Aeolian Islands: a cruise to be experienced by sailing among volcanic landscapes, landings and cales, making new friends and enjoying Mediterranean delights
The Aeolian Islands are a must-see destination for a relaxing, nature-filled sailing or catamaran cruise
A sensory journey of discovery of seven volcanic islands, which like precious stones immersed in a velvet blue sea, fill the eyes and the soul. During this cruise, you will experience a different adventure each day: you will sail in search of the most beautiful coves where you can snorkel, stop to discover the unique and fresh flavors of Aeolian cuisine and the scent of the Mediterranean maquis, marvel at the power of volcanoes, intoxicate yourself with unforgettable sunsets, dine under the stars, and stroll through the flowery streets of the islands that are filled with sailors and travelers, each with their own exciting story to tell. The Aeolian Islands are seven volcanic islands, each one special, lapped by a sea full of life where the urge to dive comes every moment: to the pumice of Lipari where the water is emerald, to Panarea among the sulfurous bubbles of Lisca bianca and Basiluzzo among submerged arches colored by madrepores and starfish, or to Salina, where every sunset is a magical
Let's get to know the sisters of wind and fire, considering that the itinerary will always vary depending on the weather
Nautical bases for the Aeolian Islands
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Vedi tutti
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Palermo
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Capo d'Orlando Marina
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Marina di Portorosa
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Milazzo
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Lipari
VULCANO
The Romans called it "hot land" because of its sulfur baths, which can still be enjoyed today
Everything here will remind you that you are walking on an active volcano: from the vivid colors to the sulfurous smells...truly a special experience!
In Gelso Bay, you will come across a stunning black beach dominated by a very impressive lighthouse and from which you can admire the Sicilian coastline all the way to Mount Etna.
The Black Beaches, West Bay has a breathtaking sunset: fromfrom here you can easily go down with the tender and have an aperitif on the beach.
A bath not to be missed is at the Grotta del Cavallo located on the west side of the island of Vulcano, it is a rocky cove, where the reflections of the sun's rays and the conformation of the seabed give the sea colors ranging from green to turquoise, a small paradise with crystal-clear waters. Adjacent to its entrance we find the Pool of Venus, where tufa and basalt rocks surround us during our exploration with mask and snorkel.
If you want to keep fit with a bit of trekking and admire a natural spectacle at the same time, I recommend climbing up to Gran Crater la Fossa the climb takes about 40 minutes and the experience is truly unique
LIPARI
The channel between Vulcano and Lipari, the "Mouths of Vulcano" is particularly striking, here we find the two stacks: Pietra Lunga and Pietra Menalda.
Lipari is the largest and most densely populated island in the Aeolian Islands: dotted with picturesque streets, restaurants, bars (the desserts are delicious!) and small craft stores that develop between Marina corta and Marina lunga, it becomes a destination to indulge in walking, shopping and dinners with the crew. Here we also find the only true harbor of all the Aeolian Islands: Pignataro.
A very large and convenient bay for stopping and bathing is the Pumice Quarry resulting from stone quarrying and processing operations in a now abandoned quarry, the pumice has accumulated into fine white sand giving the sea the transparency and color of a natural pool.
The west coast of the island is wilder and more impervious. Here we find Valle Muria Bay, overlooked by high cliffs that take on enchanting pinkish colors at sunset.
SALINA
Salina is the green pearl of the Aeolian Islands and its fertile land, home to six ancient volcanoes, gives us delights for the palate, wonders for the eyes, poetry for the soul.
Like the one that Philippe Noiret, as Pablo Neruda, tells Troisi in a scene from the film Il Postino, filmed on Pollara beach. The destination of the cruise, this dark-pebbled bay is surrounded by an amphitheater of tufa overhanging the sea, the mouth of an immense crater now extinct, whose imposing beauty is enhanced by the stacks placed there to close it: access to the bay is exclusively from the north side.
Sailing along the island, there are many distinctive natural formations to observe, such as the promontory of Capo Faro or the picturesque arc of rock shaped by the sea at Punta Perciato.
For the night we usually anchor in the roadstead at Santa Marina where we hoard capers, malvasia, sun-dried tomatoes, very fresh fish and everything̀ good that this island, lush nature has to offer.
Unforgettable are the mulberry granite and the crostone (a super crispy loaf of bread topped with delicious capers, cherry tomatoes, salted ricotta cheese). to be eaten strictly a Lingua at Alfredo's.
Another beautiful anchorage, still little frequented, is Rinella, in good weather conditions one can spend the night under the stars to set sail upon awakening to Pollara.
PANAREA
Panarea is itself a small volcanic archipelago, and would deserve a stop for a few days to explore it all.
Characteristic are the small white houses fringed with bougainvillea and hibiscus in the village of St. Peter, which at night lights up with its famous nightclubs such as the Raya or trendy clubs such as the Sushi bar. From here you can see the islets that frame it: Basiluzzo, Dattilo, Bottaro, Lisca bianca, Lisca nera, and the Formiche.
Cala Milazzese is the first bay you come to. Cala Junco is a natural amphitheater with wonderful water colors from deep blue to emerald green. Snorkeling in this area is exciting. Next is Zimmari a large, quiet bay where you can spend the night safely.
It is a great thrill to snorkel in Basiluzzo, the water is clear and transparent, and you can pass through natural arches and discover underwater caves.
At Lisca Bianca the underwater bubbles are a true natural whirlpool due to the escape of volcanic gases from the crust.
On the northwestern side of Panarea you will find the bay of "Scoglio della nave," an enchanting cove dominated by very high cliffs overlooking the sea.
STROMBOLI
The easternmost island of the Aeolian Islands gives fireworks displays and puffs of black smoke from its cone.
Stromboli's energy can be felt from the sea, coasting all the way to the Sciara del fuoco, the power of the volcano leaves us speechless: fiery lava, lapilli and black sand slide down this dark wall into the sea.
The conical shape of the island means that it is all exposed to the winds; you may consider mooring at the buoy field at Ficogrande for added safety.
Once ashore, we recommend taking a walk to the town square and having dinner at one of the typical restaurants such as the "Ingrid Bar."
Several volcanological guides organize volcano treks by providing the necessary equipment.
A mile to the north rises a small island, Strombolicchio, unmissable for its special charm.
Ginostra is a charming village, a place with no roads that can be traveled by car, accessed only by sea and via the world's smallest port.
FILICUDI
Twelve miles from Salina heading west, a wild little island appears to be floating on the water.
Pecorini a Mare is a fishing village that perches on the mountain from the beach with its small white houses. Pecorini is a summer sunset rendezvous for all crews: you go ashore to relax with a glass of cool Malvasia in hand. Recommended mooring
in the vicinity of Filicudi Porto Bay, inside the harbor itself or at the Pecorini buoy field. Go only in good weather conditions.
The following day we can sail to the Canna, a majestic stacks of basaltic rock more than 70 m high that according to a legend "filicudara" , if touched, has the magical power to grant our wishes. Heading south we can see the famous Sea Ox Cave, once thought to be the hiding place of sea monsters and actuallỳ was the refuge of the monk seal, now possibly disappeared.
ALICUDI
Alicudi is a wild island, not easy to get to, but if you are lucky enough to discover it, it will be a huge gift
Life still flows slowly among the colorate of fishermen selling very fresh fish. This island has fascinated many foreigners who have made it their home, far from the noise of the world, in search of the true essence of nature. On Alicudi there is still the possibility of surprising oneself with little and rediscovering the essentials. A buoy field will allow people to stop and take a walk to the top of the island. Go only in excellent weather conditions.
