Tall Ship Sailing in Malta, Sicily & the Aeolian Islands

YOUR SAILING AREA

Malta, Comino & Gozo to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands

Join Florette in Sliema, a vibrant coastal town on the east coast of Malta, across the harbour from the capital of Valetta. Renowned for its waterfront, long promenades, and lively atmosphere, Sliema offers a mix of modern amenities, charming cafes, and historic architecture, making it well worth exploring before you board.

After your first evening aboard, getting to know your fellow crew and guests, there will be a dinner aboard before setting sail the following morning. Depending on the wind and weather, Florette may spend a couple of days exploring the islands of Comino and Gozo before sailing for the coast of Sicily. Skipper Ron will need to make best use of any weather window to make the crossing to Sicily. 

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The tiny island of Comino is famous for its blue lagoon, which is a paradise for snorkellers and divers. The laid-back island of Gozo is about a three-hour sail from Comino. The island has been inhabited for thousands of years and has evidence of historical habitation from the Romans, Arabs, Sicilians, French and British. It’s known for its Neolithic Ġgantija Temple ruins, which are even older than the Egyptian pyramids. 

The crossing to the coast of Sicily may take 7-10 hours and will be a great opportunity for a short open-water sailing experience. The coast of Sicily is dotted with beautiful ancient harbour towns. From the vibrant coastal city of Syracuse to the hilltop town of Taormina, where a Greek theatre tumbles directly onto the waterfront, there are plenty of places for Florette to stop and explore. Mount Etna dominates the coastline here, making a spectacular backdrop. 

Florette will continue sailing north through the Messina Strait before to reach Vibo Marina on mainland Italy. Here, she will make a short turnaround before beginning her second week sailing to explore the Aeolian Islands.

The Aeolian Islands – Week 2

This active sailing adventure in Italy is packed with phenomenal experiences. From sailing with a historic tall ship and hiking volcanos to immersing yourself in 6000-year-old culture and exploring the beautiful archipelago, which is under the protection of UNESCO World Heritage. From Vibo Marina, there will be a 10-12 hour crossing over to the archipelago and once there, Florette will spend plenty of time exploring the islands ashore.

The jewel in the Mediterranean has seven inhabited islands, each 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.

Although 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. Obsidian and pumice stones can be found around Monte Pilato, and it is well worth taking a detour on the Vespa, which offers hiking opportunities for different demands. 

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

Vulcano: The smell of Sulphur greets us as soon as we dock here. 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 those who want to do so can wallow in the Sulphur mud. The highlight of this island is certainly the two-hour crater hike through the yellow sulfur fumaroles. 

Since ancient times, the Stromboli volcano has been an orientation point for seafarers at night. The Stromboli erupts every 15-20 minutes. Depending on the magma levels in the chimney, the lava fountains are thrown 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 sailing adventure. It is an unforgettable and versatile sailing holiday with daily trips ashore, offering a pleasant contrast to the social life on board. Go for a roundtrip with a Vespa on the Lipari island or perhaps a shopping tour on the elegant and chic Panarea luxury island. Or go hiking on Salina Island, known for its capers and sweet wine.

Swim, snorkel and kayak in secluded bays with crystal-clear water and dark beaches made of fine, black lava sand. Experience the fiery Stromboli, the most active volcano in Europe on an adventurous night-time hike. Climb Vulcano slumbering in sulphur fumes and enjoy a healing bath in the sulphur mud afterwards before dipping into the bubbling sea.

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; 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 of 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)
• 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!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• HALF BOARD – All breakfasts and 12 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

What’s not included

• 12-14 dinners 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, none of these are mandatory and will depend on the feeling of the group. 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: Sliema

To: Vibo Marina

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

Getting There

Sliema, Malta

Luqa Malta International Airport is a 20-minute taxo journey to Sliema.

Flights go direct to Luqa Malta International Airport from London Stansted, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Glasgow, Newcastle, Bristol, Leeds and Nottingham with Jet2, Malta Air and Ryanair.