This planned trip departs from Alimos in the morning (if via Corinth), or the previous night (if via S. Peloponnese), and ends in Cagliari, Sardinia.
First we need to get to Sicily, and there are two ways to do this: The shortest is via the Corinth Canal (410NM), and the other via S. Peloponnese (500NM). The choice depends also on wind direction as the 2nd route gives a more northerly direction for the crossing. Either way, we will make only one major stop until Sicily, either in Argostoli, Kefalonia if we take the northern route, or at Pylos, Peloponnese for the southern route. Overall duration about one week inluding a day of rest in Greece and another to explore/ relax in Taormina.
The second part of the route offers many historic places to explore in Italy. In total we cover 400 NM in 10 days, so quite easy. We make sure to arrive during daylight at any port so sometimes we need to leave early in the morning. The plan is to stay at a marina on every stop in order to explore the great places as much as possible, though in good conditions if we find a good spot we may decide to stay at anchor.
Route overview:
Detailed passage plan can be downloaded here:
Complete GPX Route for Navionics or any other navigation app can be downloaded here:
Route highlights
Images are from Google Earth, and texts from sicilyyachtservices.com and from Heikell's Italian Waters Pilot.
Argostoli, Kefalonia
Taormina, Sicily
The queen of all resorts, Taormina, perching on a clifftop above the sea, is sophisticated, chic and exclusive. Despite its unashamedly touristy nature, Taormina’s historical side is ubiquitous and the town remains an achingly beautiful spot, full of ancient charm.
Medieval walls enclose beautifully restored buildings, fascinating archeological monuments and a giddy network of winding streets and tiny passages, each with its own secrets, shops, restaurants and cafes. Some of these intriguing places are secluded gardens hidden by stone walls, others are set on terraces overlooking the coast or in more public but equally pleasant squares.
Taormina buzzes all summer long with world-class festivals of film, theater, music and dance staged at the famous Greek Theater. The town is beautiful by day but in the evenings its atmosphere is simply enchanting, whether you decide to stroll along the illuminated streets or indulge in the view of the coast over a delicious dinner.
Messina, Sicily
Sailing break in the strait of Messina, with historical interest.
Messina is the gateway to Sicily, it can be easily explored on foot. Not to miss: Historic centre, Piazza Duomo, Orion Fountain, Vittorio Emanuele III Gallery, Villa De Pasquale, and others.
Milazzo, Sicily
Milazzo is the hub connecting the Sicilian mainland to the Aeolian Islands.
Away from the busy dock there is he pretty old town “Borgo Antico” and the isthmus, which is an area of great natural beauty dotted with rocky coves.
Sights in Milazzo include the Castle, the Quartieri Spagnoli defensive barracks, the Archaeological Museum, the church of Santuario Ruprestre di San Antonio da Padova and the gorgeous and rugged coastline of Capo Milazzo.
The Castle of Milazzo was built by Frederick II in the 13th century and added to by Charles V of Aragon. It was originally the site of a Greek acropolis and, later, an Arab-Norman citadel.
The Archaeological Museum shows treasures from the Prehistoric Age to the Byzantine era and is certainly worth a visit.
The ruins of the 13th century Santuario Ruprestre di San Antonio da Padova is the place where the Saint of the same name famously found refuge after a shipwreck.
Cefalu, Sicily
Cefalù, in the the mid-north coast, is one of the most popular destinations in Sicily. It overlooks a stunning bay and its long, fine, sandy beach is one of the most beautiful in the whole Sicilian coast.
Cefalù is also surrounded by natural parks and historical, cultural and gastronomic attractions.
The cultural and historical attractions in the area of Cefalù are the majestic Arab-Norman cathedral and the coastal side of the town, particularly charming, with the fishermen's houses overlooking the sea.
Cefalù is also part of the Natural Park of the Madonie.
Palermo, Sicily
Palermo, in the north-western coast, is the main city of Sicily and one of the most popular destinations. It overlooks a wide gulf framed by beaches, marine reserves and natural parks. It is also surrounded by bays of extraordinary naturalistic beauty and by historical, cultural and gastronomic attractions.
The cultural and historical attractions in the area of Palermo are its own old centre and the historic towns of Monreale, with its stunning Cathedral, and Carini, with its mysterious castle.
Capo San Vito, Sicily
Mainstream tourists haven’t discovered San Vito lo Capo yet—so if you’re looking for a low-key, authentic Italian beach break, now’s the time to book your trip to this seaside Sicilian town. The weather is best in the summer months, but foodies might want to wait till September, when San Vito lo Capo hosts its annual Couscous Festival.
Trapani, Sicily
Trapani is a bustling harbour which is not unattractive. The old quarter of the town reflects the tangled history of this part of Sicily in its hybrid architecture and inhabitants. Arabic influences on the architecture and cuisine are apparent everywhere.
The village, with its castle and cobbled streets, beautiful as it is, cannot match the view over the surrounding coast and sea.
In Greek times the place was known to mariners for its temple of Aphrodite and her saccred courtesans, so it would seem inappropriate for modern sailors to make the pilgrimage.
Isola Marettimo, Egadi Islands
Swim beak en route to Sardinia
Cagliari, Sardinia
“And suddenly there is Cagliari: a naked town rising steep, steep, golden-looking, piled naked to the sky from the plain at the head of the formless hollow bay. It is strange and rather wonderful, not a bit like Italy. The city piles up lofty and almost miniature, and makes me think of Jerusalem: without trees, without cover, rising rather bare and proud, remote as if back in history, like a town in a monkish, illuminated missal. One wonders how it ever gor there. And it seems like Spain - or Malta; not Italy.”
D H Lawrence, Sea and Sardinia
