Amongst the Volcanoes in Europe, Etna is amongst one of the best known but there are some other amazing and enchanting volcanoes around the Sicily area worth the visit. We depart for a two week cruise during which time we will to discover the amazing Volcanoes of the very south of Italy together with visiting some of the more amazing islands such as the Aeolian Islands and Sicily.

We will then sail up to Riposto (40NM), which is the closest port to the volcano, Etna. Riposto is a very large Marina in a quaint fishing village which is very typical of Sicily. From here we will organise a trip to the volcano. Etna excursions can take you either to the lower craters or spending more time and going to one of the higher craters where a guide will walk visitors through the location. Etna is 3350 meters high, so do not get cheated by the hot temperature on the coast as on the top of Etna it is always around 15 to 20 degrees colder, so be sure to take your fleece.

After our day on Etna we would make our way to Messina (32NM) where we can spend the night before passing through the famous Messina Straits, the only area which has a tidal effect in the Mediterranean and an amazing experience for any sailor since the currents can get to the strength of 7 knots within a strait which is 1.5 NM wide in its narrowest part between Sicily and Italy.

Once we pass through the straits our next stop would be the island of Vulcano (40NM), the most southern of the Aeolian islands. We will spend the night and subsequent day in Vulcano where we can visit the volcano and also the more famous mud baths.

Our next stop shall be Stromboli (27NM), the most northern of the Aeolian Islands, here we shall anchor for the night and admire the spectacular volcano at night where generally one can see the lava seep down the mountain. A unique experience in our view as the feeling of tranquility as the sea merges with the marvel of Mother Nature. Panarea is another possible stop (13NM) and is the more chic of the Aeolian islands and many famous Italians visit this little island in summer.

Starting our way back to Malta we might stop in Punto Rosa on the north of Sicily (30NM), a quaint little port. Through the Messina Straits we will make our way to Taormina where we might anchor under the magnificent old city, which is worth a visit (45NM).

Following Taormina we might make another stop in Syracuse (47NM) as it is often a place that people want to return to for its charm. After a good meal, and a good rest, we shall make our way to Malta for our last leg of our trip (77NM).