Sailing
Aeolian Islands

Start your Sicily sailing adventure, set sail north, from the Portorosa Marina toward the island of Vulcano. Sailing along the south and northwest coasts will give you the opportunity for snorkeling and swimming, exploring the Grotta del Cavallo, known for hanging stalactites and underground lakes and Grotte dei Rossi, rocky tombs in the south of the island. Hire a kayak or canoe which will lead you to the discovery of hidden bays you never knew existed.

This small volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea captivates with its Fossa di Vulcano crater encrusted with red and yellow crystals. Dock at Porto di Levante and take a hike down to the crater floor, go for a walk around the rim and visit the Volcano museum. After visiting the crater, stroll to the mud baths and natural hot springs at Porto di Ponente, also known for its black beaches.

After your morning coffee has given you enough energy, leave Vulcano and continue to the island of Panarea and sail along the sandy beaches such as Caletta dei Zimmari or stone beaches such as Spiaggai Fumarola and explore the Cala Junco, a cove with a rock-strewn beach ideal for scuba diving.

After an enjoyable 2-3 hours of sailing, dock your yacht at the Port of San Pietro where your adventure on Panarea begins. Hike up to Panarea’s inactive volcano, up to Punta del Corvo, which offers a stunning view of other Aeolian Islands. Stroll down the settlements of Drauto and Iditella and discover a Bronze Age settlement of Capo Milazzese. After all these activities relax at Panarea’s thermal springs where you can recharge your batteries and head to the restaurant for a dinner.

From Panarea, embark on a journey to the Stromboli Island and be prepared for the sight of Europe’s second largest active volcano spewing steam while at night you can even see a red hot flow, which led to its nickname the ‘Lighthouse of the Mediterranean.’ Sail around Stromboli’s little coves with black sand beaches and go for a little swim and snorkeling.

Dock at the to port of Pertuso and visit the volcano accompanied by an official guide to see the magic of lava and gas ejected from craters up close. Continue your journey at the eponymous settlement of Stromboli for a lunch break and afterwards enjoy a nice stroll down the village where you will find picturesque buildings, such as the Church of San Vincenzo on the eponymous square.

Leave the amazing Stromboli behind and head to the largest and most populous island of the Aeolian Islands, the island of Lipari. Famous for its Spiaggia Bianca (White Beach), where the waters are allegedly as pristine and turquoise as in the Bahamas and the coast is rocky with views of splintered rocks.

Have a delicious breakfast on your yacht, dock at Porto di Lipari and start wandering around the town of Lipari. Immerse yourself in its rich culture exemplified by its historical architecture. Enjoy a walk down the main corso, go for a little shopping, try tasting the local cuisine at one of the restaurants and find a nice souvenir to bring home. Lipari has two ports, Marina Lunga, the more busy one and Marina Corta, with a more relaxed atmosphere. Go out for a drink in the evening at one of Marina Corta’s amazing bars.

Navigate along the 13 Nm long route to the island of Salina, whose definite strong suit is its gorgeous nature. From the port of Malfa, rent a bike or a scooter and head to the island’s two extinct volcanoes, Monte dei Porri and Monte Fossa delle Felci and enjoy the view of the island’s lush vegetation along the way. When you climb to the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Aeolian archipelago as well as Salina’s villages and hamlets.

Afterwards, continue to the slopes of the Fossa, where several Roman tombs have been excavated. To season you stay on the island, head east to Santa Marina to delight in the local cuisine in one of the restaurants situated at the waterfront on the eastern coast and enjoy the sunset in Pollara Bay in the west.

Leaving Salina and heading back to Marina Portorosa you have 33 Nm of sailing in front of you. Since you will be sailing for approximately 5 hours, make sure to stop for a swim and lunch in the beautiful Piscina Di Venere bay on island Vulcano. The bay is a Nature Reserve with clear waters and stunning surroundings. A few underwater caves can be found in the same bay.

After a swim and a nice lunch head further to Marina Portorosa. At Portorosa you will find many bars and restaurants with a view of Mount Etna in the distance. Use the day to wander around the town of Tonnarella and relax on one of Siciliy’s nearby beaches.

After spending the night on the yacht, take your time enjoying you breakfast and some fresh coffee. Stroll around Portorosa and do a little shopping before you head back to Catania airport.