The 10 best things to do in Palermo over the weekend

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.

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.

If you are a dolphin lover and want to enjoy a romantic moment on a boat at sunset, this experience is a unique opportunity to admire the marine flora and fauna of the Mediterranean while enjoying an aperitif of Sicilian specialties.

Departing from the port of Giardini Naxos, the excursion will take you along the coast of Taormina so you can take in the beauty of the area including Isola Bella, and caves such as the Blue Grotto and the Lovers' Grotto.

Bathing stops are provided during which you can dive into the Mediterranean waters or search for dolphins at sea from the boat. You will be treated to an onboard aperitif of Sicilian arancini and a traditional prosecco. Upon returning to port you will be able to observe the volcano Etna rising above the bays of the coast.

The boat tour lasts 2 hours and is organized on a shared basis. Depending on weather conditions and the skipper's decisions, the stops may change.

Maximum capacity: 17 people.

Wine Tasting at Castellaro Estate in Lipari è an experience dedicated to those who love wine and want to have a total Sicilian experience between Lipari and Etna. 

You will walk through the estate's winery, where you will be shown the production methods of the Sicilian wines produced by the winery, and in its vineyard.

Afterwards, you will be able to choose from 3 different tastings.

Island in the Glass

The tasting includes 3 glasses of wine: 

•    Bianco Porticello Terre Siciliane Bianco IGT 
•    Ypsilon Terre Siciliane Rosso IGT
•    Rosa Caolino Rosato IGT 

The tasting è accompanied by a board with a selection of cured meats, cheeses, vegetables and patè of capers Bio. Homemade bread and extra virgin olive oil from Etna will also be served.

The Classics

The tasting includes 3 glasses of wine: 

•    Pumice White
•    Black Obsidian
•    Malvasia delle Lipari DOC

The tasting è accompanied by a cutting board with a selection of cured meats, cheeses and patè of Organic capers. Homemade bread, extra virgin olive oil from Etna and artisanal sesamini will also be served.

Toast to the sun

This experience includes a short tour of the winery and a walk through the vineyard. The tasting includes 4 glasses of wine: 

•    1 glass of wine at vantage point with views of Alicudi, Filicudi and Salina
•    2 glasses of wine served on the terrace accompanied by 2 cutting boards
•    1 glass of Malvasia delle Lipari DOC

Sunset tasting è accompanied by artisanal cookies.

The experience lasts about two hours and is suitable for everyone. Minors are not allowed to taste.

Finally, è you can choose to spend a night in one of the three charming houses available at the estate: Casa Colino, Casa Pomice and Casa Ossidiana, surrounded by the quiet of the vineyards, with a romantic atmosphere and architecture that blends with nature. House prices vary depending on the season!

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By booking the Picnic in the Vineyard in Lipari, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique experience. This special event offers you the opportunity to enjoy local delicacies in the midst of vineyards, overlooking the crystal clear sea and perfect weather.

Let yourself be taken on a sensory journey where flavors, scents and landscapes come together in an unforgettable experience.

After a short walk in the vineyard you will reach a viewpoint equipped to taste our wine in complete freedom: admiring Alicudi, Filicudi and Salina the magic begins!

The picnic basket includes a bottle of wine and an assortment of traditional gastronomic products:

•    One bottle of wine for every 2 people with a choice of Marsili, Bianco Porticello and Ypsilon
•    Basket with gourmet accompaniments (cured meats, cheeses and our Organic capers pate)
•    Reserved seats nestled in the vineyards with extraordinary views of the sea

Finally, you can choose to spend a night in one of the three charming houses available at the Estate: Casa Colino, Casa Pomice and Casa Ossidiana, surrounded by the quiet of the vineyards, with a romantic atmosphere and architecture that blends with nature. House prices vary depending on the season!

During the boat trip to discover the Aeolian Islands and Lipari, ideal for groups of friends, families and couples, you will be accompanied by a guide who will show you the beautiful views, allow you to make numerous stops for swimming and snorkeling.

You can choose to visit Lipari, Panarea or Stromboli. This mini-cruise includes lunch on board (fish entrée, seasonal vegetables, fruit and drinks).

In case of special intolerances you must notify the guide by phone.

The boat is equipped with cushions both bow and stern, shade area with wooden table and benches, shower and toilet, so that your boat excursion is comfortable and relaxing.

This experience allows you to experience a full day in an inflatable boat discovering the Egadi Islands.

Departure is scheduled from Marina Vento di Maestrale (Trapani), at 10:00 a.m., while the return is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

During the day, 7 swimming stops are scheduled between the island of Favignana and Levanzo and a 2-hour stop on the island of Favignana at 13:00. 

Food, talk and wine will not be missed and afterwards you will be free to stroll the streets of the largest of the Egadi Islands!

The fee includes mini bar, skipper and aperitif on the island. The maximum capacity of the dinghy is of 12 people.

In case of bad weather, the facility may cancel or change the itinerary and its duration.

The Egadi dinghy excursion is a perfect experience to spend a whole day relaxing with friends. 

The departure is scheduled from the Marina Vento di Maestrale - Trapani, at 10:00 a.m., while the return is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

During the day, 7 swimming stops are scheduled between the island of Favignana and Levanzo and a 2-hour stop on the island of Favignana at 13:00.

Food, talk and wine will not be lacking and afterwards you will be free to stroll the streets of the largest of the Egadi Islands.

The fee includes mini bar, skipper and aperitif on the island.

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.