Portorosa Sailing Itinerary

Portorosa – Portorosa

Our newest Italian base, Portorosa is nestled into the north east corner of Sicily, sheltered under the gaze of the majestic Mount Etna. Spend your first day exploring the town of Tonnarella, or reclining on one of Sicily’s many beaches. Chart briefings run between 6pm and 7pm local time, and you will also be given a thorough yacht briefing on your first afternoon.

The day’s sailing

• 0 Hr Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Facilities

None

Discover Portorosa

Tonnarella
Spend your first day exploring the town of Tonnarella, or reclining on one of Sicily’s many beaches.

Portorosa to Vulcano – Day 2

Named for the steaming peaks that crown this fair island, Vulcano is actually better known for the therapeutic qualities of the local mud and the natural hot springs. Although it has a harsh, barren terrain, the island also boasts a black sand beach and the spectacular Fossa di Vulcano. The smoldering crater is encrusted with vivid red and yellow crystals, which makes the one-hour hike well worth the effort. You can then either take a steep path down to the crater floor or walk on the level around the rim and enjoy extraordinary views out over the islands to the north. There is even a volcano museum on the island. The south and northwest coasts are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Anchor in Porto di Ponente for good protection from prevailing easterly winds.

The day’s sailing

• 20 Nautical Miles
• 4 Hr Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for the area.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Facilities

None

Discover Vulcano

Grotta del Cavallo
Explore the hanging stalactites, underground lakes and echoing walls of this large, half-submerged cave on the western shore.

Natural hot spring and therapeutic mud
The Faraglione della Fabbrica is a unique phenomenon, with the island’s violent volcanic activity helping to create natural thermal springs and pools, as well as grottos filled with mud that supposedly has therapeutic qualities.

Vulcano to Filicudi

Filicudi is the wildest and most beautiful Aeolian Island, with its stunning Blue Grotto and a network of hiking trails allowing visitors to explore the island’s scenic interior. The Scoglio della Canna (Cane Reef), a rock obelisk located off the north-western coast, is also worth a visit. At Capo Graziano, a short walk south-east of the port, are found the remains of a prehistoric village, dated 1800 BC. Hiking trails across the Island are spread over a huge network, leading to the abandoned village of Zucco Grande and to Fossa Felci, a mountain in the centre of the Island.

The day’s sailing

• 4.5 Hr Sailing time
• 23 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Facilities

None

Discover Filicudi

The Grotta del Bue Marino
Around the western shore of Filicudi lies this huge sea cave, an absolute must-see for adventurers. Marvel in the scale and depth of this natural wonder.

La Canna & Punta Zotta
A natural basalt finger rising from the sea, the La Canna rock formation is home to the rare Eleonora’s falcon. It is an excellent place to snorkel, and you can drop anchor in the bay of Punta La Zotta before heading to the rock.

Filicudi to Salina

Renowned for its vibrant plant life and lush vegetation rare for such volcanic land, Salina has three of the highest peaks in the area, as well as three villages and a handful of smaller hamlets. The abundant greenery is supported by the numerous freshwater springs. Embrace the slower pace of life on the island and rent a bike or scooter to explore Salina and her mighty peaks, Monte Fossa dell Felci (962m); Monte dei Porri (860m); and Monte Rivi (850m). Once at the top, you’ll revel in sensational views that stretch across the entire Aeolian archipelago. Salina has good amenities, and several restaurants line the waterfront in Santa Marina Salina, with seafood dishes a real highlight.

The day’s sailing

• 3 Hr Sailing time
• 14 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Facilities

Restaurants, Provisioning, Bike hire,

Salina to Stromboli

Rising an imposing 924m from the sea and behind only Mount Etna as the Europe’s second-largest active volcano, Stromboli belches imposing clouds of steam skywards. This dramatic lava mountain plunges all the way down to 2000m below the surface, and at night you can see the red hot flow weaving its way to the sea. There are two small villages on opposite sides of the volcano and Stromboli has the blackest beaches of all the Aeolian Islands. There is no quay anchorage at the port where the ferries and boats come in however there good buoy anchorage on the west side of the harbour and water and fuel are available.

The day’s sailing

• 4.5 Hr Sailing time
• 22 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Facilities

Water, Provisioning, Bike hire, Electricity, Fuel

Discover Stromboli

Stark contrasts
The black rock of this towering volcano contrasts neatly with the island’s traditional white houses, to a stark and magical effect. Take a 30-minute walk up to the observatory and restaurant, and dine in style, complete with fantastic views of the erupting volcano.

Ginostra and sweet cannoli
There is also good anchorage south of Ginostra. The sea depth ranges from 100-1000 metres so extra care must be taken. It is a very nice walk from the port to the town’s piazza where there are many excellent restaurants and bars. Local food blends influences from Neapolitan and Sicilian cuisines, and the traditional sweet cannoli is a must-try

Stromboli to Lipari

Stop off in Panarea, the smallest but by far the most picturesque of the islands in the group. Or visit the island of Basiluzzo, close to Panerea, which is uninhabited and an ideal stop off for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. Lipari is both the largest and oldest of the Aeolian Islands, which are often named in its honour. The Aeolian Museum in Lipari Town is excellent and houses treasures from the islands throughout the ages. Lipari is the most populated of the Aeolian Islands, with its population concentrated on the eastern side of the island, where the vineyards produce some really good local wine, and about half living in Lipari Town.

The day’s sailing

• 5 Hr Sailing time
• 25 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Facilities

Water, Restaurants, Bars, Fuel

Discover Lipari

Lipari cathedral
A must-see for all visitors to Lipari, the amazing 13th-century cathedral features fully-preserved Norman architecture.

Stop for lunch at Basiluzzo
South of Stromboli lies the tiny, unassuming and uninhabited island of Basiluzzo, the smallest Aeolian island, a craggy and isolated outcrop perfect for a secluded lunch and a swim.

Panarea
Plot a course for Panarea, and weave past the glamorous port town to arrive at the quiet anchorage, Zimmari Bay. Take a trip ashore and climb the Punta del Corno for panoramic views

Lipari to Portorosa

From Lipari, you can plot a direct 22nm route back to Portorosa, or opt for a more relaxed route, winding your way back to our base. Pop into the Vulcano National Park for a scenic final stop, or set a course for the Milazzo Peninsula. On your return, you will complete a quick but thorough debrief, after which you are free to enjoy your final night on Sicily as you please.

The day’s sailing

• 4.5 Hr Sailing time
• 22 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for the area.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Facilities

Restaurants, Provisioning, Bars, Fuel, ATM

On your way to Portorosa

Vulcano National Park
Pop into the Vulcano National Park for a scenic final stop, or set a course for the Milazzo Peninsula.

Portorosa – Italian Cuisine Flotilla

Begin your journey with a welcome drink and finger food buffet on the shimmering Portorosa Marina. Sleep on board that night and wake up to your morning yacht briefing held by the lead crew.

Mooring

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Portorosa to Vulcano – Italian Cuisine

Head towards the other-worldly island of Vulcano and anchor in a beautiful bay just south of the island, before cruising onward to Levente or Ponente bay on Vulcano (depending on the weather). After a day of exploring, unwind with mouth-watering seafood at a restaurant near the port.

The day’s sailing

• 1.5 Hr Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Volcano to Panarea

Leaving Vulcano’s unique landscapes, we will stop at the beautiful and stylish island of Panarea. If you would prefer a longer stretch of sailing, you are welcome to sail to Stomboli. Discover the island’s black sand beaches, or spend the afternoon at the small village of Ginostra, where an interesting blend of Neapolitan and Sicilian sweet delicacies meet rural Sicilian countryside.

The day’s sailing

• 5 Hr Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Mooring

Anchoring options

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Facilities

Water, Taxi, Shower, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Bars, Electricity, Ice, Gift Shop

Panarea to Salina

Moving on from Panarea or Stromboli, we sail towards the tiny islet of Basiluzzo, the smallest of the eight Aeolian islands, for a day stop with stunning scenery. Later we sail to Salina, with its lush green mountains and freshwater springs, where we’ll end the day with dinner at a local restaurant.

The day’s sailing

• 2 hr Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for the area.

Mooring

None

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Facilities

Water, Provisioning,Bike hire, Electricity, Fuel

Salina to Filicudi

After anchoring for lunch at Pollara, the next island on our itinerary is Filicudi which is among the prettiest and least-developed island in the Aeolian archipelago. Characterised by stunning blue grottos and prehistoric villages, flotilla guests will grab a mooring buoy and settle in for dinner and overnight stay.

The day’s sailing

• 2.5 Hr Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Facilities

Restaurants, Provisioning, Bike hire

Filicudi – Lipari

Heading towards the largest Aeolian Island of Lipari, we will anchor at the famous white pumice beach “spiaggia Bianca di pomici” before docking in marina Lunga for the night. In the evening, we will join together for dinner in a traditional agriturismo.

The day’s sailing

• 3.5 Hr Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Facilities

Restaurants, Provisioning, Bars, Fuel, ATM

Lipari to Portorosa (Italian Cuisine)

On our return journey to Portorosa, we will anchor near the southern end of Lipari to admire the island’s towering cliffs and volcanic rock formations known as Faraglioni di Lipari. Afterwards, we sail onwards to Portorosa to enjoy our final farewell dinner together.

The day’s sailing

• 4.5 Hr Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Portorosa (Italian Cuisine)

After your last night on board, enjoy an early morning stroll around the marina and check-out by 9am.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkeling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Portorosa

Begin your flotilla charter with a warm welcome and refreshing libation at the lovely Portorosa Marina, nestled in the northeast corner of Sicily. Spend the first day getting familiar with your yacht and getting to know fellow travelers at the base before reclining on one of Sicily’s many beaches or exploring the nearby town of Tonnarella. Sleep on board your yacht and wake up to your morning flotilla yacht briefing.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Discover Portorosa

Tonnarella
Explore the charming town of Tonnarella and sample world-renowned Sicilian cuisine. Relax on lovely sandy beaches that stretch along either side of the beautiful harbour.

Portorosa – Volcano

Set sail towards the other-worldly island of Vulcano, named for the steaming peaks that crown the island. You’ll anchor in Porto di Levente or Ponente Bay for good protection from easterly winds. Vulcano boasts a spectacular black sand beach, but its star attraction is Fossa di Vulcano. This fascinating smoldering crater is crystal-encrusted and features epic views once you’ve reached the peak. Vulcano’s south and northwest coasts are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. After a day of exploring, tempt your palate with mouth-watering seafood and local wines at a restaurant near the port.

The day’s sailing

• 3 Hr Sailing time
• 15 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Discover Vulcano

Natural hot spring and therapeutic mud
Visit the Faraglione della Fabbrica, a unique phenomenon formed from the effects of the island’s intense volcanic activity. Soak in natural thermal springs and grottos filled with mud that are said to have therapeutic qualities.

Vulcano to Panarea

Hoist the sails and head to Panarea, the chicest and picturesque of the Aeolian Islands. You’ll weave past the glamorous port town to arrive at the quiet anchorage of Zimmari Bay for the night. Dinghy ashore to take in sights of charming homes and browse artists’ bottegas or workshops, and local boutiques Camera in tow, climb the Punta del Corvo for exceptional panoramic views.

The day’s sailing

• 3 Hr Sailing time
• 16 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Discover Panarea

Zimmari Bay
Spend the afternoon lounging on the popular sands of nearby Spiaggetta Zimmari.

Basiluzzo
Time permitting, the tiny islet of Basiluzzo, the smallest of the eight Aeolian Islands, is perfect for a day stop to relish the stunning scenery.

Panarea to Selena

Next, you’ll set off for Selena, an island renowned for its lush green mountains and freshwater springs. Embrace the island’s slower pace of life and opt for exploring its mighty peaks (Monte Fossa delle Felci, Monte dei Porri, and Monte Rivi) at your leisure. The group will moor overnight in the island’s port and end the day’s adventures with a group dinner at a local restaurant, where local seafood dishes are sure to satisfy after a splendid day of exploring.

The day’s sailing

• 11 Hr Sailing time
• 2 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Mooring

Anchoring options

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Facilities

Water, Taxi, Showers/ Toilets, Rubbish, Restaurants, Provisioning, Bars, Electricity, Ice, Gift shop

Discover Selena

Rinella
Movie buffs can pay a visit to Rinella, located on the south end of the island. Rinella’s small harbour is set in a picturesque bay that provided the scenic backdrop in the Italian movie “Il Postino “.

Sunset in Pollara
If there is time, visit Pollara on the northwest coast and unwind with beautiful sunset views overlooking the small islands of Allicudi and Filicudi.

Selena to Filicudi

Next on our itinerary is Filicudi, the wildest and most beautiful Aeolian Island, characterized by its stunning blue grottos and a network of hiking trails. Flotilla guests have the opportunity to explore the Scoglio della Canna (Cane Reef), a rock obelisk located off the northwestern coast. At Capo Graziano, a short walk southeast of the port, discover the remains of a prehistoric village, dated 1800 BC. Hiking trails allow visitors to explore the island’s scenic interior and lead to the abandoned village of Zucco Grande and to Fossa Felci, a mountain in the center of the island.

The day’s sailing

• 2 Hr Sailing time
• 11 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Facilities

Provisioning, Bike hire, Electricity, Fuel

Discover Filicudi

The Grotta del Bue Marino
Consider exploring the Grotta del Bue Marino, a huge sea cave on the west coast of Filicudi. You’ll marvel in the scale and depth of its natural wonder as the afternoon sun’s rays reflect off the water and transform the cave into a dazzling cobalt blue grotto.

La Canna & Punta Zotta
A natural basalt finger rising from the sea, the La Canna rock formation is home to the rare Eleonora’s falcon. An excellent place to snorkel, you can drop anchor in the bay of Punta La Zotta before heading to the rock.

Filicudi to Lipari

Next, we set course for Lipari, both the largest and oldest of the Aeolian Islands. You’ll moor overnight in the Port of Lipari. Enjoy an aperitif then stroll picturesque streets along the harbour’s lively seafront.

The day’s sailing

• 3 Hr Sailing time
• 16 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Facilities

Restaurants, Provisioning, Bike hire

Discover Lipari

Aeolian Museum
The Aeolian Museum in Lipari Town is excellent and houses treasures from the islands throughout the ages.

Lipari – Portorosa

Finally, on day 7, we head back to Portorosa for our last night on board and close out the island-hopping adventure with a group dinner.

The day’s sailing

• 3.5 Hr Sailing time
• 18 Nautical miles

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Things to do

Sunbathing, Snorkelling, Diving, Shopping, Exploring

Discover Portoros

Vineyard of Azienda Agricola Cambria
Consider a visit to the nearby beautiful vineyard of Azienda Agricola Cambria in Furnari. Sample local cheeses and a fantastic selection of Sicilian wines while soaking in majestic views overlooking Portorosa.

Mount Etna
Plan 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.