Capo d'Orlando
round-trip.
Sail from Capo d’Orlando through the Aeolian Islands—Vulcano, Filicudi, Salina, Stromboli, Lipari. Volcanic landscapes, hidden coves & Sicilian adventure.
Day-by-day route
Click any pin on the map or any day in the Route summary below to see the daily stop, narrative, and photos.
Capo d'Orlando → Vulcano Porto
Depart Capo d'Orlando for a 22 NM sail north to Vulcano, where the island's raw geological power is palpable. Experience the therapeutic mud baths of Laghetto di Fanghi, then ascend the Gran Cratere for a sunset panorama stretching to Stromboli's plume. Dine on traditional Aeolian fare, with the island's ancient heartbeat as your backdrop.
Distance
18 NM
Sailing
~3.6h at 5 kn
Route at a glance
Best season
May – mid-October (peak Jun & Sep)
Duration
7 days · Sat – Sat
Departure
Capo d'Orlando
Sailing area
Sicily
Route summary
Click any day to jump back to the map and see its photos, narrative, and mooring tip.
Day-by-day journey
Named anchorages, restaurants, and route notes for every leg of the week — written by sailors who've actually run this passage.
Capo d'Orlando → Vulcano Porto
Cast off from Capo d'Orlando, setting a course north for the 22-nautical-mile passage to Vulcano, the first of the Aeolian Islands and an introduction to their dramatic volcanic landscape. Arrive at Vulcano Porto, where the air carries the distinctive, earthy scent of sulphur from the active fumaroles near the harbour. Secure your mooring and make for Laghetto di Fanghi, where the warm, mineral-rich mud offers a unique therapeutic experience, a tradition stretching back centuries. As the afternoon wanes, embark on the ascent of the Gran Cratere, a moderate hike rewarded by an unforgettable sunset vista; from the rim, your gaze sweeps across the archipelago, often catching the distant, rhythmic plume of Stromboli. Later, enjoy dinner at a trattoria in Porto di Levante, sampling local specialities like pesce stocco, prepared with the island’s rich culinary heritage. The subtle rumble of the volcano beneath provides a primal, soothing soundtrack to the evening.
Things to do
Experience the therapeutic mud baths at Laghetto di Fanghi
Hike the Gran Cratere for panoramic sunset views
Dine on local Aeolian cuisine in Porto di Levante
Observe the active fumaroles near Vulcano Porto
Mooring tip
Porto di Levante offers stern-to berths with lazy lines; booking ahead is advisable in high season. Alternatively, anchor in Porto di Ponente.
Vulcano → Filicudi Porto
The ten-nautical-mile reach west from Vulcano to Filicudi typically offers a pleasant beam reach under the maestral, guiding you towards an island where time feels suspended. Approach from the south to witness the dramatic volcanic spire of La Canna, rising majestically from the sea; a truly iconic Aeolian landmark. Drop anchor in the clear waters near La Canna, finding excellent holding in sand at 10-15 metres, perfect for a swim before launching the dinghy or kayaks. Paddle to the stunning Grotta del Bue Marino, where the sea has sculpted magnificent caverns into the obsidian cliffs, echoing with the sound of the waves. Later, secure a lazy-line berth in Filicudi Porto, a charming, car-free village. From here, a hike to the Bronze Age settlement at Capo Graziano reveals layers of history and offers panoramic views of the archipelago. For dinner, head to Pecorini, a small fishing hamlet, where local konobas serve fresh ricci (sea urchin) pasta, dressed simply with local olive oil and lemon – a quintessential Aeolian culinary experience under the soft glow of harbour lights.
Things to do
Kayak to the sea caves of Grotta del Bue Marino
Hike to the Bronze Age settlement at Capo Graziano
Dine on fresh ricci pasta in Pecorini harbour
Swim and snorkel in the clear waters near La Canna
Mooring tip
Filicudi Porto offers lazy-line moorings; arrive before 16:00 in season. Alternatively, anchor in 10-15 m sand near La Canna with excellent holding.
Filicudi → Santa Marina Salina
A pleasant 10-nautical-mile reach east from Filicudi brings the catamaran to Salina, the 'emerald island' of the Aeolians. Moor stern-to in Santa Marina Salina's bustling harbour, where pastel-coloured buildings climb from the waterfront, their stone walls often draped with wild caper vines. The scent of jasmine and sea salt often drifts through the air as dusk settles. Beyond the marina, take the dinghy to a secluded black-sand cove near the Malvasia vineyards, perfect for a refreshing swim in warm volcanic waters. Later, a taxi can take you to Pollara, a dramatic cliffside village famed for its natural arch and as a filming location for 'Il Postino,' offering breathtaking views across the Tyrrhenian. As evening approaches, a visit to Hauner Winery, overlooking the sea, is highly recommended. Sample their renowned Malvasia delle Lipari, a honeyed dessert wine, as the last light catches the vineyards and the air cools.
Things to do
Explore Santa Marina's caper-draped streets
Swim in a black-sand cove near Malvasia vineyards
Visit Pollara, the dramatic Il Postino village
Taste Malvasia delle Lipari at Hauner Winery
Mooring tip
Santa Marina Salina offers stern-to mooring with lazy lines; booking ahead in high season is advisable.
Salina → Stromboli
The 25-nautical-mile passage east from Salina to Stromboli is a defining moment of any Aeolian charter, culminating in the sight of Europe's most active volcano. As the iconic peak rises from the horizon, prepare for an evening spectacle. The preferred anchorage is off Sciara del Fuoco, where lava spills dramatically into the sea, particularly after dusk – a primal fireworks display that has captivated sailors for centuries. Later, dinghy ashore to Ginostra, a charming, car-free village of chalk-white houses and lemon orchards, accessible only by sea. The air here carries a faint scent of volcanic minerals and wild herbs. Ristorante La Lampara is renowned for its local dishes, often incorporating ingredients gathered from the fertile volcanic slopes. This unique blend of active geology and timeless island life makes Stromboli unforgettable.
Things to do
Witness the evening lava flows from Sciara del Fuoco
Explore the car-free lanes of Ginostra village
Dine at Ristorante La Lampara for local cuisine
Swim in the warm, dark waters off the volcano
Mooring tip
Anchor off Sciara del Fuoco in 10-20 metres volcanic sand/rock; holding can be variable. Be prepared to move if the wind shifts.
Stromboli → Panarea
Depart Stromboli for a twelve-nautical-mile reach southwest to Panarea, widely considered the most elegant of the Aeolian archipelago. This car-free island offers a distinct blend of natural beauty and understated sophistication. Drop anchor in the clear waters off Cala degli Zimmari, where volcanic black sand meets the turquoise sea, perfect for an afternoon swim. Later, take the dinghy to Basiluzzo, a captivating islet just offshore, to snorkel amongst the submerged Roman remains, a testament to ancient maritime routes. As the sun dips, head ashore to San Pietro, Panarea's main village, a labyrinth of whitewashed lanes draped in vibrant bougainvillea. Enjoy a classic Aeolian aperitif at the iconic Raya Bar, where the air carries the scent of jasmine and the gentle murmur of conversation. Explore the boutiques for hand-painted pottery, reflecting designs passed down through generations. Panarea provides a refined counterpoint to the raw power of Stromboli, a passage crew members often recall for its serene beauty.
Things to do
Swim and relax on the black sands of Cala degli Zimmari
Snorkel around Basiluzzo islet to discover Roman ruins
Stroll San Pietro's car-free lanes, browsing local pottery
Enjoy sunset aperitifs at the renowned Raya Bar
Mooring tip
Anchor in Panarea's main bay off San Pietro in 8-15m sand/rock; good holding. Limited quay space available, often requiring reservations.
Panarea → Lipari
Depart Panarea for a leisurely 11-nautical-mile reach southwest to Lipari, the largest and most vibrant of the Aeolian islands, offering a compelling blend of history and striking natural beauty. Secure a stern-to mooring at Marina Lunga, or find a comfortable anchor spot in the bay, before stepping ashore to explore the island's rich past. The Aeolian Archaeological Museum, housed within the Castello di Lipari, showcases an impressive collection of obsidian artefacts and ancient pottery, narrating millennia of island life. In the afternoon, a short kayak excursion north to the old Pumice Quarries (Spiaggia Bianca) reveals a truly ethereal landscape of snow-white cliffs plunging into Caribbean-blue waters – a truly memorable swim spot. As evening approaches, stroll to Marina Corta, a charming harbour where fishing boats mingle with stylish yachts. Here, the aroma of fresh seafood and simmering cunigghiu (rabbit stew) from traditional trattorias fills the air, best enjoyed with a glass of robust Nero d'Avola, as the island's gentle evening rhythm settles.
Things to do
Explore the obsidian treasures at the Aeolian Archaeological Museum
Kayak to the Pumice Quarries (Spiaggia Bianca) for a swim
Enjoy traditional cunigghiu and Nero d'Avola at Marina Corta
Wander the bustling streets and piazzas of Lipari town
Mooring tip
Marina Lunga offers stern-to berths with good facilities; alternatively, anchor in the bay north of Marina Lunga, holding in sand and mud. Book ahead in high season.
Lipari → Tono - Capo d'Orlando
The 25-nautical-mile passage southeast from Lipari marks the final leg of the charter, a gentle reach across the Tyrrhenian Sea with the fading silhouettes of the Aeolian Islands astern. This morning sail offers a last opportunity for a tranquil swim; consider a stop near Tono, where crystal coves provide sheltered anchorage for a final dip into water renowned for its clarity. As the catamaran approaches the Sicilian coast, the dramatic backdrop of the Nebrodi mountains emerges, their peaks often bronzed by the late afternoon sun. Capo d'Orlando Marina provides a modern and well-protected harbour for your final night. Once ashore, stroll along the Lungomare Andrea Doria, sampling a traditional almond granita from a seaside kiosk as the day cools. The scent of salt and the warmth of Sicilian hospitality provide a fitting close to an unforgettable week.
Things to do
Enjoy a final swim in the pristine waters of Tono's coves
Stroll the Lungomare Andrea Doria in Capo d'Orlando
Savour traditional almond granita from a seaside kiosk
Watch the sunset over the Aeolian Islands from the marina
Mooring tip
Capo d'Orlando Marina offers stern-to berths with lazy lines; booking ahead, especially in high season, is advisable for a smooth arrival.
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