This active sailing adventure in Italy is full of phenomenal experiences. From sailing on a historic tall ship to hiking on volcanoes, immersing yourself in 6,000-year-old culture and exploring the beautiful archipelago, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The volcanic islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the northern coast of Sicily are characterised by wild, unspoilt nature. They are known as the ‘Aeolian or Lipari Islands’ because, according to Greek legend, the god of wind, Aeolus, once lived here. This jewel in the Mediterranean consists of seven inhabited islands and each one is different. From beautiful green hills to bubbling craters, you will find a wide variety of unique natural landscapes in a very small area. In 2000, the Aeolian Islands archipelago was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The regular volcanic eruptions of Stromboli offer a unique natural spectacle and the volcanic mountains and Mediterranean landscapes are a true paradise for hikers.
An unforgettable and varied sailing holiday with daily walks ashore providing a pleasant contrast to the sailing life on board.
This trip will feature a hiking guide who will lead daily hikes on the islands, with a minimum of 4 hours per trip.
The Aeolian Islands
Although Lipari has about 5,000 inhabitants, it retains the charm of a typical Sicilian village. It boasts one of Italy’s finest archaeological museums and a picturesque old town full of small shops.
Salina, also called the Green Islands, was revived as an agricultural centre in the 1970s. The island has numerous vineyards and is known for its dessert wine, Malvasia delle Lipari, and for its capers, considered the best in the world. Hikers can trek through beautiful pine forests and chestnut groves to the archipelago’s highest peak.
On arrival at Vulcano, we are immediately greeted by the smell of sulphur. Until the 19th century, sulphur and alum were mined just metres from the quay. Today, the harbour is lined with souvenir shops, spas, hotels and bars, and visitors can enjoy sulphur mud baths. A highlight of this island is the walk to the crater, where you can see the yellow sulphurous fumaroles.
Stromboli has served as a navigation point for sailors since ancient times, especially at night due to its frequent eruptions. The volcano erupts every 15 to 20 minutes, and depending on magma levels in the chimney, lava sparks can rise hundreds of metres above the crater rim.
Tip: There are direct ferry connections from Milazzo and Palermo to Lipari.
