Sicily and the Aeolian Islands

The Southern region of Italy is considered by many seasoned Captains as some of the prettiest and most interesting cruising in the country.  Sicily is a unique place full of art, archeology, history, folklore, breathtaking scenery and of course, great food.   She is Italy’s largest island, a place where Africa, Italy and Greece come together and is almost a nation unto itself.  There are Greek temples, 13^th century ruins, Mount Etna (Europe’s’ largest live volcano), markets, beaches, and more!  The Aeolian Islands to the north are all actually the tips of underground volcanoes.  Stromboli, the northernmost of the seven islands, has an active volcano. Panera has black, volcanic sand beaches as well as sulfurous mud baths.  Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, boasts museums, archaeological sites and historic cathedrals.  Sailing here is an escape from the ordinary. Italians have been holidaying in Aeolian Islands for years, but the rest of the word is only now awaking to their charms.