Itinerary

This page will give you some insight into each location we plan to sail to and includes notes on considerations for the conditions and the course we may sail between islands. We will work with our charter partner to firm up the schedule and route in the weeks prior to the sail, taking into account expected conditions and local regulations. It is possible the exact course and schedule may not be set until the briefing at the charter base, however we do our best to go into the week with a high degree of confidence in our itinerary. Skippers and First Mates will meet daily during the cruise to agree on the float plan for the coming day, to take into consideration any change in weather. In the event of a significant change in wind direction and strength we will make adjustments to the itinerary to ensure the safety of flotilla participants as a first priority.

For all ports of call consult the Cruising Guide onboard for more options to do and see ashore. If you are inclined to familiarize yourself with the guide prior to the trip you can grab it from Landfall Navigation.

The itinerary is subject to change right up to and during the cruise, based on discussion with Skippers and the charter company, the weather and sea conditions expected each day and any changes to regulations.

Check back here often for updates to the itinerary.

This charter guide, provided by Moorings, complements the Chart Briefing video that is linked below and contains a wealth of information about travelling and cruising in The Aeolian Islands, including notes on currency, renting cars, supermarket shopping, as well as specific information about the various anchorages we will stop at during the Flotilla, guidance on grounding, health and safety when underway and emergency contact information.

Note that there are more locations covered than we have the time to visit so not all places mentioned will be in our itinerary. We will however be sure to stop at all the ‘must see’ spots that our cruising grounds have to offer. Some of the details for our location stops may have been updated since the eGuide was published. We’ll get the latest information during the onsite chart briefing.

Download the Charter Guide and keep it handy on your phone or tablet:

Charter eGuide

Last updated 05/31/2025. Please regard this itinerary as a work in progress. We may add or delete some items, or move some things around in the weeks leading up to the trip. Casual boat parties are guaranteed during the week and stay tuned for details of the race!

Itinerary outline

Sailors who decide to arrive a day (or more) early are free to explore and make their own dinner arrangements. In the days leading up to the trip you may like to coordinate with other sailors for some fun land adventures on arrival! Please respect and obey any locally enforced regulations that tourists are asked to abide by.

Prior to boarding our boats

Saturday September 6th

Portorosa Marina (click to enlarge)

  • Taxi to the SailItalia / Moorings base at Portorosa

    • Approx 2hr by road from Catania airport

    • Turistica “il gabbiano” – Villaggio Turistico Portorosa 
      Zona Laguna Azzurra 
      98054 Furnari (ME) – Italy

  • Provisioning team goes grocery shopping

    • Be decisive, take the shopping list you’ve worked out with your crewmates.

  • Chart briefings are scheduled between 1 pm and 3 pm local time depending on arrival followed by the boat briefing.    

  • Take possession of boats from 3pm

  • Stow provisions and luggage

  • First night on board in the marina

  • Dinner at a local restaurant

Sunday September 7th

Vulcano

  • 20 NM sail to Vulcano

  • Home to one of two active volcanoes in the Aeolian Islands, Vulcano is storied to be the former location of the “God of Fire’s” blacksmiths, according to Greek mythology. The island boasts natural hot springs, a pristine black sand beach, superb snorkeling sites along the south and northwest coasts, scenic hiking around Fossa di Vulcano, and even a volcano museum.

  • Porto di Ponente provides an idyllic and protected spot for anchoring and Grotta del Cavallo offers a unique half-submerged cave, where you can explore underground lakes with hanging stalactites.

  • No mooring balls are available. Vulcano’s two bays are Porto di Levante and Porto di Ponente. Both are good anchorages depending on the wind direction. Dinghy dockage is available.

  • Swimming, Sunbathing, Snorkeling, Diving, Shopping

  • There is a wondrous Vulcano phenomenon known as Faraglione della Fabbrica, which allows visitors to experience the thermal springs and mud-filled grottos that have formed naturally because of the island’s volcanic activity. The mud is even rumored to possess therapeutic qualities.

Monday September 8th

Grotta del Blue Marino

  • 19.5 NM sail to Filicudi

  • Swimming, Sunbathing, Snorkeling, Diving, Hiking Trails, Shopping

  • Just a short walk from the main port at Capo Graziano, you can see remnants from an ancient village dating back to 1800 B.C.

  • For superior snorkeling conditions, visit the natural rock formation that teems from the sea at La Canna.

  • Mooring balls and dinghy dock available. Limited facilities at the Port of Filicudi, water and fuel is available.

  • The enchanting Grotta del Blue Marino simply cannot be missed when exploring the remote island of Filicudi. The depth and size of this giant sea cave is truly remarkable. Named after the last refuge of the warm-natured monk seal in the 1950’s, the cave is divided into two branches forming a 16km network adorned with spectacular lakes, rock formations and Neolithic petroglyphs.

Tuesday September 9th

Rinella, Salina

  • Take a lazy breakfast and continue to enjoy the surroundings

  • 13 NM sail to Salina

  • Salina is known for its lush landscape and vast wooded area of ferns known as La Fossa dell Felci. Throughout the island, there are several freshwater springs to enjoy and the panoramic views from atop Salina’s three towering peaks are nothing short of awe-inspiring. A number of scooter and bike rentals are available to help make the commute to the top more pleasant and Santa Maria Salina offers a selection of waterfront restaurants so you can indulge on local seafood dishes in a beautiful setting.

  • Mooring balls are available. There is good anchorage and a dinghy dock in Porto Santa Marina, where you can also find fuel and water.

  • Two good anchorages

    • Rinella, on the south side of the island, is a scenic and protected anchorage. Surrounded by olive groves, black beaches and volcanic rocks, this little hamlet is the perfect oasis for tucking into calamari ripieni al forno and watching the sunset.

    • Pollara is a prime location for overnight anchoring in easterly winds and offers picturesque sunsets.

  • Blog post with things to do and recommended restaurants

Wednesday September 10th

Stromboli lava flow

  • 27.5 NM sail to Stromboli. On your way, cruise by the tiny volcanic island of Strombolicchio, meaning Little Stromboli. The island cannot be accessed, as it hosts some very rare species of flora and fauna and has been declared a natural reserve. The lighthouse and steep, rugged cliffs still offer some excellent offshore photo opportunities.

  • Stromboli is the second-largest volcano in Europe and has been continuously erupting for more than 80 years. No matter where you stand on the island, you can marvel in the natural beauty of this massive lava-spewing mountain, which extends 924 meters from the Tyrrhenian Sea.

  • Take a scenic half-hour hike up to the top of the observatory area, where you can dine at the restaurant whilst enjoying breathtaking views

  • Venture over to Ginostra to stroll the town’s piazza and tempt your palate with the most decadent cannoli desserts.

  • Mooring balls are available for a fee on the west side of Ginostra harbor. You can anchor in front of Ginostra for the day, but not for the night. The preferred overnight anchorage is south of Ginostra at Ficogrande. The water is quite deep. Make sure the anchor is well set and that you’ve let out sufficient scope on the anchor rode. Dinghy dockage is available in Ginostra.

Thursday September 11th

Lipari

  • 27 NM sail to Lipari

  • Optional stop en route at the small, uninhabited island of Basiluzzo for spectacular snorkeling and a lovely spot for lunch.

  • Another option on the way to Lipari is to drop anchor in the peaceful anchorage of Zimmari Bay at Panarea, the smallest of the Aeolian Islands that makes up for its stature with picture-perfect scenery ten-fold. Go ashore to explore the charming port town and ascend the Punta del Corno, which beholds magnificent panoramic views once you reach the top.

  • Lipari is an ancient Greek acropolis where you can immerse yourself in the rich culture and history at the Castello settlement. Feast your eyes on the exquisite Norman architecture of the 13th-century Lipari Cathedral. Visit the Aeolian Museum in Lipari town and enjoy a superb local wine at one of the vineyards located on the east coast.

  • No mooring balls are available. The largest harbor in the Aeolians is Porto Lipari on the east side of the island, where you’ll find dockage at the marinas as well as other amenities for yachts, incl. fuel and water.

  • The best anchorage is off the west and southwest side of the island between Le Formiche and Punta La Grotticelle. Dinghy dockage is available.

Friday September 12th

Portorosa

  • 22 NM sail back to Portorosa. Must return by 4pm to allow time for re-fueling on the way in to the marina.

  • Spend your last night aboard your yacht in the marina.

  • Option for group dinner along the waterfront

Saturday September 13th

  • Must be cleared down and off boats by 9am

    • If not in any rush for flights, take a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe and have a wander around the town