The channel between Lipari and Vulcano is very narrow (just 1nm) and in rough weather conditions, wave and wind are intensified.
Il Miglio Blue [ Il Miglio Blue ] 22-Feb-2010The two main anchorages are the "Porto di Ponente" and "Porto di Levante". Another fantastic anchorage is on the southern coast of Vulcano in the bay of Gelso offshore a beautiful black sand beach. This is a good place to stop prior to heading back to the Sicilian mainland.
Il Miglio Blue [ Il Miglio Blue ] 22-Feb-2010-
Howard [ Just Imagine ] 24-May-2006
Porto di Levante (Anchorage)
The Porto di Ponente is perfect during winds from the west, however is open to winds from the I, and II quad. The bay is open to backwash from the ferries and hydrofoils that moor at the small commercial pier. Yachts can tie up to the commercial pier in the evenings, or private moorings are available just south of the pier on floating wharfs with laid moorings tailed to the dock. Otherwise, anchor north of the pier in a lovely bay with a great view of the Gran Crater, and just offshore the mud baths, and hot springs. However, do not enter to close to the beach as there is a submerged breakwater. Be catious when anchoring because the depth is irregular and drops off quickly. Note there are shoals on the nothern end.
Il Miglio Blue [ Il Miglio Blue ] 22-Feb-2010A wonderful spot to anchor and take in the volcano, the sulfur mud baths and beautiful scenery.
Howard and Jayne [ Just Imagine ] 24-May-2006
Sulfur baths (Excursion)
Use an old bathing suit because the sulfur smell does not go away easily.
Il Miglio Blue [ Il Miglio Blue ] 22-Feb-2010It is traditional and supposedly therapeutic to pay a few Euro to enter the sulfur baths and immerse yourself in smelly warm mud.
You are meant to rinse the mud off before climbing over the rocks for a final rinse in the warm bubbling sea on the east side. They don't like you rinsing the mud off in the sea as it makes it cloudy.
Howard and Jayne [ Just Imagine ] 24-May-2006
Up to the crater (Hike)
About 1 hour each way. Some parts are pretty steep. Better to use shoes than slippers. Take water! Amazing views from the top!
Il Miglio Blue [ Il Miglio Blue ] 22-Feb-2010A beautiful easy hike to the top of the volcano where you will see bright yellow sulfur outcrops and steam vents, not to mention the outstanding views of the crater and the surrounding islands.
See more pics below.
Howard and Jayne [ Just Imagine ] 25-May-2006
Porto di Ponente (Anchorage)
The Porto di Ponente is a great anchorage during the fastidious southeasterly wind known in Sicily as Scirocco. However, this anchorage is open to wind from the III and IV quad and boats often find they have to switch over to the Porto di Levante if winds shift. There is a small pier in the southwest end of the bay, but it is not recommended for yachts. Rather, anchor in 5-10 meters offshore the black sand beach.
Il Miglio Blue [ Il Miglio Blue ] 22-Feb-2010This was our first anchorage. We went ashore by dinghy and walked over to the sulfur baths on the other side. When we returned, the wind had picked up from the west and it was time to move to Porto di Levante on the leeward side.
Howard and Jayne [ Just Imagine ] 25-May-2006
Gelso (Anchorage)