The Lipari Islands lie 15 to 35 miles off the Northeast side of Sicily... This volcanic chain is also known as the Aeolian Islands after the wind god, Aeolus.

Some of the islands have a rich history dating back to ancient Greece; others have been sparsely populated. Food is excellent in the Lipari Islands and local people are very hospitable.

Unfortunately for yachting, however, the Aeolian waters are very deep and anchorages uncomfortable.

LIPARI is the main and most populated island. The port is small and busy; the eastern slopes are cultivated. An excellent Aeolean museum exhibits remains from a dozen ages of man from prehistoric through Phoenician, Greek, Carthaginian, Roman Byzantine, Norman and Spanish.

VULCANO is separated from LIPARI by a channel only a half-mile wide. The 2000-year-old island is rugged and barren, with lava eroded into fantastic shapes by the wind. There are therapeutic mud baths ashore.

STROMBOLI is an active volcano over 300 feet high and visible for miles. At night, the red flow from the lava flow on the northwest coast is most impressive.

In summary, the LIPARI ISLANDS are a fascinating addition to your charter in Sicily, time and weather permitting.

... Captains report that you can actually sail over an active underwater crater and watch gas bubbling up around you!