The Aeolian Islands, located off the northern coast of Sicily, Italy, are a volcanic archipelago and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Their inscription in 2000 was for their exceptional value in the field of volcanology and geology. The islands have provided scientists with a historical model for studying volcanic phenomena.

The Volcanic Archipelago 🌋

The archipelago consists of seven main islands—Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi, and Panarea—and several smaller islets. These islands are the exposed parts of a vast underwater volcanic system, which has been active for over 260,000 years. The volcanoes were formed by the subduction of the African plate under the Eurasian plate, which generates magma that rises to the surface.

Two of the islands, Stromboli and Vulcano, are active volcanoes.

• Stromboli is famous for its almost continuous, mild eruptions, a type of volcanic activity known as “Strombolian.” These eruptions are often visible at night, making it a popular tourist attraction.
• Vulcano gave its name to the “Vulcanian” style of eruption, characterized by violent, explosive bursts. Its last major eruption was in the late 19th century, but it still has active fumaroles (volcanic gas vents) and thermal waters.

The Aeolian Islands are considered the “cradle of volcanology” because the two distinct eruption styles found here—Strombolian and Vulcanian—have been used to educate geologists for over 200 years.

The holiday with my family and friends, which took place from July 19-26, 2025, was a great success. We combined a trip to Sicily with a catamaran sailing journey through the Aeolian Islands on the Lagoon 40 AZZURO III. It wasn’t just a vacation, but also a significant milestone in my hobby and personal growth as a skipper. I successfully navigated the volcanic waters, gaining invaluable experience and confidence. The trip was a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, and it truly enhanced my sailing skills.

Getting to our catamaran was a journey with a few exciting steps! ✈️

We flew from Poznań (POZ) to Catania (CTA) in Sicily. Once we landed in Catania, our adventure continued by land. We took a train from the airport to Messina, and from Messina, we changed to a local train that took us to Furnari. The train journey was incredibly pleasant and comfortable, with excellent air conditioning to beat the summer heat. We were treated to breathtaking views of the stunning Sicilian coastline right from our window. Upon arriving at Furnari, we easily found a taxi at the station to take us the short distance to Portorosa Marina Yachting. We were happy to find that local taxi drivers were waiting and offered better rates than ride-sharing services, making our final leg to the marina smooth and cost-effective.

Portorosa Marina in Furnari ⛵️

Our sailing route began at Portorosa Marina in Furnari, a fantastic starting point for any Aeolian Islands adventure. ⚓️ The marina itself is a resort-like complex, designed with a series of narrow canals that provide a tranquil and protected harbor for countless yachts. We found it to be a very modern and well-equipped facility, with all the necessary amenities like power and water connections right at the berth. It’s a large and elegant base, and it was great to see so many different sailing boats from various charter companies, including our own. The whole complex feels like a self-contained village, with restaurants, cafes, and shops conveniently located nearby, which made the pre-departure logistics seamless. It was the perfect place to get our bearings, settle onto our catamaran, and prepare for the week of island hopping ahead.

Riserva Naturale Orientata Laghetti di Marinello.

From the modern comfort of Portorosa Marina, we set our course westward for our very first stop: the Riserva Naturale Orientata Laghetti di Marinello. ☀️ Just a short sail away, this spot was the perfect introduction to the natural beauty of the area. We anchored near the beautiful beach, which is famous for its unique series of small, interconnected saltwater lakes. The sandbar stretching out into the sea created a sheltered and inviting area for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water. We spent the afternoon soaking up the warm Sicilian sun and enjoying the tranquility of this stunning natural reserve before continuing our journey. 🌊

The Island of Vulcano

From there, our next destination was the island of Vulcano, a place that truly lives up to its name. Approaching the eastern side of the island, we found a perfect anchorage spot where we were able to swim in the famous “white waters.” 🫧 The water here is naturally effervescent with bubbles and is heated by the active volcano, creating a unique, natural jacuzzi-like experience right in the sea. It was an unforgettable feeling to be swimming in water warmed by the earth’s core! We later explored the island and discovered some wonderful restaurants serving delicious local food, which was a real treat. We didn’t stop for the night on the west side of the island on this occasion, but we did make a point to visit it on our return journey. The west side is home to a very large black sand beach with plenty of space to anchor, a stunning contrast that provided a peaceful and secure place for us to drop anchor and rest on our way back.

The Island of Lipari

Leaving the volcanic warmth of Vulcano, we set sail towards the island of Lipari, but not without a few scenic detours. Our first stop was the impressive Faraglioni, a series of towering rock formations emerging majestically from the sea. We anchored nearby to enjoy a refreshing swim in the deep, blue water with these natural sculptures as our backdrop. ☀️ We also made sure to visit the enchanting Arco degli Angeli (Arch of the Angels), a beautiful natural arch carved into the rock face. This spot was another perfect place to swim and simply marvel at the dramatic coastal scenery that makes the Aeolian Islands so unique. 🌊

After our refreshing swim stops, we followed the coast of Lipari to the main port to replenish our supplies. ⚓️ We docked at Lipari porto to top up our fresh water tanks and restock our pantry with food for the rest of our journey. The harbor was bustling with activity, a mix of fishing boats, ferries, and other yachts, creating a lively atmosphere. We decided to spend the night there, which gave us the perfect opportunity to explore the island’s main town. For dinner, we found a fantastic local restaurant and treated ourselves to a delicious seafood feast, enjoying the fresh catch of the day while soaking in the vibrant evening ambiance of Lipari. 🦞

The next day, we set our course for the majestic island of Stromboli. We had a special stop planned at the site of the Ex Cave Pomice (Pumice Quarry), a historically significant location where we hoped to find some volcanic pumice stones. It was a fascinating experience to explore the area and search for these lightweight, porous stones, which felt like a little piece of geological magic. 🌋 The site is also famous for its obsidian deposits. I was especially keen to see these, as obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed when lava cools so rapidly that no crystals have time to form. It has a beautiful, jet-black, and glossy appearance. For centuries, the Aeolian Islands, and particularly Lipari, were major sources of this material, which was highly valued in prehistoric times for creating incredibly sharp tools and weapons. Finding and holding these unique, glassy stones was a tangible connection to the powerful forces that shaped these islands.

The Island of Stromboli

After exploring obsidian sites, we continued our journey to the most anticipated part of the trip to Stromboli. The true magic of this island reveals itself in the evening, so we made sure to approach it as the sun began to set. As darkness fell, we sailed around the island’s coastline to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of its almost continuous eruptions. 🔥 From the safety of our catamaran, we watched in wonder as the volcano’s peak periodically threw glowing flames and lava into the night sky, a truly unforgettable and humbling display of nature’s power. By day, the island is equally captivating, with a charming village nestled on its slopes. We loved walking through the small, winding streets, which are often hidden between high stone walls, and discovering little restaurants tucked away, giving the village a sense of peaceful seclusion. The iconic white church on a hill overlooking the village adds to the island’s picturesque beauty.

The Island of Panarea

After the unforgettable spectacle of Stromboli’s nightly eruptions, we set our course for the chic and exclusive island of Panarea. Despite being the smallest of the main Aeolian Islands with a year-round population of only a few hundred people, it felt incredibly vibrant and alive, especially during our visit in July. Panarea has a reputation as a playground for the wealthy and it was easy to see why. The hillsides are dotted with stunning, whitewashed villas, each seemingly more beautiful than the last, all with breathtaking sea views.

In the evening, it was a true pleasure to walk through the island’s narrow, winding paths. We had dinner at a very nice restaurant that offered a wonderful dining experience, combining traditional fresh seafood with a sophisticated atmosphere. Walking around after dinner, the air filled with the scent of jasmine and the gentle hum of conversation, we truly felt the magic of Panarea. The views of the sea sparkling under the moonlight were simply breathtaking and a perfect end to our day.

The Grotta del Cavallo

On our way back to the marina, we made sure to revisit the island of Vulcano for one last incredible stop at the Grotta del Cavallo (Cave of the Horse). We anchored nearby and took the dinghy to explore this fascinating sea cave. The grotto is a spectacular natural wonder, known for its unique mineral deposits that paint the rocks in vibrant shades of yellow and red, a clear sign of the island’s volcanic activity. The water inside was a beautiful, deep blue, creating a mesmerizing contrast with the colorful cave walls.

As we were sailing away from Vulcano, we had a truly unforgettable encounter. There, on the open sea, we spotted the magnificent superyacht Black Pearl. Its sleek, black hull and three towering DynaRig masts were an incredible sight against the horizon. It’s one of the largest and most advanced sailing yachts in the world, and seeing it up close was a breathtaking moment and a highlight of our journey. Witnessing such a beautiful vessel was a perfect bookend to our incredible week of sailing among the Aeolian Islands.

Final Thoughts

TBD