Things to do in Sicily, Italy: the 20 best experiences

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.

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 swimming 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.

This group excursion to the Bay of Mondello allows you to discover the coast in the Gulf of Palermo at sunset, when it is tinged with striking colors.

This experience is perfect for spending a relaxing time with friends or family.

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

You will embark at 6:45 p.m. from the pier and take a short tour of the Capo Gallo Reserve. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a typical aperitif on board with Sicilian wines and a cheese and salami board.

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

The tour has a total duration of one and a half hours.

In case of food allergies or intolerances you can contact the facility after booking.

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.

Explore the sea outside Palermo with this relaxing excursion, perfect for groups of friends or families with children.

You will depart from Marina Villa Igiea at 9 a.m. or 2 p.m. and head north to Mondello and Capo Gallo.

On arrival, 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 an excellent aperitif of local products.

An experienced skipper will be always present on board to meet your every need.

In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility after booking.

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

You will make your first swimming stop at Marina di Villa Igea with a visit to Grotta della Regina. You will then continue in the direction of the beach of Virgin Mary, making an initial tasting.

You will then depart en route to Mondello beach with the second stop for swimming in the sea and here you can 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.

The day boat ride between Palermo and the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve is a relaxing experience that allows you to discover the Sicilian sea, perfect for groups of friends or families with children.

You will depart by 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 will allow you to make swimming stops with the possibility of snorkeling at some of the most beautiful spots along the coast.

An experienced skipper will be on board at all times to attend to your every need.

You will be offered a welcome cocktail when you arrive on the boat, and at lunchtime you will be served Sicilian dishes to eat on board.

In case of food allergies and intolerances you can contact the facility following your reservation.

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.

Discover Favignana on a day or sunset excursion accompanied by a skipper.

You can choose from 3 different tours:

Daily tour

The itinerary for this tour includes:

•    Departure from marsala for 9:30 a.m.
•    Arrive in Favignana with visit to Cala Azzurra and Cala Rossa 
•    .
•    Disembarkation on the island of Favignana for 12:00 
•    Departure for Levanzo at 13:00 and lunch stop at Faraglioni 
•    Bathing stop at 15:00 at Cala Fridda and subsequent bathing stop at Cala Minnula at 16:00 
•    Aperitif on board based on local products
•    Arrive in Marsala by 5:30 p.m.

Sunset tour in Favignana

The itinerary for this tour includes:

•    Barking and departure from Marsala for 6:30 p.m.
•    Arrival in Favignana, music and aperitif on board in Cala Rotonda from 7:00 to 9:00 pm
•    Arrive in Marsala for 21:30

Sunset tour to the Stagnone Lagoon

•    Barking and departure from Marsala for 6:30 pm
•    Arrive at the viewpoint, music and aperitif on board while watching the sun set
•    Arrive in Marsala for 9:30 p.m.

For each tour you will be accompanied by a skipper who will know how to tell you the best anecdotes about the area.

In case of bad weather the excursion could be cancelled or the itinerary and its duration could be changed.

The dinghy aperitif at the Stagnone in Marsala is a unique opportunity for a romantic sunset experience along the coast of Sicily.

During the excursion, the dinghy will sail slowly to give you the opportunity to relax and take photographs of the islands and the sea. Once you arrive near Isola Lunga, you will have a panoramic view of everything around you: the island of Mozia, the Egadi Islands, and the open sea.

You will be offered an aperitif on board of different kinds of appetizers and fresh fruit, accompanied by music. You will be able to sip Sparkling Wine and other wines produced by Commander Ignatius' local winery in his wine cellar.

The excursion lasts about 3 hours and is suitable for everyone. The dinghy trip is ideal for a romantic sunset experience for couples in Sicily.

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:

•    Excursion shared with other participants on board a raft, for a maximum of 12 people
•    Private excursion with the entire raft exclusively, for up to 10 people
•    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:

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