Aeolian Islands Catamaran Cruise from Capo d'Orlando - 7 Day Sailing Itinerary in Sicily
Sicily, IT
7 days cruise, 17 dates available
Catamaran
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 7 day catamaran sailing itinerary through the Aeolian Islands, combining volcanic landscapes, protected anchorages, island hopping and open sea navigation between Sicily and the archipelago.
The Aeolian Islands form one of the most geologically active and visually striking sailing areas in the entire Mediterranean. This 7 day catamaran cruise explores the archipelago from Capo d'Orlando, a well-positioned base on the northeastern Sicilian coast that offers direct access to the islands without long open-sea passages. The route connects seven volcanic islands, each with a distinct character, a different coastline and a different pace of life, making this itinerary one of the most varied island hopping experiences available in Italian waters.
Navigation follows a natural rhythm through the week. Sailing distances between islands are generally manageable, ranging from short crossings of a few nautical miles to longer passages toward the outer islands of Filicudi and Stromboli. The catamaran format is well suited to this type of sailing, offering stability at anchor, deck space for swimming stops and enough onboard comfort to make longer passages enjoyable rather than demanding.
The islands alternate between the lively and the remote. Lipari and Panarea draw visitors for their waterfront life, local restaurants and evening atmosphere. Filicudi and Alicudi remain almost entirely undeveloped, with rugged coastlines, sea caves and an absence of crowds that is increasingly rare in the Mediterranean. Salina stands apart for its agriculture and elevation, producing the capers, malvasia wine and granita that define Aeolian food culture. Vulcano and Stromboli anchor the experience in something more raw, where volcanic activity shapes the coastline and the daily schedule in equal measure.
Days onboard alternate between active sailing and slower anchored moments. Snorkeling stops, paddleboard sessions, swims in turquoise bays accessible only by boat and evenings in harbor villages with local food and wine are all part of the weekly flow. This Aeolian Islands sailing holiday is particularly suited to travelers looking for a Sicily catamaran cruise that combines nature, coastal scenery and authentic Mediterranean island culture within a single week at sea.
Itinerary
Day1
Capo d'Orlando, Boarding and First Navigation toward Vulcano
Boarding begins in the late afternoon at Capo d'Orlando Marina, the departure point for this Aeolian Islands sailing itinerary. After settling into the cabins and a welcome briefing with the crew covering safety, navigation plan and life onboard, there is time to explore the marina area before departure. Weather permitting, the catamaran sets sail in the early evening toward the first anchorage near Vulcano Island, covering the initial stretch of open water as the Sicilian coastline fades behind. Dinner is served onboard at anchor or in port depending on arrival time.
Day2
Vulcano and Lipari
The morning begins with the volcanic coastline of Vulcano visible from deck, one of the most immediately recognizable landscapes in the archipelago. Swimming stops near the Grotta del Cavallo and the Piscina di Venere, a natural coastal pool carved into the volcanic rock, offer a first real encounter with the clarity of Aeolian water. After lunch onboard, the catamaran sails north toward Lipari along a passage that follows sea cliffs and small hidden coves accessible only by boat. Lipari is the largest and most populated island in the archipelago, and the evening is free to spend along the marina promenade, in one of the local restaurants in the old town or exploring the streets above the harbor.
Day3
Salina and Pollara Bay
After breakfast, navigation continues northwest toward Salina, the greenest island in the Aeolian archipelago and the only one with enough fresh water and elevation to support serious agriculture. The route includes a stop at Pollara Bay, a partially submerged volcanic crater forming a dramatic natural amphitheater open to the sea, known internationally as the filming location for the movie Il Postino. The bay is one of the most photogenic anchorages in the entire Mediterranean and is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and paddleboarding in calm conditions. The evening is spent at Santa Marina Salina or Lingua, where local producers sell Malvasia wine, caper products and almond granita that reflect the distinct food identity of this island.
Day4
Filicudi and Offshore Navigation
A longer sailing day leads west toward Filicudi, one of the least developed and most naturally preserved islands in the archipelago. The passage covers open water and the coastline becomes progressively more rugged and remote as the main tourist circuit falls behind. Sea caves, basalt rock formations and deep blue water characterize the area around La Canna, a solitary sea stack rising vertically from the surface, and the Grotta del Bue Marino, a large marine cave that can be explored by dinghy or on calm days by swimming. Stops are adjusted according to sea and wind conditions. The night is spent at anchor in a quiet bay, with dinner onboard under an open sky well away from any harbor lights.
Day5
Panarea and the Volcanic Islets of Basiluzzo
Morning navigation heads back east toward Panarea, the smallest and in many ways the most distinctive inhabited island in the archipelago. Before reaching the main harbor, the catamaran anchors around Basiluzzo and the cluster of uninhabited volcanic islets nearby, an area known for exceptional water clarity and underwater formations well suited to snorkeling and freediving. Panarea village in the evening moves at a pace entirely its own, with narrow stone streets, whitewashed houses, waterfront bars and views across the surrounding islands that are particularly strong at sunset. The island is small enough to explore comfortably on foot in a couple of hours.
Day6
Stromboli and the Sciara del Fuoco
The route continues northeast toward Stromboli, one of the most persistently active volcanoes in Europe and arguably the most memorable stop on any Aeolian Islands sailing itinerary. The day allows time for swimming near Strombolicchio, the ancient volcanic plug that rises from the sea a short distance from the main island, and for exploring the black sand village and its narrow lanes. Guests who want to hike toward the crater can organize a guided ascent through local operators, with group departures typically scheduled in the afternoon for summit arrival at sunset. Whether from the summit or from the water, the evening navigation along the Sciara del Fuoco, the active lava channel descending directly into the sea, is one of the defining experiences of the entire cruise, with volcanic eruptions and glowing material often clearly visible from the deck.
Day7
Return Navigation to Capo d'Orlando and Disembarkation
After breakfast, the catamaran begins the return passage south toward Capo d'Orlando, crossing the open water between Stromboli and the Sicilian coast. Depending on wind, timing and sea conditions, the crew may organize one or two swimming stops along the route before the final approach to the marina. Arrival is scheduled during the afternoon or early evening. Guests sleep onboard for the final night and disembarkation takes place the following morning by 9:00 AM.
Important Note
This itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, currents and marine activity. Dive sites and schedule are adjusted daily by the team to ensure safety and the best possible underwater experience.
Cruise price details
Entire yacht price
€ 11215.28
€ 8075
Book the entire yacht for a private trip
Included in the price
2 Crew: Skipper and Chef by Gambero Rosso Academy
SAILUXE Service: welcome cocktail, sustainable bath amenities and sunscreen by Ortigia Linea Florio, bath towels, bathrobes, beach towels, hairdryers, Illy coffee machine, 18 complimentary caps, final cleaning
Water Toys Pack: 2 SUPs and snorkeling kits
Dinghy Highfield DL390 with Honda BF 40E outboard engine
Mooring on first and last day at the base marina
Wi-Fi SAILUXE 21GB
Yacht additional fees
SAILUXE Pack L52 (includes all the services mentioned above): €4,400
APA - Advanced Provisioning Allowance: €3,000
Damage Waiver with €1,500 pre-authorization deposit: €500
Extra services
Change of bed linen and towels per week (on request): €200
Stepping aboard a Lagoon 52 means entering a space where the boundary between the cockpit and the saloon simply disappears. Light fills every corner, movement flows naturally from one area to the next, and the overall feel is one of a boat designed for people who want to actually live onboard, not just sleep there between passages.
The Lagoon 52 is built around the idea that space and flow matter more than square footage alone. The cockpit sits flush with the saloon, connected through wide sliding doors that tend to stay open from morning until the last drink of the evening. The result is a single continuous living area that expands outward toward the water, with the flybridge deck above providing natural shade over the aft dining space without closing it in.
The flybridge itself is a proper social space. There is enough room to move around the helm station freely, and the steering wheel pivots to port or starboard so the skipper maintains clear visibility without disrupting anyone settled into the seating areas nearby. From up there the sailing perspective changes entirely, with open views across the water in every direction.
Below deck the layout is generous and private. Each cabin comes with its own ensuite bathroom and shower, headroom is comfortable throughout, and large hull windows combined with overhead hatches keep the interiors bright and ventilated even at anchor in the heat of the day. The galley is positioned to allow real cooking underway, equipped with a full oven, large fridge and freezer, and enough counter space to prepare proper meals for a full group.
The Lagoon 52 is available in Flybridge and SportTop versions, with cabin configurations from three to six cabins. The exact model will be confirmed before departure while maintaining the same standard of comfort and onboard space.
Yacht
Model
2022 Lagoon 52F
Length
15.9 m
Yacht services
Air conditioning
Yes
Accommodations
Max guests
10
Double cabins
5
Bathrooms
5
Private Bathrooms
No
Crew
0
Chef on board
Yes
Other facilities
Dinghy
Outboard engine
Teak Cockpit
Refrigerator
Teak Cockpit
Flybridge
Refrigerator
Stand up paddle: 2
Chart plotter in cockpit
Radar
Autopilot
Lazy bag
Lazy bag
Air condition
Cockpit speakers
Cockpit speakers
Refrigerator
TV
Dinghy
Hydraulic gangway
Inverter
Water maker
Coffee maker
Dishwasher
Generator
Electric toilet: 6
Cabins
Standard Double Cabin
2
cabin capacity
double bed
Cruise activities and tips
Travel organizer tips
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.
