Aeolian Islands Yacht Charter

The Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie) are a group of beautiful islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea about 25-50 km north of Sicily, in Italy. Previously considered ‘off the beaten track’, this diverse group of volcanic islands is becoming an increasingly popular luxury yacht destination, particularly during the peak summer months.

These seven little islands, surrounded by a warm and deep sea, recall a history of sea adventures tracing back 5,000 years. A superyacht charter in this pristine part of the world gives you an extraordinary range of excursion and activity options in a natural and largely untouched environment.

Lipari is the largest Aeolian Island and its volcanoes are considered inactive, though steaming fumaroles (emissions of hot gas and steam) may still be seen. As a result of the volcanic origins, the island is covered with obsidian and pumice, the latter giving the surrounding water a brilliant turquoise hue. Around the area of the pumice excavation sites, the beach resembles fine talcum powder.

Located right next to Lipari, the island of Vulcano is dominated by the Gran Cratere volcano cone which gives off clouds of sulphurous gas. This peak gives mindblowing views while the island is popular for its pretty beaches and mud baths.

In contrast, the island of Salina is lush and hilly - great for an energising walk before a long leisurely lunch on board your yacht. Together with Lipari, Salina is one of the most populated islands. Its vegetation is particularly beautiful and it has many little bays and headlands such as the extremely attractive Pollara, created by a beautiful underwater crater.

Panarea is a gleaming beacon of an island with enormous appeal to visitors. The smallest of the Aeolian Islands, Panarea is a romantic, upmarket little island featuring several quaint hotels, elegantly laid-back bars and restaurants serving delicious Sicilian specialities, complete with stunning views across to Stromboli.

The most remote of the Aeolian islands, Stromboli is little more than a volcano rising out of the sea. Stromboli is a fully active volcano in a constant state of mild activity, punctuated by occasional larger and fiercer eruptions. Stromboli is popular for trips out at night to see magma spurting out of the cone like a dramatic natural fireworks display.

Filicudi and Alicudi lie to the west and are comparatively much less frequented, but both are spectacular and have appealing anchorage spots for a long lunch of involtini alla melanzane, freshly caught \'totano’ calamari, and plenty of Sicilian wine. The completely uninhabited western side of Alicudi reveals particularly magnificent rock walls plunging into the water.

The sea surrounding the Aeolian Islands is a beautiful cobalt blue. The mountains are covered with vineyards, wildflowers, and lemon, caper and olive trees. The little towns and villages are timeless and the locals are friendly and helpful. The islands are also a real paradise for nature lovers, hikers and scuba divers.

Since the year 2000, the islands have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and they are the perfect destination for a gloriously luxurious superyacht holiday.