Boat Rental and Yacht Charter in Palermo

Sail through Sicily's historic capital of Palermo, where Mediterranean cultures converge. Guided by a knowledgeable captain, explore vibrant markets, stunning cathedrals, and the rich culinary traditions of Italian island life.

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Frequently asked questions

What happens when I request a quote?

Once we receive your request, we will confirm the availability of the boat, as well as check for alternative ones. To ensure your experience is the best it can be, we may contact you to discuss your request in detail. Let us do the research for you - free of charge.

When can I get in touch with the captain/skipper?

The timing depends on your charter type. For crewed charters, we can provide the captain's contact details upon request. For bareboat charters with a hired skipper, you can request the contact information 1-3 weeks before departure.

What is the Charter Fee?

The Charter Fee is an additional, obligatory cost, which typically includes the end cleaning of the boat, home port fees, and linen & towels. The details of the charter fee differ depending on the boat, location and charter partner.

Are there any other costs I should be aware of?

There are marina fees and fuel costs which vary depending on the type, duration and location of your sailing holiday. Marina fees need to be paid at each marina you choose to dock overnight - the amount varies but you may be able to find this information in advance by contacting the marinas directly. Fuel costs depend on whether you’re sailing a motorboat or a sailboat. You can estimate fuel costs by double-checking your chosen boat’s engine, and the expected distance you aim to sail.

Sailing in Palermo

A boat rental in Palermo will present you with the opportunity to explore the city and Sicily from a different perspective. Sailing along the stunning coastline, seeing the beauty of Sicily’s northwest coast and experiencing what life is like in Sicily. As an island in the Mediterranean, the water plays an important role in Sicilian life.

Things to do and see when sailing in Palermo

Palermo is the bustling capital of Sicily where you can find a lively community of Sicilians bringing the city to life, fantastic food and lots of history and historical buildings that have remained.

Activities in Palermo

  • A boat hire in Palermo allows you to explore Palermo and its stunning surrounding areas

  • Visit the Cattedrale di Palermo to admire the impressive architecture and artworks inside the cathedral

  • Watch a performance in the Massimo Theater. If you are into opera, this will definitely be a treat

  • Go where the living meet the dead at Catacombe dei Cappuccini. The cemetery of the Convent of the Capuchin Friars showcases multiple corpses and their bones that have survived here throughout the centuries. A truly eerie experience

  • Visit Norman Palace, also called the Royal Palace of Palermo. It is the former residence of the kings of Sicily and is now a UNESCO world heritage site

  • Admire Fontana Pretoria, a beautiful fountain in the historical centre of Palermo

  • Go scuba diving close to Palermo to see the underwater world of Sicily

Beaches in Palermo

  • Cefalù Beaches: Not far from Palermo is Cefalu, which offers some of the best beaches in the area. Surrounded by massive cliffs and beautiful historical houses this could easily be the set of a Medieval blockbuster

  • Mondello Beach: This lovely beach is a truly amazing place not far from Palermo. Also surrounded by majestic cliffs and picturesque Mediterranean houses it’s truly worth a visit

  • Altavilla Beach: Unlike other beaches in Sicily, this amazing beach is one of the wildest and most stunning beaches you can find close to Palermo

Restaurants in Palermo

The best cheap eats in Palermo:

  • CuFu: This lovely eatery offers extremely affordable and lovely small dishes that are perfect for sharing. Food shared is food enjoyed more!

  • Biga Genio e Farina: This is the perfect spot to enjoy an aperitivo with a great variation of cold cuts and cheeses

Best restaurants with a view in Palermo:

  • Alle Terrazze: This beautiful restaurant is going to charm you with its exterior that looks like a castle, the sea views and the delicious Italian cuisine

  • Seven Restaurant: This lovely restaurant has a wonderful terrace where you can admire the city from above. The elegantly presented octopus is a regular customer favourite

Fine dining in Palermo:

  • MEC Restaurant: The elegant interior, the exquisite food and the friendly staff create a wonderful fine dining experience you won’t easily forget. And by the way: the desserts in this Michelin star restaurant are to die for!

  • Finch Sushi: Take a break from the delicious, but often rather heavy Italian cuisine and try the sushi in this exquisite restaurant

Bars and Clubs in Palermo:

  • Bocum Fuoco: This lovely bar is a modern approach to a traditional bar to enjoy a refreshing drink combined with juicy steaks

  • Botteghe Colletti: After a long day out at sea, this is a great spot to rewind and have a refreshing drink with your friends in Palermo. The perfect place to start the night in Sicily

Explore historical Palermo

Like many Italian cities, Palermo is a city rich in history, architecture and culture. Throughout the centuries there have been many different foreign powers and empires trying to rule over Sicily and Palermo. Palermo was first founded by Phoenicians in 734 BC and taken over by foreign powers such as the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs and the Normans. This is still very visible in the architecture of the city.

Sailing conditions in Palermo

Like many other Mediterranean cities, Palermo is blessed with mostly hot and dry summers, although the weather is generally considered subtropical-Mediterranean. July and August are the warmest months of the year. In August, the water temperatures can average at around 26 degrees, making it perfect for swimming in the sea. Winters are generally mild, but experience quite a bit of rain. The average annual temperatures is 18 degrees, which makes Palermo one of the warmest spots in Europe.

The winds in Palermo are dominated by north-westerly winds that average at a force of 3 to 4. This makes Palermo a fantastic location for novice sailors.

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Palermo?

Renting a boat in Palermo is not going to break your bank, in fact, it is one of the most affordable destinations for a boat holiday in Italy. Of course the price of a boat rental in Palermo highly depends on the type of boat you choose, the season you’re sailing in, the amount of people joining you on board and all the amenities included in your charter. You will also be happy to hear that Borrow A Boat offers exclusive discounts on boat rentals in Palermo all year round.

You can rent a gulet in Italy for an average price of 50 EUR per person per day, but keep in mind that they are not easy to operate. You either need to have a lot of experience to navigate a boat like this by yourself or bring someone on board who knows how to do it. Charter a sailboat in Italy for an average price of 58 EUR per person per day. At an average price 40 EUR per person per day, a RIB charter in Italy is extremely affordable. Charter a speedboat in Sicily if you are looking for that adrenaline rush. You can rent them at an average price of 70 EUR per person per day. However, both RIBs and speedboats are not great for longer trips as they don’t provide the necessary facilities and shelter to allow for an overnight stay. If you plan on enjoying a week-long vacation in and around Palermo, you should opt for a catamaran or motorboat charter. They are equipped with all you need and keep you safe at night. Motorboats are the most expensive boats you can charter in Sicily, but there are different price ranges to choose from depending on your budget and your personal preferences. Rent a motorboat in Italy at an average price of 150 EUR per person per day and a catamaran at an average price of 140 EUR per person per day.

What type of boat is best for sailing in Palermo?

If you are keen on exploring the stunning beaches Palermo and the surrounding towns have to offer, you should choose your boat accordingly. A motorboat or catamaran that both have a shallow draft would be perfect for this kind of boat holiday in Sicily. If you want to go on an adventure to explore the Sicilian coast from a distance, experience the wild Mediterranean sea and practice your sailing skills, you should definitely opt for a sailboat.

Rent a sailboat in Palermo

Pros of renting a sailboat in Palermo

A sailboat hire in Palermo is a great choice for anyone who cares about the environment. As sailboats are solely fueled by the wind, you don’t produce extra CO2-emissions and therefore making sailboats one of the most environmentally friendly boats you can choose.

A sailing boat rental in Palermo is great for those travelling on a budget. Sailboats are generally cheaper than other types of boats and you don’t have to worry about paying extra for fuel.

Cons of renting a sailboat in Palermo

One of the downsides of a sailboat charter in Palermo could be the fact that they are so dependent on the wind. You need to come prepared that you might get stuck in the middle of the sea should the wind suddenly stop blowing. All you can do is be patient.

Sailboat charter in Palermo

Rent a catamaran in Palermo

Pros of renting a catamaran in Palermo

Rent a catamaran in Palermo if you’re ready to see all the magical beaches near Palermo. Majestic cliffs, golden sand and magical sunsets await you in the best spots. Catamarans have a shallow draft which makes it safer and easier to sail close to the shore. It also means that you can access the beautiful beaches very easily and enjoy them from up close rather than from a distance.

A catamaran charter in Palermo is also great for anyone who likes the comforts of sailing with an engine, but also the adventure that comes with sailing with a sail. Catamarans are real multitaskers, making them extremely flexible and versatile. You can sail with the winds when they’re strong enough or revert to using the engine when they are not or you simply want to lean back to get from one place to the other.

Another great thing about a catamaran rental in Palermo is the fact that they bring you a level of comfort you might be missing out on on other types of boats. They are often bigger than other types of boats, allowing for extra space in the bedrooms.

You will also be pleased to know that catamarans feel less unstable than other types of boats. Due to the two hulls that a catamaran is standing on, the boat won’t shake as much on the water - even when the wind picks up. This is particularly great for anyone who easily gets seasick.

Cons of renting a catamaran in Palermo

One of the downsides of a catamaran hire in Palermo is the fact that they are lighter than other boats which can really slow them down. So, don’t make any plans to go somewhere in a short period of time.

Another disadvantage of a catamaran charter in Palermo could be the size of a catamaran. It might be super comfortable to have a huge amount of space on board your boat, but it can also come with a couple of challenges. You might not be able to find a spot for mooring at the marinas, because of the size of a catamaran. And even if you do, you will probably have to pay extra.

Catamaran rental in Palermo

Rent a motorboat in Palermo

Pros of renting a motorboat in Palermo

A motorboat rental in Palermo is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to race across the sea and see as much as possible in a short amount of time. Motorboats are generally faster than other types of boats, making them perfect for a tour of the Sicilian coast.

A motorboat hire in Palermo also has the advantage that they have a shallow draft. This makes them perfect for sailing in shallow waters and sailing closer to the shore, allowing you easy access to the most beautiful and remote beaches and bays.

Cons of renting a motorboat in Palermo

One of the downsides of a motorboat charter in Palermo is the fact that they only run on fuel. This makes them one of the most expensive types of boats you can rent here. You might even have to pay extra for fuel in addition to your bareboat charter. So don’t be surprised by a huge bill at the end of your trip.

Motorboat hire in Palermo

Luxury boat holidays in Palermo

Charter a luxury yacht in Palermo if you want to experience a boat holiday filled with pleasure and plenty of amenities that ensure that you have the most pleasant holiday in Palermo you can dream of. A stove, fridge, oven and coffee maker are generally included. You will also be happy to hear that most luxury yacht rentals in Palermo come with a full crew, including a captain who will drive the boat and staff that will take care of your every need while you enjoy your vacation.

What kind of boat licence do you need when renting a boat in Palermo?

Anyone who wants to rent a boat in Palermo should be in possession of a valid boat licence. If you rent a speedboat in Palermo, you can drive these without a boat licence.

Sailing routes in Palermo

You can either sail South, along the west coast and discover the many beautiful towns and bays Sicily has to offer or go east to explore Cefalu and Capo d’Orlando. Either was, Palermo is the perfect starting point for your boat holiday in Sicily.

Day 1 - Sail from Palermo to San Vito Lo Capo: Before heading out to sea, make sure to visit the most interesting historical sites in Palermo, including the Cattedrale di Palermo and Norman Palace.

Day 2 - Sail from San Vito Lo Capo to Trapani: Be sure to visit the Torre del Santuario in San Vito Lo Capo. It is a wonderful historical site you can visit before sailing south.

Day 3 - Sail from Trapani to Favignana: Favignana is one of those places that will make you question whether you are in Italy or the Caribbean. The turquoise water this little island is surrounded by is truly a beautiful find.

Day 4 - Sail from Favignana to Marsala: Time to leave the Italian Caribbean behind and sail to the little town of Marsala. This little town on Sicily’s west coast is best known for its historical sites and natural reserve. The region is also well-known for its wine. So why not take a tour?

Day 5 - Sail from Marsala to Mazara del Vallo: This stunning seaside town will charm you with its quaint houses and lovely port. The Museum of the Dancing Satyr isn Archeaological Museum where you get to learn more about the history of the region. The Norman Arch is another popular tourist attraction in the town.

Day 6 - Sail from Mazara del Vallo to Sciacca: Scicca is going to remind you of the beautiful Amalfi coast. Houses built on the cliff and stunning sea views make this town worthwhile visiting. Sciacca is particularly famous for its ceramics work.

Day 7 - Sail from Sciacca to Capo Rossello: This impressive area surrounded by cliffs will take your breath away. Feel the raw Meditteranean wind while enjoying the delicious taste of saltwater on your lips.


 

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