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

Experience a boat excursion in the Bay of Taormina among the sea, coastal views and a dedicated stop at Isola Bella, one of the area’s best-known sites, with lunch, comfort zone with reserved umbrella and sunbeds and bag with mini guide and characteristic souvenir.

The experience includes an approximately 1 hour and 30 minute sail along the coast, accompanied by a skipper who shares curiosities and information about the area along the way.

The tour takes you to Isola Bella, the central point of the excursion, where you have about 7 hours to relax, swim or explore the area.

The experience includes access to the Isola Bella Museum, a full lunch and a reserved comfort zone with 2 premium loungers on a stone platform, 1 umbrella per couple, positioning in the viewing area and a small bottle of water for each participant.

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.

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.

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.

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 aperitif on board based on typical Sicilian products. In addition, during the different stops you will be able to swim in the waters of the Reserve and snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.

Maximum capacity: 24 people.

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.

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.

Sailing tour from Palermo with a duration of about half a day discovering the coast directly from the sea, with aperitif included executable both in the morning and in the afternoon.

The excursion begins from the port of Palermo, once you leave you will embark on a leisurely coastal sail at a moderate speed along the Addaura coast.

Next, you will drop anchor in the beautiful Mondello Bay, where you will have the opportunity to swim and use the free snorkeling equipment and inflatable mattresses we provide. You will be escorted to the Capo Gallo Reserve, until you reach the Lighthouse.

Finally, you will reverse course and head to the Grotte della Regina, where in addition to swimming, you will be offered an aperitif on board based on typical products accompanied by a glass of wine and return to the port of Palermo.

Rent an inflatable boat to independently explore the coast of Palermo and Isola delle Femmine, moving freely between some of the mostù beautiful areas of the coastline.

You can reach locations such as Mondello, Sferracavallo and Capaci Beach, or push on to the Isola delle Femmine Nature Reserve. Sailing westward, è you can also visit such stretches as Terrasini, Cala Rossa, Grotta delle Colombe and Magaggiari Beach.

The charter è is suitable both for those who wish to spend a few hours at sea, and for those who prefer to devote the entire day to exploring the coast.

The boat tour departing from Palermo allows you to admire the Sicilian coast from the sea while visiting some of the island's best-known spots, such as the Gulf of Mondello.

You will sail aboard a modern boat that holds up to 8 people and features a swim ladder, awning, deck shower, stereo system, sundeck, aft platform and teak deck.

Leaving from the "Trapezoidal Pier" located in the center of the city of Palermo, you will sail along Palermo's coast where you can admire the crystal clear waters and enjoy the sea breeze.

You can choose between the group tour (lasting 4 hours) and the exclusive tour (lasting 4 or 8 hours).

You will be offered prosecco, soft drinks, fruit and various snacks on board.

Group tour

The first scheduled stop is the Virgin Mary beach, characterized by the presence of golden sand and crystal clear turquoise waters.

The navigation will continue towards Addaura and then arrive in the Gulf of Mondello where, in addition to stopping for a swim, you can enjoy a delicious aperitif.

You will later reach the promontory of Capogallo, and you can admire a series of breathtaking views until you reach the Grotta dell'Olio, a cave created by the incessant force of the waves.

Here you will have the opportunity to explore this unique cave and observe the play of light reflecting off the rock walls and snorkel.

This picturesque corner will be the perfect place for another rejuvenating break: you can swim in the crystal clear waters and explore the seabed.

Finally, you will return toward the port of Palermo by making the last stop: Grotta della Regina, one of the jewels of Palermo, a fascinating and mysterious place.

Private tour

For the private tour the itinerary is flexible and customizable, to be agreed with the skipper.

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.

The boat excursion to Favignana and Levanzo departing from Marsala is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable day discovering the Egadi Islands.

You’ll board a comfortable boat equipped with a restroom and shower, with a maximum capacity of 25 people to ensure a relaxed and pleasant experience throughout the day.

The trip begins at the Marsala Tourist Port, where you’ll be welcomed with breakfast on board before setting sail towards Favignana.

Once you arrive on the island, you’ll stop at some of its most beautiful spots: Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, Cala Azzurra, and the Lovers’ Cave. Here, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy refreshing swims in crystal-clear waters.

Back on board, a traditional lunch will be served, featuring seafood pasta and a selection of drinks (water, cola, iced tea, and wine).

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Levanzo, with more swimming stops planned at Cala Minnola and the Faraglioni. Snorkeling equipment is available for guests who wish to explore the underwater scenery.

Before returning to Marsala, fresh seasonal fruit will be offered to end the day on a sweet note.

When booking, you can choose between a group tour or a private excursion. The private option allows you to customize the itinerary in agreement with the skipper.

Daily excursion by dinghy from Trapani to explore the islands of Favignana and Levanzo.

You will set sail from the port of Trapani at 10:00 am and head to Favignana. The first stop will be Cala Azzurra, one of the most beautiful coves on the island, and then go to Bue Marino and Cala Rossa. Once you arrive at the Lovers' Grotto you can dive into the sea and swim in the crystal clear waters.

At 1 p.m. you will stop on the island of Favignana where you will enjoy a lunch of typical products in an affiliated restaurant (included in the price) and visit the village of Florio.

In the afternoon you will continue the excursion to Levanzo. You will go to see Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola where you can make other stops for swimming in the sea.

You will then return by 18:00 to the port of Trapani.

Throughout the excursion you will be accompanied by a skipper who can tell you the history of the area and answer all your questions.

The boat is equipped with a mini bar to keep drinks such as prosecco, wine and soft drinks cool.

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.

Leaving from Trapani, the motorboat trip will take you to different destinations, visiting the most famous caves and enjoying a typical lunch on board.

During the excursion to Favignana and Levanzo you will skirt the most beautiful and suggestive coves of Favignana such as Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra. There are also two shore stops: a 2-hour stop in Favignana and a 1-hour stop in Levanzo.

You will be scheduled to have lunch on board before reaching Levanzo. Here you will visit Cala Fredda, Cala Minnola and the small fishing village.

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

Maximum capacity: 185 people.

Discover the wonderful island of Favignana through a sailing boat tour and experience direct contact with the sea.

The sailing excursion is held by a licensed skipper and is intended both for beginners who are approaching sailing for the first time, and for those who have already taken a basic sailing course in the past and want to take a tour of the 'enchanting island of Favignana, followed by a trained and competent instructor.

During the excursion you will visit Cala Rossa, Bue Marino and Cala Rotonda, with swimming and snorkeling stops. On your return, the captain will offer you a tasting of typical Favignanese products, water, coffee and snacks.

Get ready to discover the whole island of Favignana with its fantastic crystal clear waters and famous coves directly from the sea.

This experience allows you to experience a full day in an inflatable boat discovering the Egadi Islands.

Departure is scheduled from Marina Vento di Maestrale (Trapani), at 10:00 a.m. (check-in at 9:15 a.m.), while the return is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

During the day, 8 swimming stops are scheduled between the island of Favignana and Levanzo and a 2-hour stop on the island of Favignana at 1:00 p.m. 

Food, talk and wine will not be missed and afterwards you will be free to stroll the streets of the largest of the Egadi Islands!

The fee includes mini bar, skipper and aperitif on the island. The maximum capacity of the dinghy è is 12 people.

In case of bad weather, the facility may cancel or change the itinerary and its duration.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.