The 10 best things to do in Palermo over the weekend

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).

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 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.

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.

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.

By booking the Picnic in the Vineyard in Lipari, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique experience. This special event offers you the opportunity to enjoy local delicacies in the midst of vineyards, overlooking the crystal clear sea and perfect weather.

Let yourself be taken on a sensory journey where flavors, scents and landscapes come together in an unforgettable experience.

After a short walk in the vineyard you will reach a viewpoint equipped to taste our wine in complete freedom: admiring Alicudi, Filicudi and Salina the magic begins!

The picnic basket includes a bottle of wine and an assortment of traditional gastronomic products:

•    One bottle of wine for every 2 people with a choice of Marsili, Bianco Porticello and Ypsilon
•    Basket with gourmet accompaniments (cured meats, cheeses and our Organic capers pate)
•    Reserved seats nestled in the vineyards with extraordinary views of the sea

Finally, you can choose to spend a night in one of the three charming houses available at the Estate: Casa Colino, Casa Pomice and Casa Ossidiana, surrounded by the quiet of the vineyards, with a romantic atmosphere and architecture that blends with nature. House prices vary depending on the season!

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. 

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.