Capo d'Orlando
Day 1
Capo d'Orlando - Vulcano Porto
Day 2
Vulcano - Filicudi Porto
Day 3
Filicudi - Santa Marina Salina
Day 4
Salina - Stromboli
Day 5
Stromboli - Panarea
Day 6
Panarea - Lipari
Day 7
Lipari - Tono - Capo d'Orlando
Detailed Itinerary by days
Day 1Capo d'Orlando - Vulcano Porto
Start where the Tyrrhenian Sea receives the tumble of Sicily's Nebrodi Mountains. Go north to Vulcano, where steaming fumaroles and sulfur-scented air welcome you. Slather in the medicinal mud of Laghetto di Fanghi; then, when the sun sets, climb the Gran Cratere; your shadow will spread into the far plume of Stromboli. At a harborside trattoria, dine on pesce stocco (salted cod stew), the rumble of the volcano a primitive lullaby.
Day 2Vulcano - Filicudi Porto
Sail west toward Filicudi, an island locked in time, at daybreak. Drop anchor amid the shadow of La Canna, a volcanic spire rising like Poseidon's trident. After kayaking to Grotta del Bue Marino, where waves sculpt sea caverns into obsidian cliffs, climb to the Bronze Age ruins at Capo Graziano. Feast on sea urchin pasta called ricci in Pecorini, lamps flashing over still fishing boats.
Day 3Filicudi - Santa Marina Salina
Go to Salina, the rich emerald archipelago. Moor in Santa Marina’s pastel harbor, where caper vines spill over stone walls. Swim in the volcanic black-sand cove of Malvasia vineyards, then head toward Pollara, the cliffside community from Il Postino. Sip honeyed dessert wine at Hauner Winery at evening; the air is pleasant with jasmine and salt.
Day 4Salina - Stromboli
Follow the horizon to the lighthouse of Europe, Stromboli. As evening sets and hot lava spills into the water, Anchor off Sciara del Fuoco sees a primitive fireworks display. Ashore, roam Ginostra, a car-free village of lemon orchards and chalk-white houses. Eat at Ristorante La Lampara, their Stromboli made with wild herbs gathered from the slopes of the volcano.
Day 5Stromboli - Panarea
Sail to Panarea, the most elegant gem the Aeolians have. Explore the black sand of Cala degli Zimmari then snorkel around Basiluzzo, an island covered with Roman remains. By night, sip champagne at Raya Bar as jetsetters barefoot beneath bougainvillea. Search San Pietro for hand-painted pottery whose designs reflect ancient Greek ideas.
Day 6Panarea - Lipari
Go back to Lipari, the pulse of the archipelago. Discover the obsidian riches of the Aeolian Archaeological Museum; next, kayak to the Pumice Quarries, a dreamlike scene of snow-white cliffs and Caribbean-blue seas. Dine on cunigghiu, rabbit stew, at Marina Corta, the harbour bustling with clinking glasses of Nero d'Avola and accordion music.
Day 7Lipari - Tono - Capo d'Orlando
Go past Tono's secret coves for your last sail, then dive one last time into water so pure it seems like flying. As the sun bronze the Nebrodi peaks, go back to Capo d'Orlando. At a seaside kiosk, toast with almond granita; your skin is salt-crusted and soul marked with the fiery charm of the Aeolians.