With seven miles of remarkable beauty, the Riserva Dello Zingaro is one of Sicily’s finest gems. The ancient Greeks would call this place Cetaria due to the abundance of tuna that fattened the seas. Abundance is the right word to use about this sweet spot along the San Vito Lo Capo. With wildflowers frothing on the hillside, paths and ebb and flow, and ancient caves carved into the mountains, there is a lot to love about this beautiful part of Sicily. Charter guests who love wildlife and walking are sure to be in their element.
The trees and skies around this part of Sicily flood with birds -from seabirds to falcons, kestrels and owls - bring your binoculars to see a whole cast of winged characters. Pretty pebbled coves are also enticing spots for dropping anchor and cooling off in translucent waters.
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.
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.
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 town of Marsala is well known in Sicily thanks to its popular wines with their worldwide reputation. Not to be missed is the Stagnone Lagoon, with it's shallow, extremely salty water (salt was the main industry here) which harbours 4 islands. Some of the old salt pans are still active, with a few windmills dotted around the area. As a nature reserve there is an exceptional array of birdlife and undersea life to explore, and for the sports enthusiasts, it is a fantastic location for kitesurfing.
Off the western coast of Sicily, the enchanting Egadi Islands are ever enticing with their promise of wild bohemian living. Sshh, these islands are a favoured secret with Sicilians looking to dodge the crowds and rest easy against a backdrop of tiny streets, champagne seas, and abundant sunshine. Made up of three islands - Favignana, Levanzo, and Marretimmo, a visit to these islands also puts you closer to Tunisia rather than mainland Europe - only adding to the sense of sizzling far awayness that can feel so tempting.
Cruising these islands and dropping anchor means ancient ways of fishing, dining on impeccable food, and time standing still in a thousand different ways. Amble through a world of sleepy piazzas, stunning stretches of coast, and local artists as you explore the Egadi Islands.
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.
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.