Italy - Aeolian Islands - Harbor of Lipari, Aeolian Islands near Sicily, Italy

Sailing Holiday
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 sailing holiday 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 sailing holiday. 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.

Boat Types In Aeolian Islands

Is A Sailing Holiday Right For You

Connect with Nature

A sailing holiday allows you to experience the sea, wind, and sky up close, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life native to your cruising area.

Wellbeing

Looking for a total break from your everyday routine? A sailing holiday provides a truly different experience. Being rocked gently by the sea while surrounded by stunning nature is guaranteed to lower your stress levels.

Unique Accommodation

Your boat serves as both transportation and lodging, offering a total change from the everyday - and a fantastic way to explore a variety of locations.

Skill Development

Whether you're a first-time sailor or an old hand, your skipper will be happy to give tips on sailing techniques and nautical knowledge. Or feel free to sit back, relax and simply enjoy being on board.

Amazing Access

On a sailing holiday you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.

Quality Time with Friends and Family

The nature of sailing together means you tend to foster deeper connections with travel companions in a close, shared environment. Special memories are guaranteed.

Customisable Itinerary

The weather doesn’t always do what you want, but with a boat charter you can easily adjust your plans based on weather, preferences, or unexpected discoveries.

Cultural Immersion

On a sailing holiday you tend to visit multiple ports and interact with locals, which is great for experiencing the cultural life of your destination country in more depth.

Sunsets and Stargazing

There’s nothing quite like a night under the stars, and the deck of a boat is the perfect spot for gazing at breath-taking sunsets or clear night skies, far away from light pollution.

Family - Happy Young Family Resting On A Yacht

Freedom to Explore

On a sailing holiday you have the freedom to plan your own itinerary and visit multiple destinations, with the journeys between them being part of the fun.

Charter Types In Aeolian Islands

Bareboat Sailing Holiday

A bareboat sailing holiday with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore 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 sailing holiday fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter on a sailing holiday 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.

Skippered Sailing Holiday

With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around 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 sailing holiday, 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 Sailing Holiday

A crewed sailing holiday from Aeolian Islands comes 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.

How To Book

How To Book Your Sailing Holiday 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 sailing holiday 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 sailing holiday 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 Sailing Holiday?

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.