Guided Hiking & Sailing in the Aeolian Islands

YOUR SAILING AREA

The Aeolian Islands, Italy

Nestled in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the north coast of Sicily, the volcanic Aeolian islands are characterised by wild, unspoilt nature. They are called the “Aeolian Islands” because, according to Greek legend, the god of the wind, Aeolus, once lived here.

The jewel in the Mediterranean has seven inhabited islands, and each one is different. From lovely green hills to seething craters, you will find a wide variety of unique natural landscapes in a very small space. In 2000, the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Regular volcanic eruptions of the Stromboli offer a true natural spectacle, and the volcanic mountains and Mediterranean landscapes are a true hiking paradise.

This active adventure in Italy is packed with phenomenal experiences. From sailing with a historic tall ship, to hiking volcanos to immerse yourself in 6000-year-old culture and exploring the beautiful archipelago. 

Once you have joined Florette in the Italian harbour of Vibo, your first adventure will be to make the 10-12 sail to the islands. This is the perfect chance to learn to sail a historic vessel under the supportive guidance of an experienced crew. 

This voyage will be joined by a hiking guide who will lead daily hikes on the islands, with a minimum of 4 hours per hike. A more detailed itinerary TBC…

Aeolian Islands

Although Lipari has approximately 5,000 residents, it retains the charm of a typical Sicilian village. It boasts one of the most beautiful archaeological museums in Italy and a picturesque old town filled with small shops.

Known as the Green Islands, Salina was revitalized in the 1970s as an agricultural hub. It features numerous vineyards and is famous for its dessert wine, Malvasia delle Lipari, and its capers, which are considered some of the best in the world. Hikers can trek to the archipelago’s highest peak through beautiful pine and chestnut forests.

When we arrive at Vulcano, the smell of sulfur greets us immediately. Until the 19th century, sulfur and alum were mined just meters from the quay. Today, the harbour is lined with souvenir shops, spas, hotels, and bars, and visitors can indulge in sulfur mud baths. A highlight of this island is the hike to the crater, where you can see the yellow sulfur fumaroles.

Stromboli has served as a navigational point for seafarers since ancient times, particularly at night due to its frequent eruptions. The volcano erupts every 15 to 20 minutes, and depending on the magma levels in the chimney, lava fountains can soar several hundred meters above the crater rim.

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From solo travellers to couples to families or friends, there is something for everyone on this hiking and sailing adventure. An unforgettable and versatile active holiday with daily trips ashore, offering a pleasant contrast to the social life on board. 

Swim, snorkel and kayak in secluded bays with crystal-clear water and dark beaches made of fine, black lava sand.

All voyages for Florette

Florette

Guest berths: 28 Rig: Brigantine

Florette is the last active, originally built brigantine in the Mediterranean and one of the last wooden windjammers that are still actively sailing. After nearly 50 years operating as a cargo ship and a world war, she was discovered by the Haynes family at the end of the 70s, lovingly restored to a charter vessel and returned to her original condition.

She still remains in the same family, sailing and exploring the Mediterranean, Scotland and the Caribbean. From week long island hopping around the Aeolian islands to Atlantic crossings and winter sun sailing in the Caribbean, she certainly has something for everyone!

Over the past 45 years, Family Haynes has been faithfully restoring and maintaining her charm with her traditional rigging and still set all her sails by hand.  As she was built to carry over 200t of marble deep sea, her construction is twice as strong as compared to a normal ship of her size. She is constructed with double oak frames and up to 13 meters long, 14 cm thick ironwood planks (azobe). Her topsides are built in the finest mahogany. She was originally launched in winter of 1921 in Italy as a pure wooden sailing ship with no engine to serve as a cargo ship.

Now, she has been equipped with the latest safety standards in accordance with EU guidelines for historic charter and sailing school ships and approved for deep-sea navigation. Below decks she has a combination of twin and triple cabins, authentic hammock bunks in the saloon or even take your chances and sleep on deck beneath the stars!

Read more here about what to expect from a traditional sailing holiday on board Florette.

LIFE ON BOARD

AUTHENTIC TALL SHIP SAILING

Florette and her crew always try to combine traditional classic sailing while immersing guests in the natural landscapes ashore; volcanoes, ancient culture and the specialities of the regional Italian cuisine. Florette invites you to get involved with her traditional sailing. With an original rig, it is certainly an all-hands on deck approach  – which is surely part of the magic to this adventure sailing holiday.

Sailing Florette is a true family affair. Captain Ron is the 2nd generation to run and sail Florette with his family after his parents bought the boat back in the 70’s. Ron was brought up on the boat, as he is now doing with his family. Alongside Ron and his wife Nicole, Florette is fully crewed with experienced and knowledgeable sailors. Nicole is also the boats chef, cooking up fabulous Mediterranean cuisine, so you won’t be going hungry after a day of sailing and exploring.

HAVE FUN!

Florette commands attention wherever she sails with her traditional wooden hull, decoratively carved transom and her impressive sail rig. Sailing with her is part of the magic of this adventure holiday and is a huge part of the experience. She also has sea kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and snorkelling gear for guests to use at no extra cost. There is also fishing gear available which is used to catch fresh fish for supper!

Sleeping and Relaxation

Florette is one of the larger boats in our fleet so she has ample space both above and below decks. Her Captain and family live-aboard but they have their own separate quarters. Guests can enjoy private cabins in combinations of 2-3 berth bunks. All cabins share a total of four toilets and three showers with another shower on deck for a rinse off after some sea swimming! A generous saloon, bar and eating area sit below decks with a traditional wooden finish. Above decks there is a large cushioned area for relaxation, sun-bathing or sleeping beneath the stars (bring your own sleeping bag if this is something you fancy!). An alfresco dining area sits mid-ships, perfect for lunches in the sun or dinners at sunset. 

Eating

Nicole prepares meals using fresh local ingredients, seasonal produce and local fish to make excellent, healthy Mediterranean dishes. Breakfast onboard everyday and six meals are included in the ticket price. These six meals can be a combination of lunches or dinners with the rest of the guest meals eaten ashore at guest expense. The ticket price reflects this and gives guests the opportunity to sample and enjoy the local cuisine. If for some reason, Florette cannot get guests ashore, meals will be offered from the boat at a reasonable price.

Please check the What’s included tab for a breakdown of the ticket price.

Things to note

Sailing vs Shoretime

Night-watches?

Kit list

Florette has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack.

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their own preferences!

• Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
• Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
• Walking poles (optional, personal preference)
• Wash towel – micro fibre are lightweight and quick drying!
• Swimsuit and swim towel
• Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying!)

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

• Warm, windproof and waterproof coat 
• Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
• Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera/binoculars 
• Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
• If you wish to sleep on deck under the stars or are booking a hammock berth, please bring your own lightweight sleeping bag
• Refillable water bottle 
• Charging cables for personal devices 
• EU 2pin plug adaptor
• A good book to read!
• A small backpack/bag for hiking

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• HALF BOARD – All breakfasts and six meals (combination of lunch or dinner)
  Tea, filter coffee and fruit juices
• Use of all facilities on board, including snorkelling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, board games
• All bedding (pillow, duvet, bedding)
• All tender trips during the voyage, to and fro the boat
• Full crew, plus tuition
• Hiking Guide
• Package Travel Cover

What’s not included

• 6-7 meals ashore (at guests expense)
• Speciality tea/Espresso/Alcohol/canned drinks (cash honesty bar)
• Wash or swim towels
• Use of sleeping bags for sleeping on deck/hammock (only if you want!)
• Domestic flights
• Insurance
• Crew and tour leader tips

EXTRAS?

Florette and her crew can organise extra activities for guests, including wine tasting, BBQ evenings and pizza-making nights. None of these is mandatory and will depend on the feeling of the group, but once agreed, they will be planned, cost and split between the guests. Florette runs a very fair ship and is transparent with any extra costs in EUROs.

Voyages may be subject to minimum passenger numbers.

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  It varies between voyages so please check each individually. Most are Half board (breakfast & 6 meals - a combination of lunch or dinner)

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please ask at the time of booking.

• Are there any added extra's?

  Soft drinks & alcohol can be purchased onboard with an honesty bar. There may be options for group BBQ's and wine tastings on some voyages, information will be given as you board.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  5x family cabins (double+single), 2x double cabins, 4x twin bunk cabins.

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Every cabin has a large deck hatch.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  4 toilets with 3 showers & 1 deck shower.

• Is bedding included?

  All bedding is included but towels are not. If you would like to sleep under the stars on deck, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag!

• Is there a hair dryer on board?

  No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  Not on week long voyages but on longer crossings it is possible.

• Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?

  Yes.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but very much appreciated.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English is the common deck language but there will be international guests and crew.

• Is there WIFI?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern conforms and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes, please bring 2pin European adaptors

• What is the currency on board?

  EURO's

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Florette is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder. There will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No

• Are there any water toys?

  Yes, Florette carries Kayaks and SUP's for guests use - a buoyancy jacket must be worn.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  On her week-long voyages, no - just a love for adventure! On her Ocean crossings, some previous time on the water is recommended.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

• Is there an age limit?

  No min. age technically -but ideally 5+ with sailing experience. Over 70's must provide a medical certificate . For Caribbean voyages - it's 60+ Children go free when under 14 and sharing with two parents sharing in one cabin. If there is one parent, then the adult must pay the solo occupancy price and the child is still free.

Travel Planning

From: Marina Carmelo, Vibo

To: Marina Carmelo, Vibo

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

Getting There

Marina “Carmelo”, Vibo Marina, Valentia, Italy

Please note that both arrival and departure times can be flexible so please let us know if you will be arriving later/leaving earlier. Florette will remain in port for the first evening and will come back into port the night before disembarkation. 

By Air

Lamezia Airport (SUF) is the closest to the Marina. RyanAir offer direct flights from Stansted to Lemezia three times a week. Other flights from the UK normally require a change over in Milan or Rome which are available from London Heathrow, Manchester,  Birmingham, Bristol and some other regional airports. From either Milan MXP Milan BGY, or Rome (FCO) airports you can take an internal flight which is approximately 1hr 50 mins. Many low cost Airlines such as WizzAir, Easy Jet,  RyanAir and Italian ITA Airways offer these flights daily. 

Once at Lamezia Airport it’s a 30minute taxi ride to the Marina. There are registered taxi companies operating from outside of the airport. Please ensure you agree a price before getting in the taxi. 

By Train 

You can also choose to fly to Rome (FCO) or Naples (NAP) airports and head to the central station, there you take the train down to  Vibo-Pizzo Station, this is about 5-6 hours, with a short 10 min taxi ride to the marina from there. A beautiful, good value and a sustainable way to see the country.