The XCAPE will be based in Portorosa and from there will start the unique adventure to the Aeolian Islands. The colors of the earth and the sea will remain with you throughout the year. The black of the obsidian of the lava flows, the bright green of the Malvasia cultivations, the blinding white of the pumice cliffs and the turquoise of the sea will be our gift for you. The archipelago of the Aeolian Islands is located north of the Sicilian coast. In 2000 it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There are islands of volcanic origin in some of which a good volcanic activity still persist. The biggest island is Lipari, followed by Salina. The smallest, Panarea, which is also the most exclusive island, preferred by VIPs. Stromboli, thanks to the intense volcanic activity of “Iddu” has seen a strong increase in the turmoil in recent years. Filicudi and Alicudi are the right destinations to enjoy the bliss that only peace can give you.
VULCANO
Is the first island we will meet by embarking on Portorosa, with its huge crab that stands out on the delightful village. The original name of the island comes from Greek mythology, which identified here the forge of the god Hephaestus, later renamed Vulcan by the Romans. Here the geothermal activity is perceptible, so that in the Beach of the Fumaroles in some places the water becomes suddenly hot, heated by submarine gayser. Very close to the village there is a pool of thermal mud for those who want to purify the skin and lungs, while athletes can reach the peak of the crater in a couple of hours, to enjoy a stunning view of all the other islands of the archipelago. Along the west coast you can swim in the beautiful pools of Venus – the name comes from the myth in which the goddess dived into these waters to regain virginity – or visit with the boat the suggestion Grotta del Cavallo in the Baia dell’Ignuda. On the island there are a number of scenic bays with cliffs overlooking the sea, such as Cala del Monaco and Cala Formaggio. For the night we can anchor our boat in the Cala delle Sabbie Nere, from which to enjoy a spectacular aperitif at sunset.
LIPARI
Is the largest of the Aeolian Islands. The port is teeming with life, and you can explore the local craft and cuisine, which combines the abundance of fish with the Mediterranean flavors of capers and olives. You can spend the night in the lively piers of Marina Lunga, or anchored under the imposing fortified castle, which houses the Cathedral of San Bartolomeo. Do not miss a visit to the marina of Marina Corta which hosts local boats in a very picturesque setting. Our holiday at the Aeolian Islands can not be complete without having admired the famous Faraglioni and stopping for a swim near the Sponda di Vinci. The whole west coast of Lipari is protected by high cliffs that form innumerable natural cavities: close to the Punta del Cugno Lungo, you can enjoy a swim in pristine waters far from the tourist routes. On the opposite side of the island, facing Capo Rosso, there is a huge sandbank with the bluest water of the whole archipelago; right here stands an ancient pumice quarry now in disuse, which gives the scenery a particular beauty.
PANAREA
Is an archipelago in the archipelago, surrounded by perfect rocks for a swim in the middle of nowhere. The quaint village with white houses is full of boutiques and cafes, including the famous Raya disco; at night it is lit by the light of a thousand candles, and every occasion is good to change into a mundane event. To visit is the famous Cala Junco, enclosed by steep walls on which the remains of a Neolithic village are still visible, or in the nearby Cala Zimmari with its beautiful turquoise water. A few miles offshore, on the catamaran you can explore the island of Basiluzzo with its wild cliffs, or Lisca Bianca which offers huge underwater gayser, unmissable for snorkelers.
STROMBOLI
The main characteristic of STROMBOLI is the imposing volcano: “Iddu”, so nicknamed by the locals. It outlines the profile of the island with its black walls and the cloud of smoke that perpetually overhangs the crater. Here after sunset, nature is revealed in all its majesty, with eruptions of lapilli that illuminate the sky. As night falls, we suggest to enjoy the explosions from a privileged position at Sciara del Fuoco. Alternatively, the most daring can climb the slopes of the mountain through a steep path, to enjoy the view of the crater from above, a truly unique show in the world. Walking in the afternoon it is possible to admire the sunset from the top of the mountain and return at night. On the opposite side of the island there is Ginostra, a beautiful village surrounded by prickly pear plants, which can only be reached by sea. Here life still flows with the rhythms of the past, and silence and stillness will make you wish not to go away.
SALINA
Is located in the center of the Aeolian archipelago. The two twin summits stand out serene on the horizon, covered by a very green vegetation due to the presence of the only source of water on the islands. This is the homeland of Malvasia, a delicate liqueur wine, and of the delicious cucunci, fruits of the caper plant. The main port of the island is in Santa Marina, a delightful town with a beautiful promenade. To the south of the island lies the village of Rinella, an oasis of peace far from tourism. On the west side, the anchor of the catamaran in Pollara is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful anchorages in Italy. The bay is located on an ancient volcanic crater with a diameter of more than a kilometer, in the center of which stands the Scoglio del Faraglione, born from the solidification of incandescent magma. You can not miss it! Here alongside the natural stone arch, fishermen have carved shelters for the goiters in the rock.
FILICUDI E ALICUDI
Are the most remote islands and the favorite destination of those who want to leave the frenzy behind. At Filicudi you can admire from the bow of the catamaran the most spectacular sunset of all the Aeolian Islands, with the sun sinking behind La Canna, a lava rock stack 72 meters high, while near them lies the beautiful Grotta del Bue Marino. In the evening you can dock near Pecorini a Mare, a lively village with an alternative nightlife, between an aperitif and a guitar melody on the beach. Alicudi is an enchanted place where time seems to have stood still in another century. In the delicious village there is no streets or street lamps, and the only way to move towards the houses perched on the mountain is on the back of a mule on the steep mule tracks. On the other side of the island we dive with snorkeling gear to admire the teeming underwater life around the Scoglio Galera. The scenery all around is wild, almost prehistoric, with the hawks hopping and the goats left free to climb the steep slopes.
