Sicily and Aeolian Islands small ship cruise
Description of Sicily and Aeolian Islands small ship cruise
There’s no better way to see Sicily’s Aeolian Islands than under sail – they are, after all, named after the Greek demigod of wind, Aeolus. It will be gentle cruising all the way here, island-hopping with ease.
Your cruise starts on Sicilian mainland, before quickly heading to sea. On the way there are plenty of swimming opportunities, plus paddleboards and snorkelling gear available. At the Bay of Pollara in Salina you can swim in calm, clear waters, or laze on the flat rocks that seem purpose-built for sunbathers.
The Aeolian Islands are famous for their active volcanoes, which provide hot springs, dramatic hiking and exciting, smoking terrain. Vulcano itself gave us the word ‘volcano’ but it’s Stromboli that steals the limelight these days. Standing on the deck at night, you might be able to watch a natural fireworks display as sparks fly from its crater.
Your home for the eight days of cruising is a luxury gulet – a sailing vessel with a traditional feel. It’s surprisingly spacious, with sundeck, and room for an on-board chef to whip up delicious Sicilian delicacies – pasta, of course, but also Moorish-inspired dishes testament to the islands' interesting heritage.
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1 Reviews of Sicily and Aeolian Islands small ship cruise
Reviewed on 22 Jul 2019 by Carole Saunders
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
it was a lovely varied week calling at the small Aeolian islands which all had their own character and lovely restaurants. The most memorable was watching
Stromboli erupt in the dark ,firing molten lava into the night sky !
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Remember you are on a boat so no dressing up. be informal and relaxed. You are on a boat too so its normal to experience some smells from time to time.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely supports local jobs as we had the opportunity to spend on each island , both eating and drinking and also shopping. There are some lovely shops.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fabulous and would definitely do it again around different islands .....only for a change not because we didn't like the Aeolian Islands!
Responsible Travel
Planet
Sail power has very obvious ecological benefits, vastly reducing the carbon used in any form of travel as well as reducing emissions. All the crews are experienced sailors and love to sail if possible. Although we cannot use the sails all the time and in all conditions, they do provide a welcome benefit.By using a small ship we can greatly reduce the distance travelled as we can visit the small islands that are close together. We minimize waste on board and dispose of the little we generate in an approved and appropriate manner.
The small size of these cruise vessels and the small passenger numbers ensures that any detrimental social and environmental impacts are minimised whilst allowing the passengers to visit smaller communities that don’t usually benefit from this form of tourism. This also enables small communities to host tourists without the need for building hotels and other infrastructure that may be required.
People
Almost everything about this cruise is local. The vessel is locally owned and operated, the food we eat is bought and purchased locally, and we make use of local restaurants in most destinations. By visiting some of the smaller islands that get few visitors we are helping to sustain the island communities and their way of life.We will endeavour to maximise the benefits of tourism and to minimise or eradicate any downside, socially, environmentally & economically.
We will encourage our passengers to learn and understand as much as possible about the local traditions, language and way of life to enable them to appreciate the reality of life in this part of the world. The cruise manager will ask any questions about the region, and will keep all of the passengers updated, not just with the day to day itinerary, but with in depth information about the history and way of life of the local communities.
Our guests are free to eat ashore on most evenings, injecting a little income into the small island communities.
You also have the option to employ a local guide to take you for a hike on Stromboli.
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