EXCURSIONS TO THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS

Our day begins as we depart from the port of Lipari, heading towards the island of Vulcano.
Vulcano is the third-largest island in the archipelago.

On the right-hand side, the coastline of Vulcanello gradually comes into view. This is the youngest volcano on the island, home to the famous Valley of the Monsters, where nature has playfully shaped extraordinary lava formations.

We sail past the enchanting Black Sand Bay, renowned for its long stretch of black volcanic sand, behind which rises majestically the Gran Cratere della Fossa. Continuing our navigation, we enter an amphitheatre of rare beauty, where we encounter the Horse Cave, famous for its striking light effects, and the Venus Pool, where legend says the goddess herself once bathed.

Our journey continues to Gelso, the southernmost part of the island—a nearly uninhabited village where we can admire the lighthouse and the very fine, jet-black sandy beaches that characterize this area.

We then follow the steep coastline to reach a small inlet where, on a rocky outcrop, stands a statue of a beautiful mermaid, placed there to protect those who navigate these waters.

We dock at the port in the late morning, welcomed by the strong scent of sulfur that fills the air. This is the liveliest part of the island, rich in small shops, cafés, and restaurants. Here the motor vessel leaves us free to enjoy all that Vulcano has to offer: from the famous mud pools to its wide beaches, or simply shopping and strolling through the vibrant town center—there is something for everyone.

In the early afternoon, we depart for Panarea.
Panarea is the smallest of the seven islands, renowned today for its refined beauty and exclusive atmosphere.

The first bay we encounter is Calajunco, famous for its crystal-clear waters. Above it rises the promontory of Capo Milazzese, where the remains of a prehistoric Bronze Age village can still be seen. After Calajunco, we reach Cala Zimmari, home to the longest sandy beach on the island.

Beyond the beach, the many islets surrounding Panarea come into view: Dattilo, Lisca Bianca, Lisca Nera, Bottaro, and the Panarelli—a small archipelago waiting to be discovered.

Once at the port, you will have time to explore this jewel of the Aeolian Islands. From San Pietro, several walking paths lead through the island, allowing you to discover picturesque corners, charming views, exclusive boutiques, restaurants, bars, and small residential areas.

We then set sail towards Stromboli, passing the islets of Basiluzzo and Spinazzola, located halfway between the two islands. Soon we find ourselves facing “IDDU”, the most active volcano in the world, the lighthouse of the Mediterranean—an island with a perfect conical shape rising nearly 2,400 meters, of which only 900 emerge above sea level.

Stromboli is the fourth-largest island, yet the most famous of the archipelago. As we sail along its coast, the contrast between the white houses and the black sand stands out, while the constant plume of smoke testifies to the volcano’s continuous activity.

In the afternoon, we disembark at the port of Scari, where there are countless possibilities: swimming in the deep cobalt waters easily accessible thanks to the many beaches and coves, strolling through the lively village with its colorful shops, or reaching the terrace in front of the Church of San Vincenzo, offering breathtaking views of Strombolicchio and the village below.

A stop at the house where Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini lived during the filming of “Stromboli” is also not to be missed.

In the early evening, we depart again to admire Strombolicchio, a small islet shaped like a medieval castle, rising 43 meters above the sea and topped by a lighthouse.

The day concludes beneath the Sciara del Fuoco, a steep slope carved by lava flows, where we witness the spectacular eruptions of this perpetually active volcano.

We slowly leave the Sciara behind and return to Lipari, concluding our journey at around 10:00 PM.