Italy Sicily and Aeolian Islands (28 June – 5 July 2025)

Description

An 8-day sailing adventure exploring the beautiful Aeolian Islands, offering a mix of nude beaches, gay-friendly spots, and local wine and gin tastings, all set against stunning Mediterranean landscapes.

Starting Port City: Milazzo, Sicily

Ending Port City: Milazzo, Sicily

Planned Itinerary

(subject to change, for example due to weather)

Day 1: Saturday – Embarkation in Milazzo

Embarkation: After 17:00

• Evening: Arrive in Milazzo, a charming Sicilian port town at the northern tip of the island. Embark on your exclusive yacht, settle into your cabins, and get to know fellow travelers.
• Welcome Drinks & Briefing: Enjoy welcome drinks, local cheese board and a short briefing on the boat, safety procedures, and the itinerary.
• Leisure Time: Relax, enjoy the sunset from the deck, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
• Overnight in Milazzo: Dinner in a local trattoria with Sicilian wine. Enjoy the charming town or relax aboard.

Day 2: Sunday – Milazzo to Vulcano Island

• Morning: Set sail after breakfast from Milazzo to Vulcano Island, famous for its mud baths and volcanic hot springs.
• Afternoon: Anchor at Black Sand Beach, known for its nudist-friendly atmosphere. Spend the afternoon swimming, relaxing, and enjoying natural mud baths.
• Optional Activity: Hike to Fossa di Vulcano for panoramic views of the Aeolian Islands.
• Evening: Return to the boat or visit Vulcano Village for a gay-friendly bar experience.
• Overnight: Stay at anchor near Vulcano.

Day 3: Monday – Vulcano to Lipari Island

• Morning: Set sail for Lipari, the largest and most vibrant of the Aeolian Islands.
• Beach Visit: Relax at Cave di Pomice (Pumice Caves) on Lipari’s eastern coast, famous for its white pumice stone beach. 
• Dock in Lipari Harbor: Explore the historic town and visit Lipari Castle and its fascinating museum.
• Optional Wine & Gin Tasting: Visit Cantine Nicosia for Malvasia wine tasting or Malvasia di Lipari for a local experience. For gin lovers, visit a local gin distillery.
• Dinner: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant or onboard.
• Evening: Drinks at Bar La Vela, a popular gay-friendly bar with views over the harbor.
• Overnight: Stay overnight in Lipari Harbor.

Day 4: Tuesday – Lipari to Salina Island

• Morning: Set sail for Salina, the lush, green island famous for its capers and Malvasia wine.
• Late Morning: Dock at Santa Marina Salina, the island’s main town. Explore the picturesque streets at a relaxed pace.
• Afternoon: Visit Spiaggia di Rinella, a quiet, nudist-friendly beach on the southern coast, or take a swim in the crystal-clear waters.
• Optional Wine Tasting: Visit Cantina Fenech or Azienda Agricola Virgona to sample Malvasia, a sweet local wine.
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant or onboard, accompanied by local wines.
• Night: Drinks at a local café or gay-friendly bar.
• Overnight: Stay in Santa Marina Salina Harbor.

Day 5: Wednesday – Salina to Panarea Island

• Morning: Set sail for Panarea, the chic and upscale island known for its glamorous vibe.
• Late Morning: Anchor at Cala Junco, a crystal-clear bay surrounded by dramatic cliffs, perfect for nudist sunbathing and swimming.
• Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring the quaint streets of Panarea Village or hike up to the Panarea Archaeological Park for ancient ruins and panoramic views.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the island’s restaurants, followed by drinks at Il Gabbiano, a gay-friendly bar with great cocktails.

Day 6: Thursday – Panarea to Stromboli Island

• Morning: Set sail for Stromboli, famous for its active volcano.
• Late Morning: Anchor at Spiaggia Lunga, a long black-sand beach perfect for nude sunbathing.
• Optional Tour: Visit Sciara del Fuoco (lava flow) if you’re adventurous, or relax on the beach.
• Optional Gin Tasting: Visit Stromboli Gin Distillery to sample the island’s signature gin.
• Evening: Dinner in Stromboli village, followed by drinks at a gay-friendly bar.
• Overnight: Stay at anchor near Stromboli.

Day 7: Friday – Stromboli to Milazzo

• Morning: Set sail for Milazzo, heading back to the mainland of Sicily.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Milazzo in the late afternoon and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with a view of the harbor.
• Evening: Celebrate your last night aboard the yacht with drinks and good company.

Day 8: Saturday – Disembarkation in Milazzo

• Disembarkation: Before 09:00 after breakfast.
• Farewell: Safe travels and goodbyes to fellow travelers!

Total Distance: 80 nautical miles

Key Points

• Nudist Beaches: Vulcano, Lipari (Cave di Pomice), Panarea (Cala Junco), Stromboli (Spiaggia Lunga), Salina (Rinella).
• LGBTQ+ Friendly: Bars and venues in Lipari, Panarea, Stromboli, Salina, and Milazzo offer a welcoming, gay-friendly atmosphere.
• Wine & Gin Tastings: Cantine Nicosia, Malvasia di Lipari, Stromboli Gin Distillery, Cantina Fenech, Tenuta di Fessina.