Catania: Sailing Tour with Aperitivo and Prosecco, No Additional Costs

About This Experience

This sailing trip sets off from the Vecchia Dogana dock on Via Cardinale Dusmet in Catania, close to the city's harbour. Over about four hours, the boat sails along the Ionian coast towards Aci Trezza, a fishing village that Giovanni Verga used as the setting for his novel 'I Malavoglia'. Departures are offered in the morning, afternoon or at sunset, and you'll have an experienced skipper on board throughout.

The first stop is the Ulysses Caves, named for the sea caves associated with the Odyssey legend, where the boat pauses for around an hour so guests can swim and snorkel in clear water. From here the route continues to the Faraglione della Madonna near Aci Trezza, the rock stacks linked to the same Cyclops myth, for a further break at anchor. Both stops sit close to shore, so the water is usually calm even when there's some wind further out.

At this second stop, the crew serve an aperitif with prosecco and Sicilian snacks, included in the price with no extra charge on the day. It's a relaxed pause rather than a full meal, meant to be enjoyed at anchor with the coastline, and on a clear day Etna, in view before sailing back to Catania. The pace throughout is unhurried, with plenty of time to simply sit on deck between stops.

Fuel and the skipper are included in the ticket price, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours beforehand. The trip isn't suitable for people with mobility impairments, heart problems, epilepsy or claustrophobia, so it's worth checking these points before booking if any apply to you. Confirmation is instant once you book, and the operator can usually fit you into whichever time slot, morning, afternoon or sunset, works best for your day.

Highlights

• About four hours sailing along the Ionian coast from Catania to Aci Trezza
• A swim and snorkel stop at the Ulysses Caves, tied to the Odyssey legend
• A second stop at the Faraglione della Madonna, the rock stacks off Aci Trezza
• Morning, afternoon or sunset departures to choose from
• An onboard aperitif with prosecco and Sicilian snacks, at no extra cost
• Sails past Aci Trezza, the fishing village setting of Verga's novel 'I Malavoglia'

What's Included

• ✓ Sailboat rental for the full trip
• ✓ Experienced skipper and fuel
• ✓ Aperitif with prosecco
• ✓ Sicilian snacks
• ✓ Swim and snorkel stop at the Ulysses Caves
• ✓ Instant confirmation at the time of booking

Not Included

• Gratuities
• Transport to the Vecchia Dogana meeting point
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to Bring

• Towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Beachwear

Good to Know & Caveats

• Departures run in the morning, afternoon or at sunset — check which slot you're booking.
• Cancellation is free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience.
• Confirmation is instant at the time of booking.
• The route and stops can be adjusted for sea and weather conditions.
• Not recommended for people with mobility impairments, heart problems, epilepsy or claustrophobia.

Meeting Point

Vecchia Dogana dock, Via Cardinale Dusmet 2, 95121 Catania.