset experience.

Enjoy the sunset aboard a Motor Yacht while enjoying a great aperitif with your friends or partner.

You will depart at 7 p.m. from Addaura Harbor and continue until you reach Mondello for a swimming stop, followed by the Gallo Trench, the Capo Gallo Lighthouse and the Grotta dell'Oglio Cave where you can swim and enjoy a sunset aperitif.

Aboard the boat you will be served an aperitif consisting of some typical Sicilian snacks, prosecco and other drinks.

The return is scheduled for 21:00 always at Marina Villa Igiea.

For the entire duration of the outing you will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will be ready to meet your every request.

We recommend clothing suitable for the evening weather.

The boat tour departing from Palermo is a perfect opportunity to admire the Sicilian coast from the sea, with stops at some of the island's most beautiful places, such as the Gulf of Mondello.

You will board a modern boat, with a maximum capacity of 6 people, equipped with all comforts: swim ladder, awning for shade, outdoor shower, stereo system, sunbathing area, stern platform and teak deck.

Departure is from the "Trapezoidal Pier," located in the center of Palermo. From here you will start sailing along the coast, where you can enjoy the views, crystal clear waters and sea breeze.

Two options are available: the group tour, which lasts 4 hours, or the private tour, which can last 4 or 8 hours.

During the tour you will be offered prosecco, soft drinks, fresh fruit and various snacks.

Group tour

The first stop is Virgin Mary beach, with golden sand and a clear turquoise sea.

You will continue to the Addaura area, then arrive in the Gulf of Mondello, where a stop for a swim and an aperitif on board is planned.

You will then continue to the Capogallo promontory, where the landscape changes and becomes even more evocative, until you reach the Grotta dell'Olio, a natural cavity carved out over time by the waves of the sea.

Here you can explore the cave, snorkel and observe the play of light reflecting off the rock walls. This will also be an ideal time for another swim stop at a very special spot.

The last stop before the return is the Grotta della Regina, a fascinating and mysterious place, considered one of the hidden jewels of the Palermo coast.

Private tour

In the private tour the itinerary is free and fully customizable, to be decided together with the skipper according to your wishes.

This excursion allows you to have a unique experience in the Egadi Islands, admiring Favignana and Levanzo.

Check-in is scheduled at 09:30 am. At 10:00 a.m. you will set sail from the port of Trapani.

From the moorings, after about 30 minutes of navigation, you will reach the island of Favignana, where all the swimming stops in the most beautiful areas of the Egadina island will be carried out, under the coast and in total safety.

Specifically, you will visit: the Preveto islet, Marasolo, Cala Lido Burrone, Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino, Cala Rossa, Scalo Cavallo, Cala del Pozzo, Cala Rotonda, Grotta degli Innamorati, Grotta dei Sospiri, Grotta Azzurra and Grotta Dolce.

At about 1 p.m. there will be a stop in the village, where a lunch break will be taken. 

After the lunch break, it will be possible to visit the island of Favignana, admiring the eighteenth-century villages, the tuna fishery Florio, the Florio palace, the Mother Church of Maria SS. Immacolata, the castle of Santa Caterina and much more! 

At about 3 p.m. we will depart with direction Levanzo Island; you will also explore under the coast and in total safety all the bathroom stops in the most beautiful areas of the island.

Specifically, you will visit: the beautiful Cala Tramontana, Grotta del Buco, the Faraglione, Cala Camaro, a short scenic stop in the village and then conclude the tour on Cala Fredda, Cala Minnula and Cala Calcara.

Each passenger will be offered a welcome toast consisting of prosecco and typical local products, all accompanied by good music and lots of merriment on board.

You will reach the departure point at approximately 6:30 pm.

Enjoy a wine tasting at Gandolfo vini winery in Marsala, where you can savor local labels accompanied by locally produced olive oil and typical products in a relaxed, family atmosphere.

During the visit you will enter the winery and discover up close the stages of production of Marsala wines, between tradition, passion and stories related to the territory. The Gandolfo family will accompany you on this journey, letting you know their history and the philosophy that has guided the production of their wines for generations.

The tasting will also allow you to enjoy a selection of local labels paired with typical Sicilian specialties, designed to enhance the aromas and flavors of the wine itself.

This day trip by group boat departing from Marsala allows you to admire Favignana and Levanzo.

Departure is scheduled from Marsala marina at 9:00 am. Once embarked, you will be served a breakfast of various croissants and coffee.

The first scheduled stop is in Favignana. Here you can relax with a refreshing swimming or snorkeling break in two bays: Cala Azzurra and Cala Rossa.

Next you will reach the port of Favignana for a free tour of the town lasting about 1 hour.

On your return to the ship, you will enjoy an aperitif of mixed bruschetta with matarocco, olive patè and sun-dried tomato patè accompanied by chips, pretzels and a local prosecco.

Following that, you can enjoy a lunch consisting of:

•    Antipasto (eggplant caponata, seasoned local olives, seafood salad, slices of local pecorino cheese, sun-dried tomatoes)
•    1 first course (seafood pasta or fish or vegetable couscous)
•    seasonal fruit
•    water
•    wine
•    Coca Cola
•    coffee

The next stop will be the nearby island of Levanzo. Here a swimming and snorkeling stop is planned in a bay (Cala Fredda or Cala Minnola).

Before returning to the port of departure, a final swimming stop is planned in a bay on the island of Favignana (Grotte Marine or Bue Marino).

Return to the Marsala marina is scheduled for about 5:30 pm.

During the return navigation to Marsala, a typical Sicilian dessert (Cannolo di ricotta) accompanied by a typical fortified wine (Zibibbo or Passito) will be offered.

The itinerary and times may be modified and agreed with the group according to needs and weather conditions.

In case of food allergies and intolerances it is possible to contact the facility after booking.

The private boat excursion in Marettimo Marine Reserve allows you to discover the Egadi Islands in the company of friends or family.

You will sail in Europe's most extensive marine reserve and visit the area's best-known caves.

You will have access to an exclusive boat and an experienced guide who will give you valuable information about local history, culture and traditions.

Through this private tour, you will have the opportunity to create a flexible and customized itinerary based on your interests and preferences. You can choose which attractions to visit and how much time to devote to each.

On board you will be offered a welcome drink.

This experience is perfect for those who want to spend a day in comfort and privacy: you can travel with friends and family without the presence of strangers, making the experience intimate and personal.

For the day trip to the Egadi Islands departing from Marsala, you will have a choice of 3 different tours:

Favignana Tour

The first stop will be at Bue Marino and Cala Rossa, including landing on the island of Favignana. Next is lunch on the dinghy (included in the price) and then move on to Cala Pozzo, Cala Rotonda, Cala Preveto and Marasolo beach. Finally, you will be offered an aperitif with typical products and prosecco, before returning to Marsala.

Favignana and Levanzo tour

The first stop will be at Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino, Cala Rossa and Scalo Cavallo, including landing on the island of Favignana. Next is lunch on the dinghy (included in the price) and then move to Levanzo, where you will visit Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola. Finally, you will be offered an aperitif with typical products and prosecco, before returning to Marsala.

Marettimo

The first stop will be at Grotta del Cammello, followed by Castello di Punta Troia, Scalo Maestro and Secca del Cretazzo. Next is lunch on the dinghy (included in the price) and a visit to the seaside village of Marettimo. After skirting Favignana, you will be treated to an aperitif with typical products and prosecco, before returning to Marsala.

The one-day boat tour to the Egadi Islands is guaranteed upon reaching at least 6 people. The maximum capacity of the boat is 12 people.

Group boat excursion departing from Marzamemi to explore the coast of southeastern Sicily.

On board you will find a large sun deck at the bow to relax and a galley, where dishes are freshly prepared in front of you.

You can choose between two options:
Half-day: lasting 4 hours including an aperitif.
Full day: lasting 8 hours, including aperitif and lunch.

The experience is guaranteed with a minimum of 5 participants; otherwise you will be contacted to move or cancel your reservation.

Discover the Sicilian coast thanks to this 3-hour group boat excursion departing from Marzamemi.

This evocative tour will allow you to immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters and admire unique landscapes, thanks to stops at the most striking destinations: Capo Passero Island, Marzamemi, Vendicari Nature Reserve.

You will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will tell you stories and curiosities of the area.

During the excursion you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products accompanied by a glass of wine, water or soft drinks.

You will board a comfortable boat equipped with seats with cushions, sunshade awning, bluetooth speaker and freshwater shower.

The boat tour in Marzamemi lasts half a day, departing at 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM or from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, during which a full lunch will be served on board.

The boat tour includes two or three stops in the crystal-clear waters of Sicily and offers a unique culinary experience.

In the morning, you’ll be greeted with a delicious breakfast, followed by a lunch featuring a variety of local seafood specialties, including seasonal fruit and beverages.

Typical Sicilian dishes include fresh seafood, fresh fruit, and beverages.

This boat tour will allow you to explore the sea, enjoy local delicacies, and experience an unforgettable day on a boat in Marzamemi.

Boat excursion along the southeastern coast of Sicily from Marzamemi to Portopalo di Capo Passero, with stops for swimming, snorkeling, fresh fruit, and a generous aperitif on board. Half-day or sunset tours to the Vendicari Nature Reserve are available.

Visit the historic tuna fishery in Portopalo, where you can take a dip in the crystal-clear waters before continuing on to the island of Capo Passero, admiring the picturesque sea caves and the imposing Spanish fortress that dominates the landscape. Here, another stop for swimming awaits you, followed by a delicious aperitif with focaccia, pane cunzatu, and Sicilian beverages—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

On the way back, the skipper will take you to see the famous Roman columns resting on a seabed about 5 meters deep, perfectly visible from the boat.

On board, you’ll also have access to snorkeling gear and floating mats so you can relax and fully enjoy the crystal-clear waters off the Sicilian coast.

We’re scheduled to return to port around 12:30 p.m.

Embark on a unique excursion to Marzamemi and enjoy an aperitif or lunch on board in excellent company, overlooking Sicily's most fascinating beaches. You can choose from two tours:

Sightseeing Tour (4 hours)

After visiting Tafuri Castle, you will head to the enchanting island of Capo Passero and then return to Marzamemi to explore its quaint old harbor. Afterwards, you will dive into the waters above the ancient Roman columns, then end the day with a refreshing swim at Vendicari Island.

Delicious bruschetta with Pachino cherry along with fresh seasonal fruit, local wine and water are offered on board to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Snorkeling equipment is also provided.

Exclusive (6 hours)

You may also choose to have lunch or dinner on board. The itinerary remains the same and the menu includes:

•    bruschetta with Pachino cherry tomatoes
•    grilled fresh fish
•    peperonata
•    Pachino salad
•    seasonal fruit, local wine, water

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, stops may be subject to change. The menu is subject to change related to seasonal availability.

Join us on a journey to discover some of the most beautiful spots along Sicily’s southern coast.

On this boat trip from Avola to Marzamemi, you’ll sail aboard one of our boats, accompanied by a professional skipper.

We’ll pass by fascinating spots accessible only by sea, and you’ll be able to explore the area’s rich underwater world during stops for swimming and snorkeling.

We’ll meet in Avola, where our skipper will welcome you aboard the boat, and we’ll set sail south.

The first points of interest we’ll encounter are Eloro Beach and Marianelli Naturist Beach. We’ll continue on until we reach Calamosche Beach, where we’ll make our first stop for a swim. The trip will then continue toward the Vendicari Nature Reserve, a protected natural area featuring long, pristine beaches of fine white sand.

Here you’ll have the chance to explore the seabed off Vendicari, swimming in its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling with the equipment provided by our staff (masks and snorkels).

Choose your experience: 

•    Morning Tour: We’ll travel by boat to Marzamemi, a small, quaint fishing village. We’ll admire its iconic landmarks directly from the boat, such as the ancient tuna trap, one of the most important in the region. We’ll then continue on to theIsland of Capo Passero, the southeastern tip of Sicily where the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea meet.
•    Afternoon and Sunset Tour: Experience the unique thrill of docking directly in Marzamemi. You’ll disembark to explore the ancient village on foot, bathed in the warm, romantic colors of the sunset. A magical experience to explore the historic squares and the ancient tuna trap from an intimate and exclusive perspective.

At the end of your chosen excursion, it will be time to return to Avola while enjoying a glass of prosecco paired with typical local products.