Biking and Boating in Sicily while exploring the Aeolian Islands

Day 1: Individual arrival in Catania

The staff of our gullet craft is waiting for us at 18.00 at the Marina di Nettuno dock where we will be welcomed with a refreshing drink as the tour leader shows us the tour in detail and answers any questions. Overnight in the port of Milazzo.

Day 2: Milazzo (15 km by bike)

This morning you will have a short ride to Cape Milazzo and its most extreme point jutting into the Tyrrhenian Sea: the Pool of Venus. Here the cliff forms a natural lake, where the seawater is free to enter. The walk through the green olive trees contrasts with the blue sea, with the backdrop of the Tyrrhenian coast and the Aeolian Islands, our next destination. Back in Milazzo there will be time to visit the castle and the old town. Dinner and overnight stay on board in the port of Milazzo.

Day 3: Milazzo - Vulcano Island (20 km by bike)

Today we will travel to the Aeolian Islands, one of Italy’s 55 UNESCO sites. First we will discover Vulcano, a sulphurous island which was home, according to Greek mythology, to the forges of Hephaestus, the god of fire and blacksmiths. The volcano’s last eruption dates back to the late 19th century. In the afternoon you will have some free time and you may like to climb up the crater (400 mslm) where the effort will be rewarded by the splendid panorama. Back at the port you can relax in the volcanic mud of a natural lake with well-known healing properties. Dinner and overnight stay on board in the port of Vulcano.

Day 4: Vulcano Island - Stromboli Island (3.5 hour walk)

Our cruise among the Aeolian Islands continues. As we sail towards Panarea, the blue of the sea and the sparkling waves bewitch us so why not enjoy a nice dive into the waters around the little islands of Lisca Bianca, Bottara and Dattilo. Panarea is waiting for us and its bays are the perfect location for a wonderful lunch break. Back on board our gulet we enjoy the spectacle of the Sciara del Fuoco, a slope formed by lava and lapilli from Stromboli that descends to the sea. From up close it is even more spectacular and we trek up its slopes: the volcanic explosions at sunset are well worth the trek. To conclude we have a panoramic picnic before returning on board with an overnight stay just off Stromboli.

Day 5: Stromboli Island - Salina Island (2.5 hour walk)

We haven't forgotten about Panarea! Today we will have plenty of time to visit this island, the smallest and oldest of the Aeolian Islands. On board our gulet we sail to Porto San Pietro, where a nice walk from the port brings us to the centre of the island with its typical white houses clinging to the gentle terraced slopes. We then come to its famous beaches: Drautto and Cala Junco for a picnic break on the beach. We return on board to continue our cruise to another beautiful island, Salina, which will host us for the night. On the narrow streets of the old town you will find many stores and typical restaurants. For dinner, which is not included, why not try some of the products and specialties of the Aeolian Islands?

Day 6: Salina Island - Lipari Island (20 km by bike)

Did you know that Salina is considered the greenest of the Aeolian Islands? In fact more than half the island is a nature reserve. Let's discover it together, crossing the island from Santa Marina, on the east coast, to Pollara. Does this small village on the volcanic dip remind you of something? Of course it does. It was here they filmed the movie Il Postino with Massimo Troisi. Along the way we will stop to take photos of the Lingua salt lake from where you can clearly see the island of Lipari, which we will reach by boat. Dinner and overnight stay on board in the port of Lipari.

Day 7: Lipari Island - Milazzo (25 km by bike)

Our last day of cycling is on a circular route that will allow us to explore the coastline of Lipari with its beaches, sweeping bays and cliffs. We will stop at the beaches of Canneto and Acquacalda for a swim in the crystal clear waters, and then make a picnic stop at the Quattrocchi viewpoint, so called because two eyes are not be enough to take in the wonderful view. Our point of departure and arrival will be the lively town of Lipari, where you can buy souvenirs in little shops on the narrow streets that wind between the Corso and Via Garibaldi. Return to the port in Milazzo for an overnight stay and dinner, which is not included, in the old centre.

Day 8: Milazzo - Catania

Breakfast, disembarkation and end of services.