Catania: Sailing Tour with Aperitivo and Prosecco, at no additional cost

About This Experience

This six-hour sailing excursion departs at 10am from the Catania harbour meeting point on Via Cardinale Dusmet, heading out along what the operator calls the Cyclops Riviera. The boat is sail-powered, and groups are kept small, which makes for a quieter trip than the larger motorised excursions that run along the same stretch of coast. A professional skipper handles the sailing throughout, leaving guests free to relax on deck.

The route passes the Ulysses Caves, the Norman castle at Aci Castello perched on its cliff, and the village of Aci Trezza with its Cyclops Stacks (Faraglioni) offshore. The main stop is at the Faraglione della Madonna, where there's a short guided commentary on the rocks and a chance to swim in the sea around them. The whole stretch of coast is tied to the Ulysses and Cyclops legends that give the area its name.

Throughout the day there's time to sunbathe on deck and take further swimming breaks in clear water along the route. Around midday, the crew serve a substantial aperitif of local products with water and prosecco, taken at anchor with views back towards Mount Etna. Because the group stays small, there's more room to spread out on deck than on the larger sailing tours in the area.

The boat and safety equipment are provided, but a beach towel, sunscreen and any extra food beyond the aperitif are down to you. Groups are kept small by design, and the trip isn't recommended for anyone prone to seasickness, since it runs a full six hours largely under sail. Free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand makes it easy to change plans if the weather forecast turns.

Highlights

• A full six-hour sail-powered excursion along the Cyclops Riviera, departing at 10am
• Passes the Ulysses Caves, the Norman castle at Aci Castello and the Cyclops Stacks at Aci Trezza
• A guided stop and swim at the Faraglione della Madonna
• Small groups for a quieter trip than the larger motorised tours
• Midday aperitif with local products, water and prosecco, with Etna in view
• Multiple swimming breaks in clear water along the route

What's Included

• ✓ Six-hour sailboat tour
• ✓ Professional skipper
• ✓ Hearty aperitif of local products
• ✓ Water and prosecco
• ✓ Swimming breaks along the route
• ✓ Safety equipment

Not Included

• Beach towel
• Sunscreen
• Extra food beyond the aperitif
• Gratuities
• Transport to the Catania harbour meeting point

What to Bring

• Towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen

Good to Know & Caveats

• Departure is at 10am from the Catania harbour meeting point on Via Cardinale Dusmet.
• Groups are kept small, which the operator markets as a quieter alternative to larger sailing excursions.
• The route and stops can shift with sea and weather conditions on the day.
• Cancellation is free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.
• Not recommended for anyone prone to seasickness, given the six-hour duration.

Meeting Point

Via Cardinale Dusmet 2, 95121 Catania (Catania harbour); the tour also ends back at the port of Catania.