The Y - Yachting Itineraries 2024/25

THE Y - EDITOR'S INT DUCTION

As Samuel Johnson, the English writer, poet, essayist, and literary critic wrote in 1775, “Whoever is not conscious of some desire to voyage on the Mediterranean, must have a dull

As a yacht agency based in Palma de Mallorca with locations throughout Spain, we wouldn’t disagree that the Mediterranean Sea is the ultimate part of the world to

Whether a blind poet of the 8th or 9th century BCE, in times before written records existed, could have conceived the 24-volume long epic poem about a legendary voyage home by the imaginary war hero, Ulysses (or in English,-

nean’s most inspiring and beautiful destinations?

At every step, he and his men were derailed by brutal storms, whirlpools, Odysseus in a great number of imaginary locations, which historians and

and set off via Hydra and Spetses

From Mykonos we visit Naxos, Paros Ios, and Santorini

Moving on to Sicily, we circumnavigate this astonishing island and explore the Egadian and Aeolian in the Balearics, where Menorca is the place most closely associated with many travellers through the ages, chronicling their in May 2024, “Enchanted Islands: A Mediterranean Odyssey” “A Memoir of Travels through Love, Grief and Mythology is beautifully written, an emotional and intensely personal odyssey, full our Menorca order it here:

We conclude this edition with our customary trip across the Atlantic, calling at Antigua and Montserrat

Panama Canal, to Costa Rica’s unspoiled paradise is a blossoming superyacht destination, with state of the art marinas and resorts emerging, providing visitors with world class comfort and security as they explore one past year, ESTELA

Regular readers of the print version of this guide may notice that we have our maps and made them more comprehensive, adding restaurants and beach

tailored to you and your guests, you should, of course, contact ESTELA Wherever you are headed and whatever your plans, we are here to help!

James van Bregt Editor

INDEX of CONTENT

GREECE

Athens and the Aeg n

Athens and cruising down the Cycladic islands

Naxos, Paros, Ios and Santorini, with guidance on the best anchorages, factoring in the

Page 20

SICILY

setting off from Palermo, calling in on the many glorious towns and villages around the coast, and visiting some of the island’s cultural sites

the west, Sicily’s history, cuisine and volcanic

Page 92

Delivering Possibilities Anywhere

OmniAccess is the leading provider of premium digital solutions in the maritime industry, transforming the way you connect and navigate the seas.

Connectivity

Our nextGen Fusion connectivity plans offer tailored solutions for each superyacht, integrating the latest maritime technology.

IoT/ OT

Optimize operations, elevate user experience, with our integrated technology.

Onboard Network

Always stay connected and productive, enabling seamless communication and access to resources across devices.

Enabled by UNITY

The possibility platform for maritime digital solutions.

UNITY is our scalable and modular platform to run, manage and support our digital solutions portfolio with an unparalleled user experience.

Cloud & IT

Boost productivity through digital transformation, empowering your team to achieve more.

Cyber Security

From designing secure networks to continuous threat monitoring, we safeguard your vessel data, integrity, and privacy, ensuring safe and guaranteed operations.

For more info please visit www.omniaccess.com or contact sales@omniaccess.com.

INDEX of CONTENT BALEARICS

ANTIGUA & MONTSERRAT

We have updates on marina facilities and a Caribbean itinerary with a difference, eruptions in 1997 and 2003, this modern-day Pompei is a fascinating alternative to the to dine and things to do and see on our we suggest some of the best these islands have to offer, whether that’s lounging in a

Page 232 Page 172

TRUSTED & RECOMMENDED

THE CAPTAIN’S INSIDE GUIDE

Founded and managed by former superyacht captains and crew. We are proud to be the industry’s leading directory for RECOMMENDED superyacht services since 2002.

Global Coverage

Online Directory

Print & Digital

INDEX of CONTENT

COSTA RI

We conclude with a passage through the Panama Canal, to visit the paradise on earth that is Costa Rica’s west coast on are some of the most biodiverse on the

Page 248

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

indispensable, practical information about the destinations featured in this numbers and marina info, there are rules, as well as emergency contacts

Page 272

INDEX OF PARTNERS & ADVERTISERS

GREECE

AATHENS AND THE AEGEAN

s tempting as it was (particularly in an Olympic year) to commence our Greek odyssey at Mount Olympus -- where god king Zeus acceded to his daughter Athena’s request to help rescue Odysseus from the clutches of the sea nymph, Calypso -- this wouldn’t be particularly practical for a superyacht itinerary.

Our hero, Odysseus, got seriously lost in his attempt to sail home from the improved dramatically since the 7th

his mad journey to North Africa, propose instead a pleasant cruise in

Starting in Athens, near Cape Malea where our mythical hero was blown

found to his cost, the infamous Meltemi wind in this part of the world doesn’t always lend itself to smooth sailing, but having drafted in some

ATHENS

Greece may be all about island-hopping, but starting a trip in one of the world’s great capital cities is an opportunity not to be missed. Gritty, chaotic and dirty in parts, yes, though Athens has beauty, character and atmosphere in abundance.

here and not exhaust things to see and experience, though

Acropolis & Parthenon

Athens’ iconic historical site, crowned with the Parthenon at the top, is, for good reason, the city’s most popular

high season, the area gets extremely busy, so it’s advisable to get here at the

citadel was built in the 5th century BCE, at the centre of the city that was considered to be the centre of

sites were desirable not only for defensive reasons, but in religion, hills had caves, springs and other natural features that denoted the presence of

Athens’ acropolis was built as a home of Athena, the patron goddess of -

viving structures, aside from its most recognisathe Parthenon, are the Propylaea, the gateway to the sacred precinct, the treasury of the a scared olive tree given by Athena apartment’) is dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the goddess who embodies

including conversions into Christian churches and damage from sieges and looting, the Acropolis remains been moved to the Acropolis Museum

Acropolis Museum

At the base of the Acropolis is the 2009, this museum hosts the ancient wonders of the Acropolis in stateof-the-art exhibits that explain the of each piece, along with insight into the history of excavations and of the Parthenon itself, enabling how ancient Athenians would have southern side of the outcrop to discover the Theatre of Dionysus, the world’s

birthplace of drama once seated up to brings you to the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus, once one of the most important historical sites for political gatherings

important stop on future tours of ancient Athens is Plato’s Academy, philosopher’s burial place only in were able to decipher thousands of that Plato was laid to rest in a private garden near a sacred shrine to the children playing, the collection of abandoned ancient stones here have was destroyed by the Roman dictator

More museums

While the Acropolis Museum is a stunning building and a top

attraction, the enormous National Archaeological Museum dwarfs it, to stunning sculptures and classical pottery, the museum offers a collection is a little overwhelming, it is possible to see the highlights in just a

Another highlight is the Benaki Museum costumes and furniture, all beautifully the city, one for contemporary art and

Around town

Once you have had and culture, parts of today’s Athens are a delight to explore on Plaka is one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in the city, with narrow cobbled streets, lovely neoclassical buildings, small cafes, traditional tavernas, souvenir

shops and ancient ruins in almost every district, which is quieter, less crowded whitewashed houses with great panoramic

While the ancient centre of the city was once the Acropolis, life in Athens today centres around Monastiraki Square popular meeting place for Athenians, the square blends historical eras, architecture and cultures, alive to

Particularly if travelling with children, pop in to the nearby Little Kook, a totally over-the-top decorations and From towering chandeliers to elaborate sets and fascinating fairytale characters, every corner is a feast entire street leading up to it is world, where the theme changes every

On the south side of the square stands the imposing Tzistarakis Mosque, built in 1759, and named after the Ottoman governor of the city, building housed a ceramics museum, though today it comprises more the remnants of Hadrian’s Library, was embellished with important infrastructure, traces of which can Roman Forum, founded by Julius Caesar in 10 gets too much, escape to one of the

many rooftop bars and cafés for which restaurant at the fashionable ‘A for Athens’ hotel is a favourite spot from

For grander views from further away, consider a sunset trip up Lycabettus of Athens, in the Kolonaki For the energetic, there is a winding footpath to the top, standing at 277 funicular is available, which sadly runs inside a tunnel, denying views along point from which to admire the

Kolonaki is also one of the smarter areas in town for dining out, or Thiseo, which is full of stylish bars

Athenian experience, the nearby Thissio Outdoor Cinema is an institution, built in 1935, showing current movies or older classics under

Bohemian nightlife is to be found in the Psiri district, crammed with hundreds of bars, tavernas, clubs, vintage shops, street art and music

Should your stay in Athens extend to two days, consider Syntagma Square and see the changing of the guard

discover the smartest shopping in the city, along Panepistimiou Street and Voukourestiou Street to the north of the square, where large department stores and designer boutiques are

Square is a wide open space with a brands are located in Ermou Street, to

Particularly in this Olympic year, Panathenaic Stadium as the Kallimarmaron), the venue in the world made completely of marble, built on the site where the Panathenaic games were held every four years from 566 BCE, as a rival

wannabe Olympian runners can do a

Food

For a taste of fare, head for lunch in the Plaka district and choose from any of a number of basic tavernas, with their terraces

leaves stuffed with ground lamb and Brettos Bar

boasts one two-star Michelin-rated restaurant and no less than 11 one-star Delta

Piano-designed Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, complex that also houses the National dining room is accessible by panoramic lift and offers wonderful from the trees suspended from the a single 12-course tasting menu, while vegetarian and vegan options are

For a nightcap, you could do worse than Brettos Bar, set in the oldest distillery in 1909, the place has hardly changed over the past century and liqueurs unique to

and beautiful ‘out of time’ spot, with its old barrels on view and hundreds of lit shelves, lighting the and other gourmet specialities are sold in

Among the other dining options in town, standout choices are probably

Yach ng in the Aeg n

Spondi or Varoulko Seaside for its creative seafood

Marina, along the ‘Athens Riviera’ to the south of the city, the nearest best dining is to be found at Pelagos, at the Four Seasons Astir Palace

terrace and lovely sea

While island hopping in the Aegean is a wonderful way to spend a summer on board, the persistent presence of the ‘Meltemi’ winds in the region requires

For this reason, only anchoring around the islands is the preferred option for

While the wind is dry and its cooling effect is welcome during high summer, in some places the jet-effect in the Ciclades can propel gusts in the early afternoon and dies down at sunset and is predictable enough

HYDRA (IDRA)

The pretty island of Hydra became a favourite hang-out for many movie and music A-listers in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, being just a short hop from the most beautiful Greek islands, and despite its close proximity, the capital feels a whole world away from here. around along its tiny cobbled lanes retains a rustic feel, though with an Callas, Pablo Picaso, Peter Ustinov, attracted many well-heeled visitors

its caché as an upscale destination,

Beaches along the north side of the island are mostly pebbly, with the best found to the west at Bisti and Paralia Mpisti, which are both served only truly sandy beach is at Mandraki,

it has great facilities, but is not the typical island beach that most visitors

where there are some strips of pristine white sand to be found in a number of

Stepping ashore, the absence of any motorised vehicles emphasises the churches and tiny shops have an otherworldly feel, providing instant here is Kimisis Tis Theotokou

Cathedral, dating from the 17th complex also houses the Ecclesiastical Museum, which contains a collection

Probably more interesting is the Lazaros Kountouriotis Historical Mansion, once the home of the eponymous shipping magnate who helped fund the War of Independence though by all accounts worth the views over the town, but its exhibits provide a comprehensive insight into

building itself is an impressive piece of architecture, while it houses many handicrafts and an exhibition of Tetsis Studio was the family home of local with the terraces outside tavernas on, due to the many writers, artists

Hydra School Projects each summer and spending some time peoplewatching is usually a rewarding

For dining with style, Omilos Restaurant & Bar is set on the water high-ceilinged stone building with a Aristotle Onassis and Maria Callas once and enjoy creative seafood with sea in the town is Mikra Agglia, in one

An airy, welcoming space with tables outside and terrace at the rear, it

stopping by the Tsagkaris pastry shop, and sample the island’s famous ‘amygdalota’ almond delicacies, which mouthwatering macaroons up some of their beautifully

SPETSES

A little further west of Hydra, among the Saronic islands, lies Spetses. Known in ancient times as ‘Pitys’, named for its dense pine forests, it remains a green island, surrounded by crystal clear waters, with sandy beaches and rocky shores.

strictly regulated -- though sadly not the hundreds of noisy motorcycles that terrorise the town -- the island

enjoying the lush vegetation and

With a strong maritime tradition, Spetses came to the fore in the revolt against imperial occupation in 1821, led by Laskarina Pinotsi, a wealthy

widow and businesswoman, and Born in 1771 in a prison camp in Constantinople, the woman better Bouboulina’ (derived from her husband’s name Bouboulis, but meaning ‘sweetheart’, or ‘darling’)

With the inherited wealth, she became a major shipbuilder on Spetses and an

tremendous contribution to the War of

resistance movement, she used her fortune to manufacture arms and

and Bouboulina’s mansion is now a museum, displaying her personal effects, and recounting her

A statue of the heroine stands in the port of Spetses Town, also called Dapia while the Bouboulina Museum is 1991 by one of her great-grandsons, antiques, and large paintings, as well as a model of the great lady’s own

warship, Agamemnon, and many itemsshoe-shaped harbour is lined with colourful neoclassical buildings, a legacy of a prosperous past, with many wealthy shipbuilders having

One example is the Museum of Spetses, set in the 200-year-old former home of the showcases traditional costumes, weapons, archaeological relics, pottery ranging from the 18th-century ceramics, Roman sculptures, Artefacts from the War of Independence include and items belonging to

Just a short hop east of the main port Baltiza, where most adjoining promontory stands the old lighthouse

Nearby, a lovely chapel of the Virgin of the Armata has a spectacular view of the sunset of pretty churches, chapels and One standout is The Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos, the island’s main

beach, they are mostly pebbly and probably best enjoyed from a distance,

Agia Marina is a pretty bay, though the beach café tends to get busy, shop disturbing the

Zogerias is a particularly popular spot with yachts dropping anchor for the from inland, it tends to be less crowded, while the bay provides west coast, beaches at Agia Paraskevi, Agii Anargiri, and Xilokeriza are among the best

the Armata Festival, celebrating the historic naval victory over the month sees artistic events, performances, and exhibitions in the town, but the spectacular display on the water and model of an Ottoman ship since the 1930s, it a torchbearer from the enemy’s

to choose from, Spetses has a number of decent local restaurants on Liotrivi is easily accessible by tender, with your yacht moored close by

Mourayo, next door, is another popular

Spetses is probably at On The Verandah, at the

in the vicinity of Spetses in September, don’t miss

Aside from many tavernas

MYKONOS (HORA)

Heading east from Spetses to the Cyclades, our next stop is Mykonos, the most popular superyacht destination in this part of the world. Mykonos’ appeal is obvious, blending picturesque white-washed villages and beautiful beaches with a cosmopolitan atmosphere and legendary nightlife.

Whether you are interested in exploring ancient ruins, doing some high-end shopping, or clubbing the night away,

reality, it did play an important role in the War of Independence, led by local heroine, Manto Mavrogenous who

her wealth to man and equip ships

funded revolutionaries and military

She is commemorated throughout the Cyclades for her golden sandy beaches that contrast with the deep

Around the island

Of course, the most recognisable architecture here are the six 16th century windmills, Kato Milli, which stand as a testament to its agricultural

perched on a headland next to the

Built around the 16th century, it houses four small chapels, though it’s the photogenic exterior, gleaming in the sun, that is the big draw for tens of

a row of buildings on the seafront,

‘Little Venice’ is famous for its mediaeval buildings, standing in the sea, with colourfully painted shutters

the Alefkántra area were designed by wealthy merchants for the convenient loading and unloading of, what many suspected, were the spoils now mainly restaurants and luxury accommodation, in what is the most

Mykonos Town

Chora, is less about culture and more about retail therapy, relaxing and this is entirely deliberate, as planners

Renowned for its picturesque and quintessentially Cycladic architecture, narrow, shady lanes wind between whitewashed buildings with vibrant pedestrianised, the centre feels intimate, with small boutiques, cafes

Athens School of Fine Arts has a around the world, explaining the abundance of studios and art galleries Archaeological Museum houses artefacts from the neighbouring the most important archaeological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and is

An understated historic feature in town, aside from the countless churches, is the Tria Pighadia, a trio of capped 18th century wells standing for islanders in their day, and the from all three would immediately today the wells are somewhat underwhelming, though single incels can now console themselves at the

Aside from art and crafts, other delicacies include ‘amygdalota’ almond biscuits and a piquant local cheese, ‘kopanisti

Delos

Students of mythology, archaeology originally inhabited by Carians and centuries it fell under Roman and Venetians in 1204 CE and then came

position fostered a booming maritime economy, and post-independence, developed strong commercial ties with the opening of the Corinth Canal in 1904 transformation into a tourist destination, greatly driven by the had been deserted and was effectively an open air museum, rich with

Archaeological Museum of Delos houses an impressive collection of artefacts uncovered on the island, including statues, mosaics, and everyday items that illustrate the life of ancient Terrace of Lions is an

dedicated to Apollo by the people of Sacred Lake was the mythical birthplace of House of the Dolphins

Temple of Isis is a temple dedicated to the Egyptian Theatre of Delos could accommodate around 5,500 spectators for entertainment and gatherings in ancient Mount Kynthos for panoramic views of the surrounding Cycladic islands, with some small ruins

Bches, clubs, and more clubs

undoubtedly fascinating, the main attraction for yachts is of course the island’s rustic beauty, the chic vibe, great beaches and last, but not least,

With more than 30 beaches dotted there is plenty of choice, whether deserted sands, a family feel, or lots of tourists, it is the all-day party vibe that is the big attraction, so some of the best-

Paradise, Super Paradise, and Paraga Ornos and Platis Gialos are more suited for Kalafati is the

Paradise Beach

busy party beach, with music from the nearby Tropicana and Paradise Beach Clubs begin in the afternoon and continue until sunrise, so this spot is primarily

P TIS GIALOS

KA FATIS BEACH

ORNOS

Super Paradise Beach is now the primary beach where the gay by the Super Paradise Beach Club at one end, complete with male go-go dancers wowing the crow, and Jackie O’ Beach Club at the other, which

Paraga Beach is home to the infamous Scorpios, which styles itself as a place “where free spirits, artists, celebrate, collaborate, and recalibrate Mediterranean, though the spirits here are anything but free; you’ll be clubs, Kalua and SantAnna, are also

For more of a chilled atmosphere, Psarou Beach is a sheltered bay

away from the madding crowds, with relaxed clientele, though you won’t

Alternatively, cruise across to the uninhabited Rhenia, for a quiet swim

SUPER PARADISE BEACH

Dining and dancing

180 Sunset Bar

For romantic couples, reserve a VIP group, a ‘Secret Sofa’ and watch the sun

Another hotspot with a view is the rooftop poolside lounge and Belvedere Hotel around by male staff in unbuttoned white shirts, possibly selected for their

It’s a favourite haunt for pre-nightclub prematurely with a much-regretted,

space split the crowd into four parties, which often involve revellers dancing on tables and smooching all around; Beach, Cavo Paradiso has been entertaining clubbers for 30 years and continues to host some of the world’s

As is so often the case with seasonal destinations, there are no Michelinfrom year to year, quality can be quite

Scandinavian Bar & Disco, which can

setting under a pergola adds to the ambiance, enhancing the rustic Nero Nero is the most exclusive one-table-for-two private dining spot, accessible by tender, where just one couple per evening can enjoy a VIP private

Maereio, in the town, showcases local Kalita,

the northeastern corner of the island, Fokos Taverna offers an authentic locally caught seafood, salads and grilled meats, in a gorgeous rustic

Venues that mix dining with dancing include Bagatelle, near the iconic windmills, where Mediterranean party venue at night, with diners

Zuma Mykonos at

transitions from a relaxing day club French-born concept is La Cantine du Faubourg, a Parisian eatery that

Serving Japanese and Mediterranean fusion in a typically French setting,

Where to anchor?

the Cyclades is of course the wind,

with long experience in the region advocate forgoing marinas for this reason, to avoid being unable to

Instead, bays on the south side of the island, such as Paradise Beach

NAXOS

Mythology and hi ory

Like its neighbours, the largest of the Cycladic islands has a rich history of true events that are intertwined with mythical tales. Most famously, it is associated with the story of Theseus, the prince of Athens, and Ariadne, who helped him escape the Labyrinth of Minos in Crete, where he had killed the Minotaur. For her efforts, Theseus deserted Ariadne on Naxos, where the god Dionysus found her crying on the beach. Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and festivity, who was said to

have been raised here, took pity and married her.

mythology, Zeus himself was brought up on Naxos, worshipped as Zeus also associated with the island, as the Ares, the god of war among the

In reality, Naxos has been inhabited since the 4th millennium BCE, and

followed, mostly owing to its highquality marble, used for sculptures

only producer of emery, an abrasive mineral used to sculpt marble, metal,

wealth made Naxos a maritime power during the Archaic period, establishing colonies in Sicily and throughout the of Athens during the classical era and it fell under the control of the Romans before being subsumed into

impact that remains visible in its many

Another difference from its Cycladic neighbours is that Naxos is green and fertile, with water streaming through its valleys that produce decent white

Endowed with plentiful vegetation and lush pastures, the island is also a potatoes and cheeses, including Naxos

One of the traditional sweets here is Melachrino, a walnut pie containing citron, usually served with

Naxos Town (Cho )

island, though is much (much) more

It follows the same Cycladic layout, with sugar-cube white houses sporting blue doors and window frames, and charming lanes lined with churches and pretty squares with splashes of Portara, the imposing gateway to the over the harbour entrance, this colossal marble doorway is a remnant of Naxos’s past grandeur, and is a

alleys within the castle walls, explore throughout the centre, with grand mansions and impressive facades, elaborately decorated doorways, and balconies adorned with wrought boutiques, cafés and restaurants, though the pace here is altogether Naxos and discover something new

imposing Kastro (castle), a formidable mediaeval fortress originally built by

At the heart of town is the vibrant main square, Plateia Protodikeiou, where locals chat, children play, and visitors relax on the terraces, entertained

by street

a perfect spot to chill for a while and watch the world go to the main square is the district, where shops and stalls local produce and the usual

to try the local delicacy, galaktoboureko, a dessert of a seafood lunch with a view, the picturesque promenade is lined with tavernas and

Around Naxos

Around the island, there are of course more archaeological sites to visit, such as the BCE place of worship dedicated to the

If you’re ‘cultured out’ with this abundance of ancient sites, a visit to some of Naxos’

Apeiranthos

offers charming narrow alleys and no fewer Chalki, another must-visit, lets you experience the taste of the famous Naxos citron liqueur at the Vallindras Distillery

Naxos, with beautiful neoclassical mansions

In the Melanes area, one of the island’s many commissions in ancient times, outline sculpting many pieces would be damaged in transport for its three Kouros statues, meaning ‘statue of a standing young man’ (not the popular 1980s

in monasteries, churches, caves, windmills, springs and dams, where you will rarely encounter anything

One of the most popular routes is Mount Zas Mount Zeus), to the highest point of you avoid the heat, it’s not an arduous the top are to die for, particularly sunscreen and plenty of water are

THEOLOGAKI CHAPEL

ALIKO BEACH

MOUNT S

B ches

Naxos is blessed with a beaches, the best of which are to be found

For this reason, they also tend to be the most

One of the most beautiful beaches on Naxos is Aliko Beach from northern winds rear, topped with a cedar forest, its white sands lead into shallow aquamarine waters,

island’s most popular Plaka, the longest sandy beach on the island, Mikrolimano, and Agios

Prokopios, popular with

Amitis in the north and Mikri Vigla and Sahara the pretty south-easterly bay at Panermos is mostly of the rustic its rowdy neighbour, there is not much of, not that that’s plenty of hearty home

the old town include Doukato, Metaxi Mas, and La Vigne, which mixes French and Mediterranean styles with some Asian touches and a decent selection

Beach serves modern Cycladic dishes in a stunning setting, while barbecue lovers could do worse than the no-frills, super rustic tavern, Stou Vasilarakiou, in Kinidaros, in the centre

Barozzi Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, near the

PA S

Paros, like its Cycladic neighbours, has an illustrious history stretching back mass of marble present here. The island came under Byzantine, then Venetian rule, before gaining independence after helping to defeat Ottoman occupiers.

Pristine white, translucent Parian marble was coveted by famous from subterranean tunnels on the north side of Mount Marpessa on

Avoiding July and August, Paros is a charming yacht destination for a day or two of relaxing and exploring and

is renowned for beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages and a nightlife scene that is more vibrant than Naxos, but rather more relaxed than the capital, Parikia Cycladian style, whitewashed houses and buildings line labyrinthian lanes, with shops, cafés and blue-domed

activity on the island, so it’s less laid

One outstanding building here is Panagia Ekatontapiliani, or Church and vowed to build a church here later found a fragment of it, her son

built the impressive basilica after her death, creating a grand structure

building stands on the foundations of an ancient temple dedicated to Aphrodite, whose pillars are visible of the standard frescoes, the walls are adorned with beautifully crafted stonemasonry, while the centrepiece is a marble screen in front of the altar, inlaid with gold and silver icons, and

in fact only has It was ordained that the secret hundredth door be sealed and would be revealed only when Constantinople, or Istanbul, reverts to grounds, the Byzantine Museum displays an interesting collection of the Archaeological Museum holds some important pieces, including a

A major exhibit is a fragment slab of the 264 BC Parian Chronicle, which lists the most outstanding personalities and

Not much of the 1260CE Frankish Kastro fortress remains standing

clamber to the top is rewarded by

Even more photogenic than the capital is Naoussa than the capital, Naoussa is made for winding lanes, window shopping, browsing for souvenirs or local crafts and stopping here and there for a

Some of Paros’ best restaurants are is the old Venetian fortress standing the 15th century, and now a halfsubmerged remains of a watchtower, it once served to ward off pirate and

Dining out

Paros and Antiparos offer lots of fabulous dining options, mostly rustic

choices around the islands are Soso in Naoussa, for homely food in a quiet local and east Mediterranean food in a chilled setting; Mr E at Parilio, at elevated versions of local classics; and Sigi Ikthios, situated right on the cobbled promenade along the Naoussa the spectrum, celebrated Michelin-

approach at Parostià, at the Cosme

Paros’ beaches are probably its main attraction, whether for sunbathers Kolymbithres Beach create stunning scenery and natural

Golden Beach, is one of the island’s other favourites, Parasporos Beach and Santa Maria Beach, the wind can

Tip: The famous Cycladic wind is ever present, so captains should choose their anchorages with care. The best shelter around Paros is at Naoussa Bay.

Taverna Mouragio has food for over 30 years;

Beach Bar is a lively spot located at the northern horseshoe-shaped bay, facing the day and evening, it serves a wide range of dishes more space at the relaxed Zazala Beach Bar & Restaurant on Parasporos Beach, also open all day

At Monastiri Beach, the beach restaurant is a cut above, with a musttry speciality of octopus on Seven Senses restaurant inside serves creative dishes based on spot for seafood is To Balcony tou Aki

An paros

A short hop away lies Antiparos, which has an equally cosmopolitan feel as its larger neighbour, but attraction is quieter beaches, while it is also popular for scuba diving, with

best spots are the cave of Panderonisi, Barracuda Point, Bubble Reef, and shallow depths and great visibility, Antiparos is ideal for beginners and to choose from, but if coming ashore for a few hours, Soros beach, to the south, has better facilities than most, with great service directly to your Sapou is a seaside restaurant with a short menu, serving excellent seafood and meat

Klimataria has been serving taverna classics since the 1980s, in a pretty courtyard

IOS

Like Ibiza in Spain and Goa in India, Ios had long attracted young travellers from across Europe and America, who were drawn by an affordable laid-back lifestyle in a beautiful environment, and a growing reputation as a place where you could enjoy freedom and revelry. 1960s and 70s when it became part of the hippie trail, while neighbouring

decision or not, Ios today remains more budget-friendly than other nearby islands, catering for a younger else to offer, as it has some of the unspoiled charming villages and some

Talamone

Albinia

Orbetello

Ansedonia

Porto S.Stefano

Porto Ercole

Giglio Island

Giannutri Island

Capalbio

PORT TARRACO

HOME OF GIANTS

OCIBAR & PORT TARRACO

Having reached 100% occupation for the rst time in Autumn 2019, Port Tarraco is becoming a port of choice for the larger yachts in the Mediterranean. Port Tarraco is located at a 45 minutes drive from Barcelona airport and well conected to the city with public transportation. Port Tarraco o ers unique infrastructure for gigayachts with 150.000sqm of water.

Port Tarraco was recently acquired by the OCIBAR group:

Homer

For this guide and its Ulysses theme, the most important connection to

presumed author of the Iliad and the

If the great man actually existed, he or eighth century BCE in Ionia, in what

Classical literature and culture, have always been attributed to the responsible for writing the 24-volume won’t let this stand in the way of a millennia-old

image on Ios in 1771 and declared a remote tomb in the northeast of the structure, one metre high, on which the sacred head of men and heroes,

It can get windy up there, but particularly at dawn or

A more modern structure is Odysseas Elytis Theatre, modelled on ancient marble

Around Ios

typical Cycladic town, with whitewashed houses and a warren of sloping alleyways that wind their

the top is Panagia Gremiotissa, where a small church and trio of chapels enjoy the most stunning 360

air venue holds 1,100 spectators for summer performances during the building next door was meant to have become a museum dedicated to the Yannis Gaitis

€4 million cost of its construction from the EU, the whitewashed building

Trivia: Greece’s original national anthem is almost as long as Homer’s 24-volume ‘The Odyssey, at 158 verses long. ‘Hymn to Liberty’ is taken from an 1823 poem written by Dionysios Solomos about the Greek struggle for independence under the Ottoman Empire. Thankfully, the country adopted a much abbreviated version in 1865, which is played at every Olympic closing ceremony, as a tribute to the event’s birthplace.

It contrasts sharply with the archeological site of Skarkos, set exceptionally well-preserved twostory buildings and walls up to 4

As an attraction, this is for real archaeology buffs only, as facilities and visitor information are very Archaeological Museum on Ios is worth giving a miss, offering only a very basic, Views from here over Mylopotas Bay

Best admired from afar, Ios’ most popular crest of sand would be one of the not for the hordes that descend upon

party, the great number of beach bars and clubs here are the big draw, with

If visiting by yacht, there are quieter and equally beautiful anchorages to choose from, such as Loretzaina Bay

eastern bays at Agia Theodoti, Manganari and Psathi are popular with wind- and anchorages are in the western bays, just below Chora’s port, or to the south of the island, where Santorinian Bay is both beautiful and sheltered, close

Koumbara

SANTORINI

the island also known as Thera, Calliste, Santorin, and Thíra, which, rather than a singular island, is in fact an archipelago centred around a volcano.

synonymous with Santorini, with the neighbouring islands in the cluster,

islets, Néa Kaméni (‘New Burnt Island’)

Santorini is renowned for its metre vertical wall created by a geological feature ensures that villages on the caldera rim, on the western side of the island, offer stunning

Santorini is compact, enabling visitors to travel the entire length in around

to explore the whole island in a short with its whitewashed, blue-domed buildings, is instantly recognisable from photoshoots seen around the

popular tourist destinations in all towns, perched high on the volcano’s

MYLOPOTAS BEACH

KOUMBARA

Old Port (Fi Skala)

be awed by the sheer pumice cliffs as the steep 587-step Karavolades Stairs that lead from here to the eponymous capital 220 metres above, a mere three minutes over the ascent, tend to be long, while the longup and down leave their droppings in

old port not the preferred anchorage

to tie up to in an area prone to wind, yacht anchorage in Santorini is to the south of the island, off Red Beach, or the top sights are a 45-minute drive

Oia

Santorini, Oia, is the most-visited and most-photographed

With pretty bright white houses set into the cliffside, narrow cobblestone streets and blue-domed churches, this is where hundreds, if not thousands, congregate each evening for that

August and tempers can become frayed, as for position, so sunrise is a better bet for that perfect shot without

Oia (pronounced to the 13th century, becoming prominent under Venetian rule

occupiers established a series of fortresses and watchtowers across Santorini to protect against pirate raids, building the Castle of St. Nicholas

Now little more than a ruin, the former

are the remnants of the charming little

founded in the Balearics -- with exporting wine to Russia, and pumice stone to Austria, bringing great houses built on the highest part of the village attest to their importance to

For sailors in particular, the diminutive Naval Maritime Museum

here is a gem, set in a converted

has a fascinating collection of objects, photographs and documents that explain Oia’s naval history and the activity in 1850 -- incidentally, also

Among the many souvenir shops, cafés, restaurants and boutiques, Oia also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous For lunch or dinner, there are a the best are Lycabettus, serving highly

well in advance to secure a table on lovers should try Beefbar Santorini inside the Andronis hotel, Fly Away, or similar restaurants set in various 5*

Ammoúdi

Below Oia is the tiny settlement of village accessible via a 300-step footpath from the castle to the water’s

With lots of colourful houses and traditional tavernas drying octopus and calamari on washing lines in the sun, the small port is straight from one of the many local eateries, such as Ammoudi Fish Tavern on the front to enjoy the freshest seafood lunch, watching the small boats bobbing in

swimming, with some thermal springs just a short clamber away along the Zoodochos Pigi, on the islet of St Nikolas platform is eight metres above the waves, though real daredevils have been Firá in 1956, and still shows some of the so arguably has more spectacular views across the caldera, though the highest spot in Santorini is the tiny activity, a great deal busier than Oia, which probably lends itself better to more shopping, art galleries, cafés and

Aside from the usual assortment of bars and clubs, another option is the café/restaurant at Volkan on the Rocks turns into a cinema on summer evenings, usually showing local

a more genuine cinematic experience, Open Air Cinema in Kamari, on the east coast, is an out-and-out outdoor movie theatre, showing the latest titles, for a unique

While less picture perfect dotted with church domes and its winding lanes are a joy to explore the 19th-century Orthodox cathedral, which was rebuilt after the 1956 Plateia Theotokopoulou square in front of the cathedral is where you

Baroque cathedral is also worth a convent, you can hear nuns singing in MATI, founded a broad range of sculpture, installations, sculptures and aquatic themes, popular

Another is t.k.place art gallery, initially founded in Crete and in ceramic sculptures, custom handmade and textiles, are available to buy or

One of Santorini’s outstanding Museum of Prehistoric Thera, in a detailed insight into the island’s history, told through many Minoan artefacts that were recovered from the 17th century BCE, and ancient fossilised olive tree leaves recovered from the depths of the caldera that

For those interested in the history of modern Santorini life and traditions, pop into the Lignos Folklore Museum

the 1861 cave house contains the antique furniture collection and family heirlooms of the museum’s founder, newspaper publisher, Emmanuel history of Santorini’s textiles and

Dining out

stunning views over the caldera, the best of which are probably Ifestioni in the Aressana hotel, La Colline, Solis Occasum, and Pergeros not at the top of your list of priorities, head to Santorini’s most famous restaurant, Selene, which has been a gastronomic a former monastery, complete with fountains and palm trees, it delivers highly creative culinary art, accompanied by a comprehensive wine stars here, though prices would

More llages

Perched on the highest point of the caldera cliff, 300 metres above

waters, Imerovigli is a quiet, elegant

than neighbouring Oia, the village is equally picturesque and without the

an altogether more peaceful

From the village at the top, a path leads down to Skaros Rock, a that protrudes out to sea and was once home to a majestic

conquered during its six hundred years

Inland, Pirgos is another charming village, which was once the capital of the ruins of the Venetian ‘Kasteli’ assortment of alleyways, blue-domed

Should you be here for the start of the Mediterranean season, to avoid the hordes and the summer heat, Pirgos

Another inland town is Megalochori, centre of the island’s winegrowing more photogenic neighbours, the village offers a sense of genuine Santorini, with cobblestone streets and traditional architecture, and a central square lined with tavernas is slower here and it is simply a lovely spot to wander around and absorb the tours, Gavalas Winery has been in the offers a great insight into the local with more tasting and chances to buy,

Next up is Emporio, the largest village

‘Kasteli’ and tower here are better preserved than others, attesting to the village’s strategic importance

traditional Cycladic architecture

handmade crafts, jewellery, and local Excursions

Ancient Akrotiri was the centre of Minoan civilisation, buried by ash after a catastrophic eruption in 1613

ongoing archaeological digs on the site

site are covered, shading visitors from the elements, as they explore ancient threestory structures containing pottery, murals and other featuring ancient roads and drainage systems, is in a stunning location, with great views

Established by Spartan colonists in the 9th century

BCE, Ancient Thira is an archaeological site with a difference, where a whole civilisation once lived on a mountain

hair-pinned drive up from the town of Kamari, visitors are presented with remains of an entire city, complete with temples, mosaiced houses, an amphitheatre, public baths and a number of wineries in Santorini, as wine has been grown here for over 3,000

another volcanic island, you won’t see the traditional rows

vines are threaded into a wreath shape, sitting in a hole dug out of the ashen soil, shielded from the grape varieties here and Mandilaria or Mavrotragano for

Need

Photo by:

S I R A C U S A H E A D O F F I C E

P h . + 3 9 3 4 7 2 2 6 8 4 5 7 ( F r a n c e s c o ) o p e r a t i o n @ t h e a r t e m i s g r o u p . n e t P A L E R M O - i n s i d e M . V I L L A I G I E A P h . + 3 9 3 9 2 9 6 2 4 1 6 0 ( C l a u d i a ) p a l e r m o @ t h e a r t e m i s g r o u p . n e t R I P O S T O - i n s i d e P . D E L L ' E T N A

P h . + 3 9 3 3 8 8 2 0 8 7 7 4 ( S a m a n t h a ) r i p o s t o @ t h e a r t e m i s g r o u p . n e

One more unusual spot for a wine tour is Art Space in Argyros Canava, the galleries of paintings, sculptures contemporary artists, followed by wine tasting of a range produced

For wine tasting with unbeatable views, Santo Wines or Venetsanos Winery both enjoy stunning vistas

the Santorini heat gets too much, drop in for a refreshing cold beer instead, at the Santorini Brewing Company, which produces a number of decent lovers should set aside an hour to tour the Tomato Industrial Museum “D. Nomikos”

the history of the tomato canning industry in Santorini and everything the cultivation, processing and

Hi ng

for on Santorini, with a number of stunning

most popular route by far is Oia , a moderately hours) along the crest of the caldera, mostly downhill and with stunning panoramic

true volcanic nature, one the islets in the lagoon, Néa Kaméni, has a semi-circular trail that

crevices to the very centre of the crater, a 30-minute

Early risers should consider the Ilias to Perissa

to catch the sunrise from at Perissa and march up in around two hours, whereas starting at the is an easier option, of footwear is required, as the trail is uneven and

B ches

Beaches are probably not the main attraction of Santorini, though for a volcanic island, there are some lovely spots to swim, the best of which are Red Beach not only the best anchorage, but as its name would suggest, it also has red sand, forming a stunning and

For more seclusion, the nearby White Beach and more suited to a private beach and sandy beach and crystal clear

Next up to the west is Black Beach (Mesa Pigadia), with typical volcanic Beach, lies Vlychada Beach, near pumice stone cliffs here form a fascinating moonscape and for

RED BEACH

SICILY

OSICILY

ne of the crown jewels of the Mediterranean, Sicily is an irresistible blend of rich history and culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and mind blowing gastronomy.

Its long, chequered history has adorned the landscape with Baroque palaces, and ornate

Palermo and Syracuse, while Mount

starred eateries should satisfy even

What they said about Sicily

Sicily has captivated history’s greatest writers, artists and world leaders since

“To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything”, wrote

novel ‘Sun’ during a two-year sojourn

For visitors by yacht, the nearby Aeolian and Aegadian archipelagos provide wonderful island hopping possibilities, and some 25 Michelin-

Freud labelled Sicily “the loveliest region of Italy…a stunning orgy of colours, scents, and light.”

“Sicily is more beautiful than any woman”, while “Going to Sicily is better than going to the moon.”

Plato, after multiple visits to Syracuse, observed that “Sicilians build things like they will live forever and eat like they will die tomorrow.” Indeed, Sicilians’

“Where there’s room for two, eat three”, or “alcuni ne mangiano due, ne mangiano tre”,

Who are we to argue?

For local logistics and agency support contact our partners at Artemis Yachting Agency www.theartemisgroup.net

PALERMO

Sicily’s capital is surrounded by the fertile Conca d’Oro plain (the golden by Phoenicians in the 8th century BCE, it became a Carthaginian settlement before the Romans

Arab rule from 831, as a wealthy Norman conquest came in 1072 and in 1130 by Roger II, a cosmopolitan culture developed with harmonious

ed le di Monr le

Palermo’s cathedral, founded in 1185, is an architectural marvel, blending Norman, classical elements, and example of Norman

Site, it is renowned for its stunning mosaics depicting biblical scenes, including a notable portrayal of Christ

adjacent cloister features Romanesque arches and uniquely decorated columns that record mediaeval

While its interior may not quite live up to its imposing facade, the cathedral’s treasury, roof terrace, and panoramic views of the city

Chiesa del Gesù

Just a stone’s throw away from

Baroque exterior contrasts heavily with an ornate interior around, while the ceiling is a patterns, with trompe l’œil architectural elements, creating an illusion of grandeur and of art, including paintings, sculptures, and religious iconography that are not only of high altarpiece, a masterpiece by Pietro Novelli, depicts the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and is a focal point of the church’s

Tip: Like many religious buildings in Italy, visitors should dress modestly to enter, making sure to cover their shoulders.

Qua ro n

Canti, at the heart of the historic centre where Via Maqueda and Via Vittorio ‘Mandamenti’, or noble sections, each perfectly circular design, with each and Composite styles across three the third the patron saint for each of

Canti is renowned for how each corner catches sunlight at different

to be (or avoid) to experience the plague in 1624, a procession carries her statue through the thronged city a spot with a high vantage point to enjoy the mayhem from a safe

Fontana Preto a

‘Fountain of Shame’, is one of the city’s designed in 1554 for a Florentine mansion, it was purchased by the city of Palermo in 1573, dismantled, transported, and reassembled in its tiers and is adorned with some 50 statues of animals and mythological considered scandalous at the time,

ppella Pala na

example of the harmonious coexistence of different cultural and dei Normanni, this is considered one of the most beautiful and important

Commissioned by Roger II of Sicily in 1132 and consecrated in 1140, the the intricate gold, silver, and precious stone mosaics that adorn the walls and an exceptional example of Arabic craftsmanship, and is a testament to harmony on the island during the by Sicilian artists from the Middle

depiction of death, presenting a macabre garden party, brandishing a scythe and

including Antonello da Messina’s enigmatic 15th-century Renaissance

beautiful exhibition space itself was built for Francesco Abatellis by

from the Sicilian Baroque period, with sculptures and paintings that showcase the dramatic and ornate

Chiesa e Mona ero di

Santa te na

d'Alessand a

Originally a 14th-century hospice complex is stunning with its majolicatiled cloister and 18th-century Balconied cells add to its charm, and rooftop terraces provide panoramic include paintings and frescoes by a ‘ruota,’ used by nuns for selling del Chiostro, famous for traditional

Ttro Massimo

time Francis Ford Coppola chose the the front facade, setting the dramatic elsewhere, with restoration still and later completed his son, Ernesto, architecture the building example of the neoclassical richly

decorated interiors are nothing short of spectacular, with a lavish superb acoustics and opulent design, accommodating over are available, the theatre hosts a wide ranging classical and contemporary programme, and it is worth catching a performance to enjoy

Mercato di Ballarò

Palermo’s oldest and largest street daily, except Sundays, it is a riot of sights, sounds and smells, with noisy vendors offering everything from a thousand varieties of cheese, sausage and olives are on sale alongside arts, crafts, cheap Chinese lingerie, and the diversity adds to the colour here, with and Central African communities well

One special street food unique to Palermo is the spleen sandwich, or

a millennium, when Jewish butchers

such as cow spleen, lung and trachea were boiled, then fried in pig lard for tenderness -- so that even people without all their teeth could eat it -- and under Spanish rule brought with it the ricotta and caciocavallo (which, despite

As the local population mingled, the two delicacies ‘married’ and became the ‘Pani ca’ Meusa Maritata’ on

meat represents the groom and the white cheese sprin

symbolising a marriage of cultures and

Museo dell'Inquisizione

legacy of the Inquisition in Sicily, from 1600 to 1780, and is where thousands created by the detainees during their religious depictions to profane images, such as Christ being tortured, and

Dining out

to just two eateries in Palermo:

sombre history, the museum also offers a brighter providing scenic views and a ceiling constructed in 1307 for the Chiaramonte family, and served as the headquarters for the Aragonese/

16th-century studio, Mauricio Zillo’s unique Gagini is complemented by an extensive local wine list. (gaginirestaurant.com) modern elegance and subtle

Castrone, offering two tasting menus (including a vegetarian option)

NORTH SICILY

CEFALÙ

Picturesque Cefalù, 60km east of Palermo along the northern coast, encapsulates the quintessential port, Cefalù is now a popular seaside getaway, with great beaches and an atmospheric historical centre, surrounded by a stunning landscape. symbolises the town’s importance the cathedral’s interior is renowned for Sicily’s oldest and best-preserved of the town and coast, visitors can climb the twin towers to admire the beautiful

popular and prone to crowding, whereas the neighbouring Caldura beach tends to remain quieter, with crystal-clear waters perfect for romantic streets brimming with treasure trove of artisan shops and ateliers, charming alleyways, and

a private collection by Baron Enrico Pirajno of Mandralisca, placing an eclectic assortment of objets d’art

While the display of ancient vases, furniture, Egyptian ushabtis, coins, molluscs and stuffed animals could be improved, Antonello da Messina’s restored laundry facility carved into

outdoor adventurers should consider a day trip to Madonie Regional Natural some 12,000 pre-Roman tombs, dating room, terrace and garden; and the

PO D'OR NDO

Capo d’Orlando is popular with of sandy beaches and quiet Sicilian Capo

serving under Charlemagne, said to have sought refuge here during a crusade to Sanctuary , a 17th-century pilgrimage site, offers

attraction attesting to a long history are the ruins of the Roman thermal baths at Terme Bagnoli

On the edge of town, Villa Piccolo is a small museum celebrated for its historical and cultural treasures, on promoting literary and artistic culture, while the botanical gardens

antiquarium, Agatirnide , represents the historical soul of the ancient founded by the son of the god Aeolus,

For local logistics and agency support contact our partners at Artemis Yachting Agency www.theartemisgroup.net

August, a number of festivals celebrate typical local produce and the region’s

village of San Gregorio-Bagnoli is also worth a visit, with quaint path of Goletta is a trail leading from the village along the cliffs, with stunning

Odysseus and the Cyclops

Polyphemus, a famous Cyclops and son of Poseidon in Greek mythology, is best known for his encounter with Odysseus.

Residing in Sicily, Polyphemus fell in love with the Nereid Galatea, tragically killing her lover Acis. When Odysseus and his companions were shipwrecked on Sicily, Polyphemus captured them, imprisoning them in his

cave. Odysseus eventually outsmarted Polyphemus by intoxicating him and blinding him with a burning stake. Odysseus and the crew escaped by hiding under sheep.

The legend ties to the realworld location of Milazzo Castle, where a cave believed to be Polyphemus’s is found.

Greek life in Sicily, also connects to the geography

of the island, notably with Polyphemus’s hurling of a boulder at Odysseus’s escaping ships, reminiscent of Mount Etna’s looming presence.

PO MI ZZO

northeastern coast offers a blend of historical richness, cultural depth, and

with marble slabs depicting the saint’s miracles, and a small room carved

completed the impressive Castello di numerous power struggles over the ensuing decades and functioned both

enthusiasts to explore the castle and trails leading to the lighthouse at the

Worth a stop is the Sanctuary of Saint Anthony of Padua, a small church carved into the cliffs above the Bay of

Marina Portorosa

Visiting the town of Milazzo itself, French occupiers are evident in its architecture, traditions, and cuisine, while beaches and coves provide great anchorages and quiet spots for Balìce, and Doppio Gusto, offering creative seafood in an elegant courtyard setting and an elaborate wine list, available by

EAST

Scylla and Charybdis; “between a rock and a hard place”

In Greek mythology, Scylla and Charybdis are two monsters that Odysseus encounters in Homer’s Odyssey, located at what is now Messina.

Scylla, transformed from human to a fearsome creature with twelve feet, six heads with shark-like teeth, and dog heads

around her waist by Circe’s witchcraft, devoured six of Odysseus’s men.

Charybdis, positioned across from Scylla, was a whirlpool-like monster that threatened ships by swallowing and spewing water three times daily. Odysseus narrowly escaped Charybdis by clinging to

a tree. These monsters, localised in the Strait of Messina, symbolise the perilous challenges Greek mariners faced in the western Mediterranean. The phrase “between Scylla and Charybdis” represents being caught between two dangers, mirroring the had to make.

MESSINA

Navigating around the eastern tip of Sicily, the narrow Messina Strait is famously prone to strong tidal

regarded as Sicily’s second city, not gangway from the bow, from which further out to line-catch large

Monument of our goddess Athena on the Strait of Messina

Messina experienced several devastating centuries, as well as a bout of plague, leading to death, destruction and damaged ninety percent of all

Wandering through Messina today, most buildings were rebuilt a century ago, using modern

construction techniques designed to most important structure to have been meticulously restored to its Norman-era original is the cathedral, which is the restorations over the centuries, Duomo di Messina is a blend of original and restored features that artefacts are housed in the treasury, while the crypt beneath the main altar contains the remains of King Conrad attraction in its own right, though it is the adjoining bell tower that steals the

to reach the top are rewarded with fabulous panoramic views over the Strait and the city, but

the spectacular Orologio Astronomico, a stunning piece

Built in 1933 by the Ungerer Company of Strasbourg, France, it is considered the largest and most complex mechanical astronomical over 8,000 parts, a tour of the tower enables visitors to see the turning of Commissioned after the original it is a masterpiece of aesthetics and maintains its three sections, showing the phases of the moon, a calendar, and a religious section that features the bells, a roaring lion, and a rooster that

Messina’s only other man-made attraction is the Museo Regionale inside, though art lovers will instantly forget about the surroundings when

Dining out

TAORMINA

Founded by the 4th century BC, one of the most historic towns on Sicily’s east coast, nestled between Mount Etna and the Ionian by Romans, Normans, and Spaniards over the centuries, it is a captivating blend of natural beauty, ancient history, and rich by artists, writers

and tourists, the town was given an extra boost recently as a prominent

The White Lotus, drawing in even won’t be alone during your visit, but with the centre closed to visitor

If feeling adventurous after coming in by tender, a cable car beach carries passengers right to the the gates of Messina and Catania, Corso Umberto, is dedicated to with different styles of mansions and palaces, and churches erected on sites fashion boutiques, ateliers, restaurants and cafés, it’s a wonderful place for a

Among the numerous churches and diminutive Chiesa di San Pancrazio but beautifully Baroque inside, the interior has well preserved remains near an ornate altar and numerous

Greek-Roman theatre origins and Roman occupation, with dramatic views of Mount Etna and the

of the town gets too much, escape to the Villa Comunale gardens for some peace and tranquillity, perched on a Isola Bella of the Ionian Sea’, the island had been privately owned by Florence a number of properties around turned the island into a reserve for hundreds of crows, pigeons and canaries in also acquired Villa Communale and

Tip: For something refreshing in the Sicilian heat, visit the family owned Café Bambar, tucked away in a side street off the photogenic Via Giardinazzo, and something of an institution. It is renowned for its granita, a delicious frozen dessert, adapted from Arabic sherbet made with herbal or floral infusions. The Sicilians added snow from Mount Etna, as well as lemon juice, and chilled it in caves. This local ‘slushie’ today comes in a variety of flavours including almond, chocolate, coffee, and strawberry, and is often paired with brioche.

In March 1906 King Edward Alexandra of England arrived the royal yacht and stayed at who died of pneumonia the

Bequeathing her properties to her family, her instruction was that they would not “cut or cultivate the earth,

Castelmola, standing high above little church, Chiesa Madonna della Rocca tiny building is carved into the a boy caught in a storm saw an

Reaching Castelmola, this charming ancient village is quieter than its

Region of Sicily, and formalised as a nature reserve, administered by the World Wide Fund remains an unspoiled idyll, popular with swimmers and With a tender at your disposal, don’t miss the Blue Grotto, a large twenty-metre deep cave that turns a brilliant blue in where you will see sea urchins,

mediaeval streets, traditional stone for a lovely stroll, while the central has a number of quaint cafés and shops to while away a couple local bar in particular for -- or avoiding, depending on one’s sensitivities -- is Bar Turrisi, themed entirely on the male phallus, which

For local logistics and agency support contact our partners at Artemis Yachting Agency www.theartemisgroup.net

Dining out

good restaurants to choose from, but it is home to no less than three Michelin-starred eateries; La Capinera, Otto Geleng and Principe Cerami

TANIA

Cruising south along the east coast, we pass Catania, a city rich in history and culture, standing in the shadow

Chalcidians from Naxos, Catania has been shaped not only by its various occupiers over the centuries, but most tellingly by the neighbouring volcano

destroyed numerous times, Catania has been rebuilt periodically using

the most compelling destination, other than the imposing Baroque Sant’Agata cathedral, standing in decorated chapels, impressive altar inspiring, while the tomb of the in the city is the cable car to the top of Mount Etna, for spectacular views

SYRACUSE

Syracuse is the quintessential origins evident among the layers of more recent additions to its coastal

ancient world, even eclipsing Athens, it was founded by Corinthians in the 8th century BC, after they landed on the tethered island of Ortigia

founded here, before the colonialists progressed onto the mainland four years later, and it is here that many of its architectural treasures are to be not in Ortigia, but on a bridge between

Archimedes mathematician, physicist,

engineer,

astronomer, and inventor, was born and lived in the city during the 3rd

commemorated by a 2016 statue standing on a plinth bridging the city’s symbols representing the great man’s

For a tour of Ortigia, we begin at the Cathedral of Syracuse, a architectural marvel whose history dedicated to Athena, the temple’s columns remain visible today, even following a reconstruction after the Virgin Mary now crowns the

rooftop, having symbolically replaced the golden statue of Athena that once guided grand Piazza del Duomo, lined with grand palatial buildings in what was

The Palazzo Municipale opposite, now occupied by the city council, was built in 1629 by Spanish architect, carving, latching onto a corner of the roof edge, if

should visit the nearby Fountain of Arethusa, the river-god Alpheus’ that she was aided in her who transformed her into the freshwater spring Alpheus, meanwhile, was so downhearted that Jupiter transformed him into an underground stream, which

While this tale of unrequited pursuit in the modern world would be rightly condemned, the spot has been a and fairy-tale sunsets for thousands of two sites in Europe where the papyrus

Ortigia is a delightful miniature city to explore on foot, full of beautiful buildings, cobbled alleys and quaint

Among the many churches and historical sites stands the Chiesa di San Filippo Apostolo, which, on the face of it, is an unassuming building

who was tied to one of its pillars and feature lies underground, having been erected over the remains of a mediaeval synagogue, complete with a burial crypt that was used as frescoed staircase leading three levels underground, where a tunnel system

connects numerous churches and civic buildings, and where some 10,000

Each level tells its own story, animated by drawings on the walls, including religious scenes, and messages from third level down contains a Jewish

Across the bridge, on the mainland, Parco Archeologico della Neapolis is renowned for the once hosted Aeschylus’ last tragedies and continues to host classical

Adjacent is the Latomia del Paradiso, a quarry out of which the theatre was hewn, turned prison camp for , was once a West of the amphitheatre is the third-century BC Ara di Gerone II, a II, where more than 400 oxen would be Orecchio di Dionisio is a giant metres long, the painter Caravaggio tyrant was reputed to have used the giant crevice as a prison, with the

Dining out

Cortile Spirito Santo, at the southern tip of Ortigia, prepares creative, authentically as snapper, sea bass or other catch are served with seasonal asparagus or peas, and a coulis of

Further along the coast lie the charming towns, Avola, and a picturesque landscapes, Baroque architecture, and the Nero d’Avola ancient history includes the town’s while the 18th century

example of Baroque design, using a unique also renowned for the for its unique shape, favourite among pastry

BECAUSE TRUE LOVE IS NOT A MATTER OF SIZE

THOUSAND REASONS, ONE PARTNER

VAL DI NOTO

Noto, situated 15 minutes inland, is regarded as one of the most beautiful

Rebuilt after the devastating was carefully planned and constructed in the Baroque style by some of the most talented architects at the effort resulted in a visually stunning cityscape, designed and delivered as a cohesive architectural

Along with the other towns in the Val di Noto, it is a

Site, with grand public spaces, churches and opulent villas lining pristine Cathedral of San Nicolò

SOUTH

west along the southern coast, passing a number of unremarkable villages and beaches.

RAGUSA IB & SUPERIORE

Marina di Ragusa lies some 30nm away, situated in the municipality of Ragusa, whereas the eponymous city is two, with Ragusa Ibla being the original town, set on a hilltop, and

While the ancient city was rebuilt, many of its residents decamped and settled the newly constructed ‘Upper’

Ragusa Superiore, on the other side of the valley, connected by a steep path

Both fall within the UNESCO World featuring distinctly different layouts town is a warren of narrow streets, Baroque palaces and churches built star attraction is the Duomo di San

Giorgio, a mid-18th-century cathedral with a glorious neoclassical dome and doesn’t quite live up to the grand ‘Inspector Montalbano’ may recognise

cafés and trattorias have terraces in the square, from which to enjoy the

Ragusa Superiore feels more modern and is laid out in a grid system of wider streets and grand public

is the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista with an impressive façade, decorated with sculptures and Corinthian columns, with a richly

Archaeological Museum is housed in the former Convent of the Capuchins,

old town across the valley, Superiore feels more cosmopolitan, with

MODI

Another beautiful town included in the UNESCO is Modica, twenty minutes’ drive south of Ragusa, on the way

Modica stands out for its dramatic landscape,

with picturesque hilly streets and buildings set to a millennium BC, to the

town and a Sicilian Baroque city was churches, palaces, and municipal buildings stand here today as a celebration of

Corso Umberto, the main street through the upper part of the artery leads past boutiques, cafes, and lots of historical buildings, churches

Architectural highlights are the two major churches that dominate the urban landscape, with intricate decorations typical of the Baroque

is particularly noteworthy for the imposing staircase that leads up to its for its chocolate, which is produced using an ancient method, imported Modica’s chocolate

process that prevents cocoa butter from separating, leaving a crumbly

Varieties are also made with chilli, cinnamon, and vanilla, as a nod to the city’s historical trade connections,

festival is a three-day event that draws visitors from across

Antica

Dolceria

Bonajuto, the oldest chocolatier in Sicily, is the place to buy that special gift

speciality here is the Mpanatigghi biscuit, an ancient recipe that combines

chocolate and beef sirloin, which sounds

traditional are ‘nucatoli’, an S-shaped

Accursio, boasting a Michelin star for top Sicilian cuisine featuring dishes from and vegans should head for Singola, an organic restaurant in a simple wooden cabin and garden, serving highly

SCICLI

A prosperous mediaeval agricultural and commercial centre, Scicli is another beautiful example of 18th century streets leads past countless churches and unexpected panoramic views across the

Particularly notable buildings to see are Chiesa di San Matteo and Palazzo Comunale, façades featuring carved balconies and grotesque Palazzo Bonelli Patanè, with its unassuming neoclassical facade, conceals a lavish interior representative of early 20th-century Sciclian upper-class luxury,

La Cavalcata di San Giuseppe’ is a parade celebrating tradition, faith, and cultural heritage, attracting visitors where elegantly decorated horses, draped in through the town’s streets, ridden by children procession becomes even more immersive, participants carrying torches made of burning ‘Inspector Montalbano

other picturesque spots here that served as

For dinner ashore after a day of exploring the Noto region, the Michelin-starred restaurant Votavota, near Marina di Ragusa, offers adventurous tasting menus of local ingredients

For local logistics and agency support contact our partners at Artemis Yachting Agency www.theartemisgroup.net

Scalinata

di Santa Maria del Monte

Scalanita di Santa Maria del Monte,

in the early 17th century, this grand staircase was conceived to bridge the historical divide between the ancient hilltop city and the burgeoning

Its 142 steps ascend the hillside in a cascade of colours and patterns, each step featuring majolica tiles added in the island’s evolution from the 10th

testament to Caltagirone’s rich cultural and mid-August, the steps become a luminous spectacle, bathed in the glow of over 4000 oil lamps for the Festa di

Festa di San Giacomo, celebrated on July 24th and 25th, honours St festival, where the steps are adorned on August 15th, also simply referred

to as ‘Ferragosto’, is celebrated across Sicily, commemorating Mary’s ascension to heaven with more processions, music, traditional food by blessings of the sea and boats,

Villa mana

del sale

Forty minutes from Villa Romana stands Villa Romana del Casale, once a luxurious retreat for co-emperor Marcus Aurelius

3,500 square metres of wellto the 12th century, depicting a range of scenes from mythology to daily life, including the infamous showcase of ancient craftsmanship

AGRIGENTO

Some 60nm west of Marina di Ragusa lies Agrigento, just inland from the small marinas at Forte Mare or Porto

Marina di Cala del Sole (to 70m), though shore transfers are further away from the main was one of the leading cities of ‘Magna cities along the coasts of southern Italy, now Calabria, Apulia, Basilicata, hub of extensive trade and commerce, its wealth evident from the imposing

important cultural capital, famous for its philosophers and poets, including tumultuous period, sustaining raids by before the Arab conquest in the 9th

Christian revival and architectural development to match, before Spanish

In 210 BC the Romans renamed

Agrigento’s rich cultural history is apparent when exploring the narrow mediaeval streets of the historical centre, with the

Cathedral of San Gerlando and the Church of Santa Maria dei Greci particular highlights among the many intricately designed churches and Agrigento, a short drive south of the becomes clear in the Valley of the Temples, where the majestic Temples of Concordia stands the Temple of Olympian Zeus, constructed, though

Nearby, the Museo Archeologico Pietro Griffo holds an extensive collection of artefacts from the Valley, including colossal statue from the here is the Giardino della Kolymbetra, an ancient

garden oasis that reminds visitors of the agricultural heritage introduced by the Arabs in the 9th century, planted valley is also renowned for its almond trees, celebrated in the annual Almond Blossom Festival

A coastal attraction to the west of Porto Empedocle is a stretch of bright white cliffs, the Scala dei Turchi, or ‘Stair formation is famous for its sheer white pirates frequently invaded this piece of coastline during the Middle Ages, using the cliffs as a is simply a beautiful spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying

SCIAC

coast, we arrive at Sciacca, renowned for fabulous beaches and a persistent

Sciacca is an attractive seaside village, architect, inventor, and sculptor

include the Sciacca Cathedral and the Church of Santa Margherita

well-equipped Marina di Sciacca, from where the town can easily be mosaic of Sicilian history and Arab meandering alleyways leading past colourful houses ancient churches and

At the top of the town, in the San Michele

But for chefs and seafood lovers, the daily at the old port is a must, particularly after 4pm, when the

Sciacca’s thermal springs, particularly located in the ‘Valle dei Bagni’ on the slopes of Mount San Calogero, originally enjoyed the steam baths and sulphurous barbarian invasions, but their popularity

Sciacca is also one of the towns famed for distinctive Sicilian ceramics, traditional and contemporary pieces, lusciously decorated in maiolica with

For something less garish, Burgio ceramics are more toned down, in

MA RA

Before approaching Sicily’s western Mazara del Vallo, to give it its full its large port is home to the largest its close proximity to North Africa also made it a major trading centre, town’s architecture by past occupiers, with an ancient historic centre called the Kasbah and streets crammed with shops,

Dancing Satyr, which was dredged

the Museo del Satiro, a micro museum worth a stop, though there is little else buildings include the Duomo di Santa Maria della Neve, an 11th-century cathedral and a classic interior is decorated with mosaics, Sacrario del Santissimo Salvatore is a church of the same era, in Arab-Norman architectural style, marrying Islamic 17th-century palace, Palazzo Reale, Spanish governors and now houses the

Out of town, the surrounding area has a number of archaeological sites to visit, as well as the ancient salt pans and Marsala, with their picturesque

beautiful Gorghi Tondi Nature Reserve is ideal for bird watching and enjoying unspoiled

Selinunte

Archaeological Park is one of the the Mediterranean, with the ruins of sanctuaries, providing a glimpse into Segesta is famous for its well-preserved renowned wine region, with several wineries offering tastings and tours to art installation, Cretto di Burri

which today is commemorated by the village once stood, its ruins were

covered with white cement in a design by artist Alberto Burri, completed in

placed on the undulating landscape, creates a labyrinth that mirrors the really comes alive in February for the annual Carnevale di Mazara del Vallo

town celebrates the Festa del Sacro Cuore, featuring a procession of a Spiaggia

Tre Fontane is a soft sand beach and is a popular spot for swimming,

WEST MARSA

Sicily’s westernmost city is famous

May 1860, in a move to unify Italy was impoverished and primed for uprising when it was a part of the

to explore on foot, full of Baroque charm and neoclassical elegance, with cobbled streets and picturesque

majestic Cathedral of San Tommaso di Canterbury Chiesa Madre, whose imposing structure and intricate artistry are the Porta Nuova offers a grand 17th-century welcome to visitors, standing as a symbol of the city’s rich main square, Piazza della Repubblica, is a great spot to relax and watch the world go by while savouring an

A treasure trove of antiquities, the Museo Archeologico Baglio Anselmi, is home to a marvel of ancient naval engineering: the remnants of a Carthaginian warship, offering a captivating insight into the First Punic

Marsala’s historic wine production

most iconic buildings and offer a glimpse into the Marsala production

tasting rooms are the best setting to try the many varieties of the local Mulino della Saline Infersa is a beautifully restored 16th-century windmill that explains the historical importance of salt

wanting to immerse themselves in the harvesting process, between May and August the mill offers a hour-long salt

MOZIA

Stagnone Nature Reserve, bordering Marsala to the north, is and ancient salt mills, and the historic for birdwatching, particularly for

of the reserve, was developed by the Phoenicians as a trading outpost called Motya, and the archeological site

island is regarded as an important record of the interactions between different Mediterranean it an invaluable site for understanding ancient trade and

original gates, only the North and South at low tide the ancient road connecting it to Birgi on the mainland is visible on the named after the Sicilian-English entrepreneur and early 20th century archaeologist, located in his former residence on the

was fascinated with Sicily’s Phoenician and contributed excavation and preservation of the houses the historic the Motya Charioteer marble sculpture from

EGADI IS NDS

A short cruise from the western tip of Sicily lies the Egadi (Aegadian) archipelago of three large islands, Favignana, is also the largest and is home to most of the here in summer are tourists, with frequent ferries bringing across main industry was tuna canning, set in a huge harbourfront complex, fascinating museum dedicated to the chimneys and a canning hall with the original assembly tables, as though

Waters around Favignana are protected, but there are some stunning anchorages off several grottos that are tailor-made for popular beaches, Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra, are beautiful, but can be from beach dwellers attracted to its turquoise waters, the island is also

scuba diving for beginners and for experienced Isola Galeotta is a shallow dive site full of dream

Cala Rotonda there is a 30m long cave at only 8 metres depth, where you will see umbrine, congers, moray eels, and Secca del Toro, best explored with a local guide, for yellow and red gorgonians, anemones and shoals

Levanzo is the smallest and least populated of the Egadi Islands and is considerably quieter than free, the island’s hilly landscape is criss-crossed with footpaths, and coves are shared only with great spot to drop anchor, have a

One outstanding feature to visit Grotta del Genovese, renowned for its buffalo, deer and boar that roamed the plain that once connected the island with neighbouring Favignana 13,000

Marettimo is the farthest away of the Egadis, the most rustic terrain is popular with climbers, surrounding deep blue waters are some of the clearest in the Mediterranean with visibility up ‘Area Marina Protetta delle Isole Egadi’ reserve, protecting the rich marine life and underwater the best scuba diving in the region, with lots of reefs, caves, encounter a wide variety of moray eels, octopus, lobsters, and

TRAPANI

for ‘scythe’, due to the narrow bladetransit, to or from the Egadi islands, or they are drawn to the self-proclaimed only is the town the birthplace of the world famous cannoli pastry, but other tomato, anchovies and cheese, and Sweeter than cannoli is the ‘graffe’ and chocolate chips, dusted with the classic Sicilian arancini, rice balls

stuffed with meat sauce and peas,

you’re an aubergine (eggplant) lover, note that aubergine grown on the 37th parallel here is considered to be the Fresh ricci (sea urchin) with bread and lemon is another local delicacy, as is the water from North Africa, prepared for festive celebrations in special

After blowing out on the local cuisine, has a small number of sights to Chiesa Anime Sante del Purgatorio is notable for its collection of 18th-century wooden statues depicting the Passion of Christ, which are central to the town’s elaborate

Images by Stuart Pearce - YachtShot

Museo Nazionale Pepoli showcases a collection of 17th-century coral carvings, which were all the rage in Europe

ERICE

A short drive inland (or a cable car town of Erice is perched 750 metres

ancient history, no less than sixty churches, atmospheric cobblestone streets and mediaeval walls, and

stunning panoramic views that stretch believed to be the site of a temple dedicated to goddesses Venus and Aphrodite, allegedly founded by Aeneas, attracting pilgrims

and worshippers from across the indigenous Sicilian Elymians, with their origins in Asia Minor, the town is legend in mythology and antiquity, Castello di Venere is a Norman castle offering stunning views across the Chiesa Matrice cathedral the gardens around the castle offer a

Erice today plays host to a series of an annual astronomy congress, held at such as special almond biscuits and

Riser Natu le

dello Zingaro

Rounding the northwestern tip of Sicily, we pass the crowded holiday spot at San Vito lo Capo and moor off

Established in 1981, this protected area is a stunning combination of rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, diverse

1,600 hectares of lush vegetation that weasels, and hedgehogs, while rare Bonelli’s eagles and over forty other and secluded beaches along the way, providing ample opportunity for a

A number of museums in the reserve provide an insight into the area’s history, at the Museum of Rural Civilisation, the Museum of Maritime

Perhaps the most interesting is the Manna Museum, set inside a cave, showing how the sweet, crystallised sap, mentioned in the Bible, is extracted from the stems of a narrowsubstance is harvested in summer, to be used primarily as a sweetener and a

ellammare del Golfo

For yachts up to 40m, consider berthing off at the charming seaside town of Castellammare del Golfo after the mediaeval fort that guards the port, which once served the nearby cities

Cala Marina, and the long stretch of sand at Plaja are on the harbourside and head instead for Ristorante Del Golfo, or the Michelin-rated Mirko’s

A 20-minute drive inland from Castellammare (or 30

USTI

If setting off from Palermo towards the idyllic Aeolian islands, consider stopping at the rustic Ustica, a tiny settlements such as ‘Villaggio dei Faraglioni’ serving as a testament to strategic location along the North African trade route played a major established a colony here, while the Normans constructed a watchtower on Capo Falconiera, a reminder of the

It played a part in WWII too, hosting top secret meetings between British

1943, to discuss switching sides from Mussolini to late as the 1950s, Ustica was a penal colony, holding a number of high now home to Museo Archeologico,

Above the waterline, Ustica’s volcanic landscape features jagged cliffs

dramatic coastline is in contrast with a serene interior, where vineyards and

olive groves sit on rolling hills, dotted with quaint villages painted in ochre

‘Area Marina Protetta Isola di Ustica’, a protected marine reserve inaugurated pioneer, Jacques Cousteau, claimed that the waters here were among the most beautiful he’d seen, ideal for both underwater wonderland of vibrant popular spot is Grotta del Gamberi (to 42m) at the southern tip of the island, where the Sub-Aqua Archeological Trail (to 17m) includes many anchors and even Roman pottery that can best dive spot is Secca di Colombara colourful gorgonians and rainbow Scoglio del Medico (to 30m), coast and features stunning grottoes

On dry land, there are no luxury

Ustica is about rustic, slow tourism, a place to sample the simple things the island is the coastal path north of the main settlement, while climbing the summit of Monte Guardia dei Mori

Cuisine is no-frills and predictably grilled seafood platters are central, while homemade ‘pasta alla Norma’ and ‘pasta con le sarde’ are local specialties,

AEOLIAN IS NDS

Around 20 nautical miles off Sicily’s north coast, or 100nm from Palermo, lies Vulcano, the most southerly of the who arrived in the 4th century BC, the archipelago of seven volcanic islands

While they share dramatic landscapes, rich vegetation, and stunning beaches, each has its own unique charm, from the active volcanoes of Stromboli and Vulcano, to the small but lively Panarea, to Salina’s green landscapes

and sleepy variety, along with coastlines made for watersports, islands a perfect superyacht destination for marinas here are to be found in Pignataro to 45m), Salina (Port of Santa Marina to 40m) and their collective name would suggest, Mistral winds from the northwest,

Vulcano

Aside from Vulcano’s famous volcanic crater, one of the island’s main attractions until recently had been its sulphuric mud baths, near the port were closed in 2022, with no further

Laghetto di Fanghi’ had been a magical place for languishing in the mud, with the brutish volcanic landscape on one side and heavenly sea sands reopened on your visit, be wary of a fairly nauseous smell of sulphur, while the sands may leave indelible stains on up the crater to witness its belching relaxing spa session at one of the

at Asino, the best anchorage to the

tip of the island, houses the only two Michelin-starred restaurants on Vulcano, I Tenerumi and II Cappero

LIPARI

glorious landscapes and beaches, archaeological sites or cultural attractions, or a vibrant town life with boutique shopping, cafés, restaurants,

millennia, as evidenced by the archaeological treasures unearthed in the area surrounding the Castle of Lipari

Museo Archeologico Eoliano is a treasure trove for those fascinated by Mediterranean history, featuring one of Europe’s most comprehensive collections from the the world’s largest assortment of such as obsidian tools underscore culture, while a rich array of decorated vases and exquisite jewellery attest to point at Quattrocchi (‘Four Eyes’)

for incredible panoramic views over the and neighbouring islands, which is particularly recommended

are Spiaggia Bianca and Papesca, with their white sands set against blindingly bright obsidian and pumice

very crowded, so perhaps best enjoyed

for lively beach bars and a party vibe, Canneto is the busiest stretch of sand

A popular anchorage in a quieter bay is to be found at , a

Vinci is a picturesque, sheltered anchorage on the south coast off Capo Rosso to

but the best restaurants on the island are to be found in the town, such as Trattoria del Vicolo, a local favourite for almost 50 years; Filippino, a rustic seafood eatery founded in 1910; and L’Anfora

Scuba di ng the Aeolian islands offer probably the best diving with a diverse range of sites accessible to most Lisca Bianca biodiversity, dramatic underwater topographies, and historical artefacts,

SALINA

beaches, lush vegetation, and it a perfect tranquil retreat for those

Also worth a visit are the Saracen Caves, where locals sought refuge and is frequented by many migrating bird species, including herons and sea

Salina, centred around three towns, with Santa Marina in the east -- where yachts up to 40m can berth in the marina -Malfa the Aeolies at Monte Fossa delle Felci is a challenge not to be passed up,

with a number of pretty anchorages, though the most popular are Spiaggia di Pollara in the northwest, and the grotto at Punta Grottazza in

Punta Brigantini

and Malvasia grapes, produced, among others, by Tasca d’Almerita, a winery now run by the family’s and tutorials are available here to learn more about their growing,

Alternatively, simply head for one of the many lively bars and restaurants in Santa Marina or Malfa, where local wine and produce can be sampled

Michelin-starred restaurants, Nni Lausta, in Santa Marina and Signum,

PANAREA

archipelago, Panarea is also the most exclusive, with a year-round

population of just 300 living in a pretty whitewashed village up against a

Just a fraction bigger than the City of retreat has long been a favourite ‘Raya’ hotel and other high end establishments, including exclusive clothing boutiques with labels aimed 1960s, Raya’s cutting edge luxury

Aristotle Onassis and Francis Bacon stopping by, giving it the exclusive on this car-free island are golf buggy

through a labyrinth of white-walled houses draped in bougainvillaea, providing a highly photogenic

for your Instagram

Further the active volcanic island of Stromboli, simmering away just a cruise around the island and drop anchor at any of its secluded beaches or coves, such as Spiaggia di Cala, Lisca Bianca, Cala Junco, Cala Bianca, or Cala Zimmari here are invitingly clear for a dip or east coast provide more possibilities to get away from it all and deploy the

In the evening, step ashore at San Pietro, restaurant such as Bar Bistrot Lisca Bianca, Hotel Cincotta, or Hotel Raya,

entertained from sundown until the up anywhere on the island without a

For local logistics and agency support contact our partners at Artemis Yachting Agency www.theartemisgroup.net

ST MBOLI

at Stromboli is irresistible when visiting the Aeolian islands by yacht, with the daily eruptions from this iconic volcano holding a magnetic stands at some 2,500 metres tall on its actual height protrudes above volcanoes on the planet, its daily rumblings are unique, though this doesn’t deter some 500 islanders from cohabiting with this threatening hard to come by on Stromboli, but

a major eruption and consequent

When the volcano began to erupt almost continuously a few years later, the population dwindled further to

San Vincenzo, its population thrives

islanders live in the remote hamlet of Ginostra

atmosphere, with narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, shops, and

Residents seem untroubled by the restless crater, whose regular

20 minutes and are preceded by a loud roar, as gases push an exciting spectacle, particularly on windless to the summit are especially thrilling, with guided tours

Stromboli’s volcanic waters be preferable, as these are

and Punta Lena

Porto Scari, Ficogrande, Piscità

FILICUDI & ALICUDI

Filicudi

BCE, having been visited through

become popular with artists, writers Filicudi

Porto, Valdichiesa, and Pecorini a Mare

meander through aged vineyards and olive groves on the slopes of eight

Around the coast, pebbly beaches such as Spiaggia del Perciato lend themselves perfectly to swimmers and paddlers, while underwater grottoes

Grotte di Stimpagnato and Grotta del Bue Marino are home to shoals of

For those who truly wish to disconnect consider neighbouring Alicudi, the inhabitants, has neither a pharmacy to get around is on foot, while mules

Most destinations here are measured

A single small hotel has the only restaurant on the island; there’s a bar, a couple of shops, two churches destinations we have written about though it is less remote and has rather

In exchange for everything the island with the smell of fresh herbs, a unspoiled landscapes and empty the island are the only land activities Around the coast, swimming, at night without the hindrance of any

Alicudi may not be for everyone, but if it’s solitude and tranquillity you’re

BALEARICS

MMENOR

enorca has been linked with Homer’s Odyssey through the ages, as academics and mythologists have attempted to link its imaginary locations to the real world. The presence of many prehistoric megalithic monuments led ancient Greeks and Romans to think that Menorca is where some scenes in the tale were set.

Menorca as the home of the slingshottoting warriors, Laestrygonians, or of the one-eyed giant, cave-dwelling shepherd, and offspring of Poseidon Cyclops

Reading Emily Wilson’s contemporary translation of Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’ inspired British travel journalist, Laura Coffey, to set off on a soul-searching

travels in Odysseus’ footsteps around

“Enchanted Islands: A Mediterranean Odyssey and beautiful descriptions bring to life many of the places we visit in this edition of ‘The Y’, it seemed appropriate to invite her agreed, providing an extract of her

Camí de Cavalls coastal trail and swimming in Menorca’s secluded coves:

The real-life island that inspired the world's oldest travel story

The sky was the brightest of winter blues above the yellow town of Mahón, in Menorca. All the buildings were painted shades of citrus and lemon, ochre and mustard and every hue in between. Palm trees rattled in the wind and the road swept down the hill towards the deep port where white yachts waited, in their superior, gleaming way, for summer.

Along the central shopping avenue orange trees were still bursting with fruit and sparrows gathered on their branches at dusk to scream the day’s news at each other, their volume increasing as the light fell, until at twilight the chatter crescendoed so loudly you had to raise your voice to be heard over it. After the bone cold of icy Croatia, where I had been for a month, it felt tropical here by comparison, the air warmer and softer. I had won an extra hour of light, the days stretched open in front of me again, there was sunshine optimism spinning through these yellow streets.

I sat high on the green terrace of Cafe Nou overlooking the orange trees with their sparrows, eating a tostada con tomate and reading about Mauricio Obregón. He was a 20th-Century historian and university professor who spent a lot of his time retracing ancient voyages. He believed that the island of the Cyclops could be one of the Balearic Islands – so the land where one-eyed monsters used to roam might be here, on Menorca.

In the story, Poseidon has an affair with a sea-nymph who immediately gets pregnant – no god ever has issues with sperm count – and their child grows up to become the strongest of all the Cyclopes and lives a quiet life on an island as a shepherd.

After a narrow escape from the lures of psychedelic plant medicine in the land of the Lotus Eaters, and after barbecuing goats on the “island full of wonders”, Odysseus

They break into his cave, wait for the monster to come home and, when he does, in a yet another classic example of poor judgement, Odysseus demands a gift, per the guest-code protocol. The Cyclops, unsurprisingly, declines to give a present to the home intruders, traps them and snacks on some of the crew, in between nipping out to graze his sheep. Odysseus, wily as ever, forms a plan, gets the monster blind drunk, shoves a sharpened stick into his eye and manages to escape with the remainder of the uneaten crew.

Once they’re safely back on the ship he arrogantly taunts the blinded giant. Infuriated, the monster chucks an enormous rock at the ship, but misses, obviously, since he can’t see. Enraged, the Cyclops turns to daddy for help and asks him to prevent Odysseus from getting back home.

In response, “Lord Poseidon rages, unrelenting”. A vengeful god now has a personal vendetta. Smart move, Odysseus.

I cycled around the island and, free again, found rocky coves to swim in. On my rides I saw birds everywhere, moving through the air like musical notes, folding their wings

as I biked to the sea, black and white birds with long tails hopped along the lanes,

birds moved between the low branches of olive trees, heads cocked, eyes blinking, regarding each other, and me. I became entranced, obsessive, almost. This was a language I wanted to learn.

Javier, a Menorcan ornithologist, became my translator. I’d booked a bird walking tour but there was no one else on it, just me. Javier was tall with dark hair and a shy smile, he wore serious hiking trousers, a rucksack with a proper chest fastening, had two pairs of binoculars looped around his neck, and carried a telescope over his shoulder.

Happiness came down to this: a bicycle, low-walled narrow country lanes to slow-cycle down, a turquoise sea cradled by a rocky cove, a bright day, and a notebook so I could write down the new things I’d learned to see. Black redstarts, a pair of kestrels, speckled wood buttertree, a poison-caterpillar nest, a air. And try to capture something about the smell of the heat inside the sandy pinewoods, or the shape of the sculptures of the sea, which bleached driftwood sand-coloured before arranging it on winter beaches with a curator’s eye. more creature.

‘Enchanted Islands’ is probably the perfect read for

For detailed suggestions of the best bays, beaches, points of interest and restaurants, see the online map at

Menorca has two cities, the capital, which was the capital until the British length of stay, yachts may choose to overnight their way around the coast

Ciutadella, on the west coast, is a picturesque town, founded originally old quarter wrapped around a natural port, ‘Es Born’, formed by a deep inlet delightful old city, with mediaeval streets and beautiful ancient architecture to feast the eye, while plentiful cafés and restaurants dotted

Ciutadella’s nearest beaches are Cala Santandria and Sa Caleta, while Cala en Bosch to the south is a popular

and coves are only a day trip away from northern and southern coasts are not easily accessible by car, so these are

capital is a picturesque town set around a deep water inlet, rich in interesting architecture and a bustling

Mahón’s harbour is the world’s second deepest inlet after been used as a port since the third century BC and as a base for successive

Apart from being a delightful place for strolling around town or sitting on a terrace to sample high street names, the Baroque

produce such as charcuterie, cheeses, wine, and gin, for which it’s a great place to shop for a wide range of locally-crafted sells ‘abarcas’, the simple leather sandal that is symbolic of the

hard-wearing goat leather, they are surprisingly comfortable once worn in, though you will require

SA LETA

mí de lls

piece of island heritage, created in 1330 during the rule of Jaume II, to enable armed

completed by the French and British, during their 18th century reigns over the island, the entire island, closely following the and the real Menorca, for yourself, the time available and the mode of travel,

MORELL

GALDANA

P TJA VALLERIA

MALLOR

W hile Odysseus may have been battling imaginary one-eyed Cyclops giants in neighbouring Menorca in the 8th or 7th century BCE, little is known about real life in Mallorca during the Iron Age

largest of the Balearics in 1300 BCE, leaving behind signature ‘talayots’

Age archaeological remains are large earthen towers resembling

settlements remain around Mallorca, while researchers are divided over whether they served a defensive or Romans, who conquered the Balearics

millennium later and persecuted the came in 534 CE, followed by Muslims in 707, then a period of independence before a succession of Pisa-Catalans, Almoravides Moors, Almohadians, Catalans again, becoming part of the Civil War in 1936 heralded the rule of Franco for almost forty years, before a new Spanish Constitution was approved in 1978, with the Balearics becoming an

beautiful superyacht destination with stunning coastlines and landscapes, but also a fascinating destination with a

Fe i ls

and Moors are re-enacted and celebrated in festivals up and down the island each year and while Catholicism is by far the largest religion these days, Mallorca’s Arabic

In the valley of Sóller, place names in a cluster of villages betray their Arab

Most of Mallorca’s 750,000 olive

years old, while many still bearing

surviving building is the thermal bath in Palma’s Arabian quarter, in the old

itself named after a wealthy local

Architecturally, there are still clues to Mallorca’s Arabic past in the towns, villages and mountains, where Moorish terraces and irrigation systems laid the foundations that

their signature was the extensive use of water features, designed for

A few remnants of Moorish gardens remain in Mallorca, though nothing quite as grand or preserved as the

A day in Palma

Palma has excellent shopping, or just exploring the old town on foot and losing yourself in the old town is a lovely way to spend a relaxing

One of Palma’s main boulevards, Passeig del Born the cathedral to your right, bringing galleries and ateliers are dotted all along

C’an Joan de S’Aigua and coffee houses, famous locally for by later in the day, this characterful

is referred to locally, is an imposing architectural feature of the City and is Construction began in the 13th of the world’s largest rose windows columns are ringed with wrought-iron end, facing the sea, to admire the Portal del Mirador, a 15th-century Royal Palace of La Almudaina

during their stays in the 12th century Arab citadel can still be found in the layout of

Uniquely, it is the only round castle in years, now it is a museum and a visitor

Other highlights around the city are Plaza Cort, featuring the mostphotographed of all of Mallorca’s millions of olive trees, the ancient

Bellver

Castle

baths in the Arab quarter, the Jewish quarter, and many classic Mallorcan Es Baluard museum of modern and contemporary art housed in a former Shopping

personal shopper can collect you from miss out on the best Palma has to at Plaza de Juan Carlos I promenade of Paseo del Borne, in the

While ‘El Born’ today is all about boutiques and cafés, its history is it was no more than a gully, serving

From the early 17th century, jousting name ‘Born’ given for the Catalan word for the protective piece of wood placed

By the 20th century, it had turned into a smart tree-lined promenade, with stone benches lining the wide debutantes were paraded by their chaperones, auction, in front of eligible where many of the city’s

as Louis Vuitton, Loewe, Bvlgari, Cartier, Carolina Herrera, Hugo Boss, and Escada, to name just a few, Palma has plenty of exclusive brands undiscovered clothing, jewellery and

millions of olive trees, the ancient baths in the Arab quarter, the Jewish quarter, and many classic Mallorcan patios,

contain plenty of antique shops, galleries and studios, while home and lifestyle stores such as Rialto Living, LAGO, BANNI, Il Jardinetto, and Bonaire4

third, or fourth home, elite realtors such as The Agency and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Other cultural highlights around the city are Plaza Cort, featuring the most-photographed of all of Mallorca’s

Close to the cathedral, visit the ‘Palau March’ Museum, the opulent former home of Juan March Ordinas, Es Baluard museum of modern and contemporary art housed in a former

A 10-minute drive from the centre is Bellver Castle, visible on the hill to the

circular castle with a unique round

one of the best reasons to visit is the spectacular views over the woods to

Dining out

Visitors to Palma are spoiled for

From the super-rustic to Michelinstarred culinary art, there are many is Fera Restaurant & Bar dishes are highly creative and never miss, and service is from the top

Newly opened in 2023, YARA Portals is the sister restaurant to FERA Palma, menus, including seafood and meats

For the 2024 season, Palma’s most exclusive nightclub, Lío Mallorca, features its hit cabaret show, as “an exquisite experience that feeds immersive experience that combines

Mediterranean cuisine with cabaret

Four Michelin-starred dining of up-to-date recommendations, Suburbs’ section on our online map: the best of which include Door 13, Agabar, Brassclub and Chapeau 1987

Around the coa

Of the 46 ‘Blue Flags’ awarded to the Balearics’ beaches and marinas, Mallorca has long mountain range, is designated a UNESCO

Spending only a few days cruising Mallorca’s where to drop anchor for the day, with many attractive coastal spots remember, regardless of where you choose to come ashore, any part

of the island is no more than an hour away by guests might choose to go shopping in Palma, sightseeing in Soller and Valldemossa, or playing

PUERTO PORTALS, PORT D'ANDRATX, SANT ELM, SA DRAGONERA

Puerto

Portals is a prestigious nautical and leisure complex, where there’s always

many boutiques, bars and restaurants, offering a wide variety of cuisine and atmosphere, ranging from casual cafés and a short hop from the city, many complex recently has resulted in steep price increases, and berths here are now among the most expensive in the for recommendations:

PUERTO PORTALS

SA DRAGONERA

Be spots & caves from And tx to Sóller

Next up along the coast is Port Adriano, a great base for exploring nearby coves and beaches, as well as scuba diving at Santa Ponsa and other itself has a number of luxury retail outlets, as well as a decent assortment performances by leading artists throughout the summer season, Mallorca, we reach Port d’Andratx for village of Sant Elm, a popular spot for views of the coastline and surrounding areas, as well as Sa Dragonera is home to over 350 different plant during bird migration and many colonies of sea birds and birds of prey and osprey are among the species

Ped Blanca 39°73‘N 2°60‘E

la d'en Basset 39º59‘N 2°35‘

la de Ses Or gues 39°63‘N 2°41‘E

la d'en Tio 39°56‘N 2°35‘E

Els Fa llons 9°64‘N 2°43‘E

Es Tamarell

Punta de s'Àguila

Gata

Port de Valldemossa

PORT DE SÓLLER, SÓLLER, DEIÀ, VALLDEMOSSA,

FORNALUTX, SA LOBRA

Continuing up along Mallorca’s west coast, we head for Port de Sóller, is therefore a tourism hotspot during with a stretch of sandy beach, and many seafront shops, bars and restaurants

It is also a great place from which to explore some of Mallorca’s most picturesque villages, with an old wooden train trundling up to the hilltop town of nearby Sóller at regular industry, but also for lemons and

Fornalutx, often voted one of the prettiest villages in the whole of

whose attraction is its narrow cobbled streets, pretty houses with red roofs, Deià and on to Valldemossa provides views of the most stunning bit of coastline anywhere, while a stop in each town

literary and musical connections, with

SA LOBRA

many writers and artists drawn here since early in the 20th

his house is now a museum, while several Spanish-language writers and poets came here for inspiration from the mainland with Sir Richard Branson, whose Virgin has in the past been host to famous opened in 2023 is one of several ultra luxury resorts that have sprung up

One of the favourite anchorages for yachts along the west coast is Cala Deia unique setting, beautiful cove views, Another achingly beautiful village in the Tramuntana mountains is Valldemossa, the place where Frederic Chopin once spent an unhappy but productive

Chopin was suffering from tuberculosis while staying in a rented ‘cell’ that consisted of three rooms in Real Cartu-

of a charterhouse that had once been a royal residence, it was donated to

of the rooms, Chopin had an upright piano installed, on which he completed Preludes Op 28 and composed Ballade No 2, Op 38 in F major and

For her part, Sand wrote an autobiographical travel novel, ‘Winter in Majorca’, documenting their miserable including the famous piano, and are though his clifftop estate has been

Tip: Reservations at the cash-only Ca‘s Patró March are notoriously difficult to secure at short notice (or to alter, once booked); even on behalf of billionaires, so advance planning is essential.

up for sale for some years, with a $50

share of small shops, eateries and art galleries, so is a pleasant spot to while

away an hour or choose from a number of trails that originate other direction, north towards Sa Calobra, is or cycling

famous stretch of hairpinned tarmac has featured in many shows and photo one’s eye off the road to admire the stunning views is probably

Things to see

ROYAL CARTHUSIAN MONASTERY MUSEUM

The Real Cartuja (Royal Carthusian Monastery) was originally a royal residence, until Carthusian monks occupied the building from 1399 until 1835. It has whitearched corridors leading to ‘cells’ containing museums on various themes. Visit the old pharmacy - you can almost smell the herbs - then look into the library, where the monks would meet for half an hour a week,

modern art museum, with works by Picasso, Miro and Juli Ramis, and of course there is Chopin‘s cell.

THE ARCHDUKE WAY – WALK

The archduke walkway above Valldemossa and Deia is without a doubt one of the most stunning walks on the island. The walkway follows the summit ridge with spectacular views down to the sea. It is a challenging hike with over 500m of ascent. However, the steep climb out of Valldemossa is well worth it for the views along the north western coast.

THE HOUSE OF ROBERT GRAVE MUSEUM

Poet and author Robert Graves (1895-1985) lived in Deià, Mallorca, from 1929 until his death. His house has been refurbished and adapted for visitors.

PORT DE POLLENÇA, P FORMENTOR

towards arguably the most beautiful piece of coastline

off-shore, though mooring in nearby Port d’Alcudia’s

Passing Cala San Vincente, a charming small resort featuring three beaches and a great spot for cliff diving, we head for the unspoilt cove of Cala Bóquer

Be spots

Waters on this side of the island are incredibly clear and are perfect for ESTELA can organise your diving instructor on board.

Cap Formentor, a peninsula jutting out from the north-eastern corner of Mallorca, featuring 400-metre high

the very tip is the lighthouse, ‘Faro Formentor’, one of the island’s most inaccessible sandy (public) beach

Formentor, currently undergoing a major transformation to re-open as a

Sa lob 39°85‘N 2°80‘E ló de Xalóc 39°91‘N 2°96‘E

Punta Gale l 39°93‘N 3°04‘E

Punta La Torre 39°92‘N 3°05‘E la Bóquer 39°93‘N 3°10‘E

la Tuent

39°84‘N 2°77‘E

EAST COAST

Setting off down Mallorca’s eastern coast, there are countless calas and beaches where visitors might choose Porto

Cristo for our next overnight stay, guests may enjoy a beach day at the long stretch of sand at Muro Beach

Alternatively, calas particularly great for a swim are Es Calo coves at Coll Baix, Cala Torta, Cala Mesquida offers impressive views, with Menorca

Spain’s most expensive homes can be found here, with jaw-dropping Port

de Pollença (also ‘Puerto Pollensa’), is a well-established low-rise resort with sandy beaches wrapped around a horseshoe bay and a seafront mostly

It is one of Mallorca’s quieter resorts, popular with families and travellers whose idea of evening entertainment is a stroll along the picturesque Pine

seafront offers an array of dining and

Inland, Alcúdia’s walled old town is worth a visit, where the old gates still stand and where cobbled narrow streets are home to shops, bars and boutiques, while on Sundays it holds

Along with the typical Mediterranean produce on offer, while chatty locals

Another spot worth a visit is Artà, a 13th century town set on a hill, with steep narrow roads within mediaeval fortress walls leading to the pilgrimage church of

Its terrace offers panoramic views of the coast and hills with almond

coast lies Canyamel, from where the Caves of Arta

underground complex on the island, these caverns hid some 2,000 Arabs and their cattle during the Christian

cathedral, its tallest stalagmite stands 22m and continues to grow

Cala Millor , a well-developed resort, stretching from Cala Bona at the top towards the 200-hectare nature reserve of Punta de n’Amer at the

Stopping at Porto Cristo, one of the main attractions is the Cuevas del Drach impressive limestone cave complex

One-hour guided tours end with a tenminute violin concert, with a string ensemble playing from a rowing boat

Setting off towards the southern tip of Mallorca, the east coast’s choice of beauty spots doesn’t let up, with many, many more calas tempting visitors

stretch of coast is also quieter than the

MU BEACH

MESQUIDA

TORTA

COLL BAIX

Felanitx is a charming inland village surrounded by vineyards belonging to the island’s second wine-producing area,

the southern coastline and the resorts of Portocolom and Cala d’Or, it’s a great place to visit to experience the real

Next up is Cala Varques beach in a quiet, secluded bay featuring

Popular with locals, it’s an unspoiled bay where the only food or refreshments

Moving along towards Portocolom, we pass Cala Murada

Portocolom is a small resort with a deep natural port, that began life as beach lovers, the nearby Cala Marçal

Further south, there are a series of quieter calas and pebbly or sandy beaches, in

VARQUES

MARÇAL

MONDRAG Ó

Notable are Cala Estreta, Cala Mitjana and Cala Ferrera, before we

Cala d’Or is an attractive resort comprising a number of lovely coves and beaches, with numerous resort hotels and a lively marina with lots of boutiques, cafés and restaurants, though

For a quieter stop, consider Porto Petro that has swelled into a small resort set around a large natural harbour and

Next up is the must-see Parc Natural de Mondrago, one of our favourite footpath and set against gorgeous

Further along is the pretty inlet and natural harbour of Cala Figuera, a perfect spot for lunch, with a number of good restaurants directly hotels, Figuera is very much about

Cala Llombards is the next possible stop, with a sandy beach featuring a small beach café (‘chiringuito’) and Cap des Moro

FIGUERA

Our port, a gateway to the future

A modern and responsible approach, focused on digital transformation and on implementing advanced technologies, thus aiming to achieve environmental sustainability, essential to a future long-term growth.

Next up is Cala s’Almunia

BRERA, ES TRENC

Moving around Mallorca’s southern tip at Cap de Ses Salines, Cabrera National Park del Archipiélago de Cabrera’, to give it its full name, is a cluster of 19 islands, though there are no goats present) camp during the Napoleonic Wars and a is a haven for plants and wildlife, including turtles and whales and caves, corals and crystal clear waters,

is Colònia de Sant Jordi

is a popular resort for water sports, with low-rise hotels and some good fame are its salt beds that produce the swimming training camp, where many of Europe’s top swimmers have graced

Just to the south of town lies what is beach, Platja Es Carbo

A close second must be the neighbouring ‘Es Trenc’, which at widest sandy beach, stretching north the seafront provide shelter from any beach dwellers, including a large nudist area.

Tip: Private yachts require permission to anchor off Cabrera and must ensure not to touch in any way the protected to arrange your visit, allowing at least with royal approval, as a spot favoured

Ga ronomy

BEST GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCES

Balearic cuisine is of course Mediterranean, but with a local accent, inspired by produce and traditions

Arabic times ensures great variety, while standards

SOBRASADA

Mallorcan produce with Protected includes ‘sobrasada’, a bulbousshaped, terracotta-coloured rustic sausage you will see hanging in shops

seasoning, it is cured slowly and remains soft and spreadable, with a it on most restaurant menus in some

ENSAÏMADA

‘ensaïmada’ pastry, sometimes they often come sugar-dusted and with a choice of jam, cream or Tip:

olive oil industry, tours and tasting sessions are a great day out, giving visitors an opportunity to see for this all-important gastronomic ingre-

an unforgettable day out in Mallorca’s

OLIVE OIL

Unsurprisingly, given the three quarters the island’s interior, Mallorca is a major producer of olives, olive oil and derivatives such as olive leaf green tea, olive wood tableware, and cosmetic

Mallorca’s soil is largely of calcium and clay composition, giving its olives a year-round high humidity sustains the

Four varieties of olive are regulated by ‘Oli de Mallorca’, the local industry body that governs almost 1,000 olives bring smoothness, sweetness the ‘Arbequina’ variety has a green fruit characteristic, the ‘Empeltre’ olive brings smoothness, delicacy and

OTHER PRODUCE, TOURS AND TASTINGS

Other private tours and tasting experiences in Mallorca include jams, marmalades and jelly producers, wine and tapas tastings either at a vineyard

planted almond trees, producing a sweeter

300 days of sunshine per year, coupled with ever-present humidity, the fruit has a high water

Mallorcan almonds are another delicacy for which the island is production was wiped out by a phylloxera insect plague in 1891, up until which wine had been a major

WINE

growers in the Balearic islands, creating wines on a par with Italy’s

might have thought the practice of

Arabic times, but the Moor viceroy, Ben Abet, is reported to have given a bunch of (sour?) grapes to King Jaume I when the Catholics re- conquered

Jaume granted licences for vineyards to be extended in the towns and villages surrounding Mallorca’s second city, Inca, which remains the epicentre of the island’s resurgent wine

in the late 19th century, heavy demand for Balearic wine came from France in particular, where production had been hit by an earlier phylloxera

exporters shipped 50 million litres to France, before the vines here were

from a wide range of predominantly red grape varieties; mostly Cabernet

Chardonnay and Muscat are the two choose from, so let us help tailor your great outing is a guided visit through some of Mallorca’s picturesque and sampling some of the excellent

Mallorca Wine Tour

The VIP ‘Finca Experience’ visits a number of have been producing wines for centuries.

Itinerary (1711), where you will stroll through the beautiful able to taste some wines, accompanied with typical produce their fruit and see how they are turned to wines with either more tapas or a three-course set

Single Winery Visit

wineries in Mallorca, many of which are open for tours, tastings and a visit will include a tour of the vineyards, facilities, lasting up from one of the larger operations, such as

Macia Batle or Jose

Binigual, Bodega Ribas, can be tailored to your All tours include winetasting, which can be accompanied with tapas, rustic lunch or

Some also offer musical entertainment, as an too and offer oil-tastings

MICROBREWERIES & DISTILLERIES

For days when the sun is elusive, there are a number of microbreweries and distilleries to visit, where you can learn about artisan beer and spirits

twist by the addition of ‘Flor de Sal that occurs naturally in the Balearic sunshine in salt beds in the south of foamy crystals off the top of the crusty sea salt, creating a premium product that is sold all over the island and

MUSHROOMS & TRUFFLES

At the very tail end of the Mediterranean season, each October, begins the foraging for and celebration of

location of these fungal treasures is always a closelyvate countryside estates, though whether signed home produce can always be found or at M ercat de l’Olivar, Mercat de Santa Catalina and Mercat de

OTHER GASTRONOMIC SPECIALITIES

Other local gastronomic specialities include honey and cheeses, while Mallorca’, a green liqueur made with ethyl alcohol, sugar and aniseed, with up to thirty botanicals added, most rustic hostelries will proffer because its origins lie with 16th it as a derivative from the alcoholic

HANDICRAFTS

there are textile weavers, ceramics leathersmiths and designers of clothing

woven fabric, which can be found in soft furnishings in restaurants, shops and hotels, while the ‘tela de llengües’ (‘cloth of tongues’) pattern appears

handmade, artisan products, such as

Sports & A i es

Cycling

Excellent roads, respectful drivers

cycling teams train here in the spring,

there are a number of annual amateur races, while there are cycling centres

The Mallorca Country Club

Mallorca Country Club combines the tradition of grass tennis with a modern is the new home of lawn tennis in state-of-the-art facility with all three tennis surfaces (grass, clay and hard-courts) as well as padel

Tennis

Mallorca’s most famous son today is Rafael Nadal, the world’s former Number One tennis champion player, who hails from Manacor, where his eponymous tennis

Nadal still calls Manacor

Nadal Academy here, primarily aimed at coaching talented youngsters, but also offers tennis sessions for adults, range of coaching programmes and

Feel good all round

In addition to the gym, outdoor pool and ice bath, the club offers

Membership memberships for tennis enthusiasts, the island and meet other sports program covers all interests from „Social Membership“ to „Corporate

Reach out to our team and visit us for hello@mallorcacountryclub.es

Pickleball & Padel

Rafa Nadal Academy

courts in 2023, while other clubs also offer dedicated or learn ‘padel tennis’, the Mexican sport’s popularity throughout Spain means

Golf

Mallorca has numerous awardwinning golf courses, designed by

Jr, Alcanada enjoys stunning views

Son Vida, just 15 minutes from Palma, has a number of top class courses,

Hiking

Mallorca is a paradise for

sign-posted routes offering trails from picturesque bridle paths to more challenging

of circular routes that

Others lead down to the coast, where you can reward your efforts with a refreshing swim and, should

up, you can of course arrange for the tender to collect you! Even in high of peaceful solitude, disturbed only

Hot Air Balloon Trips

For a more leisurely way to explore the Mallorcan countryside, consider a hot air balloon glide across the northeastern side of

off from Cala Millor, an hour’s drive

Suitable for groups of up to eight

Cliff Jumping (guided)

you to rugged cliffs, where you change into wetsuits and learn jumping technique starting from 3 metres,

Scuba Diving

Mallorca’s coastline offers a great variety of scuba diving, from easy shore dives open to all ages and experience to technical dives for advanced or expert divers, to

In addition to interesting caves and swim-throughs, sea-life varieties typically found at sites around the island include nudibranch, moray, barracuda, wrasse, lobster, grouper, conger, coral, tuna, meagre,

Climbing

As one of Europe’s top places to climb, are over 70 documented spots, including excellent deep water soloing of Mallorca, so most of the sport and trad to climb here, and we strongly recommend famous by star climber, Chris Sharma, particularly the areas of Cala Barques offer a collection of sites, while some via

IBI & FORMENTERA

Ibiza, the destination better known for hippies, hedonism and parties than for history, art and culture, continues to be a primary superyacht magnet in the Mediterranean. While the ‘White Island’ is not without a cultural heritage of its own, it is the whitesanded beaches that most visitors come for, plus its vibrant nightlife.

touch for an itinerary with ideas for places to visit and things to see

meantime, here we focus on the coves and beaches that most yachting

consideration, but assuming you prefer space for your towel without rubbing thighs with the riff-raff,

Around Ibiza: SOUTH-WEST

Botafoch, Magna or Sovereign, and heading south, gives guests a chance to visit some of the island’s stunning

First up is Es Cavallet, an extensive, picturesque, white sandy beach with

Part of it is denoted as nudist beach and there is a lively gay scene at the southern end, with a number of popular restaurants and beach clubs,

At the southern tip is Salinas, one of the busier beaches on the is with clear waters is a popular meeting

Malibú Beach Club, Jockey Club, and Sa Trinxa

the Beso Beach Club chain, to mixed

Further along, Cala Jondal is one of the

Blue Marlin and Tropicana dwellers fed, watered and entertained, though former favourite, Es Savinar, has been displaced by Casa Jondal.

prefer to anchor at Porroig, a stunning cove further along. the sunset off the island’s western tip at Cala d’Hort

Sa Vedra before heading

On land at this spot, adventurous visitors to ‘Atlantis’, above a remote cove considered to

ancient quarry, carved out in order to build

beautiful spot from which to watch way down you will pass a ‘witch’s cave’ where, if superstitious, you must leave a

Sa Caleta beach,

SA LETA

POR IG & JONDAL

ES VALLET

SALINA S BEACH

Around Ibiza: EAST

this time up the east coast, initially in the direction of s’Argamassa small, secluded south-facing beach, s’Argamassa offers an array

Further up is the white- crested surf of Aigües Blanques, with views over the nearby private island of Tagomago this beach area is less developed and

tip is Portinatx, a resort with three beautiful beaches that are particularly

FORMENTERA

Formentera, the smaller of the ‘pine is sometimes referred to as a ‘secret’ island, being somewhat off the beaten airport but it’s been no stranger to ‘A

Minimal development has preserved

Ses

Illetes, either on a buoy or anchored in sand (with the aid of the anchoring service) and enjoy what is regarded and perhaps some dancing outside a found near Es Pujols’ bustling seaside promenade, but that isn’t what most

Off the northern tip of Formentera uninhabited private island of in the region for its sulphurous mud technically not permitted, this is

La Oliva

Re au nts, Dalt Vila

is a charming family-run restaurant, offering a diverse menu in an intimate

El Lío

Re au nts, Ibiza marinas

Carrer la Santa Creu, 2 +34 971 30 57 52

A combination of restaurant, lounge and Passeig Joan Carles I +34 971 31 00 22

Trattoria Del Mar

Re au nts, Ibiza town centre

La Bodega

+34 971 19 39 34

restaurant/

Sa Nansa

menu specialising in savoury rice

+34 971 31 87 50

walls, this is an atmospheric tapas bar, serving all the basics alongside a comprehensive wine list, as well as

+34 971 19 27 40

Ca N’ Alfredo

A popular family-run restaurant in a good central location with walls decorated with unusual photos of traditional cuisine, enlivened by some

+34 971 311 274

La Cava

popular spot, with good music and

Passeig Vara de Rey, 4

+34 971 31 60 74

Re au nts, around Ibiza

Sublimotion

More than a restaurant, Sublimotion is a unique, multisensory gastronomic assembly that collectively boasts 10 Michelin stars, staged by an elite team combining illusion, illustration, set and costume design, music and audiovisual technology, Sublimotion teleports diners to another place and video game and restaurant, all rolled

Atzaro, Sant Joan is a high-end ‘agritourism’ hotel, serves Mediterranean cuisine, using fresh ingredients from its sprawling

+34 616 73 99 52

Unic*, Playa d’en Bossa

Awarded a Michelin star for 2024, this stylish restaurant is set in the Migjorn Xanga, with sections entitled Prelude, championing local producers, breeders

A dish particularly recommended

+34 971 33 88 38 la-veranda/ Casa Colonial, Santa Eulalia

Inland from Santa Eulalia, this colonial Mediterranean and Asian cuisine on its tropical outdoor terrace, or in front of

Aptdo de Correos 399 / +34 971 33 80 01

Etxeko*, Es Canar

Budia, an understudy of famous Basque

ANTIGUA & MONTSERRAT

SANTIGUA YACHT CLUB MARINA UPDATE

ince the 2023 edition of ‘The Y’, Falmouth Harbour has been

caused by a lightning strike, and gutting many quayside facilities in Antigua Yacht Club Marina. However, by the time we visited the Antigua Charter Yacht Show in December, contingency plans were well advanced and the winter season continued unhindered.

‘Project Phoenix’ was completed in February, with a series of modular joined by a healthy eatery, Clean Food

of yachting continues as normal and Falmouth marina’s lively open-air facilities, local expertise and craftsmanship remain unrivalled in the region, and its programme of events continues to go from strength

communication around service and repairs, while resident engineers,

yachts need when visiting, agency on the island, Anchor Concierge are on hand to support you with local supplies and Of course, the ever-popular

Antigua Charter Yacht Show returns in 2024, from 4th to including the hotly contested Concour s de Chef

New flight conne ions

VC Bird Airport has always been well connected to both Europe and North is launching a non-stop route from New from Atlanta is going daily for the

American Airlines too is ramping throughout the winter, and its two daily departures from Miami becoming

For local logistics and agency support contact our partners at at Antigua Yacht Club Marina. www.aycmarinaresort.com

Things to do

While for many yachts Antigua is a convenient point of transit, the

nod to its naval and colonial past, while its 365 beaches, creeks and coves

Another attraction, particularly during the mating season in Spring, is the Barbuda Bird Sanctuary, in Codrington

congregating here in the lagoon when

Another historical naval military point of interest is Shirley Heights,

Wallings Dam & Reservoir was built around 1900, though the reservoir ran dry during a drought

Now dense with a large number of tree varieties, the area is fertile ground for hen harriers, bananaquits and redstarts

Betty’s Hope was one of the plantations and mill, founded interesting, open air museum and restoration project, chronicling the Caribbean sugar cane industry and the slavery

Particularly with children, but for adults too, an outing to Stingray City Knowledgeable rangers ensure that interaction with and feeding the wild rays is done safely, treating the animals

be easily combined with a visit to Laviscount Island, a private with more than 50 of the

B ches

With 365 beaches and bays to choose from, you won’t have to cruise far to

Rendezvous Bay, on the south coast west of Falmouth and a 30-minute

Half Moon Bay, on the eastern tip of the island, is protected from open sea by a crested reef and from winds the reef water can be choppy and is

Green Island, as the name would suggest, is a small private island off Antigua’s eastern coast and is only

of sandy beaches to choose from, all

Carlisle Bay, with the

Hawksbill Bay, to the west, near the island’s capital, St John, has four beaches to choose from, one of which, Eden Beach, is the only dedicated

RLISLE BAY

JOLLY BEACH

HALF MOON BAY

Deep Bay

For that unique Instagram photo, there’s an iconic British red telephone box at the southern end of Dickenson Bay beach, though the beach itself can here and a local turf war rages over sunbeds and parasols, so get your shot and then set up camp on neighbouring

For land-dwellers, Soldier Bay (also

Jolly Beach, on the west coast, offers a mile long powder white sand, with a selection of restaurants, water sports

Dining out

Of course, there are no ‘Michelin’ ratings here, but that’s not to say that there isn’t great food, service and atmosphere to be found around the

A long-time crew favourite in English

Abracadabra, home to many a crew party, but also serving high quality abracadabra.ag

RENDEZVOUS BAY

HAWKSBILL BAY

COCO BEACH

On Sunday evenings, Shirley Heights Lookout hosts a barbecue and party, where for the past 35 years people

sunset and dance to soca, reggae

until Sunday, the popular spot hosts

steelband and chilled reggae music

shirleyheightslookout.com

Cecilia’s High Point Cafe in Saint

with a Scandinavian twist, in a romantic seaside setting, right over highpointantigua.com

Another favourite is The Fox House farm-to-table Creole cuisine, thefoxhouseantigua.com

At the southern end of the bay at Jolly Sheer Rocks is a popular spot for tapas-style lunch or tastingmenu dining, with glorious sunset sheer-rocks.com

Owned and operated by French proprietors with a deep hospitality pedigree, Colibri serves French/Cajun/Creole

colibriantigua.com

Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2024

4th - 9th Dec Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour

Antigua & Barbuda, West Indies

Office Phone: +1 (268) 460-1059

Mobile: +1 (268) 464-1784

Email: acym@antiguayachtshow.com

Links to our videos realized at the Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2023:

MONTSERRAT

Just a 30-mile hop away from Antigua, to the south-west, lies the pear-shaped island of Montserrat, equidistant from Emerald Isle of the Caribbean’, for its resemblance to the

commemorates a failed uprising by enslaved Africans against the colonists lighting, concerts, pub crawls, games

Many of Montserrat’s residents have Irish ancestry, due to a large contingent of Irish Catholic settlers the only country outside of Ireland national holiday, which in March also

Christopher Columbus named it his second voyage to the Americas in November of 1493, in honour of the Spanish abbey of Montserrat, claiming Native Americans settled on the island arrived later and called it Alliouagana

For local logistics and agency support contact our partners at Antigua Yacht Club Marina. www.aycmarinaresort.com

it in 1632, and were joined by more Irish immigrants from Virginia, planting tobacco, as well as cotton and island was captured by the French in the 17th and 18th centuries, though

Plantation life in Montserrat came to an end in 1834, when slavery was outlawed and sugar prices dropped smallholdings to immigrant farmers,

vegetation made Montserrat prosperous as a major producer of 1997 with the eruption of the Soufrière was destroyed entirely, as was much followed by another eruption in July to course into the sea, and generating new beaches, with fresh vegetation

Pompeii, and the de facto capital has been relocated to the Brades Estate, in Plymouth is an uninhabited exclusion population has dwindled from 12,000 people to under 5,000, with many

Visi ng Montser t

As the Montserrat Volcano Observatory closely monitors the volcano, visiting Cruise ships don’t visit here, so tourism is of the independent traveller and eco island’s national emblem, as well as the pearly-eyed thrasher, migratory birds

com), will ensure visitors spot other vulnerable endemic species, such as

Montserrat is also home to frog’ or ‘giant ditch frog’, one of the world’s largest, as well as the Montserrat

A curiosity are wild populations of goats, after being left to fend for themselves during and French forces, from which the French are bound to return to B ches

Trivia: Legendary Beatles music producer, George Martin, first vacationed in Montserrat in 1977 and two years later opened a recording studio, AIR Montserrat, in 1979. The studio became a cultural hub, with Dire Straits, The Police, The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Elton John, Paul McCartney and many others recording iconic albums here. The island is also the birthplace of ‘Soca’ music star Arrow, whose song “Hot! Hot! Hot!” was a global hit.

One of the favourites, Woodlands Beach, lies halfway down the west side

facing directly west, and catches the turtles coming ashore to nest between facilities were upgraded at the expense of the European Union, a whole six

Isle’s Bay Beach, further down the coast, is a 600-metre long beach that

beach café means it’s sometimes

sand beach is Rendezvous Beach, in the north, is also one of the most a treacherous trail, or by swim or

Scuba di ng

diving off Montserrat is spectacular, even though many of the coral reefs explore, with many great things

Rendezvous Beach

coral attract large schools of

clear waters with great visibility, while site is ‘Bat Cave’, which leads through a crevice to a shallow cave that is home to ten different species of bats, suspended

Worthwhile is the 10-mile drive across to the tiny Redonda Island

A completely unspoiled marine environment includes stunning six-foot barrel sponges, frequented by giant southern stingrays, morays,

tip are a number of cave sites to explore, while the sea bed is littered

Trivia: The small rock of Redonda is in fact the southernmost point of Antigua and Barbuda, and was claimed for the British by a Montserratian trader of Irish descent, Matthew Dowdy Sheil, in 1865. The publisher for one of Sheil’s descendants, author Matthew Phipps Sheil, then claimed the island as his client’s kingdom in 1929. The fantasy title has since passed through various monarchs in the literary profession, and is now, coincidentally, held by travel writer and superyacht journalist, Michael Howorth.

Taking the title ‘King Michael the Grey’, Howorth was crowned in December 2009 at Fort Charlotte, Antigua, by Archbishop Terrance Bowen. In a moving ceremony, during which King Michael received a golden orb (gold painted pineapple) and the Sceptre of Office (gold painted sugar cane), he promised to continue ruling Redonda in the tradition of myth, mystery and fantasy of his predecessors. Read all about the ‘Kingdom of Redonda’ at KingdomOfRedonda.com

COSTA RI

NCOSTA RI

estled between Panama to the south and Nicaragua to the north, Costa Rica boasts stunning biodiversity, has a world-leading eco-friendly ethos, and proudly promotes a slower ‘pura vida’ lifestyle. A quarter of the country’s land mass is protected territory, world’s biodiversity, even though it occupies only 0.03 percent of the planet’s surface.

Costa Rica is a stable, peaceful country that abolished its army 75 years ago

vibrant culture, with Afro-Caribbean

range from volcanoes and hot springs to the misty cloud forests in Monteverde and a panoply of plant and animal wildlife, to the northern sundry, hot weather in the coastal areas

a Rica: Super cht

de ina on

of Costa Rica’s superyacht marinas and facilities attests to the country’s growing popularity as a yachting isthmus lie along its western for watersports and recreational watching are among the activities on offer, with coral reefs, mangroves, and estuaries supporting a great diversity are also located here, while many of the country’s stunning natural attractions are within easy reach from

bays, coves, islands, and inlets provide seclusion and plenty of hidden spots to explore for those who want to get away from it all and experience ‘la

is a developing yacht destination for

OSA PENINSU

Gol fi to

For lovers of sand and surf, we begin our trip in the south, where the new ’s resort

Easily accessible for guests via the and is well placed for provisioning and

Formerly Costa Rica’s principal hub only four tropical fjords in the world, is home to many varieties of dolphins

Tip: For local assistance during your stay in Costa Rica, or anywhere in Latin America, and with transiting the Panama Canal, the region to support you. In Costa Rica, contact Allan Lucas at costarica@estelashipping.net or call us in Palma on +34 971 722532 and we’ll connect you.

Corcovado National Park, a UNESCO planet’s most biodiverse hotspots, comprising rainforests, rivers and mangroves, encircled by pristine this “the most biologically intense

Covering more than 400 square area of biodiversity, including rainforest, swamp, highland forest and are frequented by crocodiles and bull occupy the trees, while armadillos and

A haven for bird watchers and wildlife photographers, guided tours lead visitors to the best Sirena trail, or the mountainous Sirena offer guaranteed wildlife sightings, or there is a shorter

Puerto Jiménez serves as the gateway to the trails of Corcovado marine life, including lots of tropical high street is lined by shops, cafés, hostels and businesses, while friendly as rowdy bars come alive to the sound beauty and colourful history as a former pirates’ hideout and a pre-Columbus era burial ground, where many artefacts

Rica’s most beautiful coral reefs can site for marine biology researchers and

For true nature lovers, a visit to the Sirena Ranger Station is a must, though an overnight stay in very

rudimentary accommodation is required

Surfers should head down to the deserted beaches of Matapalo, at the southern tip of the peninsula, where

Waterfalls Bahía D ke clear waters are rich with marine

King Louis

whales from both hemispheres, as well

the former gold mining villages of Rancho Quemado and Dos Brazos offer activities such as gold panning, learning about sugar cane production, horse riding, and tours of cacao

are a converted former goldminers’ brothel and jail, now offering board

Just 12 nautical miles off the coast at lsla del Caño

and other coral species house the rare panulirus lobster and giant conch,

cattle egret and phalarope also

One outing not to be missed here is a super pod up close guided by a hundreds of spinner, bottlenose, and TerrabaSierpe National Wetlands, is one of the largest and most important At the north-western edge of the Osa

32,000 hectares and is designated by the Ramsar Secretariat as a ‘Wetland tidal channels, lagoons, beach ridges, numerous rare and endangered species of plants and animals, with over 150

bird species, including osprey, scarlet traditional territory of the indigenous cultural experiences are on offer, giving visitors an insight into this fascinating

Manuel Antonio Na onal Park

the Nicoya Peninsula, the Manuel Antonio National 55 nautical miles up the and coves are dotted along the route, some Worth a stop is Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, where the standout

feature is a beach jutting out into the

Manuel Antonio

National Park covers 2,000 hectares in the Puntarenas province, easily accessible from the nearby town of

capuchin, howler, and the endangered and agoutis are to be found here too, while its waters are rich with marine life, including dolphins and beaches in the region are here, characterised by white sands

Rainforests, mangroves, and a rugged coastline

Marina Pez Vela (to 60m) and Managua Airport

Inland, Los Quetzales National Park is a more recently created reserve,

Its cloud forest habitat is home to a wide variety of birdlife, though the most notable resident here is

its emerald green body, red breast and long tail, the best time to catch a glimpse is at the start of the breeding

Other feathered occupants include the turquoise-crested toucan, the bellbird, varieties of hummingbird, and opossums, as well as deer, tapirs,

After some 35 nautical miles of passing one deserted beach after another, we

arrive at the town of Jacó, one of the most touristic towns in Costa Rica, popular with surfers, travellers, from the capital,

San José, which is a 90-minute drive

younger members of your party on board may enjoy the chance to

should beware of the strong riptide on the north beach, while the town’s

La

Her du

at La Herradura, where the Los Suenos Marina can accommodate by helicopter from San José, this resort is more upscale than its rowdy beach and watersports, one of the with waters off the coast rich with the rainforest, birdwatching,

National Park is a must for bird fans

spans 5,000 hectares and is unique for dry forests of the north and the humid rich habitat for over 400 bird species, including the scarlet macaw, and hosts deer, and the American crocodile near humid forests, including deciduous trees and evergreen species, as well all abilities, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and enjoying the

For local logistics and agency support contact our partners at Anchor Concierge at Phone: (268) 734-1865

www.anchorconciergeltd.com IG: @anchorconcierge

Carara

NICOYA PENINSU

It’s easy to see why the Nicoya Peninsula is a magnet for visitors to Costa Rica, with stunning beaches, a vibrant surf culture, and rich Santa Teresa, Montezuma, and Samara

peninsula’s ecosystems range from dry forests to mangrove swamps,

supporting wildlife such as

Nicoya is recognised as one of the world’s ‘Blue Zones’, where locals live longer than average, healthy lifestyle that is region attracts lots of ecotourism, with yoga and wellness retreats dotted among the unspoilt

Nicoya is all about fresh seafood, locally-grown coffee, crafts, art, and

Costa Rica’s indigenous Bribri heritage blends with Spanish colonial culture and Afro-

aNavigating from the mainland across the mouth of the Nicoya gulf, there are a string of small, quiet sandy beaches that are perfect for a swim destination here for day trip tours is white sands of Playa Blanca and Playa Naranja, while their pristine clear waters have vibrant coral reefs that rays and turtles can often be seen here

high season, the islands can get pretty and arrive late afternoon after the

On the mainland, Playa Quesera’s turquoise-coloured waters feel easily accessible from inland, or it’s a

A nearby attraction on the peninsula is the Curú National Wildlife Refuge and

Curú was established by Federico

heiress, buying the tract of land from into a sustainable farm and forestry business, protecting endangered forested habitats such as mangroves, tropical moist and dry forests, and coral

macaws, white-tailed deer, collared peccary, coati, raccoons, coyotes, iguanas, and hundreds of species of

family-managed, it is an eco-tourism and research centre for students and scientists from Costa Rica and around Ballena Bay whale watching, white sand beaches,

A high density of aquatic organisms here contain luciferin, which reacts

Approaching the southernmost tip of Nicoya, the Montezuma Waterfalls are a trio of falls and pools, very popular with visitors to this part of high respectively -- are a challenging some of the most beautiful waterfalls

Instagrammers, though diving and

Further south, on the edge of the Cabo Blanco nature reserve at the bottom of Nicoya, lies the village of

Indigena

Cafè & Chocolate and supports the Ngobe Indigenous teach everything you’ve ever wanted

Cabuya cemetery, nestled accessible on foot only at ashore here 300 years ago, leading to generations of Cabuya residents being laid to rest in a place that connects the local simple crosses or homespun adornments made of shells, though this is a thoughtRounding the tip of coast north, more sandy

Ostional National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1983 with the primary mission of the conservation of sea turtles and the protection of their of the most important sites for mass nesting, or arribadas, of olive ridley sea turtles in the world, second only to

MARITIME SHIPCLEANING SPAIN

MA RI NE S E R V I CES | INDUSTRIAL SERVICES | EMERGENCY RESPONSE

THE STANDARD FOR WHEN IT COMES TO CLEANING AND DISPOSAL

of Ostional, Nosara, Pelada, and Guiones also extending inland along estuaries and mangroves and including three nautical miles of marine protected times, it’s possible to see individual turtles laying eggs on the beach at night time, though only under the

bays and beaches that aren’t overcrowded, in the absence of over-

Only once we approach the popular resort of Tamarindo do

Playa Grande and the surrounding land and ocean are part of the Las Baulas national most important nesting areas for the critically endangered

One town that has developed more than most in the past twenty years is Santa Teresa, which has more of a hipster vibe, with coffee shops, artisan

of the best in town is Koji’s, serving sushi in a stunning garden setting among the trees, lit with strings of

From October to March, rangers lead evening tours to witness the turtles coming ashore to the beach until the turtles have

period of one to two hours, the turtles dig their nest, lay some 80 or 90 eggs

increase chances of survival, eggs are collected and incubated, then replaced on the beach in time to hatch, to

Only some ten percent of eggs will

Mooring in Marina Flamingo (to 55m) provides an opportunity to explore the area at leisure and perhaps enjoy the facilities and restaurants that come with the boutique hotels and major

Playa Conchal is a picture postcard beach that features in lots of Costa Rica tourism promotion, with

Another popular beach in the northern part of Nicoya is Playa Hermosa, though its close proximity large hotels mean it tends to draw lots of families and is not ideal for visitors

IN ND

Rincón de la Vieja

exploring nature, the Nicoya Peninsula offers many other activities, such as

swimming, scrambling, sliding,

one a stunning blue shard of water

Away from coastal pursuits, there are many locations to explore, depending on the amount of time

road journeys can be lengthy, so helicopter tours or transfers are highly

One outing not to be missed is a day trip to La Leona waterfall and Volcán Rinc ó n

the active volcano Rincón de la Vieja,

with dramatic views of the volcano’s

For the active members of your party, though the majority of visitors come to enjoy relaxing in a thermal spring, Monteverde and

Santa Elena

For a truly immersive cloud forest experience, Monteverde and Santa Elena to explore Costa Rica’s unique world’s most biodiverse hot spots, hanging bridges, or doing something more energetic, there are thousands of species of plants and wildlife to enjoy, trees or whitewater rafting down the whitewater rapids of the Río Savegre.

More sedate activities include visiting the , or the Hummingbird Gardens, which are both particularly popular with to the Santa Elena Orchid Garden, which contains some 500 species, described in detail by passionate and Monteverde has a wide range of restaurants on offer, while the local cheese factory and coffee plantation and shops feature local artists, showcasing arts and crafts past & Amphibian Exhibition is worth

Not to be missed is lunch or (sunset) dinner at the unique San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience, with its glass-encased private dining rooms

Not only is the setting extraordinary,

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

IMPORTANT INFORMATION SPAIN - MALLOR

In order for us to assist you with your arrival in Spain, please note the following requirements:

»

» Upon arrival, you must present an

» Should your previous port be in a NON-EU country, you must submit

For us to handle this on your behalf, please send us the following documentation:

ARRIVAL NOTICE

» » »

ARRIVAL/ DEPARTURE CLEARANCE

» » » » Passports (all the crew and guests on board)

»cable) or SEAs/contracts

*2 copies stamped and signed by the Captain, to present to immigration

STAMPING OFF

leaving the island -- temporarily or permanently -- must have their passports stamped by authorities upon departure from, and return to, the from the boat, as proof of ‘shore leave’ and the crew member’s planned

If leaving on an expired Schengen

visa and provide proof of return cover homeward travel only, without

STAMPING ON

Since January 2024, police in Palma are no longer stamping passports of yacht crew presenting only a contract, a SEAMAN’S BOOK, or immigration will decline to stamp crew out of

being, has been acceptable to the -

Note that other locations in mainland Spain are continuing to accept other proof of employment on board, though crew are strongly advisedone, read our comprehensive guide

CASH DECLARATION

Please note you must declare any cash on board above €100,000, or the equivalent in any other currency

CUSTOMS ALLOWANCES

and special taxes with the following limitations and requirements and provided that they are not commercial in nature:

» overall value does not exceed 300

»dise whose overall value does not

Regardless of the above values, the following quantitative limits will be exempt from the aforementioned duties and taxes:

Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars (cigars with a maximum weight of 3 g/

Alcohol: 1 litre of ethyl alcohol equal alcoholic beverages (liqueurs) with litres of derivative beverages with total authorised amount that can be combined without exceeding the total

customs rules and limits, can be found here:

CASH TO MASTER

If you require cash on board, you can transfer and withdraw cash, using our

FISHING LICENCE

require the registry of the vessel and photocopy of the passport of the captain, as the licence pertains to activity and passport copy must be

DIVE PERMITS

Certain parts of Balearic waters are protected and a permit is required for scuba

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

In the Balearics, it is compulsory for all users (crew or guests) of personal if inspected by the authorities, will for obtaining a PWC licence can be

For full PWC regulations in Spain and the Balearic Islands, visit: or scan:

DRONE LAWS

Or scan:

NAVIGATION & ANCHORAGE

It is prohibited to anchor in the commercial port area of Palma -- including in the bay, in front of the cathedral -- without prior authorisa-arrange for permission to anchor, discharge waste and use the tender to

bre Na onal Park

apply up to 21 days in advance of the , -

ture, Environment and Regional Planning has a number of online resources and navigational tools to assist with

We strongly advise captains to heed the guidance designed to protect the sea bed, in particular theing in prohibited areas can be eye-watering and the most egregious cases

Patrols are carried out by enforce-

Offenders are also named and shamed

bre Na onal Park Rules & Regula ons

Cabrera may be freely enjoyed for the purpose of tourism and leisure,

fauna, personal photography in non-restricted areas and all activities that do not disrupt or alter the landscape, or natural values and cultures

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

»

» designated area

» Anchoring/berthing outside of the authorised area

» Fishing

» paths and trails

ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE AUTHORISATION

» » Scuba diving

» Sailing and anchoring

» of May and June

Obliga ons on ptains for Entry and Departure from Mallorca

Clearance

When a yacht arrives from outside the European Union, all passports, Seaof crew members’ contracts, stamped and signed crew list, plus a copy of will issue an authorisation letter of applies in reverse if Spain is the last EU port before departure from the

Crew change

Any crew member who is signed on to a yacht as a seafarer (with Seaman’s leave the boat and move freely around the entire island without coming to around the rest of Europe, crew are

Shore travel restrictions

i. If a crew member leaves the yacht and travels beyond the permitted radius, the relationship between sea-

90% reduction in CO2 emissions, sulphur diesel.

Peninsula’s BFuture HVO cleaner

Superyacht Services

Shipyard Services:

• Hoisting Capacity of up to 820Tn

• 14’5mt travel lift pit

• Electricity (220V, single phase +Nup to 63 Amps & 380V, 3-phase +N up to 250 Amps)

• Fresh water

• Fire main

• Air conditioning cooling water

• Compressed air

• Grey and black water discharge

• Antofouling

• Painting

• Rigging

• Forklifts & mobile cranes

• Sail Repair

• Carpentry

• Machining & welding

• Propulsion and auxiliary engines – MTU, Caterpillar, Deutz, MAN, Cummins, Reintjes

• Stabilizers

• Electronics, navigation and communication system servicing and installation

• Refrigeration & AC

• Classification Societies – LLOYDS, ABS, DNV, GL, BV, RINA

crew list and copy of yacht’s registry

ii. When a crew member joins a yacht, the same process applies; their passport will be stamped out of the

published about this, but before planning travel, bear in mind that port

Consignatarios in immigration and clearance be used in all visa and transit visa applications, as these may only be requested by cosignatarios, regardless

iii. Crew members are not permitted

If a crew member wishes to leave Mallorca, they are required to present to Border Control and enter the EU an EU passport, they are still requiredcation of their passport in the police

iv. Since the beginning of 2023, port police in Palma have been declining to

In other words, leaving the boat for a side trip or shore leave, regardless of whether the destination is in the EU or not (with valid Schengen visa or

The most common costly mistake made in Palma

If a non-EU crew member fails to visit Spanish border control upon arrival by sea to obtain an entry stamp from they can be detained, returned home and refused entry into the EU for up to three years can prove costly and upsetting, so it

Liability for correct stamps

i. A passport is the responsibility of

While the captain must inform crew of their obligations and ensure documentation is complete and up-to-date, responsibility for the requisite stamps

ii. In the event that the captain omits to follow correct procedures, such as failing to advise Border Control when ensure they have the requisite stamps, they may be considered willfully sentence, can be issued if a captain intentionally fails to comply with

Exceptions

Where a yacht arrives into an EU port from within Europe but from outside the Schengen Area — such as Melilla, Cyprus— they are required to obtainwise, when they depart the Schengen

Guests embarking/disembarking a charter

i. When the yacht is cruising within the Schengen Area, there is no need to

ii. When the yacht departs the Schengen Area with guests on board, all guest passports must be presented to

When a crew member’s contract expires

i. When a crew member’s contract runs out and they are no longer contracted on board, they must attend

cease to be a seafarer and are now a tourist, requiring them to complete ii. contract, they must present a valid and declare their intention, present-

iii. In the event that they intend to stay in the country, they must presentiv. present their passport to certify that

What is a Schengen airport transit visa?

A Schengen transit visa provides a limited number of ‘transit days’, enabling seafarers to get to the yacht from their home country, or vice

from the time of departure —usually three days— to get to their destina-

Requirements to apply for a transit

Seafarers from outside the Schengen Area and who are not covered by a valid Schengen tourist visa, are required to have a valid Schengen

transit visa whenever they intend to: Join a vessel that is (or will be) in a Schengen port; in a Schengen port; -

Notes

i. A transit visa does not allow for holiday travel through Europe and doing otherwise can be detained, returned home and denied entry into

ii. than 90 days and are valid strictly for so can be detained, returned home and denied entry into the EU for up to

If in doubt about visas, travel and Spain or elsewhere, contact us us on +34 971 722 532, or email

MARINAS AROUND MALLORCA

A. Port Calanova

39°54’N - 2°59E

B. Puerto Portals

C. Port Adriano

D. Club De Vela, Puerto de Andratx

We provide the numbers below for reference only, and you are advised to plan ahead if you intend to use a taxi

Uber is operational in Mallorca, though area-restricted and with high minimum fares, in order not

bit.ly/ESTELA-Uber-Mallorca

Palma

+34 971 201 212 Alcudia +34 971 549 870 Andratx +34 971 136 398

Muro/Alcudia

+34 971 860 402 Pollença +34 620 339 960

E. Puerto de Sóller

F. Puerto de Alcudia

TAXI NUMBERS IN MALLORCA

is changing and many taxi operators

profusion of taxi apps used by differ-

1taxi.es ntaxiapp.com; ‘UEP!’ uep.app/en/; ‘Mallorcab’ (Android); https://cabbik.com/en, taximallorca365.com

For assistance with transfers or taxis, call ESTELA on +34 971 722 532 or WhatsApp +34 638 81 68 03

PHARMACIES

Farmacia Progrés

Plaça del Progrés 1, (Santa Catalina) 07013 Palma

marina delivery

Open 09:00 - 21:00h

+34 673 246 107 (mobile/WhatsApp)

+34 971 733 021

naval@farmaciaprogres.com

MEDICAL SUPPORT

Balearic Pharmacy Finder

bit.ly/BalearicPharmacyFinder

bit.ly/BalearicsHospitals

HOSPITALS - MALLORCA

Hospital Universitario Son Espases

C/ Valldemossa 79, Palma

+34 871 205 000

Hospital Son Llàtzer

C/ Manacor

+34 871 202 000 EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS

IBI _ Marinas

091

080

061

Coast Guard VHF 16, +34 900 202 202 Pilots

Medisub Decompression Chamber

+34 666 444 999 / +34 971 73 16 47

Local Civil Guard

Palma 971 774 100 Alcúdia 971 546 908

Local Police

Palma 971 281 600

Balearics-wide 092

Mediterranean Coastal Radio

+34 900 507 607

Meteorological information

+34 906 365 307

Ibiza Town

Marina Ibiza

Marina Port Ibiza

IGY Marina

Marina Botafoch

Ibiza We

SANT ANTONI DE PORTMANY (SAN ANTONIO) Club Es Nàutic

Ibiza Ea

Marina Santa Eulalia

Formente

Port Formentera (Marina Formentera Mar)

MENORCA Marinas

Marina Club Náutico de Ciutadella

39°59,7’ - E 3°49,4’ N

Marina Menorca (Mahon)

39º 52’ ‘’N - 4º 18’ ‘’E

Marina Mahon

Puerto Addaya

TAXI NUMBERS for IBIZA, FORMENTERA, MENORCA

IBIZA here: 1taxi.es ntaxiapp.com

For assistance with transfers or taxis, call ESTELA on +34 971 722 532 or WhatsApp +34 638 81 68 03

Need assistance? Contact us at

FORMENTERA

San Francisco

Es Pujols

MENORCA

Radio taxi

+34 971 32 20 16

+34 971 32 80 16

+34 971 157 000

MEDICAL SUPPORT

Balearic Pharmacy Finder

bit.ly/BalearicPharmacyFinder

bit.ly/BalearicsHospitals

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS

Police 091

Fire 080 Medical 061

Coast Guard Pilots

Decompression Chamber

+34 971 30 23 54

Local Civil Guard

Formentera 971 322 022

Menorca 971 363 297

Local Police Balearics-wide 092

Mediterranean Coastal Radio

+34 900 507 607

Meteorological information

+34 906 365 307

Mainland Spain (Med)_ Marinas

IGY Malaga Marina

Barcelona Marina Vela

Marina Pendennis Vilanova Port Tarraco

Yacht Port Cartagena

Marina de Valencia

Marina de Denia

COSTA BR A

Alicante Puerto Banus

L’Estartit Roses Sant Feliu de Guíxols

ALBORAN SEA Marinas

Port of Melilla (Spain)

Puerto Noray, Melilla (Spain)

Cas de Ceuta Nautical Club, Ceuta (Spain)

Hercules Marina, Ceuta (Spain)

Alcaidesa Marina, La Linea, Gibraltar (Spain)

Napoleon was historically one of the world’s military geniuses.

The army is the maximum tool of logistics, and Napoleon’s end began in Russia due to the winter weather and lack of logistics.

Therefore, the yachting business is very close to the art of war, and there is a thin line between a glamorous day and an unfortunate event.

The difference between this is works to make your dreams reality.

The yachting business is a great engine which must be in perfect conditions and depends on many performance.

Our legal team is used to have an assistance 24/7 to provide in any moment the tailors suit assistance in any event directly or through our correspondents in Europe, Africa, and other parts of the world at suitable prices.

Within our scope we can advise owners, managers, charterers,

enquiry of services.

Furthermore, we can cover crew members, and other legal casualties related to them, agents, petrol suppliers and ship handlers.

Our assistance goes from a preventive level up to a criminal court defence, and we support legal services of a wide range.

P & I club claims and hull and machinery claims including the repair cost of the casualties are

state control detentions - pollution matters, documentary faults.

Occasionally a dream-like experience may very quickly turn into a nightmare, therefore legal

be of great use.

to protect your dreams and defend your rights.

MELIL & CEUTA

EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS

Police 091

Fire 080

Medical 061

Maritime +34 900 123 505

+34 952 683 623

Emergency, Fire / Ambulance 190

Police 199 / 112

College clinic +350 200 777 77

N TE

Canary Islands Pharmacy Finder

(turn off auto-translate in browser)

Hospitals, Canary Islands Health Service

Lanzarote

British Surgery of Lanzarote 24 hour in-yacht medical service +34 928514274 / Fuerteventura Navigation Chart, here:

+350 200 797 00

Port Authority +350 200 462 54

LINEA

Alcaidesa Marina (to 90m)

CÁDIZ

Marina Puerto de Tarifa (to 60m)

For anchoring information, visit -

Marina Lanzarote, Arrecife (to 70m)

Calero Marina, Puerto Calero (to 80m)

Marina Rubicón (to 90m)

GREECE

Ambulance 166

Fire 199

Police 100

Coast guard 108

Pharmacies 107

Weather info 148

ATHENS

Flisvos Marina

Athens Marina

Marina Alimos

Astir Marina

GREECE NATIONAL EMERGENCY 112

Hydra

37°21,08’ N - 23°27,97’ E

Spetses

MYKONOS

+30 6 94 694 2091

Marina Mykonos

37°27,72’ N - 25°19,59’ E

NAXOS

Marina Naxos

PA S

Náousa Marina

37°7,52’ N - 25°14,1’ E

IOS

Karavostasi Marina

SANTORINI

Vlychada Marina

SICILY

Medical 118 Fire 115

Marina di Cala del Sole

37°05’,17 N 13°56’,53 E

SICILY EMERGENCY 112/113

Marina del Nettuno (MDN) Messina

Marina del Nettuno (MDN) Milazzo

Marina Villa Igiea

Marina di Riposto (Porto dell’Etna)

Marina di Ragusa

36°42’52’’ N - 14°32’48’ E

Portorosa Marina

Marina Yachting Siracusa

ANTIGUA

Police/All Emergencies 911 / 999

Medical +1 (268) 562-2433

Ambulance +1 (268) 462-0251

Fire Station +1 (268) 462-0044

Red Cross +1 (268) 462-0800

Air/Sea Rescue +1 (268) 462-3062

Centre +1 (268) 484-2700

Antigua Barbuda Search & Rescue (ABSAR)+1 (268) 562-1234

(268) 464-9738

ANTIGUA EMERGENCY 911/999

Antigua Yacht Club Marina & Resort

Fax: +1 (268) 460-1444

Falmouth Harbour Marina (to 115m)

Nelson’s Dockyard Marina (to 67m)

Jolly Harbour Marina (to 61m)

MONTSERRAT

Police: +1 (664) 491 2555

Email:

Medical: +1 (664) 491 2802

Marine 1 (664) 491-1047

Ambulance 1 (664) 491-7790

Fire Station 1 (664) 491-7790

Red Cross 1 (664) 491-2699

Anchorages: Little Bay

Rendezvous Bay Old Road Bay

MONTSERRAT EMERGENCY 911/999

COSTA RI

Fire: 112

Red Cross: 118

Port authority: 132

Costa Rica Entry Requirements

Upon your initial arrival in Costa Rica, you will need to acquire a temporary permit, the “ Temporal this permit is valid for a maximum of three months Once it expires, your vessel must depart from the country, as customs do

If you wish to stay in Costa Rica beyond the initial three-month period, you must apply for an extended cruising permit for 1 or 2 years

slip usage agreement with the marina may be able to facilitate obtaining this

For those visiting Costa Rica for the us at least 72 hours ahead, so we can arrange for a visit from the relevant government authorities and serve as

ESTELA Shipping Costa Rica

Marina Papagayo (to 76m)

Marina Pez Vela (to 60m)

Marina Flamingo (to 98m)

POSIDONIA ALERT

Where can I drop my anchor?

Posidonia Oceanica is a seagrass species that is endemic to the underwater meadows that are a vital part of the marine ecosystem and is therefore protected under Vessels are strictly forbidden from dropping anchor, or any part of the anchor chain, on the seagrass.

Because superyachts are the anchoring on posidonia can be truly add insult to injury, yachts are also named and shamed by the authorities sanction for the most egregious offenders can be a custodial sentence, Each season, hundreds of boats are

Civil, while transgressions are abreast of local rules and regulations, recommend that you install the is designed to help you avoid the plant locations are variable, so the maps in the app are only as good as

If in any doubt about where, and where not, to anchor, contact us at palma@estelashipping.net or call +34 971 722 532 and we will assist you.

Install the posidonia mobile app:

FULL SERVICE YACHTING AGENCY

Shipping Agents - Provisioning - Yacht Tour Operator

Fuel & Lube Oil Broker

HOW N WE HELP U

Pre arrival

Arrival Formalities

Visas & Immigration

Customs Formalities

Itinerary Planning

During Your Stay

Concierge Services

Information & Assistance

Events/Entertainment

Medical Support

On Arrival

Provisioning Cash to Master Repairs

Storage

Recruitment

Pre-Departure

Fuel

OUR TEAM _ Palma de Mallorca

F ncesco Gennai

Francesco is Senior Yacht Support Consultant and has been in charge of the

+34 638 816 803 / francesco.gennai@estelashipping.net

Aixa Seri

Erin Bloom

+34 682 62 25 74 / aixa.seri@estelashipping.net

Alvaro Torres

+34 619 655 955 / erin.bloom@estelashipping.net

James van Bregt

+34 661 385 800 / palma@estelashipping.net

+34 696 598 403 / editor@estelashipping.net

Blanca Torres

Blanca manages operations and administration for the commercial

+34 616 453 111 / blanca.torres@estelashipping.net

Pierre Bisla Yaima Espinosa

Miguel Arcos

capable team of professionals, empowered to run day-to-day operations, miguel.arcos@estelashipping.net

Romy Bourguignon Barcelona

+34 650 395 113 / yachts.barcelona@estelashipping.net

Gemma Castiñeira Barcelona

+34 682 20 36 10 / gemma.castineira@estelashipping.net

Silvia Benito Valencia

+34 687 569 782 / silvia.benito@estelashipping.net

Aurélie Mollot Vilanova

+34 650 90 15 01 / vilanova@estelashipping.net

Javier Aradillas

Logistics & forwarding

javier.miranda@estelashipping.net

Jorge Marín & Cristina Campos

Jorge and Cristina part of Estela’s shipping team in Barcelona, managing

forwarding.bcn@estelashipping.net

OUR TEAM Lanzarote & Gibraltar

Panamá

Panam

Monica Iren Lungard_ Lanzarote

+34 683 620 837 / monica.iren@estelashipping.net

Juande González Gibraltar

As part of the offer from Estela, an iconic and strategic point between

+34 607 598 363 / gibraltar@estelashipping.net

+507 832 0834 / Fax. +507 838 8992 / panama@estelashipping.net

Eric Velasquez

Country Manager

+507 661 84615 eric.velasquez@ estelashipping.net

Costa Rica

Allan Lucas C.

+506 871 11262 costarica@estelashipping.net

Perú

Julio Villamil

+51 377 5011 / peru@estelashipping.net

Juan Carlos Shafer

Uruguay

Diego Cabral

uruguay@estelashipping.net

We mix Business with Pl sure

Whether you want to meet superyacht captains, brokers, or B2B industry colleagues, ESTELA can introduce you.

In October 2024, we will again host our famous ‘END OF SEASON PARTY’ in Port

more than 300 captains, crew and industry guests (watch here: ), so get in

Next April, 2025, we will be presenting more SUPERYACHT BREAKFAST SEMINARS, where we discuss hot topics in the industry with expert panellists, in front of an audience of 75 captains, senior crew

we will also host our annual ‘CAPTAINS’ DINNER at the MUSEUM’, at a prestigious venue in Palma, with 180 invited captains here:

For more details and sponsorship and collaboration opportunities, please contact Francesco Gennai, on +34 638 816 803 or email francesco.gennai@estelashipping.net

DIVINA COMMEDIA - DANTE

I nferno - nto XXVI - Ulisse

cominciò a crollarsi mormorando pur come quella cui vento affatica; indi la cima qua e là menando, come fosse la lingua che parlasse, gittò voce di fuori, e disse: “Quando mi diparti’ da Circe, che sottrasse me più d’un anno là presso a Gaeta, prima che sì Enea la nomasse,

del vecchio padre, né ‘l debito amore lo qual dovea Penelopé far lieta,

vincer potero dentro a me l’ardore ch’i’ ebbi a divenir del mondo esperto, e de li vizi umani e del valore;

ma misi me per l’alto mare aperto sol con un legno e con quella compagna picciola da la qual non fui diserto.

e l’altre che quel mare intorno bagna.

Io e ‘ compagni eravam vecchi e tardi quando venimmo a quella foce stretta dov’Ercule segnò li suoi riguardi, acciò che l’uom più oltre non si metta: da la man destra mi lasciai Sibilia, da l’altra già m’avea lasciata Setta.

“O frati”, dissi “che per cento milia perigli siete giunti a l’occidente, a questa tanto picciola vigilia

d’i nostri sensi ch’è del rimanente, non vogliate negar l’esperienza, di retro al sol, del mondo sanza gente.

Considerate la vostra semenza: fatti non foste a viver come bruti, ma per seguir virtute e canoscenza”.

Li miei compagni fec’io sì aguti, con questa orazion picciola, al cammino, che a pena poscia li avrei ritenuti;

e volta nostra poppa nel mattino, de’ remi facemmo ali al folle volo, sempre acquistando dal lato mancino.

Tutte le stelle già de l’altro polo vedea la notte e ‘l nostro tanto basso, che non surgea fuor del marin suolo.

Cinque volte racceso e tante casso lo lume era di sotto da la luna, poi che ‘ntrati eravam ne l’alto passo, quando n’apparve una montagna, bruna per la distanza, e parvemi alta tanto quanto veduta non avea alcuna.

Noi ci allegrammo, e tosto tornò in pianto, ché de la nova terra un turbo nacque, e percosse del legno il primo canto.

Tre volte il fé girar con tutte l’acque; a la quarta levar la poppa in suso e la prora ire in giù, com’altrui piacque,

Editor

Published by ESTELA Shipping Palma SA

James van Bregt

Publisher Miguel Arcos

Director

Commercial Support & Production Secretary

Pierre Bisla

Production Assistants

Aixa Seri

Erin Bloom

Graphic Designer

Photography

Camera & Green

Susana Bravo Serra

Assistant Director

Photo Editor & AI

Costume Director & property master

Scenic Designer

Costumes

Raquel Pacheco

Props Fronda

Make Up Artists

Jean Pierre Faivre

Cast (Athena)

Ruben Batalla (Captain Odysseus) (Poseidon) (Cyclops) (Circe) (Calypso) (Nausicaa) (Crew) (Crew)

Sales Agent

Production Accountants

Silvia Benito

Javier Aradillas

Esmee yntema (Siren) (Siren)

Benthara (Damsel)

Scipione (Damsel) (Damsel)

Xisco (Argos)

Location

Pueblo español Mallorca

With special thanks to:

Rita Benedetti

Sheila San Miguel Cleo

A special thanks goes to our partners and advertisers who continued to support this guide. Your trust and unwavering support is highly appreciated.

Love the in-between.

They say the happiest times in any yacht Owner’s life are the day you buy your yacht and the day you sell.

We don’t agree.

We believe the happiest times are those in between...

FRASER YACHT MANAGEMENT

24/7 worldwide support for yacht Owners and Captains provided by over 70 specialists in USA and Europe including safety, technical, accounting, administration, crew, operations, Project Management and Warranty Management.

FRASER CHARTER MANAGEMENT

Helping yacht Owners generate optimised revenue streams through personalised charter programs, targeted marketing and a worldwide charter network of clients curated over more than 40 years.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT

If you are a yacht Owner who is not able to step on board your yacht and start enjoying the benefits from the moment you take off your shoes, then we invite you to talk to us. And soon.