Aeolian Islands

Alicudi is the most secluded paradise of the Aeolian islands, with the least number of inhabitants, where donkeys are the only means of transport on the island. No boutiques, no lounge bars, just a few small craft shops. A place out of time, surrounded by wild nature, where the crowd does not exist and chosen by an elite of artists, writers and loners in search of peace to reflect or work. Excluded from the crowded yachting circuit that touches the other Aeolian Islands, the charm of the island is that of a simple and authentic place where the beaches are accessible only in boats such as the dock of Palomba, Porto, Scoglio Jadera and Sciara dell’Arpa. Its beautiful coast is dotted with steep cliffs that reach 500 Mt. and not easy access. This is why its waters are transparent and very pleasant to swim in the midst of a myriad of fish in an underwater scenario that leaves you breathless. The island is dominated by heather that covers the surface and by the summit of Filo dell’Arpa, one of the many submarine volcanoes now emerged. The east coast hosts the only settlements of the island, consisting of rustic environments and the small church of San Bartolomeo. Sezzo della Farcona and Timpone delle Femmine are the main sites of historical and cultural interest in Alicudi. The inlets under the picturesque cliffs and the natural arches called “Perciati” are a privilege reserved only for those arriving by boat. Alicudi can also be the scene of many adventurous explorations for trekking enthusiasts. The mule is the main form of transportation on unshaded dirt roads. On these routes you can admire a majestic scenery of nature and unspoiled beauty. Joining the local fishermen for a fishing trip will be a truly unrepeatable experience.

One of the most amazing of the Aeolian Islands, thanks to the presence of thermal springs and healing mud baths are. A renowned destination of wellness tourism. Levante cove is one of the main berthing sites of the archipelago, accommodating about 120 sailing or motorboats up to 60mt. Taking a sheltered mooring is stress-free and affords to have a good bath in the transparent waters of the island. Vulcano’s 21sq kilometers surface houses breathtaking ribbons of sand, extinct volcanoes and lava flows, such as Vulcano della Fossa and the smaller Vulcanello and Monte Aria, Monte Saraceno, Vulcano della Forgia and Pietre Cotte. Sitting in the dazzling framework of the Aeolian archipelago, Vulcano’s mysterious and magical atmosphere inspired William Shakespeare to set his “The Tempest” right on these shores, where history blends in with the myth. Only by yacht we can reach the unbelievable and wild cove of the “Sabbia Nere” or “Porto di Ponente”, with its characteristic fine black sand, the “Spiaggia del Gelso”, or the charming bay of “Spiaggia dell’Asino”, with access also by a steep, narrow stairway which is the scene of the island’s glamorous nightlife. Thrill-seekers can climb to the top of the volcano, amid arduous footpaths and sulphur emissions. The breathtaking view of the whole of the Aeolian archipelago from the top is the best reward for your climbing efforts.

Salina is the second largest Aeolian island. It was named after the little salted lake of Lingua lying at the south-eastern tip of Salma where the inhabitants once used to gather the salt needed to preserve capers and fish; centrally located, lying two miles from Lipari, it is the only Aeolian island covered with blooming vegetation suitable for agriculture thanks to its many water sources with more than 400 different types of plants growing here and the one of the most beautiful strawberry tree woods of the entire Mediterranean. Certainly the island is the preferred destination by the most elegant people. Salina’s film-set beauty became famous to the world in the iconic 1994 movie, “Il Postino”, which was filmed in the dramatically beautiful bay at Pollara, set in an underwater crater and surrounded by cliffs and verdant green. Here we’ll drop the anchor near the natural stone arch for a unimaginable and lovely afternoon of swimming and relax before having drinks on the sundeck and watching the spectacular Aeolian sunset. Swimming in the middle of a submerged crater try to imagine the feeling of being surrounded by wonderful warm currents. A truly unique experienced. If you are cruising in the first week of June, the annual caper festival transforms Pollara into a vibrant village of street games and dancing- and plenty of delicious Sicilian food. When landed at the gorgeous little port at Santa Marina Salina we will find ourselves in the middle of lined of boutiques and restaurants which serves good, fresh, simple food as the swordfish carved up by the Santa Marina’s fishmonger. Cool down with one of the world’s greatest almond or lemon granitas at “Da Alfredo” in Lingua, available too for the for a cooking class only for granita & brioche; a must of the experiences.. Rinella offers excellent snorkelling on the shoal off its black sand beach, while the whitewashed village of Malfa sits in its nest of hills above the sea, surrounded by rolling vineyards that produce the delicious Malvasia wine. Salina’s beauty is not limited to the coast it also has a magnificent primeval fern forest that winds up into the mountain, cool and dripping, before opening up to huge coastal panoramas and the volcanic crater of Fossa delle Felci.

Stromboli the northernmost of the archipelago and the smallest islet of “Strombolicchio” are a real pearl of the sea with inlets, hidden caves and black volcanic sand beaches that can only be visited from the sea. The volcanic activity of the “Sciara del fuoco” is the main attraction of the island. Volcanic explosions occur every 20-10 minutes and it is a show that begins at sunset and a privilege reserved only for those who pass along the coast by boat. Perfect show to admire while sipping an excellent Sicilian wine. The island was an important economic center and was almost completely abandoned in the 1930s following a violent eruption. The island was rediscovered and relaunched for the international jet set thanks to Roberto Rossellini who created his neorealist masterpiece starring Ingrid Bergman. Long before, Jules Verne had set the end of his novel Journey to the Center of the Earth here. Since the 1950s, the wonderful sea, nature and traditional atmosphere of Stromboli have attracted the most demanding visitors who love authenticity, leisure and privacy. Walking in the dark on the streets without electricity and jumping on a mule to reach the splendid medieval settlement of Ginostra are truly unique experiences. Highlights: the beach of Forgia Vecchia and then Scari, a pebble beach not far from the San Vincenzo settlement, from which you can enjoy a splendid view of Strombolicchio; Ficogrande, a pebble and black sand beach and the isolated Punta Vena with its unique thread of gray granite and still “Piscità” a splendid place for a swim and the beach “Lazzaro” with a splendid cave. The rural settlement of Ginostra is certainly the pride of the island with its splendid natural pools and the wonderful “Piscinette” snorkeling site.