The 10 best things to do in Palermo over the weekend

Visit the Bay of Taormina aboard a wooden gozzo boat that will transport you to the most striking beauty of the Mediterranean, passing Sicily's most fascinating caves and coves, such as the Blue Grotto and the Lovers' Grotto. You can choose between two tours:

Classic (2 hours)

This 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.

Evening (2 1/2 hours)

The evening boat tour has the same itinerary as the classic tour and includes an apericena, based on typical Sicilian products. During the cruise you will also 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 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.

If you are a dolphin lover and want to enjoy a romantic moment on a boat at sunset, this experience is a unique opportunity to admire the marine flora and fauna of the Mediterranean while enjoying an aperitif of Sicilian specialties.

Departing from the port of Giardini Naxos, the excursion will take you along the coast of Taormina so you can take in the beauty of the area including Isola Bella, and caves such as the Blue Grotto and the Lovers' Grotto.

Bathing stops are provided during which you can dive into the Mediterranean waters or search for dolphins at sea from the boat. You will be treated to an onboard aperitif of Sicilian arancini and a traditional prosecco. Upon returning to port you will be able to observe the volcano Etna rising above the bays of the coast.

The boat tour lasts 2 hours and is organized on a shared basis. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may change.

Maximum capacity: 17 people.

Enjoy a romantic moment on the Taormina coast by visiting the most fascinating caves and Naxos Gardens in the company of your other half. With any luck, you may spot dolphins playing and chasing each other.

The boat tour departs from Spisone Beach the itinerary touches all the area's most renowned bays and caves, such as Grotta Azzurra, Grotta dell'Amore and Isola Bella. The navigation also touches on destinations such as Cape Taormina and Giardini Naxos.

The excursion takes about 2 hours and includes some bathroom stops during which you can dive into the crystal clear waters and snorkel with the equipment provided by the facility. You will also enjoy a delicious sunset aperitif with local products and views of Mount Etna.

The experience can be arranged on a shared or exclusive basis. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stages may change.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

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.

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.

This boat tour to the Aeolian Islands allows you to admire the beauty of Panarea and Stromboli and the beautiful islets that surround them. 

The departure is scheduled from the port Santa Maria Maggiore. The first stop will be at one of the most suggestive spots of Panarea: the Bay of Cala Junco where you can enjoy a swim of the turquoise waters or relax in the sun.

The navigation will then continue to the islets of of Basiluzzo, Lisca Bianca, Dattilo and Lisca Nera, which form a small archipelago between Lipari and the island of Stromboli. 

Next you will reach Stromboli, the most striking island in the archipelago and home to one of the three still active volcanoes in Italy.

You can also stop at Ginostra, a small hamlet of Stromboli with a terrace where you can enjoy an aperitif overlooking all the other Aeolian Islands.

The next stop will be; Strombolicchio, a small volcanic island where you can stroll through the narrow streets of the village center among the green fig trees, caper plants and colorful bougainvillea.

You will also have the chance to admire the Sciara del Fuoco and spectacular volcanic explosions under a starry sky before heading back toward the port of departure.

You can choose from 2 different options. The itinerary is the same, the departure and return times change.

Daily tour

You can choose between two boats with different capacities: one for maximum 5 people and one for maximum 12 people.

Departure is scheduled at 9 am and return around 7 pm.

Afternoon and evening tour

This experience allows you to depart at 12 noon and return around 10 pm. The maximum capacity of the boat is 12 people.

This Aeolian Islands boat tour offers you a’unique experience in the heart of the Aeolian Archipelago. You will have the opportunity to admire the beauty of the island of Vulcano, Lipari and Salina.

The departure è scheduled from the port Santa Maria Maggiore. The first bathing stop will be at the Grotta del Cavallo where you can also admire the Piscine di Venere.

Returning to the coast, you will continue to Vulcan Island with its famous black sand beach. The typical color è originated from the lava flows of volcanic nature that still today are visible from the numerous fumaroles.

You will then proceed to the volcanic hills of Pietra Lunga and Pietra Menalda, the so-called “Faraglioni di Lipari” and then reach Salina.

Following this, you are scheduled to stop for a swim in the crystal-clear waters in front of the village of Pollara where there is a beach set within an amphitheater-shaped cliff.

You will then sail back to Lipari, famous for its brilliant white rock mountains and the world-famous pumice quarries. Here, too, you will make a stop and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.

You will also have the opportunity to disembark on the island to take a stroll through the center and along the boulevards of Marina Corta and Marina Lunga before beginning the return sail to the port of departure.

When booking, you can choose between the 5-person boat or the 12-person boat. The'itinerary è the same.

This private boat tour to the Aeolian Islands from Milazzo offers you an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Aeolian Archipelago.

The departure is scheduled from the port Santa Maria Maggiore. The first swimming stop will be at Punta dell'Asino, in front of the black sand beach of the same name. The color is originated from lava flows of volcanic nature.

Returning to the coast you will admire the island of Vulcano, characterized by a strong smell of sulfur. Once you reach the Piscine di Venere (Venus Pools) and the Grotta del Cavallo; a second swimming stop is planned.

Resuming navigation, you will proceed to the imposing volcanic hills of Pietra Lunga and Pietra Menalda: the so-called “Faraglioni di Lipari”.

You will then start skirting Lipari with its bright white rock mountains and the very famous pumice quarries.

This tour to the Aeolian Islands from Milazzo is available daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and when booking you can choose between the 5-person and 12-person boat.

This tour departing from Milazzo offers you the opportunity to admire the islands of the Aeolian Archipelago: Vulcano, Lipari, Panarea and Stromboli.

The departure is scheduled from the port Santa Maria Maggiore. The first swimming stop will be at Punta dell’Asino, in front of the black sand beach of the same name.

Returning to the subcoastal navigation you will admire the extraordinary beauty of Vulcano Island, with its strong smell of sulfur. You will also observe the richest and most interesting part of the island: the Pools of Venus and the Horse Cave.

You will then proceed to the “Faraglioni of Lipari” the white rock mountains and the very famous pumice quarries. Here you can make your second swimmming stop.

The navigation will continue toward Panarea and you can enjoy another swim in one of the most fascinating spots on the island: the Bay of Cala Junco.

Next, you will skirt the rocky coastline and Aeolian houses with terraces overlooking the sea on the islets of Basiluzzo, Lisca Bianca, Dattilo and Lisca Nera.

Sailing will continue to Stromboli, the most striking island in the archipelago for the extraordinary phenomenon of the Sciara del Fuoco.

You will have the opportunity to make a stop at Ginostra, a small hamlet of Stromboli, where you can enjoy an aperitif with a view of all the other Aeolian Islands.

Once back on board you will be able to admire the volcanic explosions under the famous volcano called "Iddu".

Depending on your group, you can choose between the boat with maximum capacity of 5 people and the boat with capacity of 12 people. The itinerary is the same.

This boat tour with swimming stops allows you to get to know and admire the beauty of the Capo Milazzo coastline as seen from the sea.

During the excursion you will have the opportunity to stop at the most beautiful and suggestive coves to snorkel, dive and sunbathe in total relaxation.

The departure is scheduled from the port Santa Maria Maggiore. While sailing, you will be able to admire the colors and scents that enliven this rugged stretch of coastline.

When you arrive in Baia di Sant’Antonio, one of the most suggestive points of the promontory, you will have a swimming stop and have the opportunity to dive into the seabed where you can admire a rich biodiversity typical of the Mediterranean Sea.

The navigation will then continue to the Blue Lagoon, a charming inlet with turquoise waters, and then reach the Bay of Tone where you can dive. 

Wine Tasting at Castellaro Estate in Lipari is an experience dedicated to those who love wine and want to have a total Sicilian experience between Lipari and Etna. 

You will walk through the estate's winery, where you will be shown the production methods of the Sicilian wines produced by the winery, and in its vineyard.

Afterwards, you will be able to choose from 3 different tastings.

Island in the Glass

The tasting includes 3 glasses of wine: 

•    Bianco Porticello Terre Siciliane Bianco IGT 
•    Ypsilon Terre Siciliane Rosso IGT
•    Rosa Caolino Rosato IGT 

The tasting is accompanied by a board with a selection of cured meats, cheeses, vegetables and patè of capers Bio. Homemade bread and extra virgin olive oil from Etna will also be served.

The Classics

The tasting includes 3 glasses of wine: 

•    Pumice White
•    Black Obsidian
•    Malvasia delle Lipari DOC

The tasting is accompanied by a cutting board with a selection of cured meats, cheeses and patè of Organic capers. Homemade bread, extra virgin olive oil from Etna and artisanal sesamini will also be served.

Toast to the sun

This experience includes a short tour of the winery and a walk through the vineyard. The tasting includes 4 glasses of wine: 

•    1 glass of wine at vantage point with views of Alicudi, Filicudi and Salina
•    2 glasses of wine served on the terrace accompanied by 2 cutting boards
•    1 glass of Malvasia delle Lipari DOC

Sunset tasting is accompanied by artisanal cookies.

The experience lasts about two hours and is suitable for everyone. Minors are not allowed to taste.

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.

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 skirt Favignana's most beautiful and picturesque coves such as Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra. Lunch will be provided on board before reaching Levanzo. Here 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.

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.

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.

Prepare to dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Egadi Islands with a boat excursion from Trapani, during which you will explore the islands' most beautiful coves and enjoy surface snorkeling.

This daily yacht tour to the Egadi Islands is scheduled to depart at 09:30 a.m.

Long stops are scheduled for swimming and snorkeling in Favignana and you will be offered a tasting of typical Sicilian products.

You will visit the towns of Favignana and Levanzo, before returning to Trapani around 17:30 / 18:00. 

Maximum capacity: 30 people.

The excursion is shared and it is suitable for everyone. It is mandatory to pay the Egadi Islands ecological entrance fee in cash before departure (5€ per person, children from 0 to 4 years old do not pay the fee).

Embark on a unique adventure along the most fascinating coves and bays of Favignana and Levanzo aboard a motorboat, enjoying a hearty lunch on board and diving into the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.

You can choose from two different tours, each itinerary includes stops in Favignana and Levanzo for sightseeing and swimming.

Minicruise

The daily Egadi Islands minicruise offers a comfortable way to visit the islands. Departing Trapani at 09:30, you will arrive in Favignana for two hours of sightseeing and beaches. You will visit Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra with bathroom stops, and while sailing you will be treated to lunch on board, which includes:

•    Primo pasta with Trapanese pesto sauce
•    Fruit
•    Water and wine

In the afternoon, you will visit Levanzo and a bathroom stop will be provided. Return to Trapani is scheduled around 5:30-6:00 pm.

Shuttle Tour

The Shuttle tour allows you to visit Favignana and Levanzo without an organized tour. Departing from Trapani at 10:30 a.m., after about 45 minutes of sailing you will arrive in Favignana, where you can visit the island in total freedom. You will then reach Levanzo for a scenic tour and a bathroom stop. Return to Trapani is scheduled for 7:00 pm.

Maximum capacity: 200 people. It is mandatory to pay the Egadi Islands ecological entrance fee in cash before departure (5€ per person, children 0-4 years old do not pay the fee).

Venture 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, on your return 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, 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 0-4 years old do not pay the fee).

Maximum capacity: 28 people.