Portorosa, Sicily Sailing Itinerary
Charter a yacht from our Portorosa base, unfurl your sails in the shimmering Mediterranean and weave between a string of sensational Aeolian Islands. Use our Aeolian islands sailing itinerary to help you make the most of this mystical land of volcanoes, sea caves and black sand beaches.
Flotilla itineraries
Enjoy relaxed sailing grounds and consistent winds on one of our flotilla charters in the Aeolian Islands. Cast off from our base Portorosa and explore Italy’s most desirable coastlines as you dine on magnificent cuisine. Soak up Italian culture whilst making your way around volcanic islands on a week-long adventure along the Sicilian coast and Aeolian Islands.
Choose Itinerary
Portorosa one-week bareboat
Day 1
Portorosa – Portorosa
Our newest Italian base, Portorosa is nestled into the north east corner of Sicily, sheltered under the gaze of the majestic Mount Etna. Spend your first day exploring the town of Tonnarella, or reclining on one of Sicily’s many beaches. Chart briefings run between 6pm and 7pm local time, and you will also be given a thorough yacht briefing on your first afternoon.
The day’s sailing
20 Nautical miles
4 hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Day 2
Portorosa to Vulcano
Named for the steaming peaks that crown this fair island, Vulcano is actually better known for the therapeutic qualities of the local mud and the natural hot springs. Although it has a harsh, barren terrain, the island also boasts a black sand beach and the spectacular Fossa di Vulcano. The smoldering crater is encrusted with vivid red and yellow crystals, which makes the one-hour hike well worth the effort. You can then either take a steep path down to the crater floor or walk on the level around the rim and enjoy extraordinary views out over the islands to the north. There is even a volcano museum on the island. The south and northwest coasts are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Anchor in Porto di Ponente for good protection from prevailing easterly winds.
The day’s sailing
- 1.5 Hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for the area.
Day 3
Vulcano to Filicudi
Filicudi is the wildest and most beautiful Aeolian Island, with its stunning Blue Grotto and a network of hiking trails allowing visitors to explore the island’s scenic interior. The Scoglio della Canna (Cane Reef), a rock obelisk located off the north-western coast, is also worth a visit. At Capo Graziano, a short walk south-east of the port, are found the remains of a prehistoric village, dated 1800 BC. Hiking trails across the Island are spread over a huge network, leading to the abandoned village of Zucco Grande and to Fossa Felci, a mountain in the centre of the Island.
The day’s sailing
- 23 Nautical miles
- 4.5 hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Day 4
Filicudi to Salina
Renowned for its vibrant plant life and lush vegetation rare for such volcanic land, Salina has three of the highest peaks in the area, as well as three villages and a handful of smaller hamlets. The abundant greenery is supported by the numerous freshwater springs. Embrace the slower pace of life on the island and rent a bike or scooter to explore Salina and her mighty peaks, Monte Fossa dell Felci (962m); Monte dei Porri (860m); and Monte Rivi (850m). Once at the top, you’ll revel in sensational views that stretch across the entire Aeolian archipelago. Salina has good amenities, and several restaurants line the waterfront in Santa Marina Salina, with seafood dishes a real highlight.
The day’s sailing
14 Nautical miles
3 hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Day 5
Salina to Filicudi
After anchoring for lunch at Pollara, the next island on our itinerary is Filicudi which is among the prettiest and least-developed island in the Aeolian archipelago. Characterised by stunning blue grottos and prehistoric villages, flotilla guests will grab a mooring buoy and settle in for dinner and overnight stay.
The day’s sailing
2.5 hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring
Facilities
Restaurants, Provisioning, Bike hire
Day 6
Stromboli to Lipari
Stop off in Panarea, the smallest but by far the most picturesque of the islands in the group. Or visit the island of Basiluzzo, close to Panerea, which is uninhabited and an ideal stop off for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. Lipari is both the largest and oldest of the Aeolian Islands, which are often named in its honour. The Aeolian Museum in Lipari Town is excellent and houses treasures from the islands throughout the ages. Lipari is the most populated of the Aeolian Islands, with its population concentrated on the eastern side of the island, where the vineyards produce some really good local wine, and about half living in Lipari Town.
The day’s sailing
- 25 Nautical miles
- 5 hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Day 7
Lipari to Portorosa
On our return journey to Portorosa, we will anchor near the southern end of Lipari to admire the island’s towering cliffs and volcanic rock formations known as Faraglioni di Lipari. Afterwards, we sail onwards to Portorosa to enjoy our final farewell dinner together.
The day’s sailing
4.5 hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Italian Cuisine Portorosa One-Week Flotilla
Day 1
Portorosa
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.
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring
Day 2
Portorosa – Volcano
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.
Day 3
Volcano – Panarea
Leaving Vulcano’s unique landscapes, we will stop at the beautiful and stylish island of Panarea. If you would prefer a longer stretch of sailing, you are welcome to sail to Stomboli. Discover the island’s black sand beaches, or spend the afternoon at the small village of Ginostra, where an interesting blend of Neapolitan and Sicilian sweet delicacies meet rural Sicilian countryside.
Mooring
Anchoring options
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring
Facilities
Water, Taxi, Shower, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Bars, Electricity, Ice, Gift Shop
Day 4
Panarea – Selena
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.
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.
Mooring
Anchoring options
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring
Facilities
Water, Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Bars, Electricity, Ice, Gift shop
Day 5
Salina to Filicudi
After anchoring for lunch at Pollara, the next island on our itinerary is Filicudi which is among the prettiest and least-developed island in the Aeolian archipelago. Characterised by stunning blue grottos and prehistoric villages, flotilla guests will grab a mooring buoy and settle in for dinner and overnight stay.
The day’s sailing
2.5 hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring
Facilities
Restaurants, Provisioning, Bike hire
Day 6
Day 7
Lipari to Portorosa
On our return journey to Portorosa, we will anchor near the southern end of Lipari to admire the island’s towering cliffs and volcanic rock formations known as Faraglioni di Lipari. Afterwards, we sail onwards to Portorosa to enjoy our final farewell dinner together.
The day’s sailing
4.5 hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Day 8
Portorosa
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.
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring
Aeolian Islands
Day 1
Portorosa
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.
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring
Day 2
Portorosa to Vulcano
Named for the steaming peaks that crown this fair island, Vulcano is actually better known for the therapeutic qualities of the local mud and the natural hot springs. Although it has a harsh, barren terrain, the island also boasts a black sand beach and the spectacular Fossa di Vulcano. The smoldering crater is encrusted with vivid red and yellow crystals, which makes the one-hour hike well worth the effort. You can then either take a steep path down to the crater floor or walk on the level around the rim and enjoy extraordinary views out over the islands to the north. There is even a volcano museum on the island. The south and northwest coasts are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Anchor in Porto di Ponente for good protection from prevailing easterly winds.
The day’s sailing
- 1.5 Hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for the area.
Day 3
Volcano – Panarea
Leaving Vulcano’s unique landscapes, we will stop at the beautiful and stylish island of Panarea. If you would prefer a longer stretch of sailing, you are welcome to sail to Stomboli. Discover the island’s black sand beaches, or spend the afternoon at the small village of Ginostra, where an interesting blend of Neapolitan and Sicilian sweet delicacies meet rural Sicilian countryside.
Mooring
Anchoring options
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring
Facilities
Water, Taxi, Shower, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Bars, Electricity, Ice, Gift Shop
Day 4
Panarea to Salina
Moving on from Panarea or Stromboli, we sail towards the tiny islet of Basiluzzo, the smallest of the eight Aeolian islands, for a day stop with stunning scenery. Later we sail to Salina, with its lush green mountains and freshwater springs, where we’ll end the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
The day’s sailing
2 hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Mooring
None
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring
Facilities
Water, Provisioning,Bike hire, Electricity, Fuel
Day 5
Selena – Filicudi
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.
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.
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring
Facilities
Provisioning, Bike hire, Electricity, Fuel
Day 6
Filicudi to Lipari
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 harbour’s lively seafront.
The day’s sailing
- 3.5 Hr Sailing time
Things to do
Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring
Facilities
Restaurants, Provisioning, Bike hire
Day 7
Lipari to Portorosa
On our return journey to Portorosa, we will anchor near the southern end of Lipari to admire the island’s towering cliffs and volcanic rock formations known as Faraglioni di Lipari. Afterwards, we sail onwards to Portorosa to enjoy our final farewell dinner together.
The day’s sailing
4.5 hr Sailing time
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
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