Active volcanoes, a scattered island world, colourful little villages and the whole palette of Mediterranean water colours at their feet - a trip to the Aeolian Islands adds unique images to your album of memories.
The seven islands off the coast of Sicily rise high and steep from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The most famous of them, Stromboli, constantly releases steam from its volcanic crater - a unique spectacle. Admittedly: The islands do not enjoy a very good reputation among sailors, as they have capricious winds, hardly any safe harbours and, in summer, cramped anchorages. But it doesn't always have to be that way.
If you can take advantage of the early or late season, you can explore secluded anchor bays in peace and quiet and enjoy the Italian way of life strolling through the narrow streets of the archipelago's towns. It never gets boring, as each of the islands has its own style and character.
Sulphur steams out of the earth everywhere on Vulcano - beautiful to the eye, but the sense of smell suffers. Lipari, the small metropolis of the archipelago, is colourful and cheerful and sometimes intimate in narrow alleyways, with underwear blowing over your head in the sun or the sound of flushing toilets. Cafés and shops invite you to stroll and savour the delights, while a museum at the imposing castle takes you on a journey through the islands' eventful history.
Panarea nestles in rough rock. At the height of summer, this is where the big names meet. But the luxury blends in with the existing architecture. White houses with blue doors and shutters, colourful flowers and a constant view of the glittering sea with anchormen, fishermen and volcanoes in the distance dominate the picture.
Stromboli, the real highlight of the trip, is temporarily inaccessible, but Salina is all the more hospitable. The greenest of the "Seven Sisters", as the Aeolian Islands are also known, blooms everywhere in small gardens with lush plants. The seafront promenade smells of roses, frangipani and jasmine. The fresh colours continue in the narrow alleyways, on the walls of houses and in the displays of small shops selling jewellery, art, clothing and sweet delicacies.
We visited the islands from Sicily and experienced many an olfactory surprise, unexpected natural spectacles, hikes with spectacular views and gastronomic highlights. Capricious winds and other obstacles made the trip an unexpected little adventure.
You can read the full report on the varied voyage to the Aeolian Islands with tips on navigation, anchorages and chartering in YACHT (issue 15/2022); available now in magazine shops and as a digital edition in the YACHT app or can be ordered directly here.
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Ursula Meer
Redakteurin Panorama und Reise
