Sicily (the Aeolian Islands)

The area you'll navigate includes the breathtaking Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago off Sicily's northern coast.

Steeped in history and myth, these islands have been inhabited since ancient times, with traces of settlements dating back to the Neolithic era. Each island offers unique attractions, from Lipari's ancient ruins to Stromboli's active volcano and Vulcano's therapeutic mud baths. Exploring these gems by sailboat ensures an unforgettable journey through both natural splendor and cultural legacy.

Given that there are no airports in the Aeolian Islands, embarking on your yacht journey typically starts from marinas along Sicily's northern coast. The suggested route starts at Portorosa Marina. Marina is approximately 160 kilometers from Catania Fontanarossa Airport and 190 kilometers from Falcone–Borsellino Airport in Palermo.

The total length of the route is about 132 nautical miles.

The sailing time is approximate and calculated based on an average sailing speed of 6 knots. The actual time will depend on the choice of the marina, weather conditions, yacht specifications, and crew skills.

7-Day Route

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Detailed Route from Marina Portorosa

Day 7, Friday: Vulcano - Portorosa

On the final leg of your journey back to Portorosa Marina, take in the scenic beauty of the Aeolian Islands one last time. As you approach Sicily's northern coast, you'll be greeted by the familiar sights of Capo Tindari and the tranquil waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

18 nm, about 3 h

Yacht check-in day. If you’re ready for early yacht check-in, departing from Portorosa the same day and enjoying the first leg sail to Lipari is worth it. You'll pass by the stunning coastline of Sicily, with views of the rugged terrain and charming coastal villages. Along the way, on the right you can see Capo Milazzo, a picturesque headland famous for its rugged cliffs.

Lipari is the largest island in the archipelago, giving it its modern name. Hovering above the sea between Marina Corta and Marina Lunga is the historical symbol of the island - Lipari Castle with a series of fortifications. From the castle, there is a breathtaking panoramic view of the surroundings.

Day 1, Saturday:
Portorosa - Lipari

22 nm, about 3.7 h

Recommended docking spot:
Marina Lunga
Pontile La Buona Fonda
Pontile Da Piero
Porto Pignataro

Day 2, Sunday:
Lipari - Panarea

Departing from Lipari, your journey to Panarea - the tiniest island in the Aeolian archipelago yet bustling with activity.

From Lipari, you can reach its most beautiful bay of Panarea - Cala Junco, in less than two hours. Anchoring for swimming near the cliffs is very recommended, ensuring a distance of at least 100 meters from the shore as anchoring inside the bay is prohibited, with the risk of fines. Alternatively, you can head to the next bay, Caletta dei Zimmari, equally stunning with its sandy seabed, providing a safe anchorage option.There is also an option to overnight on a mooring at Campo Boe Sea Panarea, located to the north, with a taxi service to the shore near the small town.

12 nm, about 2 h

Day 3, Monday:
Panarea - Stromboli

15 nm, about 2.5 h

Setting sail from Panarea toward Stromboli which is famous for its active volcano, whose cone is always smoking and regularly erupts with small streams of lava, serving as a kind of natural beacon for sailors. The lava flow of the Stromboli volcano can be seen at night for more than 30 miles. Thanks to the volcano, the island of Stromboli has acquired a distinctly black color - the roads of the island and the sand on the beach are black.

On the way to Stromboli, it's worth stopping for swimming and snorkeling in the shallow waters of Solfatara Lisca Bianca, which is a hydrothermal system with bubbles of volcanic gas rising to the surface.

If the weather forecast permits, it's worth anchoring at Ficogrande and observing the eruption from the water. If you want to witness the eruption up close, it's advisable to go ashore about 2 hours before sunset and hike up to the active crater, from where you can admire the volcano's eruptions and the stunning sunset.

Recommended docking spot:
Cala Junco
Cala Zimmari
Campo Boe Sea Panarea

Recommended docking spot:
Marina del Gabbiano-Stromboli - buoy field
Ficogrande - anchoring

Day 4, Tuesday:
Stromboli - Salina

As you depart from Stromboli heading towards cozy Salina, watch for the striking outline of Strombolicchio, a dramatic rocky islet located just off the coast of Stromboli. Along the way, you can stop for anchoring and swim at Punta Lamie or Pozzo d'Agnello. Here is also possible to stay overnight or you can go south to Marina Salina - Marinedì.

It is also worth visiting Lingua, located in the south, mooring to the right of the pier among the rocks. From there you can walk to the village of Lingua, passing by a small church and taste granitas and brioche at Alfredo Restaurant.

To visit the famous filming location of the beautiful Italian movie "Il Postino" by Massimo Troisi in Pollara, it's worth renting a scooter at the marina and riding along the island. Alternatively, you can anchor at HR Pollara Sud.

25 nm, about 4 h

Recommended docking spot:
Marina di Salina
Lingua - anchoring
HR Pollara Sud - anchoring

Day 6, Thursday:
Filicudi - Vulcano

Heading from Salina towards Filicudi along the northern coast, it's a must to stop by the natural wonder of Arco naturale di pietra - Il Perciatino, which is a true landmark on this island. Anchoring near the arch, you can also enjoy the panoramic view of the famous beach Pollara featured in the movie "Il Postino."

Filicudi, the "wild" island, is the perfect place for those seeking tranquility and serenity, a paradise for nature lovers. Even in high season, there is a quiet charm here. On the western side of the island is the enchanting Grotta del Bue Marino, a sea cave famous for its breathtaking rock formations and crystal clear blue waters, as well as the impressively massive pillar rock of La Canna.

For an overnight stay, you can anchor at Campo Boe Filicudi, but the buoys are placed very close together and can loudly knock against the boat's hull, or you can choose the southern field of buoys at Pecorini a mare - Filicudi.

Navigating from Filicudi to Vulcano - the closest island to the coast of Sicily. It is here that the latest volcano of the archipelago was born, which gradually "migrated" to Stromboli. The numerous fumaroles - vents emitting volcanic gas - indicate that the interior of the island has not yet settled. The hot springs and sulfur mud of Vulcano are considered therapeutic and beneficial. Mud baths are located near the Porto di Levante marina.

It's definitely worth climbing up to the grand crater where you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the volcano.

Day 5, Wednesday: Salina - Filicudi

25 nm, about 4.2 h

15 nm, about 2.5 h

Recommended docking spot:
Baia Levante Vulcano - floating marina
Porto di Ponente - anchorage

Recommended docking spot:
Campo Boe Filicudi - buoy field
Pecorini a mare Filicudi- buoy field

Remember that for docking at restaurant docks or private bays, it is necessary to coordinate the conditions with the respective owners or managers in advance. Make sure to contact them promptly to arrange docking and dinner reservations. In the case of marinas, check for availability and coordinate the details beforehand.