The Aeolian Islands are unlike anywhere else in the Mediterranean. An arc of seven volcanic islands north of Sicily, each with its own character — from the chic car-free Panarea to the raw spectacle of Stromboli, erupting every 20 minutes and visible for miles at sea. This circular route from Portorosa takes in the full arc of the archipelago, ending with the unforgettable sight of Stromboli's lava flows glowing against the night sky from your own anchorage.
Day by day
The route
Day 1
Arrive Portorosa Marina
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Portorosa is the largest private marina in Sicily and the main charter base for the Aeolian Islands — a beautifully designed harbour town with restaurants, shops and excellent facilities. Fly to Palermo (2 hours by road) or Catania (1 hour) and transfer to the marina. Provision generously — the islands have limited supplies. Dinner at the marina: try the Malvasia delle Lipari, the sweet amber wine that is the Aeolians' signature drink, served with biscotti.
Day 2
Portorosa → Vulcano — 20nm
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Sail north to Vulcano — the most southerly of the Aeolian Islands and the one that gives the archipelago its identity. The Gran Cratere volcano dominates the island with its sulphurous steam vents and otherworldly landscape. The black sand beach at Porto di Ponente is a remarkable swim stop, and the famous therapeutic mud baths — fumarole-heated volcanic mud — are a unique experience. Overnight stern-to in Porto di Levante.
Day 3
Vulcano → Lipari — 5nm
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A short hop to Lipari — the largest and most populated of the Aeolian Islands, and the cultural hub of the archipelago. The hilltop citadel, medieval castle and outstanding archaeological museum (with one of the finest collections of Greek ceramics in the world) are worth a full afternoon. The town is lively, the seafood exceptional, and the atmosphere distinctly Sicilian. Overnight in the marina or at one of the town quay berths.
Day 4
Lipari → Salina — 10nm
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Sail northwest to Salina — the greenest of the Aeolians, with twin volcanic peaks covered in vineyards, capers and malvasia grapes. The bay of Pollara on the island's northwest is one of the most dramatic anchorages in the Mediterranean — a collapsed volcanic crater forming a perfect semicircular bowl. This is where Michael Corleone hid in The Godfather II, and the film Il Postino was shot here. Overnight in Santa Marina harbour.
Day 5
Salina → Panarea — 12nm
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Head east to Panarea — the smallest and most chic of the Aeolians. Just 3km long, Panarea has no cars, beautiful whitewashed houses draped in bougainvillea, and a reputation as the most stylish island in the Mediterranean. Anchor in the stunning Cala Junco bay during the day. The prehistoric Bronze Age village on the headland above is extraordinary. As the sun sets the island transforms — Bar del Porto is the place to begin the evening.
Day 6
Panarea → Stromboli — 15nm
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The most dramatic day of the week. Sail northeast to Stromboli — an active volcano rising directly from the sea, erupting every 20 minutes or so with a regularity that has earned it the nickname the Lighthouse of the Mediterranean. Anchor off the black sand beach at Ficogrande and watch the lava flow — the Sciara del Fuoco — glow against the hillside as darkness falls. One of the great spectacles of the natural world, seen from the deck of your own yacht.
Day 7
Stromboli → Portorosa — 34nm
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The longest sail of the week — depart early to make the most of the morning breeze. The return passage south along the Sicilian coast, with the smoking cone of Stromboli receding behind you, is a wonderful way to end the week. Arrive Portorosa by late afternoon. Check out by 09:00 the following morning. Transfer to Palermo (2h) or Catania (1h) for your flight home.
Local tip: Catania airport is significantly closer to Portorosa than Palermo — if you can find a direct flight from your nearest UK airport, it saves nearly an hour each way on transfers.