Discover Italy’s most desirable coastlines and create refreshing life-long memories on an Aeolian Islands flotilla vacation in Portorosa. Among the shimmering warm waters of the Mediterranean, cast off and explore together as you weave between a labyrinth of sensational volcanic islands. Enjoy relaxed sailing with consistent winds and short passages from one remarkable UNESCO-protected location to the next. With black sand beaches and authentic Sicilian culture beckoning on shore, your flotilla lead crew will lend support during every step of your nautical journey.

2023 Departure Dates:

  • July 16, 2023 
  • July 22, 2023
  • September 30, 2023

2024 Departure Dates:

  • July 13, 2024
  • July 20, 2024
  • Sep 28, 2024

 
To book an Aeolian Islands Flotilla, call 1800 803 988.

*The program may be changed due to weather conditions or particular/unforeseen events. 

**The cost of participation is €240 per person, which includes lead yacht, assistance, fuel, welcome drink and happy hour. Cost of yacht, mooring fees and restaurants are not included.

7
Days

Highlights

  • Relaxed sailing with fine winds
  • Clear, warm waters ideal for snorkelling
  • Spectacular black sand beaches
  • Europe’s second-largest active volcano
  • UNESCO-protected Aeolian Islands
Day 1

Portorosa

The day's sailing

0
Nautical miles
0 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Sunbathing Sunbathing
  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Diving icon Diving
  • Shopping Shopping
  • Exploring Exploring
View of Portorosa, Sicily

Begin your flotilla charter with a warm welcome and refreshing libation at the lovely Portorosa Marina, nestled in the northeast corner of Sicily. Spend the first day getting familiar with your yacht and getting to know fellow travelers at the base before reclining on one of Sicily's many beaches or exploring the nearby town of Tonnarella. Sleep on board your yacht and wake up to your morning flotilla yacht briefing.

Discover Portorosa

Tonnarella Dell'Uzzo beach

Tonnarella

Explore the charming town of Tonnarella and sample world-renowned Sicilian cuisine. Relax on lovely sandy beaches that stretch along either side of the beautiful harbour.

Day 2

Portorosa to Vulcano

The day's sailing

15
Nautical miles
3 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Sunbathing Sunbathing
  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Diving icon Diving
  • Shopping Shopping
  • Exploring Exploring
Vulcano island on the Aeolian Islands

Set sail towards the other-worldly island of Vulcano, named for the steaming peaks that crown the island. You’ll anchor in Porto di Levente or Ponente Bay for good protection from easterly winds. Vulcano boasts a spectacular black sand beach, but its star attraction is Fossa di Vulcano. This fascinating smoldering crater is crystal-encrusted and features epic views once you’ve reached the peak. Vulcano’s south and northwest coasts are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. After a day of exploring, tempt your palate with mouth-watering seafood and local wines at a restaurant near the port.

Discover Vulcano

Faraglione Della Fabbrica, Aeolian Islands

Natural hot spring and therapeutic mud

Visit the Faraglione della Fabbrica, a unique phenomenon formed from the effects of the island's intense volcanic activity. Soak in natural thermal springs and grottos filled with mud that are said to have therapeutic qualities.

Day 3

Vulcano to Panarea

The day's sailing

16
Nautical miles
3 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Sunbathing Sunbathing
  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Diving icon Diving
  • Shopping Shopping
  • Exploring Exploring
Panarea boat trip

Hoist the sails and head to Panarea, the chicest and picturesque of the Aeolian Islands. You’ll weave past the glamorous port town to arrive at the quiet anchorage of Zimmari Bay for the night. Dinghy ashore to take in sights of charming homes and browse artists’ bottegas or workshops, and local boutiques Camera in tow, climb the Punta del Corvo for exceptional panoramic views.

Discover Panarea

Zimmari Bay on Panarea, Aeolian Islands

Zimmari Bay

Spend the afternoon lounging on the popular sands of nearby Spiaggetta Zimmari.

Basiuzzo, Aeolian Islands

Basiluzzo

Time permitting, the tiny islet of Basiluzzo, the smallest of the eight Aeolian Islands, is perfect for a day stop to relish the stunning scenery.

Day 4

Panarea to Selena

The day's sailing

11
Nautical miles
2 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Sunbathing Sunbathing
  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Diving icon Diving
  • Shopping Shopping
  • Exploring Exploring
Town on Salina Island

Next, you’ll set off for Selena, an island renowned for its lush green mountains and freshwater springs. Embrace the island’s slower pace of life and opt for exploring its mighty peaks (Monte Fossa delle Felci, Monte dei Porri, and Monte Rivi) at your leisure. The group will moor overnight in the island’s port and end the day’s adventures with a group dinner at a local restaurant, where local seafood dishes are sure to satisfy after a splendid day of exploring.

Discover Selena

Rinella town on Salina Island

Rinella

Movie buffs can pay a visit to Rinella, located on the south end of the island. Rinella's small harbour is set in a picturesque bay that provided the scenic backdrop in the Italian movie “Il Postino “.

Pollara sunset

Sunset in Pollara

If there is time, visit Pollara on the northwest coast and unwind with beautiful sunset views overlooking the small islands of Allicudi and Filicudi.

Day 5

Selena to Filicudi

The day's sailing

11
Nautical miles
2 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Sunbathing Sunbathing
  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Diving icon Diving
  • Shopping Shopping
  • Exploring Exploring
Filicudi Island

Next on our itinerary is Filicudi, the wildest and most beautiful Aeolian Island, characterized by its stunning blue grottos and a network of hiking trails. Flotilla guests have the opportunity to explore the Scoglio della Canna (Cane Reef), a rock obelisk located off the northwestern coast. At Capo Graziano, a short walk southeast of the port, discover the remains of a prehistoric village, dated 1800 BC. Hiking trails allow visitors to explore the island’s scenic interior and lead to the abandoned village of Zucco Grande and to Fossa Felci, a mountain in the centre of the island.

Discover Filicudi

Grotta del Bue

The Grotta del Bue Marino

Consider exploring the Grotta del Bue Marino, a huge sea cave on the west coast of Filicudi. You’ll marvel in the scale and depth of its natural wonder as the afternoon sun’s rays reflect off the water and transform the cave into a dazzling cobalt blue grotto.

La Canna & Punta Zotta

A natural basalt finger rising from the sea, the La Canna rock formation is home to the rare Eleonora's falcon. An excellent place to snorkel, you can drop anchor in the bay of Punta La Zotta before heading to the rock.

Day 6

Filicudi to Lipari

The day's sailing

16
Nautical miles
3 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Sunbathing Sunbathing
  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Diving icon Diving
  • Shopping Shopping
  • Exploring Exploring
Portorosa harbour view

Next, we set course for Lipari, both the largest and oldest of the Aeolian Islands. You’ll moor overnight in the Port of Lipari. Enjoy an aperitif then stroll picturesque streets along the harbours lively seafront.

Discover Lipari

Vulcano island on the Aeolian Islands

Aeolian Museum

The Aeolian Museum in Lipari Town is excellent and houses treasures from the islands throughout the ages.

Day 7

Lipari to Portorosa

The day's sailing

18
Nautical miles
3.5 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Sunbathing Sunbathing
  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Diving icon Diving
  • Shopping Shopping
  • Exploring Exploring
Tonnarella Dell'Uzzo beach

Finally, on day 7, we head back to Portorosa for our last night on board and close out the island-hopping adventure with a group dinner.

Discover Portorosa

Vinyard of Ayzienda

Vineyard of Azienda Agricola Cambria

Consider a visit to the nearby beautiful vineyard of Azienda Agricola Cambria in Furnari. Sample local cheeses and a fantastic selection of Sicilian wines while soaking in majestic views overlooking Portorosa.

Mount Etna view

Mount Etna

Plan a day trip to nearby Mount Etna with its otherworldly, volcanic rock landscape – declared a UNESCO World Heritage site – and quite possibly Sicily’s most beautiful natural attraction.