Not sure how to navigate the vast region of Sicily? We got you! In this itinerary of the best anchorages in East Sicily, we will guide you through some unique spots on this beautiful coast.
East Sicily has a rich history, with many civilizations that have succeeded one another, such as the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs, the Normans, and the Spanish. This left a strong legacy still visible to this day, and we are taking you to uncover a part of it on this unforgettable journey.
By sailing to secluded anchorages, passing by the historic city of Milazzo, and then the majestic Mount Etna, all the way to Siracusa, East Sicily’s coast will unravel its true beauty.
Are you ready to hoist your sails?
An itinerary of the best anchorages in East Sicily
What to eat in Sicily?
It is no secret that Italy has one of the best cuisines in Europe, and Sicily is no exception. The region’s rich history has influenced many aspects of its society, including the cuisine. Today, Sicily’s legacy lives on, only to delight us with its delicious specialties.
Savoury cuisine
On the savoury side, do not miss the famous “arancini”, the fried rice balls with ragu and mozzarella! Discover “caponata” and “parmigiana di melanzane”, dishes made of eggplant. For pasta lovers, you should definitely give “Pasta con le sarde” a go – but only if you love sardines. If not, “Pasta alla norma”, with tomato sauce, fried eggplant, ricotta salata, and basil, should delight your taste buds. There are also many dishes with sea food, and you should definitely try the cheeses as well, such as the pecorino.
Sicilian desserts
For those with a sweet tooth, Sicily is a dream come true! First, you should have a cannolo, because what is better than trying this famous dessert in its region of origin? Another important dessert in Sicily is “cassata”, a rich cake made with ricotta, sponge cake, liqueur marzipan, and candied fruit. If you are craving chocolate, opt for “torta Setteveli” a cake made of layers of chocolate and hazelnuts. “Frutta Martorana” is another famous marzipan dessert. It is painted to look like fruit, which makes it even more enticing to eat.
Tindari
Our first anchorage is located at the northeastern part of Sicily. Tindari is protected from the north to the south by the west and you will have good holding in sandbanks resting between 5 and 15 meters deep. You will also have the possibility to moor at a buoy.
Once safely anchored, take in the beauty of the anchorage. The bay is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and majestical hills overlooking the area. On top of the hill lies the Tindari Sanctuary. This magnificent building was built for Madonna di Tindari – over what used to be the Greek city of Thyndaris, which was founded in the 4th century BC.
Today, it is an important place of pilgrimage. From the shore, you will be able to hike all the way to the top, where a breathtaking view of the bay and the Aeolian Islands await.
But Tindari has another attraction worth visiting. Indeed, the anchorage is conveniently located by the natural reserve of Marinello, where you will find the Marinello Lakes. Not only is the reserve home to many species of all kinds of birds and vegetation, but it gives you the possibility to visit the lakes on foot.
In short, Tindari is a true gem to stop by, whether you are simply spending the day or staying overnight. A perfect introduction to Sicily’s rich heritage!
Circolo Tennis e Vela
The Octopus is now bringing you to a less isolated location with this anchorage. Circolo Tennis e Vela is protected from the northwest to the southeast by the west, and you will anchor comfortably in sandbanks resting between 3 and 15 meters deep.
From the deck of your boat, you will have a foreground view on the historic part of Milazzo, also called “sun peninsula”. In the city, visit the medieval castle of Milazzo, which overlooks the city from the top of a hill. Initially built by Normans during the Neolithic era, it was then enlarged and modified by the civilizations that followed, such as the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs, and the Spanish – thus representing a historical jewel. In the castle, visit the Museum of the Sea.
There, you will jump into an immersive experience aimed at educating visitors on sustainability and reconnecting humans with our precious sea.
Baia di Taormina
The Octopus is taking this itinerary of the best anchorages in East Sicily to another level by stopping at Baia di Taormina. Before anchoring, make sure to avoid the rocks for good holding. Additionally, there are mooring buoys available nearby!
The view from the anchorage is nothing short of breathtaking. Tall cliffs that are home to the town of Taormina overlook the bay, but that is nothing compared to what you will see in the background. Indeed, the UNESCO-listed Etna volcano is located not so far away from the anchorage, and you will be able to see it from the deck of your boat!
To get a closer look of the tallest mountain on a Mediterranean island, and the symbol of Sicily, you can visit the national park. Inside the park, there are multiple hiking trails that will lead you to the top, where you will be able to explore craters of the active volcano. An app is also provided by the official website to view all the possible trails that you can walk on.
For those who would rather get to the top faster, cable cars are also available. However, if you want to climb above 2,500 meters (by the cable car terminal), you will need a guide to ensure your safety. You can find all the information by clicking here!
Baia Arcile
After the adventure brought by our previous stop, The Octopus was looking for a restful anchorage and it found just that at Baia Arcile! The bay is protected from the southerlies, but make sure to avoid posidonia before anchoring in sandy bottoms resting between 5 and 10 meters deep.
To put it quite plainly, Baia Arcile is a true place of paradise. The bay is surrounded by greenery and turquoise waters, and it still provides a view of Mount Etna. At the anchorage, everything is peaceful and soothing. You can swim in the crystal-clear waters with the fish, or take your dingy up to the shore and go to the beach. You can also have a relaxing walk by the coast.
Back at the anchorage, the sun is setting. As daylight slowly disappears, the sky and the mirroring sea are turning into shades of orange and pink, mixing together and creating a mesmerizing painting. As the moon makes its way into the sky, you reflect on all you have seen so far – ready for what Sicily will show you next.
In other words, Baia Arcile is the perfect anchorage for a peaceful stopover, ideal to spend a few nights!
Rada di Siracusa
To end this itinarary of the best anchorages in East Sicily, we can now set sail to the animated city of Siracusa! Rada di Siracusa is protected from the west to the northeast by the north, and you can either opt to dock at the quay, or drop your anchor in sandy and muddy bottoms. Additionally, call the harbormaster to inform him of your arrival (channel 16-11).
This anchorage is perfectly located to shop for food supplies, fill up your tank, and mostly to visit Siracusa. This UNESCO-listed city is filled with Greek and Roman history, and it was once one of the most important powers in the Mediterranean. For a jump back in time, go to Città Vecchia (Old City), which is on the island of Ortigia.
As you are walking the narrow streets, you will stop by major historical landmarks such as the Apollo Temple, the Archimede & Leonardo da Vinci Museum, the Fountain of Diana, the Arethusa Spring, or the Castello Maniace.
For an immersive experience into Sicilian culture, explore Ortigia’s market. There, stalls selling all types of foods from the region, as well as clothing, accessories, and souvenirs will grant an unforgettable voyage. On the streets of Siracusa, restaurants, bars, and bakeries filled with Sicilian delights await your visit. One thing is for sure, you will not be hungry nor disappointed when visiting Siracusa!
Unfortunately, this is the end of our itinerary of the best anchorages in East Sicily. We hope you enjoyed this article, and that it perhaps inspired you for your next adventures!
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