Seven-day Sicily itinerary
Sicily by superyacht
Captain Iain Bradshaw of 58.4-metre Kokomo, one of the world’s largest pedigree sloops, creates a romantic trip full of ancient charm
THE ITINERARY
Syracuse
Meet Kokomo in Syracuse where the crew will welcome you on board with a cocktail. Bask in the city’s baroque splendour and explore the piazzas, lanes and palaces in the afternoon. In the evening, dinner will be served on deck with the city as a backdrop.
Taormina
Following a morning cruise 46 nautical miles north, lunch is served before the clifftop town of Taormina. Take the cable car to visit the ancient theatre, the Teatro Greco, which dates to the third century BCE. Visit grottos, coves and sandy beaches by kayak, before cocktails on the aft deck with Mount Etna as a dramatic backdrop.
Lipari
An early-morning 66-nautical-mile passage takes you through the Strait of Messina, which separates Sicily from the mainland. Kokomo will arrive in Lipari – the largest Aeolian Island – by lunchtime for an afternoon of watersports, followed by an evening visit to the 17th-century archaeological park.
Explore the palaces and squares and the Teatro Massimo, one of the largest opera houses in Europe.
STEFANO RAVERA / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
Stromboli
Awake in Stromboli, home to Europe’s only constantly erupting volcano. Lunch is at a restaurant that specialises in traditional Sicilian cuisine, including bottarga fish roe, known as the caviar of the south. Take a three-hour sunset hike to Stromboli’s summit, then in the evening enjoy cocktails on deck with a unique backdrop of a live lava show.
Panarea
After a bracing morning sail, Kokomo will reach the pretty eastern harbour of Panarea, a tiny car-free island whose residents whizz among its whitewashed homes, olive groves and vineyards on electric carts. Visit Cala Junco Beach to snorkel the shipwreck. Come nightfall, the entire island shimmies barefoot in Raya nightclub.
Cefalù
Kokomo will make a gentle overnight passage 60 nautical miles back to Cefalù on the northern coast. From its UNESCO-listed Norman cathedral with Byzantine mosaics, to its inviting beaches, Cefalù is a great place for cultural enthusiasts. Later, hike the rugged landscapes of the Madonie Natural Park before dinner on board.
Palermo
The final day is spent in Palermo, with its Arabic architecture and Spanish influences. Explore the palaces and squares and the Teatro Massimo, one of the largest opera houses in Europe. Disembark in the evening as the crew see you off to Palermo Airport.
Kokomo is available to charter with cecilwright.com
First published in the November 2024 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.