Lipari
round-trip.
Sail a 7-day catamaran charter from Lipari through Vulcano, Filicudi, Salina & Stromboli. Volcanic vistas, hidden coves and historic towns across the Aeolian Islands.
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.
Lipari → Portorosa
Depart Lipari, the Aeolian archipelago's vibrant heart, for a south-easterly reach to Portorosa Marina on Sicily's northern coast. This elegant, canal-laced harbour offers views of Mount Etna's distant plume. Settle into the rhythm of Sicilian life, with fresh seafood and the island's celebrated pasta alla Norma under a tangerine sunset.
Distance
32 NM
Sailing
~6.4h at 5 kn
Route at a glance
Best season
May – mid-October (peak Jun & Sep)
Duration
7 days · Sat – Sat
Departure
Lipari
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.
Lipari → Portorosa
Cast off from Lipari's bustling harbour mid-morning, leaving behind its white pumice cliffs and vibrant town centre, for a 28-nautical-mile south-easterly reach towards Portorosa Marina on Sicily's north-eastern coast. This passage across the Tyrrhenian Sea is often a steady run, with the distant, often snow-capped, silhouette of Mount Etna gradually appearing on the horizon. Portorosa, a purpose-built marina village, welcomes yachts with its network of canals and elegant waterfront homes. Secure a stern-to mooring, perhaps on the main quay, and take a moment to absorb the pine-scented air and the distant scent of citrus groves. The evening invites a stroll along the marina's promenade before settling into a local trattoria, where the tradition of pasta alla Norma—rich with aubergine and ricotta salata—is honoured, often accompanied by a crisp local white wine as the Sicilian sunset paints the sky in tangerine hues. This first night ashore offers a gentle immersion into the island's unique charm.
Things to do
Explore Lipari town and its archaeological museum before departure
Enjoy a steady reach across the Tyrrhenian Sea
Dine at a Portorosa trattoria, savouring authentic pasta alla Norma
Stroll the canals and waterfront promenade of Portorosa
Mooring tip
Portorosa Marina offers stern-to moorings with lazy lines; booking ahead, especially in high season, is advisable. Fuel pier and all services available.
Portorosa → Vulcano
An 18-nautical-mile reach northeast from Portorosa brings you to Vulcano, an island that subtly announces its presence with a distinctive, earthy scent of sulphur on the air. Approach carefully, as the depths off Porto di Levante drop quickly, offering stern-to mooring on the town quay or buoys in Porto di Ponente. Ashore, a visit to the Laghetto di Fanghi offers a unique, therapeutic mud bath experience, renowned locally for its mineral properties. For active exploration, a moderate hike up the Gran Cratere provides sweeping, panoramic views across the entire Aeolian archipelago – a vista often talked about for years afterward. Later, cool off with a snorkel in the Pool of Venus, a secluded natural basin where volcanic vents gently warm the water, creating a unique bathing experience. Conclude the day with freshly grilled swordfish at a local establishment such as Trattoria Vulcano, savouring the island's culinary simplicity as the volcanic slopes cool in the evening air.
Things to do
Hike the Gran Cratere for panoramic Aeolian views
Immerse in the therapeutic mud at Laghetto di Fanghi
Snorkel the naturally warmed Pool of Venus
Dine on fresh swordfish at Trattoria Vulcano
Mooring tip
Porto di Levante offers stern-to mooring on the quay; alternatively, anchor in Porto di Ponente bay in 8-12m sand with good holding.
Vulcano → Filicudi
Depart Vulcano for a twenty-nautical-mile passage west to Filicudi, an island that retains a distinctly untamed character, where donkeys still navigate paths largely untouched by motor vehicles. This is a passage often blessed by the prevailing maestral, offering a comfortable beam reach across the Tyrrhenian Sea. Upon arrival, drop anchor in the sheltered waters near Pecorini a Mare, a tranquil fishing hamlet. Launch the dinghy or kayaks to explore the Grotta del Bue Marino, a sea cave famed for its echoing acoustics and the iridescent blue of its waters. Later, venture to the iconic volcanic stack of La Canna, rising 85 metres from the sea, an extraordinary spot for snorkelling with visibility often exceeding twenty metres. Ashore, a hike to the prehistoric settlement of Capo Graziano reveals Bronze Age foundations, whispering tales of ancient maritime trade and island life. Conclude the day with a traditional Aeolian dinner at a konoba in Pecorini, savouring local specialities like pasta con le sarde, prepared with fresh catches over olive-wood embers, as the harbour lights flicker.
Things to do
Kayak into the echoing Grotta del Bue Marino
Snorkel around the dramatic volcanic stack of La Canna
Hike to the Bronze Age ruins of Capo Graziano
Dine on fresh pasta con le sarde in Pecorini
Mooring tip
Anchor in 5-10m sand/rock in the bay near Pecorini a Mare; holding is good, but check for clear swing room.
Filicudi → Stromboli
Set a course east from Filicudi for the approximately 22-nautical-mile passage to Stromboli, its iconic volcanic peak often visible from a considerable distance. This active stratovolcano, often called the 'Lighthouse of the Mediterranean', provides one of Europe's most dramatic natural displays. Position your catamaran off the Sciara del Fuoco, the 'Stream of Fire', where incandescent lava flows cascade down the black volcanic scree and plunge into the Tyrrhenian Sea, particularly spectacular after dusk. The holding here is generally good in 10-20 metres of sand and volcanic ash, though some swell can develop with a strong maestral. For a contrasting experience, dinghy ashore to Ginostra, a charming, car-free village on the island's southwest, known for its whitewashed houses, vibrant bougainvillea, and fragrant lemon gardens. Enjoy a traditional Malvasia wine with fresh cannoli, or dine at a local trattoria like L'Osservatorio, offering panoramic views of the volcano's nightly eruptions, a truly unforgettable end to the day amidst the subtle scent of sulphur and sea salt.
Things to do
Witness Stromboli's lava flows into the sea from Sciara del Fuoco
Explore the car-free village of Ginostra and its lemon gardens
Dine at L'Osservatorio for a front-row view of eruptions
Enjoy traditional Malvasia wine with fresh cannoli ashore
Mooring tip
Anchor off Sciara del Fuoco in 10-20 metres of sand and volcanic ash; good holding but be aware of potential swell from the north-west.
Stromboli → Panarea
From Stromboli, a gentle 15-nautical-mile run southeast brings you to Panarea, an island radiating a distinctly different Aeolian character. Drop anchor in the protected waters of Cala Junco, a crescent bay backed by ancient limestone cliffs and recognised by UNESCO for its Bronze Age village remains. The clear, deep turquoise invites a refreshing swim, with the scent of pine resin carried on the light maestral. Nearby, the Lisca Bianca islets offer a unique experience; snorkel above volcanic fumaroles where warm, mineral-rich water bubbles from the seabed, a subtle reminder of the archipelago's fiery origins. Later, dinghy ashore to San Pietro, the island's main village. Wander its narrow, car-free lanes, fragrant with jasmine and bougainvillea. Browse elegant boutiques showcasing hand-painted ceramics and local crafts, then enjoy an aperitivo at a harbour-side bar as the cicadas begin their evening chorus.
Things to do
Snorkel above the volcanic fumaroles near Lisca Bianca islets
Explore the Bronze Age village ruins above Cala Junco
Wander San Pietro's car-free lanes, browse artisan shops
Enjoy an aperitivo at a San Pietro harbour-side bar
Mooring tip
Anchor in Cala Junco in 8-15m sand/rock; good holding in settled weather. No marina on Panarea; dinghy landing in San Pietro.
Panarea → Salina
Depart Panarea for a comfortable ten-nautical-mile reach west to Salina, the Aeolian archipelago's "Green Queen", distinct for its lush, vine-covered slopes descending from twin volcanic peaks. Secure your catamaran either stern-to with lazy lines at Santa Marina Salina, or pick up a buoy off Rinella or Lingua, depending on the maestrale. Once ashore, hire a scooter or bicycle to explore; a favoured route leads to Pollara, the dramatic cliffside setting for 'Il Postino', offering a secluded black-sand bay perfect for a late afternoon swim. Later, visit the renowned Hauner Winery to sample their exquisite Malvasia delle Lipari, a sweet passito wine. For an unforgettable panorama, hike up Monte Fossa delle Felci, Salina’s highest peak, for sunset views extending across the Tyrrhenian Sea towards Stromboli’s distant plume. Conclude the day with a visit to Lingua for authentic pane cunzato, a local speciality where the island’s capers and sea salt are celebrated.
Things to do
Cycle or scooter to Pollara's 'Il Postino' bay
Sample Malvasia delle Lipari at Hauner Winery
Hike Monte Fossa delle Felci for sunset views
Dine on traditional pane cunzato in Lingua
Mooring tip
Santa Marina Salina offers stern-to berths with lazy lines; book ahead in high season. Buoys are also available off Rinella and Lingua.
Salina → Lipari
The short 10-nautical-mile passage south from Salina offers a final, relaxed run through the Aeolian archipelago back to Lipari. Consider a stop en route at the dramatic former Pumice Quarries on Lipari's north-eastern coast; the dazzling white cliffs plunging into turquoise waters create an otherworldly backdrop for a refreshing swim. Aim for Marina Lunga, where stern-to berths with lazy-lines are available, though booking ahead is advisable, especially if arriving after 16:00 in peak season. Once ashore, the vibrant heart of Lipari town beckons, with its cobbled lanes leading to the picturesque Marina Corta. Here, the Aeolian Archaeological Museum, housed within the ancient castle complex, offers a fascinating journey through the islands' rich history, displaying exquisite obsidian artefacts and ancient pottery. Ascend to the Lipari Cathedral, a Norman structure, where the evening light often bathes the intricate stonework in a warm glow. A final limoncello at a cafe overlooking the harbour provides a fitting end to the week, the citrus zest a lasting flavour of the Aeolian experience.
Things to do
Swim at the Pumice Quarries' turquoise waters
Explore the Aeolian Archaeological Museum in Lipari Castle
Wander the charming cobbled lanes of Marina Corta
Enjoy a farewell limoncello near Lipari Cathedral
Mooring tip
Marina Lunga offers stern-to berths with lazy-lines; book ahead, especially for larger catamarans, as it fills quickly.
Sail this route — we’ll match a catamaran to it.
Send dates, group size and preferred catamaran style. A broker replies with a tailored quote within hours.