Sailing trip to the Aeolian Islands

Individual arrival in Syracuse. Optional transfer from Catania airport.

The moment you step aboard CHRONOS, the special way of life on board begins: a stylish ambience, a warm-hearted crew and the relaxed atmosphere of a classic sailing yacht. After the welcome, you enjoy a welcome drink on deck and the first dinner together.

If Aeolus, god of the winds, is favourable, we cast off after breakfast. Should the wind still be resting, we use the morning for an excursion to the archaeological park of Syracuse – with its Greek and Roman theatres and the famous “Ear of Dionysius”, whose acoustics still impress to this day.

In the afternoon, CHRONOS sets sail along Sicily’s east coast. In the background, Etna rises majestically, often with a snow-capped summit. After about five hours, we reach Aci Trezza, the so-called Cyclops Coast. According to legend, the black basalt rocks in the sea are the stones the blinded Polyphemus hurled after Odysseus.

The early morning belongs to Etna. A panoramic road takes us up to an altitude of around 2,000 metres. Solidified lava flows, crater landscapes and surprisingly green vegetation reveal the two faces of this active volcano.

In the afternoon, we continue on to Taormina. The Corso Umberto invites you to stroll, lined with small boutiques and cafés. Particularly impressive is the Greek theatre with its sweeping view of the sea and Etna in the background – a panorama that Goethe is said to have called the “most beautiful balcony in Europe”. An optional detour takes you to the mountain village of Castelmola, perched high above the coast.

Today an impressive day at sea awaits us through the Strait of Messina. The currents are noticeable; here the sea shows itself lively and powerful.

With a little luck, dolphins or larger shoals of fish accompany us on our way north. The view alternates between Sicily and the Italian mainland as CHRONOS sets course for the Aeolian Islands. In the evening, we finally reach this island world of volcanic origin and drop anchor in a sheltered bay near Lipari – surrounded by black cliffs, warm light and absolute peace.

The day begins at a relaxed pace with a visit to the fascinating archaeological museum on the castle hill. Here we delve deep into the island’s history – from prehistoric finds to the famous small terracotta theatre masks that once served as grave goods.

The Romanesque cloister of the cathedral also invites a quiet moment above the rooftops of the town. Afterwards, you are free to wander through the lively old town with its small shops, cafés and typical southern Italian bustle. In the afternoon, CHRONOS crosses over to the neighbouring island of Vulcano – a short hop into an entirely different, almost surreal volcanic landscape.

The morning on Vulcano starts early, before the sun grows too strong. If you like, you can climb the Gran Cratere – an impressive hike up to the rim of a still-active volcano. At the top, a spectacular view opens into the steaming caldera with its fumaroles, the smell of sulphur and an almost lunar landscape. At the same time, you can see across the entire Aeolian archipelago.

In the afternoon, we sail on to Stromboli. The constantly active volcano is visible from afar. As dusk falls, Stromboli puts on its famous show: glowing eruptions of lava that light up the sky again and again – a natural phenomenon that seafarers have called the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean” for centuries.

We enjoy dinner on board at a safe distance from the Sciara del Fuoco, while the volcano flares up at regular intervals in the background – an unforgettable moment between tranquillity and the raw power of nature.

At sunrise, we pass through the Strait of Messina once again. The currents carry us on our way back south as Sicily slowly comes into view again. Especially impressive is the view of Etna, often wrapped in clouds as it keeps watch over the coast.

In the afternoon, we arrive back in Syracuse. Here the Captain’s Dinner marks the festive finale of the voyage – either at anchor in a quiet bay or in atmospheric style on the town quay of the Ortygia peninsula.

After breakfast on deck, it is time to say goodbye to CHRONOS and the island world around Sicily. A last look at the sea, the coast and memories of volcanoes, ancient cities and tranquil bays accompany you on the transfer back to the airport. If you wish, you can extend your stay ashore.