Sun, sea and snorkelling on a Palermo sailing break

Friday, 17 February 2012 11:57 AM

Those in search of sun, sea and stunning scenery will be hard pressed to find a better holiday than a yacht charter in the Mediterranean. By basing yourself in the Sicilian city of Palermo, you will be able to spend your days on the water exploring the nearby islands.

Before you embark on your yacht charter holiday, though, you may wish to dedicate a couple of days to experiencing this fascinating city. The capital of Sicily is a rich melting pot of culture, with its heritage coming from the Romans and Greeks, along with the Arabs and Normans. The wealth of castles, churches, cathedrals and palazzos will help you to learn a little more about this fascinating destination, although you may be happy to simply wander around the streets and soak up the city's charm in the sun.

Places you are certain to want to stop at include the Capo cathedral, the Cappella Palatina in the Palazzo dei Normanni - which dates back to 1130 and is covered in intricate mosaics - and the monastery of Sant'Agostino. When the sun is at its highest, relax with a drink and some sumptuous Italian delicacies, so that you are well rested when evening comes - as the Sicilian nightlife is renowned for its liveliness.

All of this may have convinced you that you want to book a yacht charter in this part of the world, but if you have never skippered a vessel before you might be concerned that you will be unable to experience the delights that lie off the coast of Sicily. Fear not, as you can learn to sail while you are here, picking up the qualifications you need to take to the water with confidence.

Once you set off sailing in the Mediterranean, your first stop may be one of the Egadi Islands that lie just off the west coast of Sicily. Favignana, Marettimo and Levanzo all make for beautiful and interesting locations at which to spend a few hours and each boasts its own charms.

Marettimo is the furthest away, but it still has plenty to offer visitors. Of particular note are the restaurants where you can sample some of the sublime seafood, likely to have been caught nearby. However, you may be content to stay onboard your vessel and make your way around the island, where there are several caves to see - one of which is home to the remains of a Roman settlement.

Levanzo is the smallest of the islands and the most peaceful, so if you are hoping to get plenty of rest on your holiday, this is the place to come. You can take a dip in the warm waters, and they are so crystal-clear this is a fantastic place to be if you are interested in snorkelling. Be sure to pack a snorkel and mask on your yacht so you can stop and spend some time exploring beneath the sea whenever you want.

The largest and most populated island is Favignana, which is shaped like a butterfly. An especially interesting sight here is the Fort of Santa Caterina, which was once used as a watchtower by the Arabian inhabitants, before being extended by the Normans and later used as a prison by the Bourbons.

Next stop on your sailing adventure is likely to be Ustica, which you can reach by taking an exhilarating jaunt through an open passage of water. Some people have likened the isle to paradise on earth, while others have nicknamed it the Black Pearl because of its volcanic roots and the black rocks that pepper its landscape.

Here, there is a tower and museum to explore on land, along with pinewoods and pretty rockpools. However, it is the sea around the island that offers the most attractions. The waters in this part of the Mediterranean are known for their abundance of seaweed, which pumps out a vast quantity of oxygen beneath the waves that is able to support the rich marine life. This is the ideal place to go snorkelling if this is a pastime you enjoy. Divers will also want to visit here as, in addition to the myriad fish, there are also historical relics to see, such as Roman anchors and other items dropped from passing ships over the years.

There's so much on offer when you book a yacht charter in the Mediterranean - so, why not come and experience a holiday like this for yourself?