Seasonal pattern: In summer, expect Maestrale most days. In spring and autumn the wind clocks more — often Scirocco one day, Maestrale the next. Always check a 48-hour forecast before committing to a passage between islands.

Porto Levante local rules: Tying to the tourist pier is forbidden. Anchoring within 50m of the beach is prohibited. Anchor offshore in 5–10m on sand, clear of the ferry turning area.

⚠ Anchoring restriction — Cala Junco: Cala Junco is closed to all vessels from 1 June to 30 September as part of the marine protected area regulation. Plan an alternative for that period. The island is also surrounded by an underwater platform with reefs and islets — chartplotter at maximum zoom throughout.

⚠ No sheltered harbour: There is no real harbour at Stromboli. Sail here only in settled forecasts. If the forecast shows any change, leave for Panarea or Salina before dark. Underwater cables on the charts — keep clear.

⚠ Critical: If the forecast shows any deterioration, leave immediately for Filicudi or Lipari. There is no shelter on Alicudi if the wind picks up. Not an island for an overnight stop in uncertain conditions. No roads, no vehicles — mules only.

• Check 48-hour marine forecast before every passage — Météo/Meteo Mar VHF, Windy, PredictWind
• Identify the lee-side anchorage for your destination before departure
• Identify the fallback anchorage on the same island if wind shifts overnight
• Fuel and water topped up at Lipari or Salina — last reliable stops eastward
• Provisions for 2+ days — Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi have almost nothing
• Snubber rigged and chafe points checked on anchor chain
• Charts loaded for all seven islands including approach waypoints
• Stromboli: guide booked in advance for crater hike if planned (daily limit)
• Panarea: confirm Cala Junco is not in closed season (1 Jun–30 Sep) if visiting
• Vulcano: verify mud baths are open (closures due to gas emissions occur)
• Torch ready for going ashore at Stromboli and Filicudi — no street lighting

Can I sail the Aeolian Islands as a beginner?

The Aeolians are rated Level 2 — experienced sailors only. The wind systems are significant and the anchorages are all open to at least one direction. There are no all-weather marinas. A beginner should sail with an experienced skipper on the first visit.

What is the typical wind in summer?

Maestrale (NW) most days, building from midday to 15–25 kts with gusts above 35 kts. The morning is usually calmer — plan passages for early morning departures.

Are there squalls between the islands?

Yes — squalls can form between the islands, especially when the Scirocco is running. They are usually short-lived but can be intense. Always reef early and have a fallback anchorage identified.

Where is the best provisioning in the archipelago?

Lipari — the only island with a full range of supermarkets, chandlery, fuel, and water. Salina (Santa Marina) is the next best option. Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi, and Alicudi have very limited or no shops.

What should I do if the wind increases overnight?

Identify the fallback before you anchor — always. If the wind shifts from the forecast direction or increases beyond the anchorage’s safe limit, the nearest fully sheltered options are Marina Lunga or Pignataro (Lipari) and Santa Marina (Salina). Stromboli’s anchorages can become untenable rapidly — always have a departure plan ready.