Catania & Acitrezza: Sailing Tour with Lunch & Local Guide

Summary

Sail from catania to acitrezza for caves castles and fresh seafood

You’ll sail from Catania along Sicily’s legendary Riviera dei Ciclopi with a local guide, passing lava cliffs and medieval castles before docking in Acitrezza for swimming or exploring. Enjoy fresh-caught seafood lunch with DOC wine on board as you soak up stories and sunlight — it’s an easygoing day that lingers long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a coffee before we even leave the dock in Catania — I’m not sure if it’s tradition or just kindness, but either way, it’s a good start. Our skipper, Salvo, has this way of making everyone feel like they’ve been on his boat before. He points out the lava cliffs as we glide along the Riviera dei Ciclopi, and I can’t help but lean over the side to watch the water shift from deep blue to almost green. There’s a salty tang in the air that sticks to your skin. At one point he tries to teach us how to handle the ropes; I mostly just tangle them up, but nobody seems to mind.

We drift past Aci Castello — that medieval fortress perched right over the sea. Salvo tells us about “pillow lavas” (I’d never heard of them), and you can actually see these weird rounded rocks under the castle. The sun bounces off everything so sharply I have to squint. When we reach Acitrezza, there’s this hour of freedom: some people wander into town for gelato, others grab snorkels and head for Lachea Island. I tried saying “Acitrezza” properly — Li laughed at my accent (fair). The village is noisy with fishing boats and kids shouting somewhere behind the church.

Back on board, lunch is simple but perfect — grilled fish caught that morning (they said sometimes it changes depending on what comes in), a cold glass of white wine that tastes better because you’re barefoot and salty from swimming. There’s fruit too, sweet enough that I eat more than my share. We talk about legends of Ulysses and sea monsters while drying off in the sun. It feels like time slows down for a bit out there; maybe it’s just the wine or maybe Sicily does that to people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sailing and Exploring Acitrezza

• Meet skipper and board boat
• Admire Ulysses’ Caves and lava cliffs
• View Medieval Castle of Acicastello
• Free time in Acitrezza village
• Snorkel at Lachea Island (optional)
• Enjoy onboard lunch
• Return to port

Top questions

How long does the sailing tour from Catania to Acitrezza last?

The full day sailing tour lasts until around 6 PM.

Is lunch included on the Catania & Acitrezza sailing tour?

Yes, lunch with fresh fish, appetizers, fruit, water, and DOC white wine is included.

Can I swim during the day trip from Catania to Acitrezza?

Yes, there are opportunities for swimming and snorkeling near Lachea Island.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian or vegan menus are available if requested when booking.

Is pickup included in this sailing tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the departure point in Catania.

Are children allowed on this sailing tour?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; discounts apply for ages 0-10.

Is there a guide on board during the sailing tour?

Yes, a local skipper/guide leads the experience and shares stories about the area.

What’s included

Your day includes all sailing equipment, guidance from a local skipper who shares stories along Sicily’s coast, opportunities for swimming or snorkeling with provided gear near Acitrezza’s Cyclops Islands reserve, plus an onboard lunch featuring fresh-caught fish (or vegetarian/vegan options if needed), seasonal fruit, water, and DOC white wine before returning to port by evening.