Sicily & the Aeolian Islands
Seven volcanic islands rising out of the sea north of Sicily. The Aeolians are one of the most atmospheric charter grounds in the Mediterranean — small, dramatic, and unmistakably Italian.
A cruising overview
Stromboli is one of the world's most active volcanoes, often displaying visible volcanic activity after sunset. Panarea is a single chic village above a turquoise bay. Salina is green and quiet, Lipari is the historical capital, and Vulcano carries the smell of sulphur in the morning air. Distances between islands rarely exceed two hours under power.
Charters typically begin in Milazzo or Portorosa on the Sicilian mainland and complete a slow loop of the archipelago. With more time, the route can extend west toward the Egadi islands or east into the Strait of Messina.
May – October
June and September offer the most settled sea. July and August are warmer but more crowded around Panarea.
7 days
Minimum: 5 days
Recommended: 7–10 days including a Stromboli night-eruption viewing
- Portorosa — main charter base, north-east Sicily
- Milazzo — ferry port & charter alternative
- Marina del Nettuno (Messina) — city base, eastern Sicily
- Catania — international airport, southern entry point
The right yacht for these waters
Sailing Yachts 40–55ft
Light afternoon thermals make for pleasant downwind sailing between islands — Bavaria, Jeanneau, Beneteau. From €2,500/week.
Catamarans 40–52ft
Stable platforms for anchoring at Cala Junco (Panarea) or Pollara (Salina) — Lagoon 46, Bali 4.6. From €5,500/week.
Motor Yachts 45–75ft
Fast cruising suits the short interisland legs — Princess, Azimut, Sanlorenzo, Ferretti. From €12,000/week.
Luxury Crewed Yachts 75–150ft
Sanlorenzo, Benetti and Riva with full crew — popular for combined Sicily–Malta itineraries. From €55,000/week.
What you'll remember
Stromboli by night
Anchor off Sciara del Fuoco at dusk — on active evenings, the volcano's glow against the dark sky is unforgettable.
Panarea aperitivo
Tender ashore for a drink at Hotel Raya before dinner at Hycesia.
Cala Junco, Panarea
One of the most beautiful natural pools in the Mediterranean.
Pollara, Salina
The Il Postino beach — capers, granita and a long quiet swim.
Vulcano's mud baths
Sulphurous and ancient — a memorable morning ashore.
Sicilian gastronomy
Tuna from Favignana, sea urchin from Lipari, granita from Noto.
Good questions, good answers
- Is Stromboli safe to approach?
- Yes — anchoring well offshore of Sciara del Fuoco is standard practice and one of the most memorable moments of any Aeolian charter. Your captain will follow current volcanic-activity advisories.
- Can we combine Sicily with the Amalfi Coast?
- Yes — a one-way charter from Naples to Portorosa (or reverse) takes 10–14 days and is one of our most popular Italian routes.
- Are the Aeolians good for families?
- Yes, with the caveat that infrastructure is rustic compared to Costa Smeralda. The islands suit families who enjoy nature and food over beach clubs.
- What's the dining like aboard?
- Sicilian markets are exceptional — most crewed yachts plan a provisioning day in Milazzo or Lipari for fresh fish, tomatoes, caper berries and local wines.
A bespoke yacht charter, personally arranged.
Tell us your dates and preferences. We'll return with a tailored selection of yachts and a proposed itinerary within 24 hours.