Sicily and the Aeolian Islands

Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, discover the most beautiful volcanoes of the Mediterranean

Located on the northern coast of Sicily, in the Gulf of Patti, between Capo Tindari and Capo Milazzo, the marina of Portorosa is only a few miles from the Aeolian Islands and 1.5 hours from Catania airport. Renowned for the splendour of its natural sites, Sicily offers yachtsmen impressive coastlines, punctuated by volcanoes, gulfs and spectacular archipelagos. An ideal place to charter a sailboat or to cruise in a cabin on a catamaran with or without a skipper and crew.

Sicile - location voilier et catamaran
Sicile - location voilier et catamaran

Once you have taken possession of your charter yacht or catamaran and after only 3 hours of sailing, you will find yourself in Sicily in the middle of an archipelago of 7 islands to explore at your leisure. Your journey will begin at Vulcano, where the climb to the top of the volcano is accessible to all and offers a breathtaking view of Lipari and the neighbouring islands. On the way back, don't miss the hot waters and mud baths of the "Spiaggia Acque Calde".

From here, head for Lipari without forgetting to admire its famous "Faraglioni" as you pass the southern part of the island... an air of Thailand in the middle of the Mediterranean. The capital of the archipelago is known for its beaches and for its beautiful walk between the village and the port where you will find excellent restaurants and typical shops.

Then head north to Salina. You can easily tour the island on a scooter (rental available in Rinella and Santa Marina). The anchorage of Pollara is sublime at the end of the day to admire the sunset reflected on the red granite walls.

But the ascent of Stromboli is calling you and on the way stop at Panarea. Drop anchor east of the famous anchorage at Cala Junco and walk up to admire the peculiar shape of the rocks. Then continue your walk to the port of Panarea, which is the little St Tropez of the Aeolian Islands. Don't miss the jet-set aperitif at the top of the famous Raya restaurant from where you can see the flames of Stromboli shooting up every 15 to 20 minutes.

The next day stop between the mini-islands of Bottaro and Lisca Bianca to admire the underwater fumaroles (Solfatara) typical of the volcanic activity in the area. Before arriving in Stromboli, make sure that the only marina on the island (Marina del Gabbiano) can accommodate you in case of wind or swell. Otherwise the surrounding anchorages are also suitable. From there you can walk to town to book a guide for the walk up Stromboli (mandatory to get as close as possible to the crater at 400m). Another option by boat is to go to the observatory on the north side of the island at sunset. Anchoring is forbidden for safety reasons but the view of the eruptions is breathtaking.

Video presentation - sailing boat and catamaran rental in Sicily and the Aeolian Islands

Portorosa

Elegant and modern, the marina of Portorosa is located on the northern coast of Sicily, in the Gulf of Patti, between Capo Tindari and Capo Milazzo, only a few miles from the Aeolian Islands, 1.5 hours from Catania airport and 2.5 hours from Palermo airport.

Marsala

On the west coast of Sicily, Marsala is a convenient starting point for visiting the Egadi Islands, the island of Pantelleria or Lampedusa with its underwater hunting.

Tropea et Reggio di Calabria

The ports of Tropea and Reggio di Calabria, Italy, are perfectly situated to discover the Aeolian Islands, the Strait of Messina and the east coast of Sicily (Taormina, Catania, Siracusa). Tropea and Reggio are easily accessible by air via Lamezia Terme International Airport.

Weather

The prevailing summer winds are from the northwest. The wind rises in the morning and blows at force 3 to 4 and then dies down at night. It can sometimes come from the southwest. In spring, the Sirocco, a fairly strong south-easterly wind, can occur. Tides and currents are almost non-existent, except in the Strait of Messina. Sailboat and catamaran rental in Sicily is very pleasant from May to October.

Itineraries

Proposed itineraries (click on the map below for more details) :

Sicile itinéraires à la voile - location voilier et catamaran

Yachts and catamarans for rent can be found in Marina di Portorosa, Marina di Capo D'Orlando, Marsala, Trapani, Palermo or Marina di Ragusa (click on the map below for more details):

  • Elegant and well-equipped, the marina of Portorosa is located on the north coast of Sicily, in the Gulf of Patti, between Capo Tindari and Capo Milazzo, only a few miles from the Aeolian Islands and close to Palermo.
  • On the west coast of Sicily, Marsala is an ideal starting point to visit the Egadi Islands, the island of Pantelleria or Lampedusa with its underwater hunting.
  • To the south, the Marina di Ragusa offers you the unusual experience of a crossing to the Maltese archipelago made up of Malta, Gozo, Comino and Manoel Island

Proposed 7 day itinerary from Portorosa (Aeolian Islands)

Portorosa – Vulcano –Lipari – Salina – Panarea – Stromboli – Portorosa (90MN)

Proposed itinerary 14 days from Portorosa (Strait of Messina)

Portorosa – Milazzo – Détroit de Messine – Messine – Taormina – Giardini Naxos – Détroit de Messine - Reggio di Calabria – Tropéa – Vulcano – Portorosa (190 MN)

Proposed itinerary 14 days from Portorosa (North West Sicily)

Portorosa –Vulcano – Lipari – Salina – Filicudi – Alicudi – Palerme – Cefalu – Portorosa (170MN)

Proposed 7-day itinerary from Marsala

Marsala - Favignana - Marretimo - Levanzo - San Vito lo Capo - Trapani - Marsala (90MN)

Please note: the proposed itineraries are based on 2-3 hours sailing per day at an average speed of 5 knots. If you are looking for other itinerary ideas or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you plan your cruise.


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