Chartering a yacht in Sicily in August a bad idea?

[klm105]

I'd really like my hubby to be sailing around Sicily on his 50th but his birthday falls in the busiest week of the year (13th Aug). How bad is it in terms of crowds, trying to get berths etc? We might be better to be in Sicily on his birthday but charter the yacht later in the month or early Sept?

[Tailwheel]

Yikes! Ferragosto is insanely busy in Italy. Maybe Sicily is an exception. Good luck!

[Pete7]

The whole of Italy goes on holiday in August. The country just stops, oh and its damned hot.

Was there a particular reason for choosing Sicily? How about something magical and adventurous instead?

https://www.sailscotland.co.uk/

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, klm.

[Yellow bird]

Originally Posted by klm105

I'd really like my hubby to be sailing around Sicily on his 50th but his birthday falls in the busiest week of the year (13th Aug). How bad is it in terms of crowds, trying to get berths etc? We might be better to be in Sicily on his birthday but charter the yacht later in the month or early Sept?

-"How bad is it in terms of crowds, trying to get berths etc?"
Very, very bad.
-"...but charter the yacht later in the month or early Sept?"
Absolutely the best choice, early Sept in Sicily is yet full summer, but much less crowded (as in low season), also much cheaper, and people more friendly and welcoming. (But also June and early July are great, if you can)

[letsgetsailing3]

So, you want to go on vacation in Sicily at exactly the same time as all the Italians, during the hottest time of the year, and then charter a boat?

Probably not my first choice, if I had other options, but you didn't detail the overall situation, so our advice might be of limited utility.

[klm105]

Originally Posted by Black Eagle

-"How bad is it in terms of crowds, trying to get berths etc?"
Very, very bad.
-"...but charter the yacht later in the month or early Sept?"
Absolutely the best choice, early Sept in Sicily is yet full summer, but much less crowded (as in low season), also much cheaper, and people more friendly and welcoming. (But also June and early July are great, if you can)

Thanks Black Eagle - will aim for early September instead