Italy - Aeolian Islands - Pollara Beach, Salina, Aeolian Islands stock photo

Gulet Charter
The Aeolian Islands

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.

What Makes Aeolian Islands Special?

Secluded Beaches

The islands offer numerous hidden coves and secluded beaches only accessible by boat, providing a sense of escape and tranquillity.

Crystal-Clear Waters

The Aeolian Islands boast incredibly clear turquoise waters, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and other water activities.

Diverse Marine Life

The islands are habitats for a diverse range of marine life, making them a great place for underwater exploration.

Volcanic Wonders

The archipelago contains two active volcanoes, Stromboli and Vulcano, offering the unique opportunity to witness and even hike these natural wonders.

Unique Cultural Heritage

The Aeolian Islands have a rich historical and cultural heritage, deeply rooted in ancient civilisations, with unique traditions, cuisine, and architecture to discover.

Picturesque Island Villages

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.

Gastronomic Delights

The Aeolian Islands are renowned for their cuisine. From high end restaurants to simple osterias, sample fresh seafood, Mediterranean flavours, and locally produced ingredients.

Sailing Adventures

Each island within the archipelago offers different sailing experiences, allowing for exploration and discovery of varied landscapes, along with myriad hidden coves and beaches.

Stunning Natural Beauty

The Aeolian Islands are renowned for their breathtaking beauty, characterised by pristine seas, dramatic cliffs, volcanic landscapes, and picturesque coastal villages.

Italy - Aeolian Islands - Resting area in the sun with the view of the Panarea volcanic island behind in the north of Sicily stock photo

Relaxed Atmosphere

Experience a laid-back lifestyle, where you can dip in and out from the crowds, and there's plenty of authentic island charm.

Not To Be Missed

Lipari Island

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.

Stromboli Island

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.

Salina Island

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.

Vulcano Island

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.

Alicudi Island

One of the least developed islands in the archipelago, Alicudi offers a tranquil and unspoilt atmosphere. Explore its small fishing village, or hike to its highest point and enjoy the solitude.

Filicudi Island

Another quiet and pristine island, Filicudi is perfect for those seeking tranquillity. Dive into crystal-clear waters, visit quiet beaches and explore the underwater caves.

Italy - Aeolian Islands - Architectural style of streets of Panarea island in Italy

Panarea Island

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.

Best Time To Visit The Aeolian Islands

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.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 14.9°C (59°F) 13.0°C (55°F) wind direction 264degW
FEB 13.6°C (56°F) 11.9°C (54°F) wind direction 176degS
MAR 15.0°C (59°F) 13.1°C (56°F) wind direction 229degSW
APR 15.8°C (60°F) 13.8°C (57°F) wind direction 234degSW
MAY 18.6°C (66°F) 16.9°C (62°F) wind direction 201degSSW
JUN 23.1°C (74°F) 21.3°C (70°F) wind direction 197degSSW
JUL 28.0°C (82°F) 26.0°C (79°F) wind direction 159degSSE
AUG 27.2°C (81°F) 25.3°C (78°F) wind direction 255degWSW
SEP 25.2°C (77°F) 23.4°C (74°F) wind direction 177degS
OCT 24.0°C (75°F) 22.3°C (72°F) wind direction 230degSW
NOV 20.3°C (69°F) 18.0°C (64°F) wind direction 254degWSW
DEC 16.8°C (62°F) 15.3°C (60°F) wind direction 210degSSW
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Language

The official language of Italy is Italian, and English is also widely spoken.

Currency

The official currency of Italy is the Euro (€)

Tipping

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.

Is A Gulet Right For You

Sailing 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.

Design and Layout

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.

Capacity

Gulets can accommodate larger groups, typically ranging from 6 to 12 guests, making them ideal for families or groups of friends.

Crew Information

Gulets usually come with a full crew, including a captain, chef, and hostess, providing a more hotel-like experience.

Pace Of Charter

Gulet charters tend to travel at a slower pace than large motor yachts, emphasizing relaxation and coastal exploration rather than covering long distances.

Cuisine

Many Gulets feature a full-sized galley, allowing for elaborate meal preparation and are typically known for their excellent onboard cuisine.

Relaxing Itineraries

Gulet charters often focus on coastal cruising, with frequent stops for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring small ports and bays.

Price

Gulet charters can be more economical for larger groups in comparison to chartering two smaller sailing or motor yachts.

Stability

Due to their wide beam (width), Gulets tend to be more stable at anchor than a sailing monohull, which can be more comfortable for guests.

QUEEN ATLANTIS

Vessel Type

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.

Charter Types In Aeolian Islands

Crewed Gulet Charters

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.

How To Book

How To Book Your Gulet Charter To The Aeolian Islands.

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.

Pure Thoughts

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.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Gulet?

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.

What Type Of Gulet Can I Charter To The Aeolian Islands?

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)

How Do I Choose The Right Gulet?

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.

When Are The Best Times To Charter A Gulet To The Aeolian Islands?

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.

How Do Charter Fees Work When Chartering A Gulet?

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.

How Long Does A Gulet Charter Typically Last?

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.

What Happens If There Is A Problem With My Gulet Charter?

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.