Home » Blog » Discover the stunning Aeolian Islands by sailboat

Discover the stunning Aeolian Islands by sailboat

Aladar Sail

Discover the stunning Aeolian Islands by sailboat

According to legend, Aeolus, the ancient Greek god of the wind, lived in a castle on Lipari, the largest island in the Aeolian archipelago. The Odyssey tells that Odysseus visited him during his journey home to Ithaca.

This archipelago of seven islands off the northeastern coast of Sicily is a paradise for sea lovers, those seeking a sailing holiday, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs. Each island has its unique character and offers unforgettable experiences. Exploring them by sailboat will allow you to make the most of your visit, without the pressure of a fixed itinerary and in complete comfort. Here are some tips for a dream week in the Aeolian Islands:

Vulcano:

After checking in at the Portorosa base, having the technical briefing, and receiving useful information from the tourist assistant, set sail toward the island of Vulcano, famous for its volcanic activity. Hiking enthusiasts can reach the Fossa crater in about an hour along a path that leads from the port to 400 meters above sea level.

For a magical experience, visit the Grotta del Cavallo, perfect for diving. Don’t miss the Piscina di Venere, with its tuff and basalt pools and shallow crystal-clear waters.

In the bay of Porto di Levante, you'll find a large mooring field, many restaurants and bars, bike and scooter rentals. The seaside promenade leads directly to the Pozza dei Fanghi, a natural thermal pool where volcanic gas bubbles emerge. This therapeutic mud and the hot spring water have a beneficial effect on health, offering a rejuvenating stop.

Lipari:

On the second day, head to Lipari, the largest and most populated island of the Aeolian Islands. The Spiaggia Bianca (Beach of Papesca) is well-known for its turquoise waters and white sand, made from pumice stone fragments.

The town of Lipari is worth a visit, dominated by a magnificent castle surrounded by the Marina Corta and Marina Grande districts. The Contrada Diana Archaeological Park is interesting because it contains the entire history of this archipelago.

Traveling by boat allows you to discover beaches that are otherwise inaccessible, such as Praia di Vinci, a peaceful oasis with clear waters and unspoiled nature.

Salina:

Set sail towards Salina, famous for its breathtaking landscapes and its connection to cinema. The Pollara Bay, featured in the film Il Postino, is enchanting with cliffs plunging into the sea and crystal-clear waters. Including it as a stop on your holiday is highly recommended.

Visiting Salina’s historic center offers a charming atmosphere with cobblestone streets, historic churches, and artisan shops. At night, you can anchor at Lingua or Santa Marina di Salina. The village of Santa Marina is adjacent to the harbor, where you can dock at the Porto delle Eolie and wander through the streets, lined with palms and pine trees.

Panarea:

Don't miss a visit to Panarea, the smallest of the Aeolian Islands, renowned for its natural beauty and historical sites. A place to visit is definitely Cala Zimmari, a tranquil bay with turquoise waters and an ancient history to tell. A stop at the nearby prehistoric village offers a fascinating insight into the island's history.

One of the most picturesque beaches is Cala Junco, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This beach is shaped like an amphitheater, surrounded by rocky formations, and the seabed creates beautiful shades of deep blue and emerald green.

In Panarea, you can moor your rental boat at S. Pietro, at the two mooring fields directly in front of the village, with a "boat-taxi" service available even at night during the season.

Stromboli: the perpetually active Giant

Stromboli is famous for its active volcano, offering a unique natural spectacle. Known locally as "Iddu," this volcano provides the chance to witness spectacular eruptions, especially after sunset.

To fully experience this, you can take a guided trek up to the crater to observe the volcanic explosions up close. It's an unmissable adventure for nature lovers.

It’s advisable to sail around Stromboli only in good weather conditions, as there are no sheltered bays in case of strong winds and no shallow places to anchor. The only mooring point is in front of the village of Stromboli, where the waters are shallower.

Filicudi and Alicudi: Hidden Coves and Magical Caves

Don’t miss the two smallest and most remote islands of the archipelago: Filicudi and Alicudi. Filicudi enchants with its hidden coves and fascinating caves accessible only by sea, where you can enjoy unique intimacy and unspoiled waters. A must-see is the Grotta del Bue Marino, famous for the light effects created inside. This magical island can be fully explored on foot. A visit to the port of Pecorini Mare is a must, where you can enjoy dinner at a restaurant by the sea.

Alicudi, the most remote and untouched of the Aeolian Islands, offers landscapes with terraced fields, stunning sea views, and small fishermen’s boats. There are no paved roads on Alicudi, only paths suited for donkeys, lava stone lanes, and steps. The best way to appreciate the wild beauty of Alicudi is by boat. It is recommended to return to Filicudi for the night, as Alicudi has limited docking options.

© Aladar Sail by Private Travel SA
General Terms & Conditions - Pre-contractual information - Sitemap -Credits