Panarea and Stromboli Boat Trip from Lipari, Sunset at Strombolicchio

The boat leaves Lipari from the Marina Corta pier and runs up the east coast, past Monte Rosa and the bay of Canneto, before crossing to Panarea. The day stretches into the evening, and the reason for the long hours is where it ends: at sunset in front of Strombolicchio, then under the Sciara del Fuoco. Panarea is the smallest of the seven Aeolian islands. The boat passes Cala Junco, clear water below the Capo Milazzese headland, where the remains of a Bronze Age village still stand. Then Cala Zimmari, the longest sandy beach on the island, and the scatter of islets offshore: Dattilo, Lisca Bianca, Lisca Nera, Bottaro and the Panarelli. There is free time at the port of San Pietro, where footpaths lead off into the island past shops, bars and restaurants. Stromboli comes next, past the islets of Basiluzzo and Spinazzola. From the water the first thing you notice is white houses against black sand. The boat lands at Scari in the afternoon and the time ashore is yours: a swim from one of the beaches or coves, or a walk up through town to the terrace by the church of San Vincenzo, which looks out over Strombolicchio. In the early evening the boat heads for Strombolicchio, a 43 metre rock shaped like a medieval castle with a lighthouse on top. The last stretch is at the foot of the Sciara del Fuoco, the steep slope down Stromboli's flank, before the slow run back to Lipari. There is a restroom on board. Dinner is not included. Guiding is in English and Italian, and a booking takes up to 30 travelers. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.