Palermo Yacht Charter Anchorages
1. Palermo Bay: Palermo Bay is actually a city with the same name and is the capital of Sicily, the large island slightly being kicked by the boot of Italy. Palermo Bay lies on the north side of the island on the western coast. The city’s population hovers around 730,000 people and the most famous sites to visit are the Palazzo di Normanni, the Capella Palatina and the Galeria Regionale Siciliana. The Palermo Bay is shaped like an “L” and at the junction there are several places to moor or get right up to the dock with your boat. Two well-received restaurants in Palermo for seafood and fish are Felisimo and Cibus. This former is trendy with students, actors, theater workers and locals.2. Cefalu Harbor: Just east of Palermo and on the same coastline of Sicily lies Cefalu Harbor. This is a haven away from the bustle of Palermo and provides some nice refuge. The name comes from the hill with the rock and castle built atop that looks like the head of a man. You can either drop anchor at the long beach to the west of town or seek complete shelter in the bay just west and around the rock. There are plenty of places to moor on this side of Cefalu.
3. Ustica: Ustica is less than 40 nautical miles from Palermo. The whole island is clad in interesting volcanic features and topography. The caves, grottos, chambers and caverns that you will see if you take a sail around the island reminds you of a scene from Treasure Island. The bay itself is quite small but offers up one of the only real protections. It’s possible to get from here to other islands by ferry. Some nice manmade moles just out from Ustica give retreat from the deep and open sea.
4. Alicudi Harbor: Alicudi is on the south end of the island with the same name. It is an isolated Aeolian Island but does have some people living on it, less than 200 at last count. If you want to get away but still be in a part of Italy, this place offers private quietude and no cars. People still use donkeys for toting supplies from place to place. There is one anchorage here on the south end of the island. It’s possible to get a few supplies here, but you should go to Palermo if you’re in need of extravagant supplies.
5. Porto Santa Marina: Once you tire of the aridness of some of the other Aeolian Islands, such as Alicudi, then Salina will be an entirely different foliage. In addition to all sorts of vegetation, Salina has three volcanoes: Monte Fossa dell Felci is the highest at 962 meters. Hiking or walking in Salina makes for a pleasurable off-the-boat excursion. At the main Porto Santa Marina, you can get all the supplies you need, from fuel to water and cocktails. The port, however, is quite popular as it offers the best buffer from the upper-knot winds. Rent a scooter or bike and take a meandering trip taking in all the architecture.