Sicily and Greece

[Caladh1990]

We are in sardinia at present but will be heading towards Greece via Sicily next year. We've heard bad things about Sicily in general but perhaps some of you can update us with what and where is good, costs etc etc

[skipmac]

Noonsite is always a good place to start research on a cruising area. They have a complete section on Italy and a breakdown by areas including Sicily and all the main ports on the island.

Noonsite: Italy

[jim_thomsen]

We enjoyed Sicily and southern Italy very much. The people were great and friendly and the sailing good. Don't miss the Aeolian Islands NE corner of Sicily. We also planned our trip to pass Stromboli at night, to see the same red flame that has guided sailors for thousands of years.

See a few pictures: Home Page

[sobriyah]

Syracusa is one of the most interesting places I have stopped anywhere. Ancient Greek history. Pavement cafes straight out of Mario Puzo, great restaurants, a railway terminus to see the rest of the island, and great holding in sticky mud in the harbour. Dont tie up stern to the public quay, a sea breeze whips in every afternoon and pushes you onto the wall. Anchor in the harbour.

[pandj]

Although we haven't been to Sicily, you might find some useful info here:

Yacht Balvenie

I have found there blog interesting and generally pretty spot on...

[swagman]

We've stopped of along N Sicilian coast over past few cruises - all good.
Places are on our blog if you go back two years.
Sail safe
JOHN

[barnakiel]

Bad things. Have you heard the good things too?

THE BEST Pinot Noir in the world - Sicily.

b.

[Euro Cruiser]

Where are you wintering now in Sardinia? If in Cagliari or along the western coast, I'd suggest you do a loop around Sicily's south coast. Sciacca is worth a stop for multiple reasons - just walking over to the commercial fishing harbor and watching them start with huge tree trunks and end up building a 90' fishing boat is fascinating - and it's located inbetween the two main Greek city states that were located in Sicily. And the comments about Siracusa is spot-on. Rarely do you hear cruising folks describe disappointment with visiting there. And then...assuming you make it to that point, a stop in Malta is definitely worth considering because of its unique historic sites and multi-cultural/multi-ethnic history. Of course, if you are on Sardinia's east coast, the sirens of Italy are calling and doing a southern loop around Sicily won't appeal.

Jack

[stevern]

Hello friend I'm italian and born and live in the north Milan, but I LEAVE my sailboat at the harbour in Sicily where, if you will come I will assure the best accomodation place for your boat next to mine. All the rest you will appreciate. I'm sure. For istance welcome to come back. If you like visit my website. navigare in amicizia

[Gayle Force]

Hello sailors I live in SIracusa and I tini it's the best place where to sail and live. Feeling FreeTime to contact me if you are around! A glass of Wine is always ready to vive you a welcome

[athene]

A better source of information on Sicily is the World Cruising and Sailing Wiki (see link at top of page). It's reasonably up to date but, if you go there, why not register and post your own updates as you go?

[Brunoelalli]

Hi, I am Italian but I live in Uk.
I have been sailing in the med for a few years.
Last year we sailed at e aeolian islands. Marvellous!
But we were there in the wrong time and we got ripped off at all the marinas.

To cut the story short.. Italy is beautiful from the shore as from the sea, the food is great but choose with care when to go.

This year I will sail the aegadian islands and next year Utica..
Have fun in Italy!