Blue Ocean Club
8 days · 8 stops

Aeolian Odyssey: Fire, Sea, and Stars

The Tyrrhenian Sea warms under the Sicilian sun, as your yacht charts a course for the seven Aeolian Islands. This is a realm shaped by myth and geology, where volcanic peaks rise from cobalt waters and life moves to a slower, elemental rhythm. From the constant fiery breath of Stromboli to the verdant slopes of Salina, you navigate a world of raw beauty, ancient history, and effortless Italian grace, with the stars as your nightly canopy.

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  1. DAY 01

    Vulcano

    After departing Portorosa, a short cruise brings you to the mythological forge of Hephaestus. The air on Vulcano is thick with the distinct scent of sulphur, a constant reminder of the power simmering below. You drop anchor in the Porto di Levante, the water warmed by fumaroles, as you contemplate a climb to the island’s smouldering crater.

    • Hike to the Gran Cratere for commanding views of the archipelago.
    • Experience the therapeutic thermal mud baths, the 'Fanghi di Vulcano'.
    • Relax on the distinctive, dark sands of Spiaggia delle Sabbie Nere.
    • Take the tender to the tranquil southern village of Gelso for a swim.
    Anchorage
    Porto di Levante
    Dining
    Trattoria da Pina for authentic Aeolian home cooking.
  2. DAY 02

    Lipari

    Today you arrive at Lipari, the archipelago’s bustling capital. Its vibrant harbour, Marina Corta, is lined with fishing boats and colourful townhouses, all watched over by a formidable 16th-century castle. Ashore, the warren of streets reveals artisan shops, lively cafés, and millennia of history waiting to be discovered within the citadel walls.

    • Explore the fortified citadel and its magnificent Norman cathedral.
    • Visit the Museo Archeologico Eoliano, one of Italy's finest archaeological museums.
    • Swim in the turquoise waters off the former pumice quarries at Spiaggia della Papesca.
    • Stroll the main thoroughfare, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, for shopping and people-watching.
    Anchorage
    Anchor off Canneto beach or berth at Pignataro Marina.
    Dining
    Ristorante Filippino, a local institution serving classic island cuisine since 1910.
  3. DAY 03

    Panarea

    A course is set for Panarea, the smallest and most fashionable of the islands. Whitewashed villas draped in bougainvillea cascade down to the harbour of San Pietro, where electric golf carts are the only traffic. By day, the focus is on the crystalline waters of its secluded coves; by night, a sophisticated energy animates the village.

    • Anchor and snorkel at the uninhabited islets of Lisca Bianca and Basiluzzo.
    • Discover the ruins of a Bronze Age village at Capo Milazzese.
    • Browse the chic boutiques that line the narrow lanes of San Pietro.
    • Enjoy a sunset aperitivo at the iconic Hotel Raya, with Stromboli smoking in the distance.
    Anchorage
    Anchor in the beautiful bay of Cala Junco.
    Dining
    Dinner at Raya's terrace restaurant, a centrepiece of Panarea's social scene.
  4. DAY 04

    Stromboli

    You approach the unmistakable cone of Stromboli, a plume of smoke its constant greeting. The island exudes a potent, primal energy, with its black-sand beaches and villages clinging to the volcano's base. As dusk falls, you cruise to the island's north-western flank for a private viewing of nature's own firework display.

    • Witness the spectacular nocturnal eruptions from the sea at the Sciara del Fuoco.
    • Swim from the jet-black volcanic sands of Ficogrande beach.
    • Explore the car-free, whitewashed village of San Vincenzo.
    • Hike part-way up the volcano to the observatory for pizza with a view of the explosions.
    Anchorage
    Anchor off Ficogrande or San Vincenzo, repositioning for the Sciara del Fuoco at night.
    Dining
    Ristorante Osservatorio, for dinner accompanied by the volcano's regular fiery bursts.
  5. DAY 05

    Salina

    Leaving the barren slopes of Stromboli, you arrive at the verdant island of Salina. Known as the 'Green Island', its twin dormant volcanoes are covered in caper bushes, olive groves, and Malvasia vineyards. The pace here is gentle, inviting you to savour the island's renowned culinary produce and tranquil atmosphere.

    • Visit the picturesque bay of Pollara, the filming location for 'Il Postino'.
    • Taste the island's famous sweet wine at the Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia estate.
    • Sample the definitive 'pane cunzato' from Da Alfredo in the village of Lingua.
    • Hike the trails of the Fossa delle Felci nature reserve for panoramic views.
    Anchorage
    Berth at the port of Santa Marina Salina or anchor in the bay of Pollara.
    Dining
    A refined dinner at Capofaro, celebrating the estate's wine and produce.
  6. DAY 06

    Filicudi

    Your odyssey continues west to wild Filicudi, an island of dramatic cliffs and deep blue water. This is a place for quiet contemplation, where a small community lives in harmony with the rugged landscape. The main activities are swimming in pristine grottos and exploring ancient pathways, feeling a world away from modern life.

    • Explore the Grotta del Bue Marino (Grotto of the Monk Seal) by tender.
    • Dive or snorkel near the imposing La Canna sea stack, a volcanic pinnacle rising from the sea.
    • Visit the Neolithic village ruins on the headland of Capo Graziano.
    • Enjoy the simple charm of the small fishing harbour at Pecorini a Mare.
    Anchorage
    Anchor off the small village of Pecorini a Mare.
    Dining
    La Sirena, a characterful, family-run restaurant on the waterfront at Pecorini a Mare.
  7. DAY 07

    Bay of Tindari

    You enjoy a final morning in the outer islands before a scenic cruise back towards the Sicilian mainland. Your destination is the beautiful Bay of Tindari, a vast sandy anchorage with curious sandspits forming natural pools. Above, the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna watches over the bay, offering a serene backdrop for your last evening.

    • Swim and paddleboard in the calm waters of the Laghetti di Marinello nature reserve.
    • Go ashore to visit the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna of Tindari.
    • Explore the impressive Greek theatre and Roman ruins of ancient Tyndaris.
    • Enjoy a final sunset from the deck with the Sicilian coastline as your vista.
    Anchorage
    Anchorage in the Bay of Tindari.
    Dining
    A farewell dinner on board, curated by your chef to showcase the finest Sicilian ingredients.
  8. DAY 08

    Portorosa Marina, Furnari

    Awake to the gentle sounds of the sea for one last time. A final, leisurely breakfast is served on the aft deck as the yacht makes the short journey back to Portorosa Marina. You arrive with ample time for a relaxed farewell to your crew before disembarking, carrying memories of fire, sea, and stars.

    • Enjoy a final Sicilian breakfast on deck.
    • Take a final swim from the platform if time permits.
    • Exchange farewells with the captain and crew.
    • Disembark at Portorosa Marina for your onward journey.
    Anchorage
    Portorosa Marina
    Dining
    A breakfast of fresh coffee, fruit, and Sicilian pastries on board.
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