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).

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.

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.

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.

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 trip by boat to Lipari and Salina departing from Marina Corta in Lipari allows you to experience a relaxing day in the heart of the Aeolian Islands.

You will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who will tell you stories and interesting facts about the places you will visit.

You will begin your navigation by pushing on to the Cave of Pomice, where the first swimming stop is scheduled, allowing you to cool off in the crystal clear Sicilian waters.

The tour will then continue to Salina: you will stop first at Capo Faro and then at Baia Pollara for more swimming stops. Here you will also see the house where the movie "Il Postino" was filmed.

Later you will arrive at the village of Lingua, where you will moor for a stop of about 1 1/2 hours. You will enjoy an excellent typical lunch in one of the local restaurants (not included in the price), refresh yourself with a swim and admire the characteristic salt lake.

Next you will head to the western part of Lipari, where you will stop for a dip at the Grotta degli Innamorati while admiring the Faraglioni rocks.

Finally, a final swimming stop is planned at the Praia di Vinci beach.

On the return trip to the starting point you will be offered a glass of Malvasia wine accompanied by fresh fruit, water and typical desserts.

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 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.

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.