The western coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea is home to many treasures and San Vito Lo Capo is one of them. Summer travelers and sailors fall hard for this corner close to Palermo thanks to the wide sandy beaches and clear blue seas. San Vito Beach is a sight for sore eyes with its white sands and soft waves sitting beneath the shadow of the impressive Monte Monaco.
An impressive Blue Flag beach, it stretches on for almost 3km and offers plenty of pretty spots for sipping a Sicilian wine and watching the light change colour. Pay a visit to the nearby Tonnara del Secco with its old ruins and tales of gigantic tuna. Take the tender to Bue Marino’s Cove to see why it was awarded the most beautiful cove in Italy. Back on land and there’s a nearby nature reserve to visit to stock up on the sweet scents and sights of flora and fauna.
A sweet Sicilian Island populated since the days of Ancient Rome, Ustica has long been a haven for those seeking baby blue waters, marine protected diving, a gracious local scene, and a warm welcome that binds the heart. While it may take its name from the word for ‘burnt’ due to its volcanic nature, life on Ustica is completely laid-back and ever alluring. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and decadent diving spots thanks to the Marine Park status, water babies will be in their element. Be sure to take the tender to the nearby caves to watch the light sparkle and dance on all shades of blue water. Walkers and nature lovers alike will adore hiking the hills and paths that crisscross over gentle volcanic slopes. In the center, a string of stunning plazas invites you to sit in the sunshine and dine on incredible local delicacies that call on the Sicilian art of slow cooking. History lovers will get their fill with a whole host of tunnels, museums, and archaeological sites on offer. For those wanting an island that delivers dreamy experiences on both the land and the sea, Ustica is it.
Nicknamed the secret seaside, Marettimo is the most remote of the Aegadian Islands. Wild and free and full of charm, Marettimo steers clear of the fancy footing that some of the other Italian islands revel in. Instead, it's relatively untouched by tourism and is backdropped by impressive beauty and ruggedness that calls to even the most casual of walkers. The western side of the island is all cool alpines, wild rabbits, and serendipitous sea views while on the northern coast you can see an old Norman castle and a Byzantine chapel. The main town itself takes on a timeless simplicity with blue shuttered buildings, a pieced together port, pale pebbled beach, car-free streets, and a tiny collection of bars and restaurants to keep inhabitants well fed and watered. You instantly feel the pace of life slow down on Marettimo as hours are lost to long meandering walks, cooling swims, and sitting on a bench to enjoy an ice-cream with the locals.
Stretching on for a shy 3-kilometres, the Sicilian island of Favignana may be small but it’s a true treasure in the chest for both charter guests and Italians seeking summer bliss. The dreamscape of Caribbean-inspired blue hues, golden stretches of dusty road, and soaring craggy peaks set the scene for a reclusive hideaway less than 200 miles from Tunisia. Favignana is famed for its fabulous beaches and Cala Rossa is a must with its calm sheltered seas and corals. Those craving picture-perfect corners can head for Bue Marino with its atypical Sicilian vibe of locals bronzing on golden rocks with direct access to the cobalt and turquoise green sea. Of course, it comes as no surprise that the foodie scene in Favignana is fabulous. Expect simple yet extremely well-done seafood, pasta, and pizza made with authentic local ingredients. In-between dining and swimming, life is laid back on Favignana but there’s vineyards and museums and bicycle rides to keep you entertained.
The tiniest of the enchanting Egadi Islands, Levanzo is an Italian lullaby of cream coloured houses perched on an electric green blue waterfront dotted with colourful fishing boats. As an island on Sicily’s western coast, there’s a glorious sleepy vibe blending beautifully with the buzz of a small yet tight-knit local fishing scene. There’s one major tourist draw on the island - the Grotta del Genovese. This mysterious cave is home to prehistoric art with some images dating back to over 13000 years ago. When not gazing in awe at the ancient images of marine life and mammals, you can hike the fragrant trails that lead you across hills, woodland, and coastal tracks to the lighthouse. Of course, one of the most enchanting things about Levanzo is its welcoming blue waters - charter guests will find blissful coves and impressive rock stacks.
Trapani is a charming seaside city situated on Sicily's west coast and serves as the perfect base from where you can embark. It is also where the Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean seas meet, which is best viewed from the Ligny Tower located at the end of the Viale delle Sirene (Boulevard of Mermaids!). Its elegant old town is known for its museums, including the Museo Regionale Agostino Pepoli which is one of the finest art museums in Italy. You'll also come across fine, baroque architecture along the narrow, winding streets, not to mention fabulous seafood and "busiate" pasta in one of the many superb restaurants.
Scopello is a small hamlet in Sicily's northwestern corner, perched above the coast. This exclusive destination, however, has been popular not only with locals but also with trend-setters such as film directors and photographers for several years. It is a stunningly beautiful spot for a swim, a leisurely dinner, or an afternoon excursion.
Palermo, Sicily's capital, is a beautiful, historically rich Sicilian city with wonderful architecture, culture and gastronomy. This ancient European city has existed here for almost three thousand years and during that time, it has been influenced by various cultures. It is particularly noted for it's Norman architecture, churches and palaces. Palermo has numerous points of interest that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Palazzo Reale with the Cappella Palatine, the Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti and the Cattedrale di Palermo to name just a few.