The Aeolian Islands, a stunning archipelago located off the northeastern coast of Sicily, are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a stunningly beautiful place for a catamaran charter.
Each of the seven islands boast exceptional natural beauty, all with their own unique charm but united by the fact they are one of the most spectacular destinations in the Mediterranean to sail.
From exploring volcanoes to chic escapes, this stunning archipelago has it all. Whether you're seeking relaxation, exploration, or a bit of both, these magical islands offer an unforgettable sailing experience.
The islands offer numerous hidden coves and secluded beaches only accessible by boat, providing a sense of escape and tranquillity.
The Aeolian Islands boast incredibly clear turquoise waters, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and other water activities.
The islands are habitats for a diverse range of marine life, making them a great place for underwater exploration.
The archipelago contains two active volcanoes, Stromboli and Vulcano, offering the unique opportunity to witness and even hike these natural wonders.
The Aeolian Islands have a rich historical and cultural heritage, deeply rooted in ancient civilisations, with unique traditions, cuisine, and architecture to discover.
Each island has its own charming village to explore, with narrow alleys, colourful houses, lively markets, and local artisan shops creating a unique and authentic atmosphere.
The Aeolian Islands are renowned for their cuisine. From high end restaurants to simple osterias, sample fresh seafood, Mediterranean flavours, and locally produced ingredients.
Experience a laid-back lifestyle, where you can dip in and out from the crowds, and there's plenty of authentic island charm.
The largest and most developed island in the Aeolian archipelago, Lipari offers a mix of charming towns, historic sites, beautiful beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
Hiking up the live volcano on Stromboli is a unique and unforgettable adventure that makes a dramatic change from relaxing on your catamaran. Look right into the crater of the volcano to witness nature’s awesome power in action.
Famous for its lush greenery and vineyards, Salina is an excellent spot for nature lovers. Explore its charming villages, taste local wines, and relax on gorgeous beaches.
With its black sand beaches and hot springs, Vulcano is a unique destination. Hike to the volcano's crater, relax in mud baths, and enjoy the therapeutic effects of its natural springs.
Visit the picturesque port of San Pietro with its whitewashed houses, low-key but high-end bars and restaurants and view onto yachts of all types in the harbour. Dance until dawn at Raya or head for a quiet hamlet to get away from it all.
The season runs from April to October, with July and August being the peak months with the highest temperatures and most visitors. April to June and September to October are much quieter, and the temperatures are lower, but they are perfect for those looking to get away for a quieter experience.
Monthly weather for the area *
Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
---|---|---|---|---|
JAN | 14.9°C (59°F) | 13.0°C (55°F) | 3.6mm | W |
FEB | 13.6°C (56°F) | 11.9°C (54°F) | 0.6mm | S |
MAR | 15.0°C (59°F) | 13.1°C (56°F) | 2.0mm | SW |
APR | 15.8°C (60°F) | 13.8°C (57°F) | 4.2mm | SW |
MAY | 18.6°C (66°F) | 16.9°C (62°F) | 3.2mm | SSW |
JUN | 23.1°C (74°F) | 21.3°C (70°F) | 2.4mm | SSW |
JUL | 28.0°C (82°F) | 26.0°C (79°F) | 0.0mm | SSE |
AUG | 27.2°C (81°F) | 25.3°C (78°F) | 0.7mm | WSW |
SEP | 25.2°C (77°F) | 23.4°C (74°F) | 1.0mm | S |
OCT | 24.0°C (75°F) | 22.3°C (72°F) | 0.5mm | SW |
NOV | 20.3°C (69°F) | 18.0°C (64°F) | 2.6mm | WSW |
DEC | 16.8°C (62°F) | 15.3°C (60°F) | 0.9mm | SSW |
The official language of Italy is Italian, and English is also widely spoken.
The official currency of Italy is the Euro (€)
Tipping is generally not obligatory in Italy, and a service charge is often added to a bill, but it is appreciated for good service to give something.
A catamaran charter from Aeolian Islands is all about comfort, luxury and convenience, with their twin hulls making them extremely stable. Expansive open decks allow for spacious seating, socialising and sunbathing, while below deck each hull typically contains its own cabins, complete with ensuite bathroom.
This layout is particularly good for couples or families travelling together as it offers more personal space. Our catamarans are available as either bareboat or skippered charters, with a host or hostess if needed, or fully crewed.
A power catamaran combines the stability and spaciousness of a sailing catamaran with the speed and convenience of a motorised yacht. The twin-hull design ensures a smooth ride even in choppy waters, while the absence of sails allowing for more expansive, unobstructed deck spaces perfect for lounging and entertaining.
One of the key advantages of a power catamaran is its ability to cover greater distances in less time, allowing you to explore more destinations during your charter. These vessels also have shallower drafts than a traditional sailing yacht, granting easier access to tucked away coves and beaches that larger yachts can't reach.
Available as bareboat for experienced boaters or with a skipper or professional crew, power catamaran charters offer the ultimate blend of luxury, performance, and versatility.
Luxury Catamarans have state-of-the-art amenities, spacious master suites, gourmet galleys, and cutting-edge entertainment systems. The expansive flybridge provides panoramic views and alfresco dining areas, perfect for sunset cocktails. The high-performance engines and double hulls ensure power and stability for seriously smooth sailing.
You’ll have a professional crew to cater to your every need from superb meals to water sports or trips ashore. Whether exploring tucked away lagoons or hosting a lavish on-board party, a luxury catamaran charter delivers an unforgettable five-star experience for the discerning traveller.
Catamarans have two hulls, making them more stable than a regular monohull boat, both while sailing and at anchor. So if you don't like heeling over while under sail, a catamaran is the ideal choice.
The split-hull design allows for better separation of living spaces, with cabins in each hull providing more privacy for guests. A perfect option for two families or larger groups.
Catamarans have a shallower draft (less boat below the water), allowing them to access shallow anchorages and get closer to beaches than a typical monohull.
With easy access from the rear deck to the water, swimming and water sports activities are a cinch - not to mention getting in and out of the tender to go ashore.
Catamarans sail differently from monohulls. They don't heel (tilt) as much, which can be more comfortable for some passengers but may provide less of a "sailing feel" for purists.
Catamarans often feature a raised helm station with excellent visibility, and many have a flybridge for additional outdoor living space.
Catamarans offer more living space both above and below deck due to their wide beam. This means they tend to have larger common areas and more spacious cabins.
A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore The Aeolian Islands and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our fleet of yachts from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter a yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around The Aeolian Islands and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
Crewed yacht charters from The Aeolian Islands come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
Italy is one of the most popular charter destinations in the Mediterranean. Therefore, it is best to book your dream boat in advance, typically six months ahead, to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream catamaran via the the link, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the build your trip link to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
This UNESCO World Heritage site off Sicily's northern coast is an ideal setting for an unforgettable Mediterranean sailing experience.
The largest and most populated island of the seven, Lipari, offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. Lipari Castle is worth exploring along with picturesque beaches like Spiaggia Bianca.
Vulcano Island, named after the Roman god of fire as its name suggests, is home to a volcanic landscape where visitors can witness the awe-inspiring power of nature. Don't miss the opportunity to take a dip in the famous mud baths renowned for their healing properties and relax on the black sand beaches.
Panarea is known as the most glamorous of the Aeolian Islands, and this tiny paradise is indeed a playground for the well-heeled. Explore its chic boutiques, trendy bars, and upscale restaurants while soaking up the surprisingly low-key atmosphere.
Another highlight is the island of Stromboli, famous for its active volcano. Hike up to the summit and marvel at the mesmerising display of nature's power from a safe distance. After sunset, the eruptions are even more spectacular, casting a spectacular fiery glow over the darkened landscape.
Salina is known for its twin volcanic peaks and lush vegetation. Visit the picturesque town of Pollara, sample the famous Malvasia wine, and explore the turquoise waters of Pollara Bay.
The two islands of Filicudi and Alicudi are the most isolated of the islands with both offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. On Filicudi make sure to explore the prehistoric village of Capo Graziano. Alucidi has no cars on the island and offers and offers a truly off-the-beaten-track experience.
In conclusion, a catamaran charter in the Aeolian Islands offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. From exploring volcanoes to chic escapes, this stunning archipelago has it all.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.
There are typically five main types of boats and yachts you can hire, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, Gulets and Luxury Yachts (including Superyachts)
When chartering a catamaran from The Aeolian Islands, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.
For the ultimate sailing experience, May, June, and September are genuinely the golden months, but the summer months are also popular, though the anchorages are busier.
Once you've found your perfect catamaran, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.
The typical times for a catamaran charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.
The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.