SUN ODYSSEY 519 | MERCURY PLANET

Check-in available in the afternoon at the Charter offices in the Embarkation Marina. After finishing the quick procedures of taking over the boat (technical check-in) and boarding the galley, you can enjoy an aperitif and dinner near the Marina or alternatively set sail immediately and enjoy the first sailing.

We leave the Marina heading north in the direction of the beautiful island of Lipari. With its 37 square km surface shaped in the course of the centuries by no less than 12 volcanoes, this island is the biggest of the Aeolians and is around 20 nautical miles away from the Sicilian coasts. Mountainous and with jagged coasts, it shows its volcanic nature along all its coastline, where you can find a deep cave after another, suggestive beaches and ample bays surrounded by red cliffs and white pumice stones. You can stop for a dive nearby the little coves of Portinente, Vinci and Punta del Perciato, or the secret beach of Acquacalda. Porto Pignataro and the Marina Lunga beach will be a good dock for the night.

We sat sail from Lipari, proceeding on our route with a nice sailing to the north to reach Stromboli. The volcano from which the island originates is one of the six volcanoes in the world that are “constantly” active. The island coastline is full of caves and bays with wide black sand beaches, but also small hidden coves where you can stop for a dive in the crystal clear water with a thousand shades of blue. The little hamlet close to the sandy beach of Punta Lena certainly deserves a visit.

After breakfast, we head south-west towards Salina. This island, with its many high cliffs dropping sheer into the sea, is the greenest of the Aeolians, covered by ferns as well as olive and fruit trees. You can moor in the nice little harbor of Santa Marina and go ashore to visit the beautiful town with its magnificent church from the 18th century and the characteristic bell towers. It will be the perfect occasion to enjoy a nice dinner and try the tasty local cuisine.

In the early morning, we leave from Santa Marina for a stopover north of Salina. The suggestive bay of Pollara, with its beautiful beach and the empty fishermen houses, constitutes a picture-perfect landscape you shouldn’t miss. After lunch, we leave again and head east to reach Panarea. You will find crystal clear waters, spectacular cliffs and enchanting seabeds that make this island a perfect place for scuba divers and snorkeling lovers. You can anchor at Cala Junco, one of the most fascinating docks in the Aeolians, and go ashore for an excursion among the ruins of an ancient prehistorical village.

From Panarea, we set sail and move towards the west in the direction of the island of Filicudi. It will astound you immediately for its marvelous coasts, where high cliffs and stacks alternate with beautiful plain beaches, like the one of Capo Graziano. With the tender you can explore the various caves, including the most famous one of Bue Marino, with an incredible crystal blue sea bottom.

From Filicudi we raise sail towards the south-east, heading for the wonderful island of Vulcano. Famous for its thermal springs and healing mud, it offers an unrivaled view from the sea: the Grotta (cave) del Cavallo, the Piscina (pool) di Venere, the southern beaches and the many little coves you will find in the west. Don’t miss an excursion ashore to go up the slopes of the volcano and admire the spectacular view on the surrounding islands and the isthmus connecting Vulcano with Vulcanello. Return to port is scheduled for late afternoon.

Disembarkation is scheduled in the early morning after breakfast.