Sailing the Aeolian

The largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily and the Aeolian islands off its Northern coast make for a wonderful cruising ground. This stunning destination seamlessly blends the best of Italy, past and present with an unbelievable natural setting. Sail out of either Portarosa or Capo d’Orlando, the two main charter bases in Sicily and sail northward into the Aeolian islands, its a breathtakingly beautiful sailing area to enjoy.

The Aeolian islands, otherwise known as the seven sisters, are truly something to behold. With each island having a volcanic origin – the islands have tall dramatic peaks that rise straight out of a perfect azure sea. The whole area is under UNESCO World heritage site protection and you’ll quickly realise why. With astonishingly beautiful black sand beaches, sulphuric mud baths and undersea vents bubbling beneath blue waters you’ll get a truly unique experience amongst these geological marvels.

With their close proximity to each other the Aeolian offers excellent sailing itineraries from the wilderness and cobalt blue waters of Vulcano, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi to the historical, charming and chic towns and beaches on the islands of Lipari, Panarea and Salina.

Use Sicily as a jump off point. An island that has a simpler, more rustic feel – where the bustle and crowds are absent from all but the largest towns. Peace and quiet are ensured and stressful city life will soon become a distant memory.

Highlights

Stromboli

Stromboli is a highly active volcano with the characteristics to match. Seen from afar it is reminiscent of the ‘Lord of the rings’ mount doom, steep sides come straight out of the sea and rise up to a single peak. Because of its peculiar geology the volcano is constantly spewing out lava and at night the glow at its summit can be seen for miles around. 

Depending on how active it is at the time of your visit, it is often possible to take a guided hike up to the summit for a sunset you’ll never forget. There are very few places where you can watch the sun set into the sea whilst lava is being hurled up just meters away from you! Alternatively if you find that hiking is impossible – set off early and enjoy sunrise from the Western side of the island where you can sit beneath the volcano and watch the glowing eruptions cascade down the hillside and into the waiting waters.

Lipari

The largest island of the Aeolian group Lipari has a sizeable town of the same name. Occupied since the bronze age this town is a historical marvel that comes to life every evening throughout the summer period. With amazing gastronomy and delightful cocktails available its well worth staying in one of the two marinas here. 

Elsewhere on the island you’ll find spectacular beaches and delightful anchorages nestled under tall cliff-sides. Of particular note are the anchorages off its Southern tip of Punta della Crapazza where tall rock stacks rise out of the sea making for a fantastic setting. 

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