AEOLIAN ISLANDS
A earthly paradise for sailors few miles away from Sicily, seven sisters of wind and beauty deeply different one another, dotted with numerous islets and rocks emerging from the sea: welcome to the Aeolian Islands, the UNESCO protected archipelago nestled in the deep south of the Mediterranean Sea among nature, volcanoes and crystalline water. Millennia of history and cultures succeeded in time, intertwined with breathtaking landscapes, protected natural reserves and untainted beaches, attracting sailors and divers from all over the world.
Our bases in Sicily, Portorosa and Capo d’Orlando, are few miles away from the archipelago and represent the ideal starting point to set sail to the Aeolian experience.
VULCANO
A few nautical miles from the coast of Sicily and recognizable from the long distance, this volcanic island marks the beginning of the Aeolian route and offers unforgettable views from the tops of its hiking trails.
Nothing affects newcomers like the view of Vulcano and its crater: already near the port you will be amazed by the beauty of the place and the acrid smell of sulfur that impregnates the air. On the ground, you can walk up to “i Fanghi”, a natural pool of therapeutic mud where tourists relax in swimsuits, plunging from head to toe in pools rich in precious minerals. For lovers of beaches, not far from the mud is the striking Black Beach, with its characteristic volcanic sand. Sailing from coast to coast, do not miss the chance to visit the natural pool of Venus, the Grotta del Cavallo cave, the Spiaggia dell’Asino and the enchanting shores of Vulcanello, in the northern part of the island.
LIPARI
The most populated of the Aeolian Islands: if Vulcano is distinguished by its black sands, Lipari enchants with the bursting white of its crystalline waters and the beauty of the coasts, represented primarily by the emblematic White Beach, with the pumice-stone cliffs close to the sea.
With its mild climate and an incredible variety of landscapes, Lipari is the largest island of the archipelago, only 22 nautical miles from Portorosa. Twelve volcanoes have shaped its shape over the millennia, making it unique in its appearance. From the recommended moorings – in the port of Marina Corta or in the port of Marina Lunga – it is recommended to reach the center for a walk through the charming alleys and souvenir shops, restaurants and typical Sicilian ice-cream parlors. From the thin beach of Canneto to the indented one of Porticello, the island is characterized by the variety of coasts, different from each other but united by the crystalline sea: Campobianco and its blue waters, or Spiaggia Bianca, one of the most suggestive with its bright seabeds, characterized by pumice sediments, intense turquoise water and white sand.
SALINA
The second largest island of the archipelago is famous above all for its traditional wine, Malvasia, and for the luxuriant vegetation that makes it a floating oasis in the middle of the sea. Rich in history and romance, Salina became over the centuries the second home of writers and directors, all inspired by the wonderful views and the sweet life offered by the island.
The best way to discover it is to rent a Vespa near the port, getting lost in the streets – with the scent of vegetation and the sea breeze caressing your face while you travel in the green – and stop off in one of the many wineries to have a taste of local wines including the aforementioned Malvasia, the famous sweet white wine like honey.
You can continue with a Campari Spritz accompanied by a tasting of capers, olive oil and small local snacks at one of the many bars around or delight yourself with a whipped cream from Alfredo, on the seafront in the Lingua area, before setting sail towards the enchanting Baia di Pollara and the most popular beaches of the island: Gobbe, Rinella, Malfa and Capofaro.
PANAREA
For lovers of luxury and nightlife, the smallest of the seven sisters – almost four square kilometers – is the ideal mix of nature and worldliness, offering nature reserves, long walks immersed in pristine green, trendy bars and restaurants and the more sparkling nightlife in the whole archipelago.
Known for being a refuge for world jet-setters and for its high archaeological value, the most exclusive and lively of the Seven Sisters is at the same time a real natural paradise, able to welcome luxury yachts and hordes of tourists without renouncing the its natural charm. In summer, the marina is filled with boats, shuttles go up and down between the bars and the luxury restaurants, shops and nightclubs are filled with tourists enjoying the sweetest life. Baia Milazzese is the natural anchorage of the island, together with the unmissable excursion with bath in the Natural Reserve of Cala Junco.
Do not miss the opportunity for a swim in the deep blue waters surrounding Basiluzzo and Lisca Bianca, two of the small islands in front of Panarea, favorite destination for sailors and divers: the most adventurous travellers can dive into the depths to visit the sunken wreck on the seabed.
STROMBOLI
In the most easterly corner of the archipelago, the fascinating volcanic island of Stromboli, with its eruptions in the middle of the sea, is an unrepeatable attraction: witnessing one of its fireworks shows is one of the most characteristic experiences of the Aeolian tour.
Sister of wind and fire of Vulcano -with which it shares the “active volcanism”, the black beaches and the status of a micro-world faunistic and floristic in its own right – Stromboli is the ideal destination for nature lovers. From the mooring at Punta Scari you can continue following the path to the village, or rent a bike to ride through the picturesque and lively streets of the island, the colorful terraced villas, lush vegetation and typical shops with exquisite local specialties. Reach Piazza San Vincenzo to enjoy the view, looking towards the beach of Scari and the charming younger brother of the Strombolicchio island, a small volcano not far from the black sands of Piscità beach.
Trekkers can take a guided ascent along the slopes towards the sunset, reaching the summit of 900 m, or enjoy the eruption during the evening sailing along the coast to Sciara del Fuoco, to admire the columns of fire and the incandescent rocks that roll down from the side of the mountain extinguishing themselves in the depths of the sea.
FILICUDI AND ALICUDI
The wildest and most pristine twin islands are located in the western corner of the archipelago, away from mass tourism, and reward visitors with the most adventurous and breathtaking landscapes of the archipelago.
Filicudi and Alicudi have an irresistible charm for fans of naturalistic adventures: the collection of wrecks on the seabed of Filicudi is protected as an Underwater Archaeological Park, giving divers the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of ancient Greek anchors and ships buried in the sand. Those who do not practice diving can enjoy themselves during the circumnavigation of the island and enjoy unforgettable baths in the beaches of Capo Graziano and Grotta del Bue Marino while heading towards La Canna, a cliff of 85 meters rising from the sea like a magical obelisk, creating a mystical atmosphere all around.
Alicudi is a natural hermitage where time has stopped: here there are no bars, ATMs or luxury hotels, but ancient and steep mule tracks that connect Scalo Palumbo, the new anchorage of the island, to some of the most representative villages of the aeolian architecture: Contrada Tonna, San Bartolo and Pianicello are the countryside villages that deserve a visit, like the relaxing and solitary Bazzina beach.
