Guide to the Aeolian Islands

Once the haunt of ancient deities, the breath-taking Aeolian Islands are situated off the tip of north-eastern Sicily. Comprising Stromboli, Salina, Filicudi, Panarea, Basiluzzo, Alicudi and Vulcano and various uninhabited islets, their names and conical outlines define the islands’ volcanic origins. A mixed bag of rough and smooth jewels, their remote location and spectacular natural beauty have made them an increasingly hot Mediterranean destination for the yacht set attracted by the glamorous nightlife and beautiful surroundings.

Famous for being the setting for Roberto Rossellini’s 1949 film of the same name, starring Ingrid Bergman, Stromboli is usually the first of the islands to reach on a luxury yacht charter itinerary. It's little coves of black sands tucked into lava crags along the coast at Piscitá boast wonderful views of the islet of Strombolicchio. Take a night trek up Stromboli and watch the spectacular flowing lava glowing beneath the star-strewn sky.

Bursting with wild flowers, caper bushes and prickly pears the imposing twin peaks of Monte Fossa delle Felci and Monte dei Porri that rise up into the clouds represent the heart of the archipelago on the island of Salina. The greenest of the islands, its natural springs and lush, emerald green landscapes are a picture-postcard setting whilst the main port, Santa Marina, is lined with chic boutiques and charming bistros.

Discover the fortified acropolis and winding flower-hung alleyways of Lipari, the largest of the islands and the only one with a sizeable town and a substantial year-round population. Wallow in warm mud baths and swim above bubbling mid-sea fumaroles in Vulcano. The island of Filicudi’s seabed is home to scores of ancient shipwrecks, offering fantastic diving and snorkelling opportunities and watching the sun set over the rock known as La Canna is an unforgettable experience.

The most cosmopolitan and arguably the most beautiful of the islands is Panarea, attracting the world’s elite to its glittering shores and golden sands. Every summer the port fills with superyachts and the exclusive party scene centres around the fabulous Hotel Raya, but delve a little deeper and you will find more to Panarea. Step ashore to the golden sand beach of Zammará and the spectacular bay of Cala Junca where the steaming fumaroles have created beautiful colour formations on the rocks. The capital, Palermo, combines a dramatic blend of architecture from the many cultures that have ruled there.

If you are interested in a yachting vacation in the waters surrounding this region, take a look at all luxury yachts available to rent in Italy.