Mediterranean Sailing in the Lipari Islands

Syracuse & Aeolian Islands

The city of Syracuse is a fascinating place to begin your skippered sailing holiday on board Kairos. Dating back some 2,700 years, this coastal city is known for its ancient ruins amphitheatres, monuments, archaeological sites and architecture, and was also the birthplace of the famous mathematician Archimedes.

Once settled aboard Kairos, set sail up the Sicilian coast, passing Etna Nature Reserve, where the magnificent volcano of Mount Etna looms high in the clouds. Anchor at the hilltop town of Taormina, where the cliff drops dramatically into the waters edge forming cliff side villages in picturesque coves. Taormina is also home to the Teatro Antico di Taormina, an ancient Greco-­Roman theatre that is still used to this day and is well worth a visit.

On from Taormina sees Kairos sail through the Strait of Messina, known to be the home of the fascinating mirage of Fata Morgana and natural whirlpool linked to the Greek legends of Scylla and Charybdis. The currents of the Strait create a wonderful marine ecosystem and it is also known to be a key location for the migration of over 300 bird species.

Once through the strait, bear west toward the beautiful Aeolian Islands, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. These volcanic islands of the Tyrrhenian Sea off the north coast of Sicily are characterised by wild, unspoilt nature. According to Greek legend, the god of the wind, Aeolus, once lived here.

From rolling green hills to seething craters, you will find a wide variety of unique natural landscapes spread across the seven main islands. 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.

Although the island of Lipari has approx. 5000 residents, you will find yourself in a typical Sicilian village. With one of the most beautiful archaeological museums in Italy and a picturesque old town with many small shops that are perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Known as the Green islands, Salina was “rebuilt’ in the 1970’s as an agricultural mainstay. There are numerous vineyards, the dessert wine – Malvasia delle Lipari and, of course, the capers, which are considered to be some of the best in the world. Hikers can walk to the highest peak of the archipelago through a beautiful pine and chestnut forests.

The smell of sulphur lingers in the air as soon as you arrive onto the island of Vulcano. Until the 19th century, sulphur and alum were mined only a few meters from the quay. Today, souvenir shops, spas, hotels and bars line the harbour and for those that want to, you can wallow in the Sulphur mud. The highlight of this islands is certainly the two hour crater hike through the yellow Sulphur fumaroles.

Since ancient times the Stromboli volcano has been an orientation point for seafarers at night. The Stromboli erupts every 15-20 minutes and is a spectacular sight. Depending on the magma levels in the chimney, the lava fountains are thrown several hundred meters above the crater rim.

All voyages for Kairós

Kairós

Guest berths: 16 Rig: Bermuda Schooner

Offering guests a sailing holiday experience with luxury at the heart of everything she does, Kairós  is a purpose built charter vessel designed with the beautifully elegant lines of classic boat. Spending her winters exploring Cape Verde, Kairos moves into the Med for the summer offering sailing holidays in Croatia, Corfu and Italy.

This beautiful luxurious schooner was designed by Klaus Röder in 2007 who based his design on a classic yacht whilst keeping up with the modern day schooners; built for performance sailing and guest comfort. Kairós offers a total of 7 private en-suite double cabins and 1 twin cabin for up to 16 guests, these private cabins have either a double bed or single bunks and all have air-conditioning. The  well appointed deckhouse has its very own small bar whilst below decks offers still more space to relax, from the saloon with its plasma TV to its very own library for relaxing while underway.

Built with luxury in mind, the outline on deck is of teak and mahogany with plenty of space to sun-bath, read a book and enjoy the views. All the sails are electronically retractable, so no need to “learn the ropes” here! (The crew are, however, more than happy for guests to get involved with the operating and sailing of Kairós as much as they would like!)

An admiralty ladder provides the perfect place to jump off into the warm Mediterranean waters, have a swim and climb back aboard with ease. Kairós also offers her guests the options of using her water skiing, wake-board, tube riding and snorkelling equipment!

The professional crew consists of the Skipper, first mate, mechanic, bosun, cook and 2 stewards, so you will most certainly be looked after during your time aboard Kairós. Read more about life onboard here.

 

Deck plan

More about Kairós

Sailing with Kairos is certainly an experience of luxury and style. Part of our range of luxury yachts, she has been custom built as a charter vessel from the plans of an original classic so retains beautiful elegant sailing lines, perfect for cruising around the Mediterranean. Unlike some of our more hands on sailing, aboard Kairos, you really don’t have to life a finger if you don’t want to! Her professional 5* star crew are on-hand to assist with everything you need for a truly relaxing sailing holiday. From daily cabin service, a trained chef, onboard water-sports toys and a finale Captains dinner; sailing with Kairos is an experience you certainly won’t forget.

She has a generous communal saloon, ample space on deck for sitting, sun-bathing and dining and all her cabins are private ensuite’s with double or twin bed options. Eating onboard Kairos starts with a rich breakfast buffet, onto a light 2-course lunch at noon, coffee, tea and cake in the afternoon, and a 3-course dinner served in the evening. Upon arrival, you will receive a welcome drink and on the last evening, the Captain’s Dinner will be served. One evening a week, all guests eat at their own expense on land to get to know deliciously local cuisine.

With Kairos as your base, great food included and some beautiful bucket list locations; this is a holiday experience of a lifetime and one not to be missed!

*Please note that an exact itinerary cannot be guaranteed due to the changing winds and tides but rest assured Kairos will show you the true magic of Corfu.

Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, water sports (wakeboarding, water skiing, banana boat chargeable, sea kayak, SUP) However Stand Up Paddleboards and snorkelling (adult size only) are free of charge) with motor drive and trips organised by us are chargeable as an extra. However, we offer this at moderate prices and are well below the prices of other cruises. The onboard currency is the Euro. We will open an onboard account for you on the day of arrival, from which you can pay all personal expenses. 

FAQ

• What COVID policies are in place for sailing with Kairos?

  All guests must either be fully vaccinated or have a relevant recovery certificate which is required upon booking.

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price (breakfast, lunch, dinner and filter coffee and tea). Alcohol and soft drinks are not included. One meal is eaten ashore at the customers own expense.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English/German/Dutch

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  Kairos has 6 Deluxe Double Cabins Ensuite (10m2), 1 Standard Double Cabin Ensuite (8m2) and 1 Twin Bunk Cabin Ensuite (8m2) (latter 2 cabins are really well suited to younger sailors and solo travellers).

• Is there an age limit?

  Yes. Minimum age of 5, and as long as the child can swim.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  All cabins have their own ensuite.

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• 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.

Travel Planning

From: Syracuse, Sicily

To: Syracuse, Sicily

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