COVID-19 Update: Cruising in West Italy and Sicily

Italy is now open to all visitors holding EU and UK passports for all purposes including tourism, with quarantine no longer a requirement for the aforementioned nationalities.
 
People may move freely between regions and all vessels are able to navigate freely. Please note that Harbour Masters have some level of autonomy and may request certain documents before authorising arrival and berthing, so please check (particularly if you have guests onboard) with your local office first.

For crew members who fall under the restricted nationality category, shore passes are now issued in the majority of Italian ports. 
 
Everyone must practice social distancing and continue to wear masks in public places.
 
Shops, hotels, restaurants, bars and tourist sites are open but with a reduced amount of people allowed in at any one time.  All establishments and businesses must ensure that the appropriate safety and social distancing measures are in place.

It is foreseen that restrictions currently in place on non-EU citizens will be lifted as of June 15 and we will keep you updated on these changes.

Alessandro Demichelis is Evolution Yachting’s Area Manager for West Italy and Sicily. He started off his career at the tender age of 18 working in the shipping industry in Civitavecchia port, before moving into the yachting sector. With 10 years of experience under his belt, he has moved around Italy working in many different ports where he has deepened his knowledge and great passion for the sea and industry.

Here he discusses the top hotspots to visit this summer.

Amalfi Coast

The beautiful Amalfi coast has enchanted visitors from all corners of the earth with its lush green terraces, sparkling waters and rich history of art and architecture. For visitors preferring to stay onboard this summer, the coast also knows as Land of Sirens has many bays and coves to enjoy with treasures such as the Emerald Grotto at Conca dei Marini and Il Fiordo at Furore along the way. 

Capri lies at a short distance and goes hand in hand with a visit to the Amalfi coast, it is possibly the most romantic destination of all.  Faraglioni Rock, The Blue Grotto and the Arco Naturale are some of the iconic natural rock formations to be admired over breakfast on the aft deck or up close for a sunset tender ride.

The Aeolian Islands 

The Aeolian archipelago consists of seven volcanic islands situated along Sicily's north-eastern coast, the result of plate tectonics over thousands of years and all offering their own distinct atmosphere, geography and charm.  Not only are there two active volcanoes, Stromboli and Vulcano but the volcanic activity has created a mineral rich ecosystem conducive to the growth of natural flora and fauna both above and below the surface of its purple, turquoise, aqua and incandescent waters. Enjoy beautiful bays, landscapes, underwater hot springs, deep caves, dramatic cliffs and natural mud pools by day and maybe even catch the burning glow of Stromboli by night.

Sicily

Heading further south to the magical island of Sicily, the vicinity of Taormina offers a trip back in time to its medieval and ancient Greek past, in the shadows of Mount Etna towering above, but also offers beaches such as Isola Bell, Giardini Naxos and Mazzaro Beach.  The Grottos of Capo Meli, Gambero and Pillirina are all naturally formed caves to be reached via tender for all marine lovers.  Or take a canoe trip along the river running through the Cavagrande del Cassabile Natural Reserve, home to thick woods of oriental sycamores, willows, poplar and ash trees growing around a deep canyon.

For information and advice on cruising West Italy and Sicily this summer please contact Alessandro here.

Images: Supplied by Evolution Yachting