The Aeolian Islands, a little corner of paradise in the open sea off the north-eastern coast of Sicily, are a favorite destination for sailing enthusiasts.
This archipelago of seven islands takes its name from the god of the wind Aeolus, precisely because the wind is always present here.
Shaped by the wind, fire and water, the Aeolian Islands are an archipelago of volcanic origin formed thousands of years ago and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for their morphology, which bearstestifies to the birth and evolution of volcanic islands.
The best time to visit these extraordinarily beautiful islands is between May and October: the summer is never hot because it is tempered by the sea breeze, which provides ideal sailing conditions.
Spending a vacation on a sailboat in the Aeolian Islands takes at least a week to visit one per day.
Journey to the Aeolian Islands, between sea and nature
The Aeolian archipelago is a unique natural and anthropological museum and its popularity has grown over the years, managing to stay off the mass tourism circuit and retain its original soul.
Whichever island you decide to visit, the wild nature and hidden bays that you can discover by renting a sailboat in the Aeolian Islands will leave you speechless.
Time seems to have stood still in the Aeolian Islands, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a relaxing vacation marked by the tranquil rhythm of daily life.
The atmosphere in this archipelago is magical thanks to the presence of volcanoes, and the views offered by sailboat charters in Sicily are breathtaking.
Another option is to opt for yacht charter in Tropea, Calabria, or yacht charter in Naples and enjoy the pleasures of sailing and cruising.
The Aeolian Islands are also the ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts, thanks to the various excursions on offer to the Stromboli and Vulcano volcanoes.
The Aeolian Islands, 7 islands to discover by boat
Formed mainly by nature and atmospheric agents, the "seven sisters" form an archipelago of rare beauty. Each island is different and there is so much to discover with a catamaran charter in the Aeolian Islands:
Lipari
Along with Vulcano and Salina, Lipari will be one of the first islands you come to when arriving from Sicily. Lipari is none other than the most populated and largest island by extension and has beaches characterized by large cliffs on the coast.
During your sailboat charter in the Aeolian Islands, you can't miss a stopover in Fico, Vinci beach, Punta della Castagna and Capo Rosso.
don't miss: a visit to the historic center of Lipari, with the cathedral of San Bartolomeo and the acropolis, as well as a boat trip to the Faraglioni area, which offers a breathtaking view at sunset.
Vulcano
An ancient Greek myth tells that the forges of Ephesus, god of fire, were located on the island of Vulcano. In fact, there are three craters that make up the morphology of the territory, whose activity is now limited to the emission of fumaroles, but in the past, frequent eruptions were recorded.
On the third island, easily accessible by yacht charter from Capo d'Orlando, you can also try the thermal mud and climb the Grand Cratère or the Cratère de la Fosse, from where you can enjoy an incredible view of the archipelago.
Salina
The greenest of the archipelago and formed by six volcanoes, Salina is known for the Nature Reserve that covers more than half of the territory and which can be reached by nature trails from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of all the other islands.
It is advisable to moor in Scario Bay, surrounded by nature, Santa Maria beach, and Rinella beach, which is a favorite with diving enthusiasts.
Pollara beach is famous for being one of the settings for the movie "The Postman", and is located close-hauled to the pink house of the poet Pablo Neruda, in the municipality of Malfa.
in Salina, you must also try the Malvasia, the amber-colored, strong, blond wine, and its famous capers, the Slow Food garrison, by stopping in one of the restaurants in the marina of Santa Maria.
Stromboli
Thanks to the presence of the most active volcano in Europe, this island is very popular and offers incredible landscapes and magical atmospheres.
Stromboli, also called "Iddu", "Him" in Sicilian, is the lighthouse of the Mediterranean and has always been a reference point for sailors.
The climbe to Stromboli, whose summit reaches 918 meters in height, is well worth it, but it is not a simple excursion, but a difficult route of more than five hours in total and which becomes particularly impressive if it is done at the end of the afternoon.
After the climb, you can relax on one of the beaches of the soft black sand or discover the hidden coves surrounded by high cliffs with your yacht charter in the Aeolian Islands.
Panarea
Easily accessible by renting a boat in Milazzo, but also by renting a boat in Portorosa, two of the most convenient bases in Sicily for reaching the Aeolian Islands, Panarea is the smallest island of the Aeolian Islands.
Favored by VIPs who have chosen it as their summer vacation destination, Panarea is the liveliest and most fashionable island in the archipelago.
You will find numerous nightclubs where you can sip an aperitif while admiring the sunset and dance until dawn with a breathtaking view of the sea.
Cala Junco and Piazza Calcara are two beaches to discover while sailing with your sailboat charter.
Filicudi
Rich in coves and small bays to discover by renting a sailboat in the Aeolian Islands, Filicudi is wild and silent. Here, nature is the main protagonist.
A visit to the Grotta del Bue Marino, the largest cove in the archipelago, is a must, as is a climb to the promontory of Capo Graziano.
By climbing Monte Guardia, you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the six other islands and the Sicilian coast.
The mild summer weather conditions typical of the Aeolian Islands allow you to moor even in less sheltered places, such as La Canna, Filicudi.
Once the anchor is water-jet-powered motorized craft, you can set off with a mask and snorkel to discover the blue, transparent waters of the archipelago!
Alicudi
The wildest of the archipelago, Alicudi, is also the most remote.
Don't forget that on this island, which is home to just a few dozen people, there are no ATMs, pharmacies, banks or trendy places.
On this island, the typical Aeolian-style houses are located in the east of the island and there are no vehicles, only mule tracks and roads crossed by donkeys, the main means of transportation in the area.
in Alicudi, the houses are scattered across the slopes of the eastern part of the island, i.e. the part that slopes gently down to the sea.
Only in Alicudi can you breathe in the true essence of an island, immersed in a corner of paradise where time seems to pass even more slowly.
With their breathtaking volcanic landscapes, breathtaking nature and crystal-clear waters, the Aeolian Islands will enchant you.
So don't waste a pitch and choose to rent a boat in the Aeolian Islands: let yourself be surprised by the wild charm of this archipelago and discover the wildest side of the Mediterranean.
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 1 678 |
|---|---|
| Types of service | Skipper, Hostess, Sailor, Chef (meals not included), Engineer, Mechanic, Masseuse |
| Average price per week | $20,437 |
| Minimum weekly price | $737 |
| Maximum price per week | $1,007,300 |