Sailing and Hiking in the Aeolian Islands

Arrive in the airport in Catania and receive transportation to Milazzo, the beautiful port town where you’ll embark on the gulet for the week. Your guide will brief you on boat safety rules and give you an overview of the week. Enjoy your first night on the ship as you take off from the dock. All aboard!

Enjoy breakfast on board as you sail towards the first of the Aeolian Islands you’ll visit on this tour: Vulcano. Before lunch, you have free time to experience the therapeutic benefits of natural mud baths or walk along the black-sand beaches next to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Fuel up on board, then disembark to summit the Cratere della Fossa to discover its fascinating volcanic geography with fumaroles and crystallized sulphur formations. Relax on the gulet for dinner and rest.

Spend about 2.5 hours on the sea as you sail towards Panarea in the morning. Once anchored, you’ll disembark to wander the island where you can stop at the stunning Calajunco beach and later admire the ruins of an ancient village. In your free time, feel free to jump in and swim! All meals onboard the gulet, and return to get a good night’s sleep for tomorrow’s hike.

Are you interested in hiking to the top of the largest volcano in the Aeolian Islands? Well, you’re in luck! About 2 hours after departing from Panarea, the ship arrives at the shores of Stromboli. Spend a bit of free time getting acquainted with the village then meet your group to begin the ascent of Stromboli.* A moderately challenging hike brings you to the top, at which point you can witness the volcano’s explosive activity up close—it erupts with lava several times an hour. Enjoy a picnic dinner before embarking for the night.

*The hike to Stromboli is optional. If you prefer, or if hiking Stromboli is prohibited at the time of your tour, you can hike to the Sciara del Fuoco for a comparable vista.

Head towards Salina today with a long sailing time of about 5 hours. You’ll have the opportunity to dive into the sea in one of the most beautiful bays on this island. You’ll notice right away how green Salina is thanks to its lush and varied flora. Step off the boat in search of Salina’s local products like malvasia, a sweet wine, and salty capers. Have your meals onboard and cozy up in your cabin for the night.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Val di Chiesa as the starting point for today’s hike. Among the vineyards on the island, you’ll find many ancient wonders and sanctuaries. Take an optional hike to Monte Fossa delle Felci for some unparalleled panoramas overlooking the small fishing village of Malfa. In the afternoon, you can swim at leisure and the group will have a packed lunch.

The last island you’ll visit on this tour, Lipari, is home to Punta Crapazza—a point that offers magnificent views and breathtaking landscapes. Return to the gulet for lunch and departure to Milazzo. Ask your captain to stop somewhere for one last swim in the cobalt sea!

After your final breakfast in Milazzo with your group, receive transportation to either the airport in Catania or Palermo. Say ciao to your new friends as you head off with plenty of memories.