Things to do in the Aeolian Islands: the 3 best ideas for your vacation in 2025

The quad bike excursion on Mount Etna takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes starting from Rifugio Ragabo.

The route is technical and very fun with more than 90% of the route off-road. During this tour you will drive the quad bike through lava fields while enjoying breathtaking views of the Taormina and Calabria coastline.

During stops, our expert guide of the Etna volcano area will tell you the history of the places where you stop.

Recommended ATV rental clothing: closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, dust bandana and a small jacket.

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).

Visit the Bay of Taormina aboard a wooden gozzo boat that will transport you to the most striking beauty of the Mediterranean, passing Sicily's most fascinating caves and coves, such as the Blue Grotto and the Lovers' Grotto. You can choose between two tours:

Classic (2 hours)

This excursion departs from Giardini Naxos and will have you explore the Isola Bella Marine Reserve, the Blue Grotto, the Grotta degli Innamorati, and the Grotta dei Coralli. You will also discover the bays of Mazzarò and San Nicola, cruising the Sicilian coast around Taormina.

During the navigation you will be offered an aperitif on board based on typical Sicilian products. In addition, during the different stops you will be able to swim in the waters of the Reserve and snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean.

Evening (2 1/2 hours)

The evening boat tour has the same itinerary as the classic tour and includes an apericena, based on typical Sicilian products. During the cruise you will also be able to search for and spot dolphins, with a little luck. You can finally take a dip in the water during one of the stops on the itinerary.

Maximum capacity: 24 people.

A day in an inflatable boat visiting magical places such as Isola Bella and the Gardens of Naxos, near Taormina.

Departing from the Porto Turistico in Riposto, the sailing will include several stops, which may vary depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions. Specifically, during the excursion you will visit the Gardens of Naxos, Isola Bella, the Blue Grotto, Mazzaro and the Island of the Sirens, and then return to Riposto.

Bathing stops are provided where you can take a dip in the Mediterranean waters, venture among the caves and admire the marine life by snorkeling.

The excursion is organized on a shared basis and lasts a full day. In addition, there are sun shades in the dinghy to make the most of the experience while sheltering from the heat.

Maximum capacity: 12 people.

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.

Boat trips from Palermo with a typical aperitif are perfect for those who like to enjoy the sea on a boat and enjoy delicacies on board.

After leaving the port of Palermo, you will sail along the coast of Addaura. You will then arrive in the beautiful bay of Mondello, where you can swim using the snorkeling equipment and inflatable mattresses that will be provided free of charge.

After agreeing on a time, you will retrieve your anchor and head toward the Capo Gallo Reserve to the Lighthouse.

Next, you will head to the Regina Caves, where in addition to swimming, an aperitif with typical products and a glass of wine will be offered on board. Finally, you will return to port.

The excursion is guaranteed with a minimum number of 6 people. In case this number is not reached it will be carried out on the sailboat.

Discover the Gulf of Palermo on board a beautiful boat with the best amenities, perfect for groups of friends or families with children.

Departing from Mondello pier you will avoid long queues that can form at the port of Palermo, so you can optimize your time and stay on board longer.

The itinerary guarantees pleasant bathroom stops and a tour of the Capo Gallo marine reserve and, when the waves allow, the Grotta dell'Olio, making for a full immersion experience in the beautiful coastline.

On board you will find:

• seats with cushions for a comfortable ride
• deck and bow space for sunbathing
• effortless access to the sea via a swim platform and convenient ladder
• snorkeling equipment
• sun canopy for relaxing in the shade
• Bluetooth speaker
• freshwater shower
• on-board toilet

During the outing you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products both hot and cold. In addition, on board you will find beer, local wine, water or refreshing soft drinks to go with your aperitif.

An experienced skipper will accompany you throughout the outing and can tell you the best trivia about the area.

Set out to explore the sea outside Palermo with this relaxing excursion, perfect for groups of friends or families with children.

You have a choice of 2 options:

Half-day tour

You will depart from Marina Villa Igiea at 9:00 am or 2:00 pm and head north to Mondello and Capo Gallo. Once you arrive, you can stop to swim in the sea and choose whether to relax in the sun or enjoy the music on board.

As soon as you board you will be offered a welcome cocktail, and afterwards you can enjoy a great aperitif of local products.

Full-day tour

With this option, you will depart for 10:30 a.m. from Marina Villa Igiea and head north, pushing as far as Isola delle Femmine. Return is scheduled for 5:30 pm.

This tour, having a longer duration, will allow you to make more stops at sea with the possibility of snorkeling at some of the most beautiful spots on the coast.

Again, you will be offered a welcome cocktail upon arrival on the boat and at lunchtime you will be served Sicilian dishes to eat on board.

For both excursions, an experienced skipper will always be on board to attend to your every need.

Discover Mondello on board a boat shared with other participants starting from Palermo and guided by an experienced skipper.

You can choose from 2 excursions depending on the duration:

Half-day excursion

Departing from Palermo, you will sail to Mondello making a few stops for swimming in the sea. During the outing you will visit the most beautiful coves on the coast and receive explanations from the skipper who can answer your curiosities about the area.

Before returning you will be offered an aperitif with prosecco, chips and bruschetta.

Full day excursion

Departing from Palermo, you will make your first swim stop at Marina di Villa Igea with a visit to the Queen's Cave. You will then continue in the direction of Vergine Maria beach, doing an initial tasting.

You will then set off again heading for Mondello beach with the second stop for swimming in the sea and here you will then enjoy an excellent lunch with tasting of typical Sicilian products.

The third stop will be at the Capo Gallo nature reserve with a stop for snorkeling and an afternoon aperitif. You will return to the port of La Cala around 6 p.m.

Sailing tour from Palermo with a duration of about half a day discovering the coast directly from the sea, with aperitif included executable both in the morning and in the afternoon.

The excursion begins from the port of Palermo, once you leave you will embark on a leisurely coastal sail at a moderate speed along the Addaura coast.

Next, you will drop anchor in the beautiful Mondello Bay, where you will have the opportunity to swim and use the free snorkeling equipment and inflatable mattresses we provide. You will be escorted to the Capo Gallo Reserve, until you reach the Lighthouse.

Finally, you will reverse course and head to the Grotte della Regina, where in addition to swimming, you will be offered an aperitif on board based on typical products accompanied by a glass of wine and return to the port of Palermo.

Discover the Gulf of Palermo and Marina di Villa Igea at sunset aboard a boat guided by an experienced captain.

Departing from Palermo, you will sail to Marina di Villa Igea, a location where you can relax while watching the sunset.

During the outing, which lasts a couple of hours, you will enjoy an excellent aperitif of Sicilian products, offered by the boat captain.

Throughout the outing you will be accompanied by a skipper who will be able to tell you the best anecdotes about the area.

We recommend appropriate clothing for the evening weather.

The boat tour to Favignana and Levanzo offers you a complete tour of these incredible islands, spending the whole day in total relaxation.

The daily boat tour departs from Trapani with embarkation at 9:15 am at the pier and departure at 9:30 am. After about 25 minutes, you will reach Favignana, where 3/4 bathroom stops will be made (between Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, Cala Azzurra and Grotta degli Innamorati) depending on marine weather conditions.

During the boat tour, you will enjoy a welcome drink with spritz, chips and peanuts. Around 1:00 p.m. return to the port of Favignana to have lunch with local specialties.

After an hour's break, we resume at 2:45 p.m. to head to Levanzo, admiring the boats suspended over the crystal clear sea. While sailing, we pass by the quaint village of Levanzo and make stops at Faraglioni, Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola.

Before returning to Trapani near the end of the tour, fresh seasonal fruit is offered. Return is scheduled between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the Trapani pier.

For the day trip to the Egadi Islands departing from Marsala, you will have a choice of 3 different tours:

Favignana Tour

The first stop will be at Bue Marino and Cala Rossa, including landing on the island of Favignana. Next is lunch on the dinghy (included in the price) and then move on to Cala Pozzo, Cala Rotonda, Cala Preveto and Marasolo beach. Finally, you will be offered an aperitif with typical products and prosecco, before returning to Marsala.

Favignana and Levanzo tour

The first stop will be at Cala Azzurra, Bue Marino, Cala Rossa and Scalo Cavallo, including landing on the island of Favignana. Next is lunch on the dinghy (included in the price) and then move to Levanzo, where you will visit Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola. Finally, you will be offered an aperitif with typical products and prosecco, before returning to Marsala.

Marettimo

The first stop will be at Grotta del Cammello, followed by Castello di Punta Troia, Scalo Maestro and Secca del Cretazzo. Next is lunch on the dinghy (included in the price) and a visit to the seaside village of Marettimo. After skirting Favignana, you will be treated to an aperitif with typical products and prosecco, before returning to Marsala.

The one-day boat tour to the Egadi Islands is guaranteed upon reaching at least 6 people. The maximum capacity of the boat is 12 people.

The dinghy excursion to Favignana from Marsala is an experience invites you to explore the beauty of the Egadi Islands. You'll dive into the crystal clear waters with dives straight from the dinghy and discover marine life with surface snorkeling.

During the excursion, either group or private, you will enjoy a typical Sicilian aperitif on board with wines produced by the Gandolfo family and take a walk through the narrow streets of the ancient village, getting in touch with local life and meeting the famous "Tuna Fishermen."

The experience lasts one day and the excursion departs from Marsala. The dinghy will reach the waters of Favignana in about 30 minutes and here you will admire the coastline, caves and the most striking coves, such as Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra and Bue Marino, with the skipper accompanying you at all times.

At lunchtime an aperitif of flatbreads, with fresh cold cuts will be organized by Simona, the hostess, along with a mix of typical appetizers.

The navigation continues and you will reach the port of Favignana. You will have the opportunity to explore the heart of the town, immersed in the charming historic center. Afterwards, navigation resumes and the dinghy will reach Marsala in the late afternoon.

The dinghy excursion to Favignana from Marsala is a unique opportunity to learn about the Egadi Islands and have an unforgettable experience in Sicily.

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 skirt Favignana's most beautiful and picturesque coves such as Cala Rossa, Cala Azzurra. Lunch will be provided on board before reaching Levanzo. Here 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.

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.

The Egadi Islands boat excursion from Marettimo gives you a full tour of these wonderful islands, spending the whole day on board and discovering Favignana and Levanzo.

Embarkation is at 10:00 a.m. and after about 40 minutes you arrive in Favignana to make 3/4 bathroom stops in coves such as Cala Rossa, Bue Marino, Cala Azzurra or the Grotta degli Innamorati, depending on weather conditions.

During the excursion, you will enjoy a welcome drink with spritz, chips and peanuts. At around 1 p.m., you will reach the port of Favignana to have lunch with local specialties.

After a good hour's break, at 2:45 p.m. you depart for Levanzo, where you will admire boats suspended over a crystal clear sea. We pass by the quaint village of Levanzo and make stops at the Faraglioni, Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola.

Before returning to Marettimo, you will be offered fresh seasonal fruit. Return is scheduled between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. at the Marettimo pier.

The fishing tourism experience in the coves of Favignana will allow you to learn about fishing traditions and have lunch with freshly caught fish directly on board.

You will initially sail to the nets that were set the day before and watch them being retrieved. The resulting catch will then be used to cook your lunch on the boat.

Lunch will also be accompanied by cunzato bread, canapés and various appetizers typical of the Egadi Islands.

You can then decide to swim or help the captain set up the fishing nets. You will also be explained all the fishing specialties and anecdotes about places on the island of Favignana.

Before the end of the fishing boat tour in the afternoon, you will again go to cast the nets.

The experience allows you to combine a day of relaxation with the discovery of fishing traditions in direct contact with the sea of Favignana.

Embark on a unique excursion to Marzamemi and enjoy an aperitif or lunch on board in excellent company, overlooking Sicily's most fascinating beaches. You can choose from two tours:

Sightseeing Tour (4 hours)

After visiting Tafuri Castle, you will head to the enchanting island of Capo Passero and then return to Marzamemi to explore its quaint old harbor. Afterwards, you will dive into the waters above the ancient Roman columns, then end the day with a refreshing swim at Vendicari Island.

Delicious bruschetta with Pachino cherry along with fresh seasonal fruit, local wine and water are offered on board to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Snorkeling equipment is also provided.

Exclusive (6 hours)

You may also choose to have lunch or dinner on board. The itinerary remains the same and the menu includes:

• bruschetta with Pachino cherry tomatoes
• grilled fresh fish
• peperonata
• Pachino salad
• seasonal fruit, local wine, water

Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, stops may be subject to change. The menu is subject to change related to seasonal availability.

Sail to Portopalo di Capo Passero starting from Avola aboard an inflatable boat guided by an experienced skipper.

You will depart from Avola, either by 9 a.m. or 2 p.m., and sail south. You will skirt Calamosche Beach and the Vendicari tuna fishery until you reach Marzamemi. At this point you will dock and disembark to visit the village. Once back on board you will continue to Portopalo di Capo Passero.

During the trip, some stops will be made to swim in the sea and you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products.

You will, in addition, be accompanied for the duration of the excursion by an experienced skipper who can guide you along the coast and tell some anecdotes about the area.

For this experience you can choose between 2 options with the same itinerary:

• Private excursion with the whole boat exclusively. Duration will be about 5 hours with a maximum of 6 participants
• Group excursion sharing with other participants in the morning with departure for 9:00 am and duration of 6 hours for a maximum of 12 participants
• Group excursion sharing with other participants in the afternoon with departure for 2:00 pm and duration of 5 hours for a maximum of 12 participants

The sunset boat aperitif in Marzamemi is a unique experience on a private boat with skipper and local food. The tour Starts at 7:30 pm and lasts until 10 pm.

This is a very special sunset aperitif where a magical atmosphere is created. The tour is organized for couples, groups or family members on a private basis.

An aperitif of fish and local products, drinks and seasonal fruits will be served during the tour.

You will enjoy the spectacle of the sun setting on the horizon, accompanied by the relaxing and engaging melody of sax played live on the boat.

The boat excursion to Marzamemi has a half-day duration departing at 09:00 or 15:00, during which a reinforced lunch or aperitif will be served on board.

The boat tour includes two or three stops in the crystal clear sea of Sicily and offers a unique culinary experience.

In the morning, you will be greeted with a delicious breakfast accompanied later by an aperitif lunch full of typical local products. In the afternoon, on the other hand, some welcome food and an aperitif will be served.

Typical Sicilian dishes include fried foods, fresh fish dishes, bruschetta, fresh fruit, and, of course, drinks.

This boat tour will allow you to explore the sea, enjoy local delicacies, and experience an unforgettable day of boating in Marzamemi.

Morning boat excursion, leaving from Avola and skirting the beaches and coves to Marzamemi.

You will leave by about 9:00 a.m. and visit from the sea Noto Marina, Calamosche, the Vendicari Nature Reserve, San Lorenzo and Marzamemi until you arrive at Capo Passero Island. Return is scheduled for 1:30 pm.

There will be several stops for swimming in the sea and you will be able to use the equipment on board for snorkeling.

In addition, you will be served an aperitif on board based on typical Sicilian products accompanied by prosecco.

For this experience you can choose from 3 options with the same itinerary:

1. Excursion shared with other participants on board a raft, for a maximum of 12 people
2. Private excursion with the entire raft exclusively, for up to 10 people
3. Private excursion aboard a boat, for a maximum of 5 people

In each of these cases, an experienced skipper will accompany you throughout the outing and can assist you with any of your needs.

Boat excursion until sunset, departing from Avola with a stop in Marzamemi.

You will leave for about 3:30 pm and visit from the sea Noto Marina, Calamosche, the Vendicari Nature Reserve and San Lorenzo.

Once you arrive at Marzamemi you will make a stop and get off the boat to visit the small town. You will then get back on the boat until you arrive at Capo Passero Island.

Return is scheduled for 8:00 pm.

During the outing you will be served an aperitif of typical Sicilian products accompanied by prosecco to be consumed on board.

In addition, there are several stops to swim in the sea and you will be able to use the equipment on board to snorkel.

For this experience you can choose from 3 options with the same itinerary:

1. Shared excursion with other participants aboard a raft, for a maximum of 12 people. The boat must carry at least 6 people on board.
2. Private excursion with the entire raft exclusively, for a maximum of 10 people
3. Private excursion aboard a boat, for a maximum of 5 people

In each of these cases, an experienced skipper will accompany you throughout the outing and can assist you with any of your needs.