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Aeolian Islands

The Aeolians--seven distinctive islands located in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea that are as vibrant as they are mysterious. Vulcano, Salina, Lipari, Alicudi, Panarea, Stromboli and Filicudi together make up one of Italy’s great sailing destinations. Emerging from the sea during the Pleistocene period, these islands have been reshaped throughout its history. Civilizations first developed here during the early Bronze Age and these waters have been navigated since their early settlements. Today, sailors from around the world sight their compass towards the Aeolian Islands to discover its splendor.

During a sailing itinerary to the Aeolian Islands, you’ll experience the island edges, home to white pumice mountains and jagged cliff sides that seemingly dives straight into the Mediterranean’s indigo seas lined by black sand beaches. These islands are fueled by wine, food, the sea, and the volcanoes--two that are currently active. Fragrances of olives, capers, sea salt, and vegetables ripening in the sun that fills the air. Less touristic than their neighbouring archipelagos, you’ll always be reminded that these islands are far removed from everyday life.

Location

Aeolian Islands, Sicily
Italy

Season

Early to Late Summer

Itinerary

Isola Vulcano

The southernmost island in the archipelago is Isola Vulcano-a popular port to begin the itinerary. Sailing to Vulcano from the mainland coast is a pleasant introduction to the Aeolian Islands--during the passage, you’ll observe the islands’ natural biodiversity and the layered igneous rock and soil, caused by the volcanic activity. It’s also home to a densely wooded forests that lines the hilltops.

Lipari

Lipari is the largest island and the most inhabited, home to 10,000 residents. Le Bocche di Vulcano, the Mouths of Vulcan, is the channel between Lipari and Vulcano home to pleasant anchorages with dramatic views of nearby islands with a backdrop of the eroding cliffs that plummet into the sea. The western coast of Lipari takes a very different appearance than the more inhabited and developed eastern coast where the town of Lipari is located. If the main port town does not interest you, venture onward to the southwest coves along the island.

Salina

Easily identified by its twin mountain peaks, Salina is considered the most lush of the islands. The island has become a hub for sailors cruising through the Aeolia. The islanders welcome sailors by sharing their wines, their cuisine, and always offering stories and anecdotes of this extraordinary place they call home. It’s a perfect port of call to re-provision for local wine and other island products to keep for the remainder of your itinerary. Sailing from the port and rounding the north coast, a steep cliff falls into the sea.

Panarea

Panarea has many anchorages perfect for discovering the local culture and off-boat activities. Capo Milazzese and Cala Zimmari located west of Punta Torrione along the southern cost offers a safe anchorage with unique geological formation along the cliffs that surround the cove.

Stromboli

Rugged and wild is how many locals like to describe Stromboli. The island grows lemons, oranges, capers, grapes, and olives come from its northern and southern slopes and ashore is a charming town, home to a small welcoming community. Walking the streets you can find a gelateria selling local flavors grown and harvested on the island. There are numerous trattorias serving rustic and traditional menus options and modern ristorantes offering fancier gastronomic dishes paired with local island wine or other Sicilian acclaimed wine.

Filicudi

One of the lesser explored islands is Filicudi. Home to two small fishing village and the archipelago’s second smallest community. There are well preserved ancient ruins scattered throughout its villages dating back to the Bronze Era. It’s the second-farthest western island in group, and sailors come to Filicudi for the true sense of peace and calm that’s found here.

Crew

Professional Captain

Your professional crew are talented explorers who combine their love of sailing with personalized hospitality. Each captain is professionally certified and able to lead your one of a kind experience at sea.

Meet the captains

Private Chef

A Sailing Collective chef embodies our philosophy of travel, storytelling, learning, and sharing. We use local ingredients to create a unique culinary experience for each voyage. This is unlike any food adventure you've ever been on.

Meet the chefs

Trip Details

BACKGROUND

The early Greeks called this place the islands of wind and fire, with active smouldering volcanoes and a dark and dramatic rocky landscape, these seven small islands north of Sicily stir up remarkable vigor with memories that stay with you for a lifetime. The Aeolian archipelago (islands) were designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2000, since then, vacationers from all walks of earth have been experiencing what the locals have treasured for thousands of years. A Sailing Collective journey takes us to each of these dramatic jet-set playground on our own itinerary and leisure.

LOCATION

We start our sailing journey at Marina di Portorosa in the town of Tonnarella. Marina di Portorosa is central in town, when arriving, make your way to the main marina office to find out where the Sailing Collective boats are in the marina. You will see a banner on our boats with your fellow passengers, captain and crew waiting your arrival.

Marina di Portorosa S.r.l. 98054 Furnari, Tonnarella

MEETING TIME & LOCATION:

Meeting time at the marina is after 7:00 pm. Please notify your captain in advance if you are delayed and will not arrive by 7pm. Upon arrival, the front desk at the marina will direct you to the Sailing Collective boat. Each Sailing Collective sailboats dons our banner and logo where your captain and crew will be waiting for to arrive. After everyone arrives and settles in aboard, we will dine ashore. Please note: the evening of Day 1 and the morning of Day 2, passengers should purchase alcohol or other beverages for the week as well as any last minute personal provisioning.

Charter Base: Spartivento Yacht Charter - Portorosa • You will find the Spartivento Yachter Base near the Fuel Station and by the Portorosa Charter & Broker near the restaurant.

AIRPORT

Catania International Airport is the nearest arrival airport, about 150 km (2-3 hours by road) from Marina di Portorosa.

Alternative airport is the Falcone–Borsellino Airport in Palermo, which is approximately 200 km Marina di Portorosa (2-3 hours by road)

AIRLINES THAT FLY TO CATANIA

Easyjet Lufthansa Air France British Airways Australian Airways

TRANSPORTATION FROM AIRPORT TO MARINA

Catania Airport to Tonnarella and Marina di Portorosa takes roughly 2-3 hours and there is a variety of ways to get to Marina di Portorosa. We recommend arriving in Catania, Sicily no later than 11am of Day 1 to allow time to travel to Marina di Portorosa in Tonnarella. Hotels available for early arrivals.

For groups, private vans and taxis can be arranged for approximately 200 EUR. Other methods are bus, train, or rental car.

Bus: 2 stops, 2 hours 40 minutes - $12

Train: 4 stops, 3 hours 10 minutes - $34

Car: 1 hour 50 minutes - Fuel Cost $35 Rental Cost $35 - $100

PROVISIONING

Sailing Collective will provision your journey with local foods and produce. Cooking Aboard: Your Sailing Collective chef is incredibly talented and can handle the group's needs with ease. We are all about participation and learning, so if you'd like to help, just ask and we'll get you involved! Collective groups may choose to dine out more times than scheduled if the group or individuals choose.

Included in the provisioning package includes: 7 Breakfast, 6 Lunch, 3 Dinner, Light Snacks*, Water, Coffee & Tea

Not included in provisioning package: Soft Drinks, Alcohol, Wine, Beer, etc.

Dietary Restrictions: Important to notify your Sailing Collective representative of any dietary restrictions ahead of time and fill out details in Guest Form

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

Please ensure your passport is valid for the period of travel and for six months after you return. Your passport name must match the name on the flight ticket otherwise you may not be able to travel and insurance may be invalid.

It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure relevant visas are obtained where necessary. The Sailing Collective cannot be held responsible for refusal of entry or travel due to lack of visas. If you are in any doubt please contact your Embassy for full details.

ADDITIONAL COST

Recommended $300 – $600 in spending money depending on spending habits.
Additional food and beverages including alcohol.
All expenses on shore including meals and drinks.
Flights and transportation to and from the marina location.

GRATUITY

Tipping captain and crew is customary and trips are split evenly between the crew. 10-20% is satisfactory and crew can accept cash (USD / EURO), check, PayPal, and Venmo.

PACKING LIST

Collapsible bags in place of large rigid suitcases are advised for ease of transport on and off the boat.Loading and unloading from the dingy can be a wet activity, a pair of shoes such as flip flops that you can get wet if we are landing on a beach.

During days on the water, you’ll want to be wearing light and comfortable clothing. As the vast majority of your time will be spent outside, prepare for elements - bring a light rain coat just in case, a hat to shield yourself from the sun, and a set of warm clothing. Throughout the week we may dine out at a nice restaurant, so bring gear that you’ll look nice in and suits your style. Loading and unloading from the dingy can be a wet activity, a pair of shoes that you can get wet is recommended.

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