Vulcano
Charter a yacht to Vulcano, Sicily’s fiery island of natural hot springs, mud baths, and black sand beaches. Sail, soak, and hike through the elemental beauty of the Aeolian Islands.
With its otherworldly landscapes, bubbling mud pools, and sulphur-streaked craters, Vulcano feels like another planet—yet it's only a short sail from mainland Sicily. This island, the southernmost of the Aeolian chain, is where the ancient Romans believed the god Vulcan forged his weapons beneath the earth.
Today, a yacht charter to Vulcano offers an extraordinary mix of relaxation and rugged adventure. Bathe in healing thermal springs, hike to panoramic crater rims, and anchor in secluded bays surrounded by volcanic cliffs. For those craving elemental luxury and natural wonders, Vulcano is the Aeolian island that delivers it all.
Featured Yachts for Charter
SUMMERTIME - Lagoon 52F - 2016
SUMMERTIME is a Lagoon 52F catamaran available for luxury crewed charters along the Amalfi Coast and Aeolian Islands. Accommodating up to 8 guests in 4 queen cabins, with an optional 5th cabin, this elegant yacht features a panoramic flybridge, alfresco dining, and seamless indoor-outdoor living, ensuring an exceptional sailing experience in Italy.
OHANA - Lagoon 50 - 2019
OHANA is a Lagoon 50 catamaran available for luxury crewed charters along the Amalfi Coast and Aeolian Islands. Accommodating up to 8 guests in 4 queen cabins, this elegant yacht features a spacious flybridge, alfresco dining, and seamless indoor-outdoor living, ensuring a dreamlike sailing experience in Italy.
SIKELIA - Bali 5.4 - 2020
SIKELIA is a Bali 5.4 crewed catamaran, offering luxury charters in the Aeolian Islands, Sicily. Accommodating up to 8 guests in 1 master cabin, 2 double cabins, and 1 twin cabin, this yacht features a spacious flybridge, alfresco dining, and exceptional service, ensuring an extraordinary Mediterranean sailing experience.
When to Visit Vulcano for a Yacht Charter
The best time to visit Vulcano is from May through October, with June to September providing the warmest temperatures and calmest seas. The sulphurous air is strongest in high summer, making May and September especially pleasant for hiking and mud bathing.
Cruising Highlights – Sailing Around Vulcano
- Grotta del Cavallo & Piscina di Venere
Cruise to this magical sea cave on Vulcano’s west coast. Swim through narrow rock passages into natural pools of crystalline turquoise water—said to be Venus’ ancient bathing place. - Southern Bays & Black Sand Beaches
Anchor in Porto di Ponente and Porto di Levante for scenic beaches backed by dramatic cliffs. The dark sands and shallow waters are ideal for paddleboarding and snorkelling. - Hike the Gran Cratere
Venture ashore to trek the Gran Cratere, an active but safe volcanic summit. A 90-minute roundtrip hike rewards you with surreal yellow fumaroles, steaming vents, and sweeping views of the entire Aeolian archipelago. - Combine with Lipari
Lipari lies just minutes away by sail, making Vulcano an ideal starting point for an Aeolian island-hopping adventure.
Must-See – Natural Mud Baths
Step off your tender into Vulcano’s famous mud baths, where warm, sulphurous pools offer therapeutic benefits for the skin and joints. A dip here is messy, mineral-rich, and utterly unforgettable. (Note: bathing may be restricted due to evolving environmental regulations—check with your crew.)
Where to Eat & Drink on Vulcano
- Ristorante La Forgia Maurizio
A welcoming trattoria with incredible grilled swordfish and panoramic views over Porto di Levante. - Da Conti
Enjoy wood-fired pizza and fresh seafood in a casual setting near the beach—perfect after a swim or crater hike. - Il Gelato di Antonio
Try the cactus pear or almond gelato—unique Aeolian flavours that taste even better after a salty day at sea.
Featured Yachts for Charter
SUMMERTIME - Lagoon 52F - 2016
SUMMERTIME is a Lagoon 52F catamaran available for luxury crewed charters along the Amalfi Coast and Aeolian Islands. Accommodating up to 8 guests in 4 queen cabins, with an optional 5th cabin, this elegant yacht features a panoramic flybridge, alfresco dining, and seamless indoor-outdoor living, ensuring an exceptional sailing experience in Italy.
OHANA - Lagoon 50 - 2019
OHANA is a Lagoon 50 catamaran available for luxury crewed charters along the Amalfi Coast and Aeolian Islands. Accommodating up to 8 guests in 4 queen cabins, this elegant yacht features a spacious flybridge, alfresco dining, and seamless indoor-outdoor living, ensuring a dreamlike sailing experience in Italy.
SIKELIA - Bali 5.4 - 2020
SIKELIA is a Bali 5.4 crewed catamaran, offering luxury charters in the Aeolian Islands, Sicily. Accommodating up to 8 guests in 1 master cabin, 2 double cabins, and 1 twin cabin, this yacht features a spacious flybridge, alfresco dining, and exceptional service, ensuring an extraordinary Mediterranean sailing experience.
Flavours of Vulcano
Expect bold, earthy flavours shaped by volcanic soil. Taste capers, wild herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes alongside grilled calamari and local wines. Don’t miss Malvasia delle Lipari, a sweet dessert wine grown on the island’s mineral-rich slopes.
Art & Culture
Vulcano’s mythology and geology have shaped its cultural identity. Ancient stories of gods and lava live on in local folklore, while artists, writers, and nature lovers are drawn to the island’s dramatic scenery. Small artisan shops in Vulcano Porto sell ceramics, perfumes, and soaps made with local sulphur and minerals.
Iconic Swim Spot – Gelso Bay
Sail to the southern coast for Gelso Bay, a quiet, wild anchorage with black volcanic beaches and clear, shallow water perfect for swimming. Backed by cactus-covered hills and a solitary lighthouse, this is Vulcano at its most serene.
High Tide Recommends
- Sunrise Crater Hike
Beat the heat with an early morning hike to the Gran Cratere, followed by a fresh juice or espresso in Vulcano Porto. - Volcanic Spa Day
Alternate between hot sulphur springs and cool sea swims for a natural spa experience, right from your yacht’s swim platform. - Island-Hopping Itinerary
Combine Vulcano with Lipari, Panarea, Stromboli, and Salina for a full Aeolian adventure. Each island offers something different—but Vulcano sets the elemental tone.
Choose Your Itinerary
Fly into Catania or Palermo and transfer to Milazzo, the main departure point for Aeolian yacht charters. From there, it’s a short sail to Vulcano—perfect for the first or last stop on a 7-night itinerary.
Chartering a yacht gives you the flexibility to soak in mud baths one day, then paddle into hidden grottos the next. High Tide Yacht Charters offers expert guidance, curated vessels, and tailor-made experiences across Sicily and the Aeolian Islands.
Best For:
- Nature lovers, wellness seekers, and adventurers
- Families or couples looking for unusual experiences
- Hikers, swimmers, and hot spring enthusiasts
Weather & Sailing Conditions:
Gentle summer breezes and warm water make for smooth sailing. Sulphur fumes can be strong near the crater and mud pools—sensitive guests may prefer offshore anchorages.
Anchorages:
- Porto di Ponente – Calm anchorage with beach access
- Grotta del Cavallo – Good day anchorage for swimming
- Gelso – Remote anchorage with minimal light pollution
Top Tip:
Mud and sulphur can stain swimsuits—bring a spare for island excursions, or embrace the earthy glow of Vulcano’s natural minerals.
