Sicily Sailing Itinerary

Vulcano

Home to one of two active volcanoes in the Aeolian Islands, Vulcano is storied to be the former location of the “God of Fire’s” blacksmiths, according to Greek mythology. The island boasts natural hot springs, a pristine black sand beach, superb snorkeling sites along the south and northwest coasts, scenic hiking around Fossa di Vulcano, and even a volcano museum. Porto di Ponente provides an idyllic and protected spot for anchoring and Grotta del Cavallo offers a unique half-submerged cave, where you can explore underground lakes with hanging stalactites.

The day’s sailing

• 4 Hr Sailing time
• 20 Nautical miles

Mooring

No moorings are available. Vulcano’s two bays are Porto di Levante and Porto di Ponente. Both are good anchorages depending on the wind direction. Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

Swimming, Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping

Faraglione della Fabbrica

There is a wondrous Vulcano phenomenon known as Faraglione della Fabbrica, which allows visitors to experience the thermal springs and mud-filled grottos that have formed naturally because of the island’s volcanic activity. The mud is even rumored to possess therapeutic qualities.

Filicudi

The captivating island of Filicudi is riddled with natural splendor and unique travel experiences, all centered around the mountain of Fossa Felci. There is a network of marked hiking trails throughout Filicudi that lets you enjoy a healthy dose of physical activity while also revealing the island’s beautiful on shore scenery. Just a short walk from the main port at Capo Graziano, you can see remnants from an ancient village dating back to 1800 B.C. For superior snorkeling conditions, visit the natural rock formation that teems from the sea at La Canna.

The day’s sailing

• 3 Hr 54 mins Sailing time
• 19.5 Nautical miles

Mooring

Moorings balls available. Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

Swimming, Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping

Facilities

There are very limited facilities at the Port of Filicudi. Water and fuel is available.

Grotta del Blue

The enchanting Grotta del Blue Marino simply cannot be missed when exploring the remote island of Filicudi. The depth and size of this giant sea cave is truly remarkable. Named after the last refuge of the warm natured monk seal in the 1950’s, the cave is divided into two branches forming a 16km network adorned with spectacular lakes, rock formations and Neolithic petroglyphs.

Salina

Salina is known for its lush landscape and vast wooded area of ferns known as La Fossa dell Felci. Throughout the island, there are several freshwater springs to enjoy and the panoramic views from atop Salina’s three towering peaks are nothing short of awe-inspiring. A number of scooter and bike rentals are available to help make the commute to the top more pleasant and Santa Maria Salina offers a selection of waterfront restaurants so you can indulge on local seafood dishes in a beautiful setting. Pollara is a prime location for anchoring overnight, offering protection from easterly winds and picturesque sunsets.

The day’s sailing

• 2 Hr 36 mins Sailing time
• 13 Nautical miles

Mooring

Moorings are available. There is good anchorage in Porto Santa Marina. Rinella, on the south side of the island, is a scenic and protected anchorage. As always, the choice of a specific anchorage for the night depends on the wind direction. Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Swimming, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping

Facilities

Fuel and water are available at Porto Santa Marina.

Rinella and Sunset in Pollara

Do not miss the opportunity to visit the pastel-hued, quaint fishing village of Rinella. Surrounded by olive groves, black beaches and volcanic rocks, this little hamlet is the perfect oasis for tucking into calamari ripieni al forno and watching the sunset.

Stromboli

Known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean”, Stromboli is the second-largest volcano in Europe and has been continuously erupting for more than 80 years. No matter where you stand on the island, you can marvel in the natural beauty of this massive lava-spewing mountain, which extends 924 meters from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Spend your days in Stromboli soaking up the sun and sinking your toes into the sand of the Aeolian Islands’ blackest beaches. Take a scenic half-hour hike up to the top of the observatory area, where you can dine at the restaurant whilst enjoying breathtaking views. Venture over to Ginostra to stroll the town’s piazza and tempt your palate with the most decadent cannoli desserts.

The day’s sailing

• 5 Hr 30 mins Sailing time
• 27.5 Nautical miles

Mooring

Moorings are available for a fee on the west side of Ginostra harbour. You can anchor in front of Ginostra for the day, but not for the night. The preferred overnight anchorage is south of Ginostra at Ficogrande. The water is quite deep. Make sure the anchor is well set and that you’ve let out sufficient scope on the anchor rode. Dinghy dockage is available in Ginostra.

Things to do

Swimming, Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping

Strombolicchio

Cruise by the tiny volcanic island of Strombolicchio, meaning Little Stromboli. The island cannot be accessed, as it hosts some very rare species of flora and fauna and has been declared a natural reserve. The lighthouse and steep, rugged cliffs still offer some excellent offshore photo opportunities.

Lipari

The largest, oldest, and most densely populated of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari is an ancient Greek acropolis where you can immerse yourself in the rich culture and history at the Castello settlement. Feast your eyes on the exquisite Norman architecture of the 13th-century Lipari Cathedral. Visit the Aeolian Museum in Lipari town and enjoy a superb local wine at one of the vineyards located on the east coast. Sail to the small, uninhabited island of Basiluzzo for spectacular snorkeling and a lovely spot for lunch.

The day's sailing

• 5 Hr 24 mins Sailing time
• 27 Nautical miles

Mooring

No moorings are available. The largest harbour in the Aeolians is Porto Lipari on the east side of the island, where you’ll find dockage at the marinas as well as other amenities for yachts. The best anchorage is off the west and southwest side of the island between Le Formiche and Punta La Grotticelle. Dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

Swimming, Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping

Facilities

Fuel and water are available at Porto Lipari.

Lipari Cathedral and Stop for Lunch at Basiluzzo

On your way to Lipari, drop anchor in the peaceful anchorage of Zimmari Bay at Panarea, the smallest of the Aeolian Islands that makes up for its stature with picture-perfect scenery ten-fold. Go ashore to explore the charming port town and ascend the Punta del Corno, which beholds magnificent panoramic views once you reach the top.

Portorosa

Tucked into the north east end of Sicily beneath towering Mount Etna, Portorosa is perfectly situated for cruising the coast of Sicily as well as the captivating Aeolian Islands. Portorosa Yacht Harbour, where The Moorings partner base is located, provides well-protected dockage and excellent facilities. Arrive by 5 PM to spend your last night aboard your yacht, and disembark by 9 AM the following morning. Once ashore, explore the quaint town of Tonnarella, or make a day trip to nearby Mount Etna with its otherworldly, volcanic rock landscape – declared a UNESCO World Heritage site – and quite possibly Sicily’s most beautiful natural attraction.

The day’s sailing

• 5 Hr 24 mins Sailing time
• 22 Nautical miles

Mooring

Dockage available at Portorosa Marina. The marina area is well protected by two large breakwater piers.

Things to do

Dining, Shopping, Swimming, Sunbathing

Facilities

Portorosa Marina is a large, modern marina with excellent facilities including bars, restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, fuel and a post office. Showers and restrooms are also available.

Marinello Lake Nature Reserve

Take your time to soak in the unique sanctuary of archaeological, artistic and natural landscapes found at the Marinello Lake Nature Reserve. Located a short drive from our base at Portorosa, the reserve offers views of brackish ponds, caves and ruins, as well as excellent bird watching.