Stromboli and Panarea If you’re looking to see nature at her angriest, the Aeolian archipelago is the destination for you. Stromboli and Panarea are two volcanic islands off the north coast of Sicily, and if it’s any consolation, only one of these is active. Panarea’s volcano lies safely dormant, offering instead bubbling warmth in the form of its famous thermal springs, and popular scuba-diving sites. Meanwhile, Stromboli’s 1000m-high volcano is very much alive and well. The volcano has been nicknamed the Lighthouse of the Mediterranean, and its eruptions can be seen across the island and in the surrounding area. There is no marina on Stromboli, so your overnight stay will be on anchor/buoy with a tender/water taxi available to the shore. From the safety of your vessel, you’ll be able to experience the view of Stromboli’s mighty eruptions at night. Lipari As the largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari is considered to be the fulcrum of this archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea. This idyllic and tranquil island is the embodiment of island living, and boasts a total of 14 marinas along its coast, perfect for yachters who want to get all the good angles of this volcanic haven. Eruptions have not occurred in thousands of years, but there is plenty of volcanic activity, namely fumaroles and thermal springs. Surrounded by crystal clear waters, Lipari features some exquisitely pebbled beaches such as Canneto, Valle Muria and Praia di Vinci, and if you’re in search of spectacular views, be sure to head up to the Chiesa Vecchia, from which you’ll get a breath-taking sight of the entire island from above, as well as the other surrounding islets from afar. In typical Italian fashion, you’ll find an excellent selection of humble yet genuine restaurants dotted around the island, serving Italian cuisine at its very best. This is the perfect stop for you to stretch your legs and have a walkabout around the tiny streets of its settlements, or spend your day sunbathing by the water’s edge. From Lipari, you can cruise to Vulcano to take in the majesty of this volcanic cluster, as well as the islands of Filicudi, Alicudi and Salina.