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Egadi Islands
The Egadi Islands are a lesson in nature’s resilience, where time slows, and the rhythms of wind and water shape the land more than people ever could—Favignana’s limestone coves, Levanzo’s prehistoric cave art, and Marettimo’s untamed cliffs remind us that the Mediterranean was once wilder, less tamed by humans. Ustica is a volcanic outpost, isolated and obscure, the Galapagos of Sicily. Finally there is Palermo, the chaotic, intoxicating heart of Sicily, where the collision of cultures—Arabic, Norman, Spanish—has produced a cuisine, an architecture, and a way of life that feels almost defiant in its complexity, a place where history is always present, simmering just beneath the surface.
Route: Favignana – Marettimo – Lavanzo – Castellammare di Golfo – Scopello – San Vito lo Capo
Considerations
A Remote Corner of Sicily — Sail beyond the well-trodden routes of the Mediterranean to the
Egadi Islands, a rugged archipelago just off Sicily’s western coast where quiet fishing villages, wild coastlines and secluded coves still define the landscape.
Some of the Mediterranean’s Clearest Water— The Egadi Islands sit within Europe’s largest marine protected area, preserving vast Posidonia meadows and exceptionally clear waters teeming with marine life. Spend your days swimming, snorkeling and diving straight from the yacht.
World-Class Diving & Underwater History — Explore dramatic sea caves, rocky walls and vibrant underwater habitats around Levanzo and Marettimo, including the remains of a Roman shipwreck and ancient amphorae resting on the seafloor.
Three Islands, Three Different Worlds — From the turquoise coves and historic tuna fisheries of
Favignana, to the tiny, quiet village of Levanzo, to the mountainous and wild coastline of Marettimo, each island reveals a completely different side of Sicily.
The Mediterranean, Unfiltered — This is a voyage for travelers who want to get off the beaten path. Expect
long swims, hidden anchorages, dramatic cliffs, sea caves, fresh seafood and evenings in tiny harbors —with the freedom to experience the islands from the water, away from the crowds
Two starting points: Palermo or Marsala
Location
Egadi Islands
Sicily
Season
May through September
Example Itinerary
7-Day Sailing Itinerary: Palermo – Egadi Islands – Ustica
Day 1: Palermo to Favignana (75 NM)
Highlights: Historic Palermo, open-sea crossing, Cala Rossa Depart from Palermo in the early morning for the longest passage of the journey. The 75-nautical-mile sail to Favignana, the largest of the Egadi Islands, will take most of the day. Arrive in the late afternoon and anchor at Cala Rossa, a stunning bay with turquoise waters. If time allows, visit the historic Tonnara di Favignana, one of the Mediterranean’s oldest tuna fisheries. Moor at Cala del Pozzo or Favignana Marina for the night.
Day 2: Favignana to Levanzo (5 NM)
Highlights: Grotta del Genovese, quiet anchorages A short morning sail to Levanzo, the smallest and most tranquil of the Egadi Islands. Anchor off Cala Minnola for lunch and snorkeling. In the afternoon, take a dinghy ride to explore Grotta del Genovese, a prehistoric cave with ancient rock carvings and paintings. Enjoy a peaceful evening at anchor under the stars.
Day 3: Levanzo to Marettimo (12 NM)
Highlights: Remote beauty, sea caves, hiking Set sail for Marettimo, the most rugged and remote of the Egadi Islands. Drop anchor at Cala Manione or moor at the small port. Spend the afternoon exploring Marettimo’s dramatic coastline and sea caves, like Grotta del Cammello and Grotta della Bombarda. For land adventures, hike to the Castello di Punta Troia, a medieval fortress with breathtaking views.
Day 4: Marettimo to San Vito Lo Capo (35 NM)
Highlights: Zingaro Nature Reserve, golden beaches, Sicilian couscous Depart early for San Vito Lo Capo, a vibrant coastal town on Sicily’s northwest coast. The route passes by the stunning Riserva dello Zingaro, where you can stop for a swim in secluded coves. Moor in San Vito Lo Capo Marina and enjoy a classic Sicilian dinner featuring the town’s famous couscous di pesce.
Day 5: San Vito Lo Capo to Ustica (45 NM)
Highlights: Crystal-clear waters, snorkeling, marine reserve An open-sea passage to Ustica, a volcanic island known for its marine biodiversity. Upon arrival, anchor in Cala Sidoti or moor at Ustica’s small port. Spend the afternoon exploring Grotta Azzurra, a sea cave with electric blue waters, and snorkeling in the Area Marina Protetta, one of the Mediterranean’s best diving spots.
Day 6: Ustica to Mondello (35 NM)
Highlights: White sandy beach, Palermo’s elegant seaside district Sail southeast to Mondello, Palermo’s chic beachside neighborhood. Anchor off Mondello Beach and spend the afternoon enjoying its soft sands and clear waters. For dinner, indulge in fresh seafood at a beachside trattoria.
Day 7: Mondello to Palermo (6 NM)
Highlights: Relaxed final sail, Palermo’s historic center A short morning sail back to Palermo, allowing time to explore the city’s rich history. Wander through Ballarò Market, visit the stunning Palermo Cathedral, or sip an espresso in Piazza Pretoria before ending your journey.
Crew
Private Chef
Meet the chefs
A Sailing Collective chef embodies our philosophy of travel, storytelling, learning, and sharing. We use local ingredients to create a unique culinary experience for each voyage. This is unlike any food adventure you've ever been on.
Professional Captain
Meet the captains
Your professional crew are talented explorers who combine their love of sailing with personalized hospitality. Each captain is professionally certified and able to lead your one of a kind experience at sea.
Egadi FAQ
What makes the Egadi Islands special? – The Egadi Islands feel like the last frontier of authentic Sicily. Just off the western coast, Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo retain a slower pace of life, small fishing communities, rugged landscapes and an unmistakable old-world Mediterranean character. This is Sicily experienced from the sea—away from the major tourist routes and at a pace that leaves room for discovery.
Is the Egadi Islands itinerary off the beaten path? – Very much so. While Favignana has become increasingly known for its extraordinary beaches, Levanzo and especially Marettimo remain remarkably quiet and wild. Marettimo is the most isolated of the islands, with a mountainous landscape, a single small village, hiking trails and a coastline filled with caves and secluded coves.
What does “authentic Sicily” look like here? – It looks like fishing boats pulled up along a tiny harbor, whitewashed houses, family-run trattorias, ancient stone buildings and evenings spent watching the light change over the Mediterranean. The islands have a strong maritime identity that goes back generations, particularly in Favignana, where the historic Florio tuna fishery remains an important part of the island's story.
What is the landscape like? – The scenery is rugged and elemental. Expect limestone cliffs, turquoise coves, Mediterranean scrub, sea caves and mountainous islands rising directly from the water. Marettimo is particularly dramatic, with a steep, rocky coastline and hundreds of caves both above and below the sea.
What is the diving and snorkeling like? – The Egadi are exceptional for exploring beneath the surface. The islands sit within a vast marine protected area with extensive Posidonia seagrass meadows and rich marine biodiversity. Around Levanzo, divers can even explore the remains of a Roman shipwreck and ancient amphorae, while Marettimo's rugged coastline offers an extraordinary network of underwater caves.
What are the three islands like? – Each has a distinct personality. Favignana is the largest and most accessible, known for its brilliant blue coves, historic tuna fishery and dramatic old stone quarries. Levanzo is tiny, quiet and intimate, with a handful of white houses around its harbor and prehistoric cave paintings. Marettimo is the wild one—mountainous, isolated and surrounded by caves, cliffs and exceptional hiking and diving.
Will there be opportunities to get off the boat? – Absolutely. The itinerary is designed around experiencing the islands both from the water and on land. Swim into hidden coves, explore ancient villages, hike along coastal trails, visit archaeological sites, wander through harbor streets or settle into a local trattoria for a long Sicilian lunch.
Who is this trip best suited for? – The Egadi itinerary is particularly well suited to curious, independent travelers who want to go beyond the classic Mediterranean destinations. If you are drawn to remote places, authentic local culture, beautiful natural landscapes and the feeling of discovering somewhere that hasn't been overrun by tourism, this is the voyage for you.
Is this a typical Mediterranean sailing holiday? – Not quite—and that's the point. You won't find the whitewashed architecture and cosmopolitan beach clubs associated with some of Greece's most famous islands. Instead, the Egadi offer old-world Sicily, wild coastlines, exceptional water and a slower, more intimate island culture. It's a voyage for travelers who would rather discover a place than simply visit it.
When is the best time to visit the Egadi Islands? – The sailing season runs through the warmer months, but late spring, early summer and September are particularly appealing. The weather is warm, the sea is inviting for swimming, and the islands tend to feel more relaxed than during the peak of July and August. September can be especially rewarding for travelers seeking warm water and a quieter Mediterranean atmosphere.
Why explore the Egadi by yacht? – Because the best parts of the islands are often on the other side of the road—or beyond the road altogether. A catamaran allows you to reach secluded coves, swim directly from the boat, explore remote stretches of coastline and move between the islands at your own pace. Rather than using the islands as a series of stops, you experience them as a connected landscape of sea, culture and wilderness.
What should I expect from a Sailing Collective voyage in the Egadi Islands? – Expect Sicily at its most elemental: long swims in impossibly clear water, afternoons exploring hidden coves, fresh seafood in tiny harbors, ancient history, rugged landscapes and evenings beneath the Mediterranean sky. This is a voyage for travelers looking to get off the beaten path—and discover a side of Sicily that still feels wonderfully undiscovered.
Getting to Palermo
How to Get to Palermo
Palermo is the gateway to western Sicily and the starting point for our Egadi Islands voyage. The city is served by Falcone Borsellino International Airport (PMO), with extensive connections throughout Italy and Europe, including seasonal international routes. In 2026, the airport served 105 destinations across 28 countries.
✈️ Fly to Palermo (PMO) Fly into Palermo Falcone Borsellino International Airport (PMO). From the U.S., travelers will generally connect through a major European or Italian gateway. Palermo has particularly strong connections through Rome, Milan, and other European cities.
🚆 Airport to Palermo The airport is approximately 30 km from central Palermo. The easiest way into the city is the airport train, which operates directly from the terminal and reaches central Palermo in roughly 35–45 minutes.
🚌 Airport Bus Frequent airport buses also connect Falcone Borsellino Airport with Palermo Centrale, taking approximately 50 minutes. Tickets can be purchased online, at the airport, or onboard.
🚕 Taxi or Private Transfer Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal and provide the simplest door-to-door option, particularly for travelers carrying luggage or arriving with a group.
⛵ Arrive a Day Early For our Egadi Islands itinerary, we recommend arriving in Palermo at least one day before embarkation. This gives you time to experience Palermo's extraordinary food, markets and historic center before heading west toward the islands. It also provides a comfortable buffer in case of flight delays.
General Information
Provisioning Sailing Collective will provision your journey with local foods and produce. Cooking Aboard: Your Sailing Collective chef will thoroughly review your guest form with your culinary preferences and will customize a menu specifically for your departure.
Included in provisioning package*:
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners*, snacks, water, coffee & tea
* Subjected to change, 3 meals will take place shore.
Dietary Restrictions We can accommodate as long as we know in advance! It is important to notify us of any dietary restrictions ahead of time and include full details in the Guest Form that you will fill out prior to the start of the trip.
Beverages You can choose to bring your own beverages aboard or request for your crew to provision beverages on your behalf to be billed at the end of the charter. Select locations will have online ordering options. If you would like your crew to purchase beverages, we ask you be specific with quantities and quality (for example: we prefer light red wine in the $20 - $30 per bottle and scotch no pricier than $50)
ADDITIONAL COSTS We recommend planning on having at least $300 – $1000 in spending money depending on spending habits. You will be responsible for paying for:
All expenses on shore including meals and drinks
Flights and transportation to and from the marina location
Onboard beverages
Gratuity (a 15% to 20% recommended)
GRATUITY Tipping your captain and crew is welcomed. If you are satisfied with your service, the industry standard for yacht charters ranges from 15-20% of the cost of the charter. Gratuity is split evenly between the crew and can be paid via cash, check, Venmo, or PayPal. Please contact your Sailing Collective Journey Coordinator if you have any questions.
15% - Exceptional service on your holiday with exceptional service!
20%+ - Extraordinary experience and your crew sent the voyage to the moon and back!!
PACKING LIST Collapsible bags in place of large rigid suitcases are advised for ease of transport on and off the boat. Loading and unloading from the dingy can be a wet activity, a pair of shoes such as flip-flops that you can get wet if we are landing on a beach is recommended.
As the vast majority of your time will be spent outside, prepare for elements - bring a light raincoat just in case, a hat to shield yourself from the sun, and a warm layer. Throughout the week we may dine out at a nice restaurant, so bring an outfit looks nice and suits your style.
We also encourage that people bring ecologically appropriate products into ocean environments. You can read more about those recommendations on the Sailing Collective Journal here: Packing for a Healthy Ocean
The Journey Schedule Meeting time is at 9:00am on Day 1 of the charter (unless previously discussed boarding time change). We return back to port on the final evening by 5:00pm and disembark between 8-9:00am on the final day.
Terms & Conditions By booking this journey, you agree to comply with the stated Terms & Conditions available on our website. Please contact info@thesailingcollective.com with any questions.
Travel Insurance We recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy that protects you in case of general and covid-related trip interruptions. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you forfeit the right to a refund or credit in the event you have to cancel your trip with Sailing Collective.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. The Sailing Collective cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.
REALISTIC DISCLAIMER ABOUT BOATS Boats can break. Charter boats are like a rental car, they are checked before and after each charter. The engineer team is required to check the vessel for maintenance issues and make repairs during the half-day turnaround. Vessels require constant attention like any other complex mechanical system. If you are particular about your exact vacation requirements, we recommend booking a yacht charter with a higher price point allowing for three-crew and we are happy to assist brokering a luxury yacht charter for you and your group.
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