The temperate weather and mild winds of north-east Sicily make our newest Mediterranean base a great starting point for tours of the Sicilian coast, or voyages north around the remarkable, UNESCO-protected Aeolian Islands. A collection of dramatic islands and dormant volcanoes that rise theatrically from the sea, they aptly take their name from Aeolus, god of the winds, who tends to smile on this slice of Italy.
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What's Included? To make sure that you get the most out of your Portorosa Yacht Charter, we have equipped all of our yachts with the highest specification kit to help provide comfort, performance and fun onboard; so all that’s left for you to do is relax and enjoy your sailing holiday with family and friends.
Rising an imposing 924m from the sea and behind only Mount Etna as the Europe's second-largest active volcano, Stromboli belches imposing clouds of steam skywards. This dramatic lava mountain plunges all the way down to 2000m below the surface, and at night you can see the red hot flow weaving its way to the sea. There are two small villages on opposite sides of the volcano and Stromboli has the blackest beaches of all the Aeolian Islands.
Things to do:
Visit active volcanoes, restaurants, bars and club
Named for the steaming peaks that crown this fair island, Vulcano is actually better known for the therapeutic qualities of the local mud and the natural hot springs. Although it has a harsh, barren terrain, the island also boasts a black sand beach, and the spectacular Fossa di Vulcano. The smouldering crater is encrusted with vivid red and yellow crystals, which make the one-hour hike well worth the effort. You can then either take a steep path down to the crater floor, or walk on the level around the rim and enjoy extraordinary views out over the islands to the north.
Mooring:
Stern-to on the quay at Port di Levante in 3 – 5 metres where there is good holding on sand.
At Porto di Ponente there are better onshore facilities and you can anchor in 5 – 10 metres where convenient.
The holding in coarse sand can be tricky. There are a few nice anchorages around the coast of the island – at Cala del Formaggio, Cala di Maestro Minico, Cala del Cavallo and at Gelso.
Filicudi is the wildest and most beautiful Aeolian Island, with its stunning Blue Grotto and a network of hiking trails allowing visitors to explore the island’s scenic interior. The Scoglio della Canna (Cane Reef), a rock obelisk located off the north-western coast, is also worth a visit. At Capo Graziano, a short walk south-east of the port, are found the remains of a prehistoric village, dated 1800 BC. Hiking trails across the Island are spread over a huge network, leading to the abandoned village of Zucco Grande and to Fossa Felci, a mountain in the centre of the Island.
Mooring:
In the bay, at Porto Filicudi, some twenty visitors’ moorings and anchorages can be used at Filo di Lorani on the south side of Capo Graziano and at Pecorini a Mare.
There is an anchorage at Alicudi and space for a few yachts to go stern-to on the small pier.
Stop off in Panarea, the smallest but by far the most picturesque of the islands in the group. Or visit the island of Basiluzzo, close to Panerea, which is uninhabited and an ideal stop off for swimming, snorkelling and fishing. Lipari is both the largest and oldest of the Aeolian Islands, which are often named in its honour. The Aeolian Museum in Lipari Town is excellent and houses treasures from the islands throughout the ages.
Mooring:
At Rada di Lipari Marina Lunga, stern-to where directed on the yacht pontoons which lie to the north of the commercial quay.
Another pontoon can be found immediately north of Marina Lunga at la Buona Fonda, and at Pontile Portosalvo there are 40 berths with pontoons and laid moorings in place.
The other marinas are Marina Corta and Pignataro, further anchorages at Punta Castagna, Porticello, Canneto and Spiaggia di Vinci.
Renowned for its vibrant plant life and lush vegetation rare for such volcanic land, Salina has three of the highest peaks in the area, as well as three villages and a handful of smaller hamlets. The abundant greenery is supported by the numerous freshwater springs. Embrace the slower pace of life on the island and rent a bike or scooter to explore Salina and her mighty peaks, Monte Fossa dell Felci (962m); Monte dei Porri (860m); and Monte Rivi (850m). Once at the top, you'll revel in sensational views that stretch across the entire Aeolian archipelago.
Mooring:
Stern-to along the quay on the inside of the harbour at Santa Marina Salina.
To Do:
Hire a scooter and explore the island
Swim at the beach made famous by the movie Il Postino
Our newest Italian base, Portorosa is nestled into the north east corner of Sicily, sheltered under the gaze of the majestic Mount Etna. Spend your first day exploring the town of Tonnarella, or reclining on one of Sicily's many beaches. Chart briefings run betwwen 6pm and 7pm local time, and you will also be given a thorough yacht briefing on your first afternoon.
The flotilla reunites once more on the Grecian mainland, east of Nikiana and southeast of our base in Lefkas Marina. You’ll anchor in the grand and beautiful Varko Bay, where a large beach waits for you to kick back and sun yourself on the sand. A beachside bar serves snacks and cocktails, so treat yourself to an indulgent final night in the Ionian.
Celebrate the festive season in paradise, with 10% off charters in the beautiful Whitsundays. Escape the madness on the mainland and cherish time spent together with loved ones as you explore the scenic Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Explore coral reefs and get up close and personal with vibrant sea life as you hop from island to island. There is no better gift this holiday season than the gift of adventure and unforgettable memories. Enquire now!
Arrive early and relax as you admire the Pearl of the Adriatic, the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik Old Town, just a 10-minute bus or taxi ride from our base near the mouth of the Ombla River.
Today you’ll set sail from Dubrovnik for Slano, 15nm up the coast. After the welcome briefing, you can get a feel for your new yacht as you enjoy the warm waters and temperate winds between the Elaphiti Islands. After sailing, we’ll host the traditional first night punch party, where you can get to know your fellow crews.
Sail from Slano, Mainland to the tiny fishing village of Pomena on the seductive island of Mljet. Stop for swimming and snorkeling in the warm waters that caress the coastline. You’ll finish your night on a classic flotilla raft in the sheltered cove of beautiful Lokva bay in Pomena. In the evening, we’ll settle down to a traditional Dalmatian peka.
A short hop from Pomona, this 12nm leg ends up in the quiet fishing village of Lumbarda, on the craggy east coast of Korčula island, reputed birthplace of Marco Polo. The well-stocked private marina is a great place to freshen up and top up your water tanks and provisions. Stop along the way for swimming and snorkeling on the island of Badija. Once ashore in Lumbarda, you’ll head to Bire’s for a spot of agro tourism and to try the local food and wine.
Today is your day to explore the Dalmatian Coast your own way. Indulge your curiosity and set your own schedule, heading out independently or in small groups with your new friends. Options from Lumbarda include Okuklje (26nm); Polace (15nm); Trstenik (11nm) and Prozura (25nm). The free sailing day is yours to do with as you please, so make the most of it.
Spend the penultimate day of your vacation cruising to the coastal town of Ston, perched on the Pelješac peninsula, where you’ll meet up with the rest of the fleet. Climb up the 14th-century walls that run across the hillside over to Mali Ston. The evening activities include the cocktail competition, judged by your lead crew on the criteria of taste, presentation and name. You’ll then head for a final group meal in Bistro Stagnum restaurant.
Set out from Ston for the final leg of your flotilla, a 22nm voyage back to ACI Dubrovnik. The journey back will begin with a flotilla regatta, a little friendly competition to test your racing skills. Once you’ve arrived, one of our technicians will join you on board to go through any technical glitches, before the gin and tonic party and prize giving end the week on a high note.
Today you'll sail to bustling Road Bay. One of the most popular anchorages in the Leeward Islands, Road Bay is vibrant yet laid back and unpretentious.
Sit back and enjoy live jazz music on the beach while sipping a local rum cocktail as the golden sun sets over the water.
Suggested lunch spots
Sample fresh lobster, crayfish or snapper at one of the beachside restaurants on Sandy Island, a spit of white sand floating serenely off the coast of Anguilla.
Celebrate the festive season in paradise, with 10% off charters in the beautiful Whitsundays. Escape the madness on the mainland and cherish time spent together with loved ones as you explore the scenic Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Explore coral reefs and get up close and personal with vibrant sea life as you hop from island to island. There is no better gift this holiday season than the gift of adventure and unforgettable memories. Enquire now!
Take a minute or two to complete our Sailing Resume and we can let you know of the products and destinations which are best matched to your experience.
