The sheer size of Sicily and its impressive coastal views and many beaches make a yacht charter the best way to discover and experience this beautiful island and it’s fascinating outlying islands. The impressive Mount Etna and Stromboli seen from the sea is undoubtedly the best way to meet Europe’s largest active volcanoes. A short sail to the volcanic arc of the Aeolian Islands promises unforgettable adventures spent swimming, diving and snorkeling in aquamarine waters and discovering the shores of these UNESCO-protected islands. Each of the Egadi islands has its own distinct characteristics, but all of them share the same irresistible, crystalline waters that surround their Marine Reserve, one of the largest and most varied in Europe. Each coast is quite distinct, from the rugged and mountainous north to the sandy shores of the south. Sicily has a simpler, more rustic feel and the bustle and crowds are absent from all but the largest towns. Peace and quiet are ensured and stressful city life soon becomes a distant memory.
“To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not to have seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the clue to everything… the harmonious unity of the sky with the sea and the sea to the land… who saw them once, shall possess them for a lifetime.”
Aeolian Islands
Clustered in the blue-green Mediterranean, in Sicily’s north-eastern coast you’ll find the seven islands of the Aeolian Archipelago – a little piece of paradise, each one with its own distinct character and personality. The islands, known as the Seven Sisters, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with astonishingly beautiful beaches. All of volcanic origins, these islands are immersed in a sea of rocky turquoise waters. With their close proximity to each other the Aeolian offers endless sailing itineraries from the wilderness and cobalt blue waters of Vulcano, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi to the historical, charming and chic towns, regional gastronomy and beaches on the islands of Lipari, Panarea and Salina.
Egadi Islands
Less well known but no less beautiful are the archipelago of Egadi Islands: Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo. Explore these unspoilt islands off the west coast of Sicily in the Strait of Sicily, where the wind is plentiful. Each island has its own distinct characteristics, but all of them share the same irresistible, crystalline waters that surround their Marine Reserve, one of the largest and most varied in Europe. Favignana is the largest with crystal clear azure waters and unique and stunning bays. Marettimo is an island hideaway, the perfect destination to relax surrounded by natural beauty. Levanzo, a small, hilly islet with dramatic rocky cliffs and pretty beaches guarantees peace and tranquility.
Sicily
Discovering the most loved island in Italy along the beautiful and dramatic Sicilian coastline offers a different feel than mainland Italy with magnificent historic cities and quaint fishing villages, stunning architecture and diverse scenery ranging from volcanic backdrops to secluded, long sandy beaches. Explore the wonders dotted along the beautiful Tyrrhenian coastline with historic and charming towns with picture-postcard squares and unmissable views and enjoy wonderful cuisine and sip fine wines produced in the shadow of the majestic Mount Etna.
Local Airports: Catania Fontanarossa, Palermo or Reggio Calabria
Transfer Time: 1 ¾ – 3 ½ hours
Bases: Capo d’Orlando, Portorosa & Trapani
Flight Time from London: 3 ¼ hours
EXPLORE SICILY & HER NEIGHBOURING ISLANDS
Feel inspired by some of our favourite Sicily yacht charter Itineraries. You can start your yacht charter adventure from Portorosa, Capo d’Orlando or Trapani.
One Week Aeolian Islands From Portorosa
Portorosa is a picturesque marina to start and end your week from
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Portorosa is a picturesque marina to start your week from. With tranquil North Sicilian natural landscape, find traditional Cathedrals and restaurants dotted along cobblestone streets just a short walk from the marina. Relax in this peaceful part of Italy before exploring Aeolian Islands.
A volcanic island which was last active in 1890 with thermal baths and beautiful beaches
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A volcanic island which was last active in 1890. You can hike to the crater and back in around three hours, once at the top you can see fabulous views of the Aeolian islands. Vulcano is also famous for thermal mud baths and beautiful beaches.
Salina is at the heart of the Aeolian archipelago, with lush nature and crystal clear waters. The second biggest of the Aeolian islands but the quietest so it’s the perfect place to relax on deck in the sunshine.
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Salina is at the heart of the Aeolian archipelago, the most verdant island with two, almost identical volcanic cones traversed by a valley covered in vineyards that produce delicious wine. The sea is the highlight of this slice of paradise, transparent waters, teeming with sea life, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. The second biggest of the Aeolian islands but the quietest so it’s the perfect place to relax on deck in the sunshine.
Sunshine, beauty, tranquillity, sea-views and an air of charmed exclusivity mixed with island simplicity
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A tiny remote island which is home to all sorts of wildlife, including whales and dolphins. Panarea has idyllic beaches, coral reefs to snorkel and plenty of places to eat and drink.
Nothing beats watching Stromboli do its mini eruptions from a boat, with a glorious sun setting all around you
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An active volcanic wonder of the Aeolian Islands. Reaching over 300ft into the sky, Stromboli is a site to be scene. Nothing beats watching Stromboli do its mini eruptions from a boat, with a glorious sun setting all around you. The red lava can be seen flowing down the northwest face into the sea.
The biggest and most populated Aeolian island, a World Heritage site and the Capital of the Aeolian
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The biggest and most populated Aeolian island, a World Heritage site and the Capital of the Aeolian. Lipari is best know for its Sweet Makvasia wine, with plenty of shops in the village where you can try the wine or you can go on a tour of the vineyards. Lipari also has bays and white beaches
Milazzo has a spectacular medieval castle
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An ancient Greek settlement which Ulysses visits in Homers Odyssey. Milazzo has a spectacular medieval castle that protects the old walled town and dominates the new town and marina below. There is a variety restaurants, a great seaside promenade and spectacular beaches.
Portorosa is a picturesque marina to start and end your week from
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Portorosa is a picturesque marina to start your week from. With tranquil North Sicilian natural landscape, find traditional Cathedrals and restaurants dotted along cobblestone streets just a short walk from the marina. Relax in this peaceful part of Italy before exploring Aeolian Islands.
One Week Aeolian Islands From Capo d Orlando
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A volcanic island which was last active in 1890 with thermal baths and beautiful beaches
Expand
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A volcanic island which was last active in 1890. You can hike to the crater and back in around three hours, once at the top you can see fabulous views of the Aeolian islands. Vulcano is also famous for thermal mud baths and beautiful beaches.
Nothing beats watching Stromboli do its mini eruptions from a boat, with a glorious sun setting all around you
Expand
Collapse
An active volcanic wonder of the Aeolian Islands. Reaching over 300ft into the sky, Stromboli is a site to be scene. Nothing beats watching Stromboli do its mini eruptions from a boat, with a glorious sun setting all around you. The red lava can be seen flowing down the northwest face into the sea.
Sunshine, beauty, tranquillity, sea-views and an air of charmed exclusivity mixed with island simplicity
Expand
Collapse
A tiny remote island which is home to all sorts of wildlife, including whales and dolphins. Panarea has idyllic beaches, coral reefs to snorkel and plenty of places to eat and drink.
Salina is at the heart of the Aeolian archipelago, with lush nature and crystal clear waters. The second biggest of the Aeolian islands but the quietest so it’s the perfect place to relax on deck in the sunshine.
Expand
Collapse
Salina is at the heart of the Aeolian archipelago, the most verdant island with two, almost identical volcanic cones traversed by a valley covered in vineyards that produce delicious wine. The sea is the highlight of this slice of paradise, transparent waters, teeming with sea life, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. The second biggest of the Aeolian islands but the quietest so it’s the perfect place to relax on deck in the sunshine.
The biggest and most populated Aeolian island, a World Heritage site and the Capital of the Aeolian
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The biggest and most populated Aeolian island, a World Heritage site and the Capital of the Aeolian. Lipari is best know for its Sweet Makvasia wine, with plenty of shops in the village where you can try the wine or you can go on a tour of the vineyards. Lipari also has bays and white beaches