Aeolian Islands Sailing Itinerary from Portorosa - 7-Day Sicily Catamaran Holiday through Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea and Stromboli
11 September 2027 - 18 September 2027
Sicily, IT
7 days trip
10 places avaliable
Sailboat
Price may vary depending on the cruise date.
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
A one-week catamaran sailing holiday departing from Portorosa and navigating the UNESCO-listed Aeolian archipelago north of Sicily, with volcanic coastlines, transparent anchorages and a route that connects six islands in seven days.
Seven islands of volcanic origin, each shaped by geological forces still visibly at work, rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea between Sicily and the Italian peninsula. The Aeolian archipelago was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000 for the scientific value of its active and dormant volcanic systems, but for sailors the islands offer something more immediate: a compact sailing area where the distances between stops are short, the anchorages are sheltered and the character of each island is different enough to make every passage feel like a genuine arrival somewhere new.
Portorosa Marina, located on the northeastern tip of Sicily near Milazzo, is positioned to make the most of this proximity. The crossing to Vulcano, the southernmost island of the archipelago and the first stop on this itinerary, takes only a few hours and can be managed in the evening after boarding. From there, the route moves northward through the islands in a sequence shaped by prevailing winds, sailing distances and the natural logic of the archipelago itself.
The Aeolian Islands divide broadly into two groups in terms of the experience they offer. Lipari, Salina and Panarea form a cluster of inhabited islands with distinctive food cultures, waterfront communities and enough activity on the ground to reward an evening ashore. Stromboli, Vulcano and to a lesser degree Filicudi sit in a different register: volcanic, elemental and in the case of Stromboli actively erupting, with a geological drama that no amount of cultural tourism can replicate. This itinerary moves between both registers through the week, alternating the social and culinary pleasures of Lipari's old town and Salina's wine producers with the raw natural spectacle of Vulcano's fumarole fields and Stromboli's lava channel at night.
Navigation in the Aeolian Islands is generally manageable in summer conditions, with the Tramontana from the north and the Scirocco from the south being the dominant wind patterns. The proximity of the islands and the abundance of sheltered anchorages on their lee sides means that most daily passages can be planned to work with the prevailing conditions, and the crew adapts the daily schedule each morning based on wind forecast and sea state.
Itinerary
Day1
Portorosa, Boarding and First Crossing toward Vulcano
The week begins at Portorosa Marina, where boarding is possible from 18:00. The marina sits in a sheltered inlet on the Sicilian coast with full provisioning facilities and parking nearby. After organizing the cabins, a welcome briefing with the skipper covers safety procedures, the plan for the week and the practical aspects of life onboard. The catamaran departs in the early evening for the crossing to Vulcano, navigating northwest into the Tyrrhenian Sea as the Sicilian coast recedes behind and the silhouettes of the Aeolian Islands emerge ahead. Arrival is planned at an anchorage on the lee side of Vulcano during the night or early morning, with dinner served onboard underway.
Day2
Vulcano, Volcanic Coastline and Passage to Lipari
The first full day opens at anchor off Vulcano, where the volcanic nature of the archipelago is immediately legible in the landscape. The island's southern crater, Gran Cratere, last erupted in 1890 and remains geothermally active, with sulfuric fumaroles venting steam from the crater rim visible from the sea. The coastline alternates between black lava beaches, ochre-colored cliffs eroded into caves and bays and the thermal mud pools near Porto di Levante that attract visitors from across the archipelago. The morning is spent swimming, exploring by tender and taking in the volcanic scenery before the boat sails north toward Lipari. The channel between Vulcano and Lipari is one of the shorter crossings in the archipelago. Lipari town wraps around its marina below a fortified promontory enclosing a Norman castle, a 17th-century cathedral and the Aeolian Archaeological Museum, whose collection traces human settlement on the islands back 6,000 years. The evening is free for dinner in the old town. Overnight onboard in Lipari.
Day3
Lipari to Salina via the Western Coastline
The morning sail from Lipari heads northwest along the western coast of the island, passing pumice cliffs and sea caves before the open crossing to Salina. Salina is the only Aeolian island with reliable freshwater springs, a geological accident that has allowed the island to develop a food and agricultural identity unlike any other in the archipelago. The twin volcanic peaks of Monte Fossa delle Felci and Monte dei Porri frame the island from the sea and the terraced slopes between them produce capers, malvasia grapes and the tomatoes that appear in every dish served on the island. A swim stop in a sheltered bay along the northern coast of Salina breaks the passage before arrival at Santa Marina on the eastern side or Rinella on the south, depending on wind and timing. Local restaurants serving fresh fish, island capers in brine and chilled malvasia wine make dinner ashore the natural choice for the evening. Overnight onboard at Salina.
Day4
Salina to Panarea via Basiluzzo
A morning sail east from Salina leads toward Panarea, the smallest permanently inhabited island in the Aeolian archipelago, with a route that passes through the cluster of volcanic islets northeast of the island. Basiluzzo, the largest of the uninhabited islets, rises sharply from the sea with vertical basalt walls and a flat summit that was cultivated in Roman times, its ancient terraces still visible from the water. The underwater topography around Basiluzzo and the surrounding rocks makes this one of the most visually rewarding snorkeling areas in the archipelago, with volcanic formations, sea fans and excellent clarity in settled conditions. The catamaran anchors for a swim stop before continuing to the main anchorage off Panarea village. Panarea operates without motor vehicles, its white cubic houses connected by stone footpaths that wind between bougainvillea-covered walls and small terraces facing the sea. The evening belongs entirely to the island, with time to walk the paths above the village and watch the sun set over the surrounding archipelago before dinner. Overnight at anchor or in the marina off Panarea.
Day5
Panarea to Stromboli
The route northeast from Panarea to Stromboli covers open water between the two most dramatic islands on the itinerary. Stromboli has erupted continuously for at least 2,000 years, earning the name Lighthouse of the Mediterranean from ancient sailors who used its intermittent glow as a navigational reference across the open Tyrrhenian. The island is inhabited by a small permanent community and visited by day-trippers and sailing boats from across the archipelago, but it retains a particular atmosphere that comes from living alongside a persistently active geological system. During the afternoon there is time for swimming near Strombolicchio, the isolated basalt pinnacle rising from the sea off the northeastern coast, and for walking the black sand lanes of the village between the two main settlement areas of San Vincenzo and Ficogrande. Guests who want to reach the active summit zone can book a guided ascent through local operators, with departures timed to arrive at the observatory point at dusk. From the water or from the slope above, the evening navigation past the Sciara del Fuoco as darkness falls, watching incandescent material cascade down the lava channel into the sea, is the moment that defines the week. Overnight at anchor near Stromboli.
Day6
Return toward Lipari with Swimming Stops
The return passage south from Stromboli follows the eastern side of the archipelago, with the skipper selecting intermediate stops according to wind direction and the pace preferred by the group. The open water between Stromboli and Lipari offers the possibility of deep-water swimming away from any coastline, a different quality of blue from the shallow anchorages of the inner islands. A final stop at a secluded cove on the northern or eastern coast of Lipari allows a last unhurried swim before the boat settles in the harbor for the final night among the islands. Dinner ashore in Lipari for the second time in the week, with enough familiarity now to find the quieter restaurants behind the waterfront rather than those on the promenade.
Day7
Return to Portorosa and Disembarkation
After breakfast, the catamaran sets course southeast for the return crossing to Portorosa. The Sicilian coast comes into view as the Aeolian Islands fall behind, and the passage gives a final perspective on the volcanic silhouettes of the archipelago from open water. Depending on sea conditions and timing, the skipper may organize a last swimming stop before the approach to the marina. Arrival in Portorosa takes place during the afternoon or early evening. Guests spend the final night onboard and disembarkation takes place the following morning after breakfast by 08:00.
Important Note
This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, currents and marine activity. Anchorages and daily schedule are adjusted by the skipper to ensure safety and the best possible sailing experience throughout the week.
Cruise price details
Entire yacht price
€ 2772
Book the entire yacht for a private trip
Included in the price
Entire boat rental
Tender
Mooring at the base
Complete equipment of the boat
Mooring on first and last day at the base marina
Yacht additional fees
Starter Pack: bed linen in each cabin, bath towel set per crew member, 1 gas bottle, final cleaning, outboard engine: €620
SailSafe Damage Waiver, non-refundable, alternative to security deposit, no deposit required: €490
Security deposit: €3,500.00
Extra services
BBQ gas: €150
Beach towel: €10
Pet cleaning fee: €150
Coffee capsules, 10 capsules: €5
Delayed check-in on Sunday morning: €200
Early check-in at 15:00, subject to availability: €350
The Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 is a 46-foot performance cruiser designed by Berret-Racoupeau with interiors by Nauta Design that was named Yacht of the Year at the Düsseldorf boat show in 2019. The chined hull, wider beam carried well aft and a substantially increased sail area compared to its predecessor produce a boat that is both genuinely fast under sail and genuinely comfortable to live aboard during a week at sea.
The Oceanis 46.1 was developed as the direct successor to the Oceanis 45, one of Beneteau's most commercially successful models, and the brief was to improve on an already well-regarded platform in every measurable area: more interior space, more sail area, better performance and a more refined finish below deck. The result is a boat that Sail Magazine described as a performance cruiser that not only makes lots of sense but is a joy to sail, and Yachting Monthly noted for having the steering very right, with a forward cockpit clear of lines and plenty of lounging space.
On deck, the cockpit is organized for both sailing and socializing without the two getting in each other's way. Twin wheels at the stern give clear visibility over the transom platform and direct access down to the water, a large central table seats eight comfortably, and two reclining sun loungers on either side of the companionway add a level of deck comfort that is unusual on a 46-foot production monohull. All lines are led aft to the helm stations, allowing short-handed sailing without crew movement on deck during maneuvers. The First Line version adds a longer mast, 28 percent more sail area and Harken deck hardware for guests who want more performance out of the same hull.
Below deck, the interior designed by Nauta Design is where the additional beam gained from the chined hull makes itself fully felt. The forward owner's cabin benefits from the full bow sections that Yachting World noted as belonging to a longer boat entirely, with an island double berth oriented fore and aft, a separate shower compartment and a private heads room that together produce a level of space more commonly found on a 50-foot yacht. The saloon is bright and well proportioned, with hull portlights, cabin-side windows and overhead hatches flooding the space with natural light throughout the day. The galley is equipped for serious provisioning with ample counter space, refrigeration and cooking facilities suited to a full group over a week at sea.
The Oceanis 46.1 is available in three or four cabin configurations. The exact layout will be confirmed before departure while maintaining the same standard of onboard comfort and finish.
What to pack for a sailing holiday?
Pack smart for your yacht charter: choose a soft bag instead of a hard suitcase, bring lightweight layers, reef-safe sunscreen, and non-slip shoes for onboard use. A couple of swimsuits and motion sickness remedies can also make a big difference. Each boat has limited storage, so pack light, but wisely! Need help building the perfect list? Read our full guide: What to pack in a suitcase for a yacht charter
What’s a Typical Day Like on a Yacht Charter?
Start your day with a swim in a quiet bay, sail to hidden beaches or seaside villages, and enjoy a slow lunch on deck. Afternoons mean snorkeling, sunbathing, or exploring ashore. As the sun sets, your boat anchors in a scenic cove or near a harbor, ready for a relaxed dinner and a night under the stars. Curious about the full experience? Discover more in our guide: What’s a typical day like on a sailing holiday?
Who Handles Cooking and Cleaning on a Yacht Charter?
On skipper-only charters, guests usually share cooking and cleaning duties, think salads, pasta, and good teamwork. If there's a hostess, light meals and tidying are included, but it's still a casual, collaborative vibe. On fully crewed yachts, you’ll enjoy full service with a chef and crew managing everything. Want to know what’s included in your setup? Read the full guide: Who takes care of cooking and cleaning on a sailing charter?
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather During a Sailing Holiday?
Summer sailing holidays rarely face major weather issues, but when the sea gets rough, skippers adjust the route for your safety. Expect protected bays, marina stops, or a change in plan. These moments often lead to unexpected gems: local towns to explore, time to relax on board, or cozy dinners ashore. Curious about how crews handle these changes? Read the full FAQ: What to do in case of adverse weather conditions or changes to the itinerary
Reservations are subjected to acceptance after availability checks. In case, the selected cruise is not available we will contact you with similar offers.
