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 gulet 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 gulet. 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.
These two or three-masted boats are the perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional charm, and make a fantastic platform for exploring Aeolian Islands and beyond.
Gulets will typically have a professional chef on board who can accommodate dietary preferences while providing exceptional dining.
Sailing on a Gulet is a unique and memorable experience in itself. The feeling of connection with the sea and exploring exciting new locations, all while being superbly looked after by your crew makes for a very special holiday indeed.
With recent advances in the luxury Gulet charter market, this is an excellent choice for a truly magical charter. From the moment you step aboard, every detail is testament to the skills of master craftsmen and designers, with stylish staterooms and cabins sitting alongside fantastically spacious decks for basking in the Mediterranean sun.
On a luxury Gulet charter your crew will include a professional chef to create the perfect menu, catering to all tastes and dietary requirements. This bespoke treatment extends to your itinerary and activities; whether you’re looking for adrenaline-fuelled watersports, deserted coves for private swimming or sundowners on deck before dinner, the expert crew will ensure you have a truly luxurious charter experience.
While Gulets do have sails, they're often motor-sailed or purely motored. Even when under sail, the experience is generally more relaxed and less hands-on than on a typical sailing yacht.
Gulets are designed with comfort and relaxation in mind. They usually feature a large aft deck for dining and lounging, and a spacious foredeck for sunbathing.
Gulets can accommodate larger groups, typically ranging from 6 to 12 guests, making them ideal for families or groups of friends.
Gulets usually come with a full crew, including a captain, chef, and hostess, providing a more hotel-like experience.
Gulet charters tend to travel at a slower pace than large motor yachts, emphasizing relaxation and coastal exploration rather than covering long distances.
Many Gulets feature a full-sized galley, allowing for elaborate meal preparation and are typically known for their excellent onboard cuisine.
Gulet charters often focus on coastal cruising, with frequent stops for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring small ports and bays.
A Gulet is a traditional wooden sailing boat, originating from Turkey. It typically has two or three masts and a wide beam (width), which provides lots of deck space for socialising, eating and relaxing on board.
A crewed Gulet charter from Aeolian Islands offers a unique way to explore the stunning Mediterranean coastline. These traditional wooden sailing boats combine the charm of old-world craftsmanship with modern world amenities, and 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 gulet 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 gulet 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 gulet 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 gulet, 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 gulet 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.