Grand Sailing Cruise: Sicily (Palermo → Aeolian Islands → …

Sail with us on a route that links two Mediterranean seas, the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian seas, and some of the most beautiful and moving landscapes of Mare Nostrum: from historic Palermo to bright Catania, sailing between volcanic islands, villages suspended on cliffs and bays that seem to have been created for calm and discovery, a real privilege.

A journey for sailors, skippers and captains who want to gain knowledge, experience and trust, perfecting their technique of steering, trimming and maneuvering, interpreting the weather and making the right decisions in real conditions, while enjoying sailing in its most authentic version. In short, for those of us who experience the emotion in a cooling wind, the calm in a breeze that caresses us when the sun goes down and we find meaning in the silence of a guard under the stars. But those who simply want to have a great sailing experience, even without learning objectives, are also welcome on board.

Throughout this adventure, we will explore the most iconic jewels of the Aeolian archipelago: the magical Salina with its natural amphitheater in Pollara, the paradisiacal anchorages of Panarea, the imposing presence of Stromboli roaring under an immense starry sky, and the uniqueness and wild beauty of Lipari and Vulcano, where sea and fire have sculpted unrepeatable landscapes.

We will also live the experience of crossing the mythical Strait of Messina, the scene of ancient legends, avoiding whimsical tides and currents, to set out on the way to elegant Taormina, with its Greek theater and its incomparable Isola Bella.

And finally, we will arrive in Catania, at the foot of the majestic Etna, where this adventure that intertwines navigation, culture, nature and the thrill of discovering the most genuine Mediterranean will conclude.

In short, it is a very complete journey: experiential, formative and beautiful. A route that we have designed with love, with mind and purpose, on a large exclusive sailboat for only 5 to 7 people who want to enjoy this experience with maximum space, comfort and safety. A trip that, without a doubt, any navigator should do at least once in their life. We are waiting for you!. Do you get on board?

WORKSHOPS AND PRACTICES

It includes different workshops and practices for those who set learning objectives: Governance and safety on the sailboat (The ship, the skipper and its crew, governance, instrumentation, RIPA, POB, EPIRB, abandonment, logbook, positioning on the charter, control and tasks on board...). Sailing (sails, controls, maneuvers, directions, trimming...). High altitude navigation (planning, meteorology, defeat, management...). Coastal navigation (planning, meteorology, defeat, hazards, marks and marking, delays, anchoring, moorings in port and buoy...). Night navigation (guards, lights, AIS, Radar...) and much more.

EMBARKATION AND DISEMBARKATION

• Boarding: 5:30 p.m. | Pto. de Palermo, Sicily (Train, bus or taxi from the airport 30 km away).

• Disembarkation: 14:00 h. | Pto. de Catania, Sicily (Train, bus or taxi to the airport 3.5 km away).

DETAILS TO CONSIDER

We recommend a minimum of sailing experience to participate in this voyage. The proposed program may vary partially or significantly depending on the meteorology or at the request of the group. Consider that there could be any changes or delays due to this or any other unforeseen circumstance. Take it into account for your planning, train, flights, hotel, etc. if you need it and if so, we advise you to make your reservations with a cancellation option, or alternatively take out insurance to cover this possibility, they are usually cheap and well adapted to this type of activity.

OTHER OPTIONS.

If your dates don't add up or the group is complete, maybe you can join another of the trips we organize throughout the year:

CROSSINGS AND SAILING PRACTICES | ALL YEAR ROUND.

• 1 Island | Columbretes from Valencia +110 min.

• 2 Islands | Columbretes → Ibiza from Valencia +200 min.

• 3 Islands | Ibiza → Formentera → Columbretes from Valencia +250MN.

• 4 Islands | Ibiza → Formentera → Cabrera → Mallorca from Valencia +380 MN.

• 5 Islands | Ibiza → Formentera → Cabrera → Mallorca → Columbretes from Valencia +400 min.

GREAT MEDITERRANEAN VOYAGE | MAY TO JULY.

• STAGE 1 (23-May to 29-May): Crossing Valencia → MALLORCA (North Coast) → MENORCA (South Coast, Mahón) +255 MN.

• STAGE 2 (May 31 to June 3): MENORCA → SARDINIA Crossing (South Coast, Cagliari) +270 MN COMPLETE!.

• STAGE 3 (05-Jun-11-Jun): SARDINIA (Cagliari) → SICILY (Aegadian Islands → Palermo) Crossing +240 MN.

• STAGE 5 (June 21 to June 27): SICILY Crossing (Catania, Syracuse) → MALTA +165 MN.

• STAGE 6: (June 29 to July 5): MALTA → SICILY crossing (C.Sur, Aegadian Islands) → SARDINIA (Cagliari) +325 MN.

• STAGE 7 (July 7 to July 10): SARDINIA (Cagliari) → MENORCA (Mahón) Crossing +270 MN COMPLETE!.

• STAGE 8 (July 12 to July 18): MENORCA route (Mahón, C.Este and North) → MALLORCA (C.Norte) → Valencia +25 MN.

CRUISES | AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER.

• Ibiza and Formentera from Valencia +240 min.

Plan

1ST SINGAPORE: PALERMO.

Welcome and embark at the historic port of Palermo, an enclave full of life, in this beautiful city of Sicily, ancient and bright, from where our adventure begins. After discovering our sailboat, we will settle into the cabins and we will have the first of the different workshops and practices that we will be doing on board, as the voyage progresses: Government, security and navigation (Meteorology, defeat planning, POB, VHF, guards, instrumentation...). Then we will familiarize ourselves with the maneuver. And we will close the day with dinner all together in the lively port of Palermo or its historic surroundings.

After having enjoyed the atmosphere of the capital of Sicily, a mix of history, aromas and street music, we will spend the night on board, ready to set sail.

2nd SINGLADURE: PALERMO → SALINA/70 MN.

At dawn we will leave the city behind, to enter the open sea at the first light of dawn towards Salina, one of the green jewels of the Aeolian archipelago. After spectacular sailing, ideal for enjoying and learning, we will arrive at the mythical Pollara Bay, a volcanic amphitheater that falls vertically into a sea of impossible blues, the natural setting of the film “The Postman and Pablo Neruda”.

And with the golden light of sunset, we will take a short cruise to Santa Marina Bay, in front of the charming town, the perfect place for a charming night walk. We will spend the night under the cover of the wind moon.

3rd SINGAPORE: SALINA → PANAREA → STROMBOLI/25 MN.

Today we got up early to discover Panarea, the most elegant and luminous of the Aeolian Islands, which we will arrive after a short and quiet navigation. We will anchor at Cala Zimmari, a beach with turquoise waters, and we will visit the majestic Yunco Cove with our assistant. We will enjoy this beautiful and unique environment for a few hours.

And around noon, we will head to Stromboli, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. We will sail between the smoking islets of Basiluzzo and Lisca Bianca, a unique natural spectacle. And we will tie ourselves to a buoy in the early afternoon, to enjoy a truly magical place. The inhabitants call this island Iddu, for its flashes, which are repeated every 15-20 minutes, and for its periodic bursts that incite respectful fear. In Stromboli there is no public transport or lighting, which will allow us to enjoy an extraordinary starry vault at night and an unrepeatable moment that we will start at dusk, after a short sail on the sailboat or in the auxiliary boat to enjoy, in total safety, the Sciara del Fuoco, a natural theater where the volcano throws incandescence into the sea. A privileged experience that no navigator forgets. We will spend the night under the immensity of a sky that seems to burn.

4th SINGAPORE: STROMBOLI → LIPARI → VOLCANO/30 MN.

We will leave at dawn, on a relaxed sail to Lipari. Its coast will greet us with the surprising Cala Pomice (Porticello), a mooring of wonderful turquoise waters in front of the ancient pumice quarries. There we can relax and cool off. Then we will continue to visit Valle Muria, a small paradise of lava and ochre cliffs. And already, around noon, we will bow Vulcano, with a suggestive name and unique beauty. We will enter the Porto di Ponente, perfect for spending the afternoon exploring the town, and perhaps climbing the crater or letting ourselves be tempted by its hot springs. The sunset is one of those that remain engraved. Here we will spend the night under the moonlight, as a culmination to our exploration of this unique place in the world, the Aeolian Islands.

5th SINGLADURE: VOLCANO → SCILLA (CALABRIA)/40 MN.

Today we will set out at dawn around Vulcano, to discover the black beach of Cannitello Bay, before heading to the mythical Strait of Messina. This beautiful journey, first in open water and then along the NE coast of Sicily, will give us a landscape full of history.

In the early afternoon, we will anchor or tie ourselves to a buoy in Scilla, one of the most beautiful corners of Calabria: a town of multicolored houses resting on a sea of crystal clear waters. With the auxiliary one, we will go ashore to walk around its old town, and perhaps visit its imposing castle. A perfect anchorage to enjoy the afternoon and spend the night while we strategically wait to cross the strait with the current in favor.

6th SINGLADURE: SCILLA → STRAIT OF MESSINA → TAORMINA/35 MN.

Early in the morning, depending on the tide, we will face the crossing of the Strait of Messina, an experience that every good navigator should experience: swirls, currents, lighthouses and a sea that breathes with its own strength.

We will leave the Tyrrhenian Sea to arrive around noon, after crossing the strait, to the spectacular Bay of Taormina, already in the Ionian Sea, where the green of the gardens mixes with the walls of the Ancient Theater and the perfect iconography of Isola Bella, an islet linked to the ground by a spit of sand. Taormina is a spectacular natural terrace overlooking the sea. We will have the afternoon free to discover it, take a walk and maybe have dinner in one of its charming restaurants overlooking the Sicilian coast.

7th SINGAPORE: TAORMINA → CATANIA/25 MIN.

Today we will have our last coastal navigation, this time heading to Catania, the great baroque city at the foot of Etna, where we will arrive shortly after noon. This beautiful enclave will greet us in a big way, like an imposing black and white outdoor setting protected by UNESCO. We will celebrate it by ending an intense learning route of great Mediterranean beauty, between volcanoes, islands, myths and ancient seas.

If you have an extra day, make the most of it on your own to discover this beautiful and historic city: its heritage spread over squares and alleys, its markets and maybe you can climb Mount Etna to contemplate the sea that we have just sailed from above.

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Other information

All crew members are welcome, even if they do not know the language spoken on board (spanish)

THE PRICE INCLUDES:

• The rental of the sailboat, professional skipper/skipper, insurance and VAT. All scheduled activities, workshops and practices have no additional cost. At the end, a cruise certificate will be issued that justifies the route, the sailing conditions and the miles traveled (professional qualifications, rentals, shipments...).

NOT INCLUDED (extras):

• FULL PACK (Required): Preparation, shopping and stowing, food and drink, bed linen and towels, final cleaning and laundry. “All Inclusive” 215 EUR/pax

• FUEL (Required): A provision of approximately 55 EUR/pax will be made. We will prioritize sailing. In any case, it will be adjusted to the one actually consumed.

• MOORINGS IN PORTS OR BUOYS (Required): If due to boarding or security it is necessary or chosen as an option, it will be distributed among the group. A provision will be made for the scheduled moorings (Palermo and Catania) of 40 EUR/person, at a rate of 1.5 days per port, necessary for pre-preparation and post-cruise cleaning. In any case, this provision will be adjusted to the amount that ultimately results.

• SUITE PACK (Optional): Reserve the spacious forward cabin with integrated full bathroom. 155 EUR/pax

• SINGLE PACK (Optional): Reserve an exclusive upper aft cabin just for you. 625 EUR/person

• LAST MINUTE PACK (Optional). When there are no more cabins left, you can still get on board spending the night on the comfortable sofa in the living room. -185 Eur

• Any other request or need not specified in the price or that would like to be quoted separately.

CANCELLATIONS AND RETURNS

• Cost of early cancellation by the customer:

-Before 60 days before the date of shipment, 10% of the reservation.

-Between 59 and 30 days before the date of shipment, 50% of the reservation.

-Less than 30 days before the date of shipment, 100% of the reservation.

• If canceled early by the shipowner/skipper:

-For reasons of force majeure, crew indisposition, sailboat safety or any other circumstance, a new date would be agreed or, where appropriate, the customer would be reimbursed for 100% of the amount paid.

-For not reaching a confirmed minimum group of 5 people (in the case of rental by places), a new date would be agreed or, if appropriate, the customer would be reimbursed for 100% of the amount paid.

-Due to adverse weather conditions, a new date would be agreed or, if appropriate, 100% of the amount paid would be reimbursed to the customer in the form of a credit valid for 1 year, which can be enjoyed directly by the customer or whoever he decides and reports.

-Once shipped, only a refund in the form of a credit valid for 1 year would be applicable, if the cancellation occurs for reasons directly attributable to the shipowner or skipper, and weather conditions are not considered in any case. This reimbursement would be calculated in proportion to the time or period not finally enjoyed, and there would be no additional compensation.

FORMALIZATION OF THE RESERVATION AND BOARDING

• According to platform policy.

• Up to 7 days in advance, you can pay directly to the Shipowner/Captain for the extras by bank transfer.

• Before boarding, the group will sign the sailboat rental contract for the indicated time, with a professional skipper included.

• During this time, the group will have the sailboat to enjoy sailing following the suggested itinerary or any other that they can alternatively propose directly to the skipper.

OTHERS

• Complete Pack: The menus are healthy, simple to make and generally adapted to life on board. Soft drinks, beers and wine are included. You don't have to worry about deciding on the ingredients and making the purchase. This service is included. If any type of special diet is required or if you have any allergies, you must communicate in writing beforehand.

• A cook or sailor is not included (this service has an added budget), so it is the responsibility of each person to collaborate with the group in preparing meals and other tasks related to the order, cleaning and safety of the sailboat to have the best experience.

• We will do this trip with a minimum group of 5 and a maximum of 7 crew members plus the Captain, to make the most of the large spaces and comfort of this large sailboat, and to get the most out of the different workshops and practices. Exceptionally, smaller groups could be confirmed.

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Boat details

Powerful, elegant and comfortable Dufour 525 Grand Large. An oceanic sailboat with superior features and finishes, with a premium specification that includes a generator, hot-cold air conditioning, water purifier, washing machine, dishwasher, Bosé speakers... as well as a great capacity for autonomy.

The interior is equipped with 3 spacious cabins (suite type in the bow) with large closets and shelves, two full toilets (electric and with hot and cold showers), as well as a large convertible living room with 2 bunk beds, where a total of 8 people can sleep comfortably. Additionally, it has a separate sailor cabin with a third full bathroom.

Outside, its clean and spacious lines are complemented by a magnificent teak roof, with 2 solariums, one in the bow and the other in the stern, each for 4 people. In short, it is a large, full-equipped Dufourt flagship sailboat, with which you will enjoy the pleasure of sailing in paradisiacal environments with high safety and comfort with your family or friends.

General characteristics

- Measures: Total length 15.32m, width 4.90m and depth: 2.3m

- Ballast: 4.85 tons

- Displacement: 16.2 tons

- Fuel tanks: 500 liters (2x250l)

- Water tanks: 3x185 (555 l)

- Engine: Volvo Penta D3-110 Kw

- Main propeller: 3 foldable blades

- Bow propeller: Maxpower retractable

- Alternator: 114AH

- Generator: Fisher Panda 8000 6.8KW

- Chargers: Cristec, Fast Inverter: Power 1200W

- Air conditioning and heating: Dometic Cruiseair with lounge exits and 3 cabins

- Water treatment plant: D60BY 60 L/h* desalination plant

- Water heater: Quick Inox Platform

-Electric bathing platform with aft shower

-Dispatched to the sixth list: Professional sailboat

-Sailing Zone 1: Oceanic all over the world

-Overnight guests: up to 7 + crew

-People without an overnight stay: up to 12 + crew

Rig

- Sparcraft mast and dump

- Sparcraft Ocean retractable chest with an emura line to the bathtub

- North Sails laminated cruise ship

- Genoa North Sails roll-up cruiser

- Elvstrom 2010 roll-up Gennaker

- This is the steering wheel

- Elvstrom bad weather seal

- Elvstrom storm surge

- Elvstrom dacron mainsail with sabers

- Furlex Seldon 404s Genoa winder

Winches

- 2 Harken 53 ST German main winches

- 2x Genova Harken 60.2 ST electric winches 2x spinnaker

- 1 Harken 48 ST starboard electric halyard winch

- 1 Harken 48 ST port halyard winch

Navigation equipment

- ICOM Marine IC-M505 VHF with cabin remote control and BOSEMC-Murdo ICS speaker

- Navtex Nav6 Computer and Monitor 15

- TinyByte Logitech 2 wireless keyboard AIS transceiver

- Raymarine ST602 tridatums. Raymarine ST6002 Autopilot and Raymarine E80 Plotter

- Raymarine radar and tablet with Navionics

Accessories

- 1 11” paddle surf board

- 7 complete snorkel kits

- 1 hanging hammock

- Fast auxiliary boat: 3.3m, rigid floor and Yamaha 15 Cv outboard motor.

Accommodation

It is a sailboat designed to offer a great sailing experience, comfort and enjoyment for 6 to 8 people on an overnight basis and up to 12 people including the crew on daytime sailing.

The interior, with high quality furniture, in Moabi and Wenge wood, is equipped with 3 spacious cabins (suite type in the bow) with large closets and shelves, two complete toilets (electric and with hot water showers), as well as a large convertible lounge that adds 2 bunk beds (for crew or passengers), where a total of 8 people can sleep comfortably. In addition, it has a separate sailor cabin with a third full bathroom, which is usually used as a candle towel.

The kitchen, distributed in 3 large spaces, has a Corian® work surface with raised wooden anti-shoring edge. It has a double sink with a synthetic resin lid. 3-burner gas cooker with “Bretagne Evolution” type oven/grill in gimbal with stainless steel handrails and safety fixing anchor. A 130L fridge with front cover. A second 175L fridge with freezer, in addition to a 100L freezer. The service is completed by an Electrolux Arthur Martin MD30 dishwasher, a 1200W ENO microwave, a Tefal toaster, a bottle rack and a complete Dufourt crockery for 10 people.

Daily rest is guaranteed with Calipso comfort mattresses with wooden slatted base, fans, as well as large space in closets and shelves, LED reading lights, practical cover hatches, vents, black-out blinds and mosquito nets in each cabin.

All this is complemented by 12V-220V sockets. BOSE-lifestyle DVD 5.1 dolby surround. Sharp Aquos TV and large storage spaces throughout the boat.

*This description may not be accurate or may have changed due to subsequent changes. The use of some services such as the dishwasher, TV or air conditioning may be restricted to the port or to certain times at the discretion of the Captain. The Shipowner/Catrón is not responsible if any item or accessory described were damaged just before or during the departure.

SERVICES

Rental for cruises and cruises, regattas, hourly tours, Charter days, sunrises, sunsets, ashes in the sea, celebrations, etc. Ask us and we will organize a personalized quality service.

Specifications

Model: Dufour Yachts - 525 Grand Large
Capacity: 12 spots
Length: 15.32 m
Cabins: 3
Year: 2008
Bathrooms: 3

Features

GPS
Radar
Life jackets
VHF
Sounding line
Electric windlass
Autopilot
Wind equipment
EPIRB
Generator
Tender
Bow thruster
Shower
Bimini
Fishing rods
HI-FI equipment
TV
Equipo de snorkel

5 · 111 reviews

Travesía y Prácticas de Navegación en Gran Velero: Valencia-Columbretes +110 MN

Biel

October of 2025

Ignacio very attentive to everyone, aware of the menu and the safety of the crew members

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Reply from Ignacio

Thank you Biel, it has been a pleasure to share this sailing trip with you. I highly value your willingness and conversation with the group, always encouraging and collaborating. Good bow partner;)

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Travesía y Prácticas de Navegación en Gran Velero: 3 Islas desde Valencia +250MN

Diego

October of 2025

Absolute success in choosing Ignacio and his boat for this sailing experience and expanding knowledge. Ignacio is a great sailor with many boards who always opts for the safety of his crew members, good practices and a friendly and continuous learning environment. I will repeat from now on 100%.

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Reply from Ignacio

Thank you Diego! I loved sharing this journey with you. You have brought joy and laughter to the group, and also with an excellent attitude, collaboration and desire to learn. Good bow and until another one, partner;)

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Travesía y Prácticas de Navegación en Gran Velero: 3 Islas desde Valencia +250MN

Alberto

October of 2025

Nostalgia for the silver reflections on his wall when the water was cut off while dancing to the infinite murmur of the waves.
Bedouin of the sea in the star-studded night and guided by the enchantment of his mantle, he sails hanging from the sky.
The sails come out and close to the soul, the salty bodies fly at dawn.

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Reply from Ignacio

Precious words Alberto! It has been a pleasure to share this journey with Esther and you. I highly value your willingness, your desire to learn and to contribute to the group, always with joy and good conversation. A hug;)

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Travesía y Prácticas de Navegación en Gran Velero: Valencia-Columbretes +110 MN

Alfonso

September of 2025

Ignacio made us go through an incredible journey, teaching us aspects of navigation at all times and transmitting his passion for the sea. I will repeat for sure.

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Reply from Ignacio

Thank you Alfonso! I loved sharing this journey with you. I highlight your good attitude, collaboration in on-board tasks and maneuvers and your desire to learn. Good winds buddy, until the next voyages;)

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Crucero en Gran Velero por Ibiza y Formentera desde Valencia

Nuria

August of 2025

The journey is very good, Nacho gives you a lot of confidence, he is a very experienced captain, and my companions were all a 10, very very happy with everything, I am disabled, I have hip and femur prosthesis and it is a good and comfortable boat and the captain and my companions made me feel one more a hug to everyone

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Reply from Ignacio

Thank you Nuria. It was a pleasure to have you on board the sailboat. I want to highlight your good attitude and sense of humor at all times. Good bow and good winds, until the next voyages!

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Crucero en Gran Velero por Ibiza y Formentera desde Valencia

Fernando

August of 2025

A unique, adventurous exp. with touches of both fun and total peace.
First time I was sailing on a 7-day voyage and I have to say that I would do it again without a doubt. Top sailboat with all the amenities, security and enough space. Nacho, the captain is a crack! Total control of 10, to the ship and to you

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Reply from Ignacio

Thank you Fer! I was delighted to share this experience with you on board the sailboat. I want to highlight your good character, always smiling, talking and helping in everything. You're a great crew member and a better person. A hug and until the next voyages;)

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