Things to do in the Aeolian Islands: the 9 best ideas for your vacation in 2025

Horseback riding in Etna Park, among the woods and wilderness of Sicily. The 1h walk and the 2h walk include two slightly different routes.

1h walk
Before leaving for the English-mounted horseback ride, you will have a briefing lasting about 20 minutes so that even those who have never ridden can learn some basics about horseback riding and gain confidence in the saddle. You will then start in the woods of Mount Etna Park until you reach an altitude of 1,000 meters. You will immerse yourself in the unique natural setting of one of Sicily's regional natural parks as well as protected natural areas!
The walk will last 40 minutes; the experience will last a total of 1 hour.

2h walk
The walk begins with an initial 30-minute briefing to learn the basics of riding.
The walk with English mounts will eventually lead to Piano dei Gelsi, which offers an exclusive panoramic view of Mount Etna.
The hike will last 1 1/2 hours; the experience will last a total of 2 hours.

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).

If you are looking for a boat tour in Taormina, don't miss the opportunity of this boat tour to sail along the Sicilian coast and delve into all its most renowned bays and caves, such as the Blue Grotto and the Lovers' Grotto.

You will have a choice of two boat tour options in Taormina. In each case, the boat tour departs from Spisone Beach.

With aperitif (2 hours)

The excursion with aperitif will have you visit the Bay of Sirens, Scoglio dell'Elefante, Mazzarò Beach, Isola Bella and many other destinations, including the well-known Giardini Naxos. You will have the opportunity to take a dip in the waters of the bays and practice snorkeling.

During the boat tour you will be offered an aperitif on board with beer, wine, prosecco and drinks, accompanied by snacks and typical Sicilian products.

With tasting (3 hours)

The excursion with tasting includes the same itinerary as the excursion with aperitif, with a visit to the Taormina Caves and Giardini Naxos. In addition, the tour will be accompanied by a tasting of three different types of wine (prosecco, white wine and red wine), paired with a board of Sicilian cold cuts and cheeses.

Both boat tours are suitable for everyone, and you can decide to swim or relax on the beaches near the caves you will visit, so you can have a totally relaxing time.

Maximum capacity: 24 people.

Embark on a relaxing excursion along the coast of Taormina and the bay of Giardini Naxos with views of the striking beaches, caves and coves that characterize the area.

Departing from the port of Giardini Naxos, you will visit the Isola Bella nature reserve, the Grotta degli Innamorati, the Grotta Azzurra, the Grotta del Corallo, where coral colonies can be observed, the Bay of Mazzarò and the Bay of the Sirens. The tour will be accompanied by music and the captain's explanations of the history of the caves and bay you will explore.

There will be a swim stop during the navigation and you will be offered a snack of "almond paste," a local dessert, along with fresh fruit and prosecco. If you choose the tour with snorkeling, you will also snorkel along the coast and view the marine flora and fauna with equipment provided directly by the captain.

The boat is equipped with sun shades so you can enjoy the experience in total relaxation. The tour is organized on a shared or exclusive basis and is suitable for everyone. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may change.

Maximum capacity: 17 people. Two boats are available.

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.

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.

Immerse yourself in the most fascinating scenery of Sicily and the Mediterranean waters and explore the Palermo coast aboard an inflatable boat equipped with every comfort to allow you to live a totally relaxing experience.

Departing from Cala Porto in Palermo, the route will be decided on the spot by the skipper, depending on wind conditions, but the main stops that will be touched will be as follows:

•    Virgin Mary Beach
•    Mondello
•    Capo Gallo Nature Reserve
•    Addaura Beach
•    Queen's Cave

During each of the stops there will be a swim stop during which you can swim and snorkel with equipment provided directly by the facility. You will also have the opportunity to explore the town of Mondello and have lunch at one of the typical local restaurants.

The dinghy excursion is organized on a shared basis and lasts a full day. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore the beauty of Sicily in excellent company and take a swim in the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

Explore the sea outside Palermo with this relaxing excursion, perfect for groups of friends or families with children.

You will depart from Marina Villa Igiea at 9 a.m. or 2 p.m. and head north to Mondello and Capo Gallo.

On arrival, you can stop to swim in the sea and choose whether to relax in the sun or enjoy the music on board.

As soon as you board you will be offered a welcome cocktail and afterwards you can enjoy an excellent aperitif of local products.

An experienced skipper will be always present on board to meet your every need.

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

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 day boat ride between Palermo and the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve is a relaxing experience that allows you to discover the Sicilian sea, perfect for groups of friends or families with children.

You will depart by 10:30 a.m. from Marina Villa Igiea and head north, pushing as far as Isola delle Femmine. Return is scheduled for 5:30 pm.

This tour will allow you to make swimming stops with the possibility of snorkeling at some of the most beautiful spots along the coast.

An experienced skipper will be on board at all times to attend to your every need.

You will be offered a welcome cocktail when you arrive on the boat, and at lunchtime you will be served Sicilian dishes to eat on board.

In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility following your reservation.

Discover the Gulf of Palermo on board a beautiful boat with the best amenities, perfect for groups of friends or families with children.

Departing from Mondello pier you will avoid long queues that can form at the port of Palermo, so you can optimize your time and stay on board longer.

The itinerary guarantees pleasant swimming stops and a tour of the Capo Gallo marine reserve and, when the waves allow, the Grotta dell'Olio, making for a full immersion experience in the beautiful coastline.

On board you will find:

•    seats with cushions for a comfortable ride
•    deck and bow space for sunbathing
•    effortless access to the sea via a swim platform and convenient ladder
•    snorkeling equipment
•    sun canopy for relaxing in the shade
•    Bluetooth speaker
•    freshwater shower
•    on-board toilet

During the outing you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products both hot and cold. In addition, on board you will find beer, local wine, water or refreshing soft drinks to go with your aperitif.

An experienced skipper will accompany you throughout the outing and can tell you the best trivia about the area.

The half-day mini-cruise allows you to discover Mondello on board a boat shared with other participants starting 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.

During the day sailing to the Egadi Islands from Trapani, the skippers will guide you to discover the wonderful coves of the Egadi archipelago so you can enjoy the exciting days aboard the fully equipped sailboats.

The excursion will begin at 9:30 a.m. from the port of Trapani and will end at approximately 6 p.m. Cast off the moorings and hoist the sails, your adventure on the routes to Favignana and Levanzo will begin.

Throughout the day there will be bathroom stops at Cala Fredda, Cala Minnola on Levanzo and at Cala Azzurra, Bue marino, Cala Rossa on Favignana. Each stop will be given the opportunity to swim and use the snorkeling equipment available to each guest.

Guests will also have the opportunity to visit the island of Favignana where they will dock for a break and delight in typical Trapani cuisine while wandering the streets of the town.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

Embark on a not-to-be-missed excursion in a motorboat equipped with every comfort and experience a mini-cruise in the crystal-clear waters of Sicily, visiting the best-known caves and enjoying a typical lunch on board.

Departing from Trapani, the motorboat trip will take you to several destinations, depending on the itinerary you choose, and you will have a choice of two routes.

Favignana and Levanzo (8 hours)

During the excursion to Favignana and Levanzo, you will sail along the most beautiful and scenic coves of Favignana, such as Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra. The tour also includes two stops on land: a 2-hour stop in Favignana and a 1-hour stop in Levanzo.

Lunch will be served on board before heading to Levanzo. There, you will visit Cala Fredda, Cala Minnola, and the small fishing village.

Marettimo (9 hours)

During the excursion to Marettimo you will visit the pebble beaches on the slopes of Punta Troia and other sandy coves such as Cala Bianca and Cala Nera. With luck, you may spot rare Mediterranean monk seals.

The excursion lasts a full day and includes an onboard lunch of typical Sicilian products.

The excursion to Marettimo is guaranteed with a minimum of 40 participants.

Don't miss a unique opportunity to swim in Mediterranean waters and visit the Egadi Islands as a group or as a couple.

Maximum capacity: 185 people.

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

At 10 a.m. you will set sail from Trapani. 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.

You will visit all the main attractions, such as the islet of Preveto, Cala Azzurra, Cala Rotonda, Grotta degli Innamorati and Palazzo Florio.

At around 13:00 we will stop in town, where we will have a lunch break. Alternatively, you will be able to have lunch on board the’boat and provide your own packed lunch or, upon request, ask the facility to provide lunch on board.

Once the lunch break is over, it will be possible to visit the island.

At about 15:00 you will leave with direction Levanzo Island; also there you will explore under the coast and in total safety the beautiful Cala Tramontana (the largest cove of the Egadi Islands, an evocative place full of anecdotes of the famous battles of the Egadi Islands).

Following this, you will visit the Grotta del Buco, the Faraglione, Cala Camaro and make a short scenic stop in the village and then conclude the Tour on Cala Fredda, Cala Minnula, Cala Calcara and Capo Grosso.

Each passenger will be offered a welcome toast consisting of prosecco “La Gioiosa” and local products, all accompanied by good music and lots of merriment on board!

The return is scheduled for about 6:30 pm. 

You can also enjoy various services on board for free, such as beverages (water, tè, coke, coffee), snorkeling accessories, underwater flashlights, underwater camera and a video/photo “souvenir” service included in the price that will be sent to you at the end of each tour. 

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

The boat tour of Marettimo caves with Walter, the skipper, is a unique experience of relaxation and wonder. Walter deeply loves the Egadi island and wants to share its beauty with everyone. You will explore the main caves and Zone A of the island.

Two boat tours are available departing from Scalo Nuovo in Marettimo: one in the morning at 10:30 a.m. with return at 2:15 p.m. and the other in the afternoon from 3:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Following a natural itinerary, we start with a visit to the Camel Cave, the Thunder Cave and the Pipe Cave, among the most famous in Marettimo.

After a 15- to 20-minute swim stop at Cala Libano, we continue to Cala Bianca, one of Marettimo's most picturesque areas. This is followed by Grotta Perciata, Grotta Ficaredda, Grotta del Presepe, Grotta della Palma and finally the spectacular Grotta degli Innamorati, where you can take a dip.

Continuing on, you will visit the Bombarda Cave and conclude with a stop at Sea Fennel for another dip before returning.

Discover the most striking bays of the Egadi Islands with an excursion aboard a spacious, fully equipped boat.

Departing from Trapani, the excursion will guide you along the picturesque Sicilian coast, stopping at hidden coves such as Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino and Cala Rossa, before reaching the village of Levanzo. Here, you will enjoy a swim stop in one of the coves. Next, you will set course for Favignana for another swim stop.

On board, a full lunch with Trapani specialties and fresh fish will be served. After lunch, you will have free time to explore Favignana, enjoy Sicilian granita and visit the Grotta degli Innamorati before returning to Trapani.

Two embacations are available: the Egadi Star and the Luxury Shalimar IV. Both carry a maximum of 30 passengers on board. The Luxury Shalimar boat will give you a luxury experience in a mini-cruise equipped with a larger size for a totally relaxed excursion.

Maximum capacity: 30 people. It is mandatory to pay the ecological fee of €5 at the ticket office before departure.

Adventure to the Egadi Islands with a unique excursion to Marettimo, a small hamlet of Favignana, where you can dive into the Mediterranean waters and snorkel, all accompanied by a typical tasting of Sicilian products.

Departing from Trapani at 09:30, you will take a complete tour of the island with visits to the most beautiful coves and caves where you can swim and snorkel. You will have the opportunity to visit the small town and, upon returning by boat, you will be offered a typical tasting. This will be followed by a panoramic tour of Levanzo with a final stop for swimming near the Faraglione, before returning to Trapani at 6:30 pm.

The tour will be done on a shared basis. In addition, è it is mandatory to pay the ecological fee for entry into the Egadi Islands Marine Protected Area in cash before departure (5.00€ per person, children from 0 to 4 years old do not pay the fee).

Maximum capacity: 28 people.

Children ages 0-4 years old are not allowed on board.

Boat excursion until sunset, departing from Avola with a stop in Marzamemi.

You will leave for about 3:30 pm and visit from the sea Noto Marina, Calamosche, the Vendicari Nature Reserve and San Lorenzo.

Once you arrive at Marzamemi you will make a stop and get off the boat to visit the small town. You will then get back on the boat until you arrive at Capo Passero Island.

Return is scheduled for 8:00 pm.

During the outing you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products accompanied by prosecco to be consumed on board.

In addition, there are several stops to swim in the sea and you will be able to use the equipment on board to snorkel.

For this experience you can choose from 3 options with the same itinerary:

•    Shared excursion with other participants aboard a raft, for a maximum of 12 people. The boat must carry at least 6 people on board.
•    Private excursion with the entire raft exclusively, for a maximum of 10 people
•    Private excursion aboard a boat, for a maximum of 5 people

In each of these cases, an experienced skipper will accompany you throughout the outing and can assist you with any of your needs.

Morning boat excursion, leaving from Avola and skirting the beaches and coves to Marzamemi.

You will leave by about 9:00 a.m. and visit from the sea Noto Marina, Calamosche, the Vendicari Nature Reserve, San Lorenzo and Marzamemi until you arrive at Capo Passero Island. Return is scheduled for 1:30 pm.

There will be several stops for swimming in the sea and you will be able to use the equipment on board for snorkeling.

In addition, you will be served an aperitif on board based on typical Sicilian products accompanied by prosecco.

For this experience you can choose from 3 options with the same itinerary:

•    Excursion shared with other participants on board a raft, for a maximum of 12 people
•    Private excursion with the entire raft exclusively, for up to 10 people
•    Private excursion aboard a boat, for a maximum of 5 people

In each of these cases, an experienced skipper will accompany you throughout the outing and can assist you with any of your needs.

The group experience is guaranteed with a minimum of 6 participants.

The sunset boat aperitif in Marzamemi is a unique experience on a private boat with skipper and local food. The tour Starts at 7:30 pm and lasts until 10 pm.

This is a very special sunset aperitif where a magical atmosphere is created. The tour is organized for couples, groups or family members on a private basis.

An aperitif of fish and local products, drinks and seasonal fruits will be served during the tour.

You will enjoy the spectacle of the sun setting on the horizon, accompanied by the relaxing and engaging melody of sax played live on the boat.

The boat excursion to Marzamemi has a half-day duration departing at 09:00 or 15:00, during which a reinforced lunch or aperitif will be served on board.

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

In the morning, you will be greeted with a delicious breakfast accompanied later by an aperitif lunch full of typical local products. In the afternoon, on the other hand, some welcome food and an aperitif will be served.

Typical Sicilian dishes include fried foods, fresh fish dishes, bruschetta, fresh fruit, and, of course, drinks.

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

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.

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.