Aeolian Captain Notes

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Captain Notes

by Sailing Collective | January 10, 2026

The Aeolians--seven distinctive islands located in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea that are as vibrant as they are mysterious. Vulcano, Salina, Lipari, Alicudi, Panarea, Stromboli and Filicudi together make up one of Italy’s great sailing destinations.

Photos by Bronwyn Knight

During a sailing itinerary to the Aeolian Islands, you’ll experience the island edges, home to white pumice mountains and jagged cliff sides that seemingly dives straight into the Mediterranean’s indigo seas lined by black sand beaches. These islands are fueled by wine, food, the sea, and the volcanoes--two that are currently active. Fragrances of olives, capers, sea salt, and vegetables ripen in the sun that fills the air. Less touristic than their neighboring archipelagos, you’ll always be reminded that these islands are far removed from everyday life.

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The islands are hard to reach and a sailing itinerary is the most unique way of exploring the archipelago. There are many possible routes when planning a sailing adventure in the Aeolian Islands. Weather can cause the itinerary planning to be difficult and skippers should plan for alternative routes at all times in the event inclement weather arises and specific anchorages become untenable. Each stop is an easy day-sail away from the rest and routes can be decided at a moment’s notice based on the interest of the skipper and their crew.

Isola Vulcano

38° 25' 5.4588'' N, 14° 57' 57.5568'' E

Anchoring at Vulcano’s harbor can feel off-putting because the seafloor consists of a deep ridge that drastically drops off near the shore. When checking the depth-finder, you’ll see the floor drops from 300 meters to 100 meters in only seconds. Even when slowly entering the harbor, those familiar anchorages of 60-40 meters, are still un-anchorable until you line yourself upright along the beach where the boat can sit comfortably in 10 meters of mud. Holding is good with mud and sand on the seafloor.

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Isola Lipari

38° 28' 24.9132'' N, 14° 57' 27.198'' E

Check the weather forecast before deciding to overnight in the main port because the bay of Rada di Lipari is open to the east and southeast wind directions. If a gale-force wind blows from anywhere coming from mainland Italy, the berths along the quay can become untenable. Even if a gale pushing from the west, a wrap-around swell can make its way around the point making for a possible uncomfortable night’s sleep at the dock.

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Isola Salina

38° 33' 18.2484'' N, 14° 52' 25.9068'' E

Porto delle Eolie is the principal yachting center on Salina. Advanced slip reservations are recommended during high season. The marina is protected from the prevailing north and western winds during the summer, but during the strong southeast wind, the harbor can become rough. The only alternative safe marina during strong southerly winds is in Lipari and the marina is often at capacity with local boats and the port is not home to a protected cove with a secure harbor. There is suitable anchoring south of Porto delle Eolie, along the island ridge that’s protected from the prevailing NW wind. Care should be given because even being situated along the leeward shoreline, a strong sea-state will cause a wrap-around swell and can create an uncomfortably rocky evening at anchor.

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Isola Filicudi

38° 33' 27.0216'' N, 14° 33' 58.4208'' E

Filicudi’s steep edges on the shoreline appear to be rising out of the sea. With such a steep seafloor, it’s not accessible for faintly-hearted sailors. You must be ready to lift anchor and cruise onward at a moment's notice during the night’s anchor watch if inclement weather arises because the seas can become violent and the two anchorages are exposed to the sea. The pier in the southern port of Pecorini a Mare also has berth options, going stern-to the quay in calm weather, but keep in mind the two main commercial boats that pass through have priority over any passenger boats and locals will set your lines free if they need to get in. A 150-foot water and gas boat passes through, as well as a shrimping boat which is a treat for locals. When it comes in, most residents walk down to Pecorini a Mare to purchase the famous, freshly caught Aeolian red prawns.

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Isola Stromboli

38° 47' 41.928'' N, 15° 14' 47.8788'' E

Stromboli has the most volatile anchorage of anywhere within the Aeolian Islands. The island is an active volcano and the island is a perfect circle providing no coves of any kind. Anchor off the eastern side in the only shallow ridge along the island. If winds are strong from any direction, the anchorage can become unsafe. Many boats end up washed ashore yearly. Drop anchor in 10 meters in sand.

Isola Panarea

38° 38' 21.5232'' N, 15° 4' 55.9848'' E

The main harbor located on the eastern side of Panarea has about 40 moorings that sailors can use when visiting the island, which is well-maintained with a local team that assists with docking. Laid in deep water, long mooring lines attached to the buoy are handed to sailors aboard while staff recommends where to tie off based on the weather. This anchorage is often rolly because it does not have any protected coves or harbors, and though it’s sheltered from direct western prevailing winds, the wrap-around swell is rough and when the wind whips across the island, your boat will feel its force. If heavy winds blow from the west, you can expect gusts up to 40 knots on your bow that can blow from either north or south.

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Captain Notes