The 10 best things to do in Palermo over the weekend

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.

The daily shared boat excursion to Panarea and Stromboli departing from Lipari allows you to experience a relaxing day exploring the Aeolian Islands.

The first scheduled stop is at Cala Junco, a natural pool hidden among the rocks, with turquoise and crystal clear waters, a hidden corner protected by the FAI. Here a swimming stop is planned.

Reset aboard, you will head to the picturesque port of San Pietro in Panarea, where you will have about 2 hours of free time to explore the quaint village, savor the island’s unique atmosphere or have lunch at one of the local restaurants (lunch not included).

On returning to the boat, you will begin a scenic tour of the magical islands of Panarea by sea. You will pass by Bottaro, famous for its fascinating underwater fumaroles, and Lisca Bianca, home to the romantic Grotta degli Innamorati, steeped in legends and beauty.

You will continue sailing among the other surrounding islets, where two additional stops are planned to swim in the archipelago's crystal-clear waters, perfect for a refreshing dip or snorkeling.

Next, you will sail to the majestic Stromboli. From the boat, you will admire the’imposing profile of this active volcanic island before taking another swim in its dark, evocative waters.

You will then land at the port of Scari, where you will have about 2 hours to explore the island on foot, relax on its iconic black sand beaches or dine at a local restaurant (dinner not included).

At sunset, you will re-board and head to Strombolicchio and the Sciara del Fuoco, where you will witness the spectacular eruptions of Stromboli: smoke and tongues of lava will light up the night sky.

Finally, you will return to Lipari's Marina Corta pier around 10 p.m., after a unique day.

Experience a full-day boat excursion from Milazzo to explore Panarea and Stromboli, including swim stops, snorkeling and free time in the most fascinating islands of the Aeolian archipelago.

Departure is scheduled at 12:00 noon, during the tour you will reach Panarea, sailing along Cala Junco, Cala Zimmari and Capo Milazzese, with stops for swimming and snorkeling. After free time on the island, the route continues among the islets of the archipelago, passing between Lisca Bianca, Bottaro, Spinazzola and Basiluzzo, amid panoramic views and clear sea.

In the afternoon, navigation continues to Stromboli, with a stop on the island to visit the village, followed by passage in front of Strombolicchio and the Sciara del Fuoco. Here you can watch from the sea the spectacle of the volcano's eruption, accompanied by prosecco and aperitifs on board, before the evening return to Milazzo scheduled for 10:30-11:00 p.m.

Experience a gozzo excursion to Capo Milazzo between coastal navigation, swimming stops and snorkeling in one of the area's richest stretches of biodiversity.

Departure is from the Santa Maria Maggiore marina, sailing along the Cape Milazzo promontory accompanied by the skipper, who narrates the features of the marine protected area along the way. Depending on sea conditions, the tour may include stops at points such as Grotta dell'Oro, Punta Cirucco and Sant'Antonio Bay.

On board you have a mask and snorkel to snorkel and take a closer look at the seabed and fish in the area. Cool drinks and seasonal fruits are also offered during the experience to make the tour even more enjoyable and relaxing.

Explore Alicudi and Filicudi with this shared boat day tour departing from Lipari.

You will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will tell you about local stories and traditions.

You will sail to Alicudi, the westernmost island of the Aeolian Islands, famous for its unspoiled landscapes and peaceful atmosphere. Here a swimming stop is planned.

Once in Alicudi, you will have the opportunity to explore the island from a unique vantage point: its rugged coastline and traditional stone houses that seem to defy time.

Here you will also stop for a rest that will allow you to take a walk or simply enjoy the unique view.

The tour will then continue to Filicudi, the neighboring island, where you will have the opportunity to make a second stop for swimming, perhaps in the vicinity of the famous Sea Ox Cave, where you can snorkel and admire the marine life.

After exploring Filicudi and its wonderful bays, such as Porto Bay, you will take a break ashore of about 1 1/2 hours. Here, you can have lunch at a typical island restaurant (not included in the price) or relax on the beach.

On the way back, there will be time for a toast with a small glass of Malvasia, accompanied by typical Aeolian sweets.

You will return to Marina Corta pier in Lipari at 5:30 p.m., after about 8 1/2 hours of excitement and natural beauty.

The day boat excursion to Vulcano from Lipari allows you to enjoy a unique Aeolian Islands experience and taste local products.

You will coast the southern area of Lipari, where you can admire two rocks in the middle of the sea: the Faraglioni of Lipari, Pietra Lunga and Pietra Menalda, classified as volcanic necks.

You will then head to Cala Formaggio for a swimming stop. After the stop, you will reach Grotta del Cavallo, where at the’entrance you can also admire the beautiful Piscina di Venere. Here you will stop for your second bathroom stop.

Once back on board you will depart for the small village of Gelso, a fishing village dominated by a charming lighthouse. Here you'll make a stop at the Asino Beach, where you can have lunch at the Asino Beach lido/restaurant (not included in the price) and take a few dips in the water. 

Next you will sail to the Levante Harbor, where there will be a stop of about two hours to visit the Vulcan thermal lake, known as “The Mud Pool”, the Hot Water Beach, known for the boiling of the water due to gas emissions from the seabed, and finally stop at the Black Sands, where you can find very fine sand and very shallow waters.

Before returning to Lipari, you will make an additional swim stop at Praia Ferrante. On board you will be offered sesame cookies with local Malvasia.

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.