We start at Baia, west of Naples. Once the most fashionable leisure spot of the Roman Empire, Baia is now a small coastal town. We may make our first sail up the Amalfi coast to Salerno, a city with the temperament of southern Italy and an interesting historic centre.
Now we set course for the Liparian Islands southwards and, if possible, visit all seven inhabited islands, each one unique and impressive. A fascinating archipelago, the seven Liparian or Aeolian Islands have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since November 2000 – and rightly so! The volcanic phenomena of this charming archipelago are unique, and each island has its own character.
The northernmost island is Stromboli: pure volcano, which extends from 2,000 metres below sea level to 924 metres high and has been continuously active for 2,000 years. Stromboli village in the northeast – actually several small settlements – is the starting point for climbing the volcano. From the settlement of Piscita, the climb begins, obviously only for those who want to.
The 2.5 to 3-hour ascent – with a guide only – is a unique opportunity to admire the breathtaking nocturnal natural fireworks. The crater erupting several times an hour is fascinating and a unique experience in Europe. The guides know the mountain and the weather extremely well, which is reassuring.
Alternatively, the old route up to 400 metres is also possible without a guide. From there, there is a nice view of the lava flow to the crater, a panoramic spectacle. Depending on the weather, we can sail by ship or dinghy to Sciara de Fuoco, to watch the volcano’s glowing lava flows slide into the sea. A beautiful nocturnal spectacle.
We then plan a trip to Panarea, the small island of the Aeolian archipelago, which is beautiful and very expensive because Italian millionaires like to be here.
Our island hopping continues to Salina, the second largest island, which is very different: watery, green, fertile and with steep cliff coasts and the Monte Porri (860 m) and Monte Fossa (963 m) mountain peaks, the highest peaks in the entire archipelago. The area, covered with macchia, chestnut, pine and oak forests, has been under nature conservation since 1981 and lends itself to beautiful walks. Off Santa Marina Salina, a well-kept village with a slightly romantic atmosphere, we stay at anchor overnight.
We then set sail for Lipari, the largest of the islands with 38 km² and the impressive 602-metre-high Mount Chirica. This is where the archipelago’s ‘capital’ is located: Lipari town. The pretty, lively town, idyllically situated on a lava rock and with a fort dating back to Spanish times, evokes its imposing history. A tour of the island and a visit to the old observatory are well worthwhile. We will do this on foot. The island offers plenty of beautiful beaches and coves. To the north is ‘Aquacalda’, the ‘warm water’, with a beautiful view of the islands of Panarea and Salina.
Vulcano – Sicily’s nearest island – welcomes us with the typical sulphur smell, and signs of volcanic activity are everywhere. The 21km² island is a spa, and this is where the ‘mud fight’ is going on. Vulcano’s geothermal springs with healing mud help against rheumatism and skin conditions. A visit is worthwhile, and afterwards you can enjoy the thermal springs in the sea for a massage, if you like.
Depending on the wind and weather, we may also visit Alicudi, a quiet outpost of the archipelago. This small island offers the extinct volcano Timpone della Montagnola, which is up to 675 m high. Only about 100 people live there, and transport is by mule. There are beautiful snorkelling spots and it is wonderfully peaceful. And, if possible, we continue our island hopping to Filicudi, its also small and quiet neighbour of about 10 km².
A beautiful sailing trip south takes us to the Strait of Messina, the Stretto di Messina, which is only 3 km wide at its narrowest point and separates Kalabria from Sicily, where the Tyrrhenian Sea meets the Ionian Sea. With its plankton-rich waters, the Strait of Messina is a paradise for many fish species.
Sicily’s east coast is its richest and most visited region. A swimming stop a little further south along the coast with views of the mountain ranges in the hinterland is a must. We might raise anchor and visit Taormina yet. A popular holiday destination, Taormina still has plenty of charm. Its location, 200 metres above the coast, is fantastic and the views of majestic Mount Etna are breathtaking. Small squares, narrow streets and pretty facades invite you to visit.
Check-out after lunch on 4.June at 3pm in Catania (Sicily).
This itinerary is a non-binding suggestion. The final route will be determined by the captain, depending on wind and weather conditions. Changes and errors reserved.
The Sir Robert Baden Powell is not only a sailing ship but also an SSI diving base. With its diving instructor, the ship offers one dive per day. The day is organised so that diving and other activities do not interfere with each other and everyone can have their fun. Furthermore, SUPs and snorkelling equipment are available on board. It is advisable to inform us in advance of your interest in diving, so that the ship can better organise it.
