Sicily

Known as much for its mafia past as its grumbling volcano, Mount Etna, the island offers huge variety for a summer Sicily yacht charter - from the clear blue waters and lush, verdant mountains to the chic cities and hillside villages. Greek tyrants, Byzantine bishops, Arab emirs and Norman Knights all gave Sicily its diversity.

Palermo, the old town of Sicily’s capital, is absolutely stunning; a terracotta-walled rabbit warren of cobbled streets with hanging baskets trailing flame-red flowers. Catania is a paradise for adventurers and hikers, as is the UNESCO-protected World Heritage site around Etna, Europe’s tallest and largest active volcano, which can be perfectly observed from your private yacht charter in Sicily.

The rolling countryside in the south throws up the precariously balanced hilltop towns of Ragusa Ibla and Erice, though you’ll keep coming back to Taormina. As the heat rises, retreat to Gran Duca for a bottle of chilled local Nero d'Avola (viticulture is a big thing in Sicily, however don’t expect a broad selection of international wines) and a generous plate of spicy spaghetti al vongole while sitting high above the bay to see your crewed motor yacht or sailing boat at anchor below you.

Cruise the Mediterranean Sea around the Aeolian islands of Vulcano, Salina and Lipari and explore everything from lava formations to cliff-top meadows and deserted white sand beaches during your Sicily yacht charter.