Sail the Aeolians: Wild Eruptions (5-12 June 2027)

Description

Starting Port City: Portorosa marina, Northeastern Sicily

Ending Port City: Portorosa marina, Northeastern Sicily

Travel Tip: Fly into Catania airport then spend the night in Catania (a bus and taxis from the airport into the city are available).  On the next day, take the train from Catania Centrale station to Novara-Montalbano-Furnari station (transfer in Messina).  The train ride is approximately 3hr 15min and gives a lovely view of the Sicilian coastline.

Alternatively, fly into Reggio Calabria airport, then take the train/bus to Novara-Montalbano-Furnari station.  This route is a bit longer, ranging between 4-5 hours depending on the connections.

We recommend adding extra time before and after the embarkation/disembarkation times to allow sufficient travel time  from/to the airport.

Planned Itinerary

(subject to change, for example due to weather)

Day 1: Saturday — Embarkation in Sicily

Embarkation: After 18:00 at the Portorosa Marina.

• Welcome drinks and a taste of arancini, Sicily’s beloved fried rice balls, while the Bare Waves Sailing crew covers safety and the week ahead.
• Relax on deck and watch the sunset over the harbor as you settle into your cabins and get to know your fellow travelers.
• Dinner at a local trattoria with Sicilian wine, then explore the charming port town or unwind aboard.

Day 2: Sunday — North Sicily to Vulcano Island

• Morning sail to Vulcano, famous for its mud baths and volcanic hot springs.
• Anchor at Black Sand Beach, known for its nudist-friendly atmosphere — swim, relax, and soak in the natural mud baths.
• Optional hike to Fossa di Vulcano for panoramic views, or evening drinks at a gay-friendly bar in Vulcano Village.

Day 3: Monday — Vulcano to Lipari Island

• Sail to Lipari, the largest and most vibrant of the Aeolian Islands.
• Relax at Cave di Pomice on Lipari’s eastern coast, famous for its white pumice-stone beach.
• Explore Lipari’s historic town and castle; optional wine and gin tasting at a local producer, followed by drinks at a gay-friendly bar overlooking the harbor.

Day 4: Tuesday — Lipari to Salina Island

• Sail to Salina, the lush, green island famous for its capers and Malvasia wine.
• Explore the picturesque streets of Santa Marina Salina at a relaxed pace.
• Optional wine tasting and vineyard tour on the island, sampling Salina’s local Malvasia.

Day 5: Wednesday — Salina to Panarea Island

• Sail to Panarea, the chic and upscale island known for its glamorous vibe.
• Anchor at Cala Junco, a crystal-clear bay surrounded by dramatic cliffs, perfect for nudist sunbathing and swimming.
• Explore the quaint streets of Panarea Village or hike up to the Archaeological Park for ancient ruins and panoramic views, then evening drinks at a gay-friendly bar.

Day 6: Thursday — Panarea to Stromboli Island

• Sail to Stromboli, home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Anchor at Spiaggia Lunga for nude sunbathing on its wild black sand, or drop anchor instead at Spiaggia Nera near the harbor, an easy dinghy ride or walk from the same naturist stretch nearby.
• After dark, watch the volcano’s eruptions light up the sky from the boat, or take the optional guided hike to the permitted viewing point on the Sciara del Fuoco.
• Evening ashore at a handful of vibey, gay-friendly bars in the village.

Day 7: Friday — Stromboli to Sicily

• Sail back toward Sicily, retracing the route to your starting marina.
• Arrive in the late afternoon, with time to reflect on the week’s islands and volcanoes.
• Farewell dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the harbor, celebrating the week with your sailing family.

Day 8: Saturday — Disembarkation in Sicily

Disembarkation: Before 09:00, after breakfast.

• Exchange contact info with your new besties.
• Head out to explore the town, or head to the airport for your return journey home with a ton of new memories and connections.
• Safe travels, and thank you for sailing bare with us!

What’s Included?

About this Trip’s Catering

For this trip, we will collect a kitty and ask each person to make an initial contribution of €350 upon arrival – we will either top it up along the way if we need, or we will refund any remaining balance at the end to everyone.  The caterer will also be the “minister of finance” and manage the kitty on this trip.  We’ll send a food & drink preferences questionnaire prior to the start of the trip, so we can ensure we stock up on items you like and take any dietary restrictions into consideration.

What’s paid out of the kitty:

• Meals on board (catered) and ashore (3 dinners planned at restaurants ashore*) + supplies for our trip (eg: cleaning items, trash bags, etc.)
• Beer, wine, spirits, water, juice, and soft drinks
• Marina fees for any visits along the way (Saturday and Friday nights in the “home” marina are already included in the trip cost)

What’s not included in the kitty:

• Shore excursions or entertainment
• Personal items not intended for the use of the whole group

*We plan to enjoy three meals ashore during the trip. If the group prefers a lunch ashore instead of dinner, or if weather or harbor conditions require it, we may adjust the plan accordingly.