Bike cruise in Sicily: discovering the Aeolian Islands
Be enchanted by this spectacular cycling cruise through the heart of the Aeolian Islands. On board a charming caique, a traditional fishing boat, you will discover these volcanic islands, now part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Starting from Milazzo, on the northeast coast of Sicily, your first stop will be the island of Vulcano. The journey continues to Panarea, with its large rocky ridges. In the background, you will admire the continuous explosive activity of the Stromboli volcano. We then head to Salina, where you can’t miss tasting a typical Sicilian granita! Finally, enjoy a tour around the charming island of Lipari.
Get ready to experience a truly active journey combining exploration and relaxation. During the cycling and walking excursions, you’ll enjoy the wonders of the Aeolian Islands, also known as the “pearls of Sicily.”
Fully Guided Cycling and Boat Tour
Accompanied by an experienced guide, you will visit interesting places and sights with the group during the daily cycling and walking excursions. You can also choose to do the cycling tours individually using the Ride with GPS app and our cycling map (provided on board upon request).
Day 1: Embarkation in Milazzo
Individual arrival and transfer to the port of Milazzo. Embarkation is at 6 p.m. at Marina di Nettuno in Milazzo. Get to know your crew and discover your accommodation on board, while enjoying a welcome drink, dinner, and program presentation. Overnight at the port of Milazzo.
Day 2: Loop around Milazzo - 15 km
Today, you will cycle towards Capo Milazzo, where you have the opportunity to swim in the magnificent "Venus Pool," a protected natural sea pool. Back in Milazzo, you can visit the castle and its ancient hamlet. Overnight at the port of Milazzo.
Day 3: From Milazzo to Vulcano Island | Cycling Loop - 20 km
Today, your caique Sundial will begin navigating towards Vulcano Island, known as the "Sulfur Island," where you will explore the island’s hinterland around Piano Grillo by bike, an ideal place to admire a breathtaking landscape. Then, enjoy your free afternoon with many interesting suggestions: hike up to the crater of the volcano, take a mud bath at the island’s sulfur beach, or swim among underwater fumaroles (volcanic vents). Overnight at the port of Vulcano.
Day 4: Panarea and Stromboli Islands - 3.5 hours of walking
After breakfast, head towards Panarea for a swim near the small islands of Lisca Bianca, Bottara, and Dattilo, where volcanic activity is still clearly visible. Once in Panarea, the smallest of the Aeolian Islands, you will have lunch at anchor in a picturesque bay. Then, the caique Sundial will navigate towards Stromboli, offering a superb view of the Sciara del Fuoco, Stromboli's famous scree slope, which sometimes features lava flows.
In the late afternoon, hike up to 400 meters above sea level to admire the volcanic activity at dusk. After the effort, enjoy a picnic dinner with a panoramic view. Remember to bring headlamps, as the return will be at night. Overnight in a sheltered anchorage at Stromboli.
Day 5: From Stromboli to Panarea - 2.5 hours of walking | From Panarea to Salina
After breakfast, the boat will navigate back to Panarea. After anchoring in the bay of Porto San Pietro, enjoy a pleasant walk to visit the small village of Panarea, as well as Drautto Beach and its prehistoric village. Picnic lunch at Cala Junco, then return to the boat. Next, sail to Salina Island, where you can visit a local shop and taste regional products. Overnight at the port of Salina.
Day 6: Salina - around 20 km | From Salina to Lipari
Today, you will start cycling directly on Salina Island. From Santa Marina on the east coast, you will ride to Pollara, a panoramic point on the west coast, where you will visit the lake of Lingua. In Pollara, you can enjoy a delicious and refreshing granita. Back on board, the Sundial will navigate to Lipari Island, where you can stroll around its charming village. Overnight at the port of Lipari.
Day 7: Lipari - around 25 km | From Lipari to Milazzo
After breakfast, enjoy a magnificent bike ride across the island. Starting from the hamlet of Lipari, you will pass through the beautiful village and beach of Canneto. Take a break for your picnic lunch at the panoramic point of Quattrocchi, then return to Lipari's historic center, rich in shops and restaurants. Back on board, the Sundial will navigate to Milazzo. Enjoy your last dinner in one of Milazzo's many restaurants and spend the night at the port.
Day 8: Milazzo
Disembarkation after breakfast, before 9 a.m.
Good to Know:
- The distances of the cycling routes in the travel program are approximate.
- If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you can stay on board and relax.
- The tour itinerary and route may be subject to changes due to nautical, technical, meteorological, or other unforeseen reasons.
- Bring your headlamp for the Stromboli excursion. It will already be dark on the way back.
- A detailed cycling map and a GPS app are available for those who wish to cycle individually, at their own pace. The guide is always available by phone in case of questions, breakdowns, or emergencies.