Aeolian Islands Detailed Itinerary

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We set sail from Portorosa and explore the full chain of the Aeolian islands. The cruising grounds blend chic ports of call such as Panarea and Stromboli Islands, with the quiet ambience of islands off the tourist track.Explore the imposing volcanoes, abundant castles and historic waterfront villages. Portorosa is nestled into the northeast corner of Sicily, sheltered under the gaze of majestic Mount Etna.

Discovering Portorosa 

Spend your first day exploring the nearby town of Tonnarella (located just a short walk from our boat dock) and/or reclining on one of the many beaches in the area.Our boat will be docked in Portorosa where we will conduct an orientation and a welcoming reception with refreshments in the mid afternoon. If conditions warrant, we will set sail in the late afternoon of September 26th to the island of Vulcano.  

1.5hr Sailing time 

Named for the steaming volcanic peaks that crown this fair island, Vulcano is actually better known for the therapeutic qualities of its local mud and natural hot springs. Characterized by a harsh, barren terrain, the island also boasts a spectacular black sand beach.

Another stunning highlight is Fossa di Vulcano, a smouldering crater encrusted with vivid red and yellow crystals, which make the one-hour hike well worth the effort. From the Fossa, you can then either take a steep path down to the crater floor, or walk on the level around the rim and enjoy extraordinary views out over the islands to the north.

There is even a volcano museum on the island. The south and northwest coasts are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. We’ll anchor in Porto di Ponente for good protection from prevailing easterly winds.

Grotta del Cavallo 

Explore the hanging stalactites, underground lakes, and echoing walls of this large, half-submerged cave on the western shore.

23 nautical miles, 4.5 hr Sailing time  

Fillicudi is the wildest and most beautiful Aeolian Island, with its stunning Blue Grotto and a network of hiking trails allowing visitors to explore the island’s scenic interior. The Scoglio della Canna (Cane Reef), a rock obelisk located off the northwestern coast, is also worth a visit.

At Capo Graziano, a short walk southeast of the port, you can explore the remains of a prehistoric village, dating back to 1800 BC. Hiking trails across the Island are spread over a huge network, leading to the abandoned village of Zucco Grande and to Fossa Felci, a mountain in the center of the Island.

Discovering Filicudi | The Grotta del Blu Marino

Around the western shore of Filicudi lies this huge sea cave, an absolute must-see for adventurers. You will marvel in the scale and depth of this natural wonder.

La Canna & Punta Zotta

Rising from the sea like a giant lava-rock finger pointing to the heavens, La Canna rock formation is home to the rare Eleonora falcon. It’s an excellent place to snorkel, and we can drop anchor in the bay of Punta La Zotta before heading to the rock.

14 nautical miles, 3.0 hr Sailing time 

Renowned for its vibrant plant life and lush vegetation (rare for such volcanic land), Salina boasts three of the highest peaks in the area, as well as three villages and a handful of smaller hamlets. The abundant greenery is supported by the numerous freshwater springs.

Embrace the slower pace of life on this island, and rent a bike or scooter to explore Salina and her mighty peaks: Monte Fossa delle Felci (962m); Monte dei Porri (860m); and Monte Rivi (850m). Once at the top, you’ll revel in sensational views that stretch across the entire Aeolian archipelago.

Salina has good amenities, and several restaurants line the waterfront in Santa Marina Salina featuring delicious local seafood dishes as the star attraction.

Rinella
Movie buffs can pay a visit to Rinella, located on the south of Salina island. Set amidst a picturesque bay, Rinella’s small harbor was the setting for the classic Italian movie, “Il Postino.”

Sunset in Pollara
Pollara on the western coast has excellent views and sunsets, and it benefits from protection from easterly, northeasterly, and southeasterly winds.

Round off your day with a stop at the lovely town of Malfa on the north of the island on your way back to our boat, anchored in Santa Marina Salina, where we’ll spend the night.

22 nautical miles, 4.5 hr Sailing time  

Discovering Stromboli/Stark contrasts

The black rock of this towering volcano contrasts neatly with the island’s traditional white houses, to a stark and magical effect. Take a 30-minute walk up to the observatory and restaurant, and dine in style, complete with fantastic views of the erupting volcano. [The volcano, nicknamed Idu, meaning he or him in Sicilian, erupts approximately every 20 minutes.]

Ginostra and sweet cannoli
The town of Ginostra is a lovely walk from the port to the town’s main piazza where there are many excellent restaurants and bars. Local food blends influences from Neapolitan and Sicilian cuisines, and the traditional sweet cannoli are a must-try.

25 nautical miles, 5 hr Sailing time 

On our way to Lipari, we’ll stop off in Panarea (the smallest but by far the most picturesque of the islands in the group) or visit the island of Basiluzzo (an uninhabited island close to Panarea, and an ideal stop-off for swimming, snorkelling, and fishing).

Lipari is both the largest and oldest of the Aeolian Islands. The population is concentrated on the eastern side of the island, where vineyards produce some really good local wine. About half of all residents live in Lipari Town, which is home to the Aeolian Museum, showcasing treasures from the islands throughout the ages.

Discovering Lipari 

Lipari cathedral  The amazing 13th-century cathedral features fully-preserved Norman architecture and is a must-see for all visitors to Lipari.

Panarea 

Plot a course for Panarea, and weave past the glamorous port town to arrive at the quiet anchorage of Zimmari Bay. Take a trip ashore and climb the Punta del Corno for panoramic views.  

⛵ Day 7 – Lipari to Portorosa 

22 nautical miles, 4.5 hr Sailing time

From Lipari, we’ll plot a direct 22 nm route back to Portorosa, or we’ll opt for a more relaxed route, winding our way back to base. We can visit the Vulcano National Park for a scenic final stop or set a course for the Milazzo Peninsula.   

Upon our return, we’ll complete a quick but thorough debriefing, after which you’re free to enjoy your final night on Sicily as you please. You may choose to spend the last night sleeping on the boat and checking out the following morning. 

*This planned sailing itinerary is naturally subject to weather and wind conditions, which could warrant changes, for example, the necessity to visit the islands in a different order.

**To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.