L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 www.italoamericano.org L'Italo-Americano 17 Four itineraries to discover the Italian islands by sailboat Imagine the waves slapping t h e h u l l a n d a b o v e , t h e s a i l snapping smartly in a gentle breeze and the quiet sing-song of a sailboat gliding across the sea. All around you only the bluest of skies and the crystal c l e a r w a t e r s o f t h e Mediterranean: sailing is an amazing way to travel through the Italian islands, something all sea lovers should add to their bucket list. Italy boasts more than 350 islands -some small, some big, all incredibly beauti- ful- and a sail boat is one of the most enjoyable ways to discov- er them. One week in the Isole Eolie (Sicily). Famous world wide for their stunning beauty, the seven volcanic islands of the Eolie are p o p u l a r w i t h d i v e r s a n d snorkelers alike because of their rich underwater life. A tour of the Eolie starts in Lipari, a live- ly Sicilian island with a quaint historical downtown district and plenty of dining and nightlife options, and, on the first day takes to the caves of Pomice, the perfect spot for a dive, and then to Panarea, the archipel- ago's swankiest island. Panarea is the perfect spot to anchor, w a t c h s u n s e t a n d e n j o y a leisurely aperitivo, followed by a night of dancing or by a qui- eter night at the Milazzese Bay. The following days will be just as interesting: you will disem- bark in Stromboli, home to one of Europe's most active vol- canos, you will taste Sicily's best granita on the island of Salina, you will spot dolphins in Filicudi, one of their favorite hangouts. You will see a quieter side of Sicily, savor amazing s e a f o o d - e i t h e r p r e p a r e d o n board or at a restaurant- and enjoy seven days of rest and relaxation. For more info on the t y p e s o f s a i l b o a t a v a i l a b l e , prices and to meet the skippers: h t t p : / / w w w . v a c a n z e b a r c a v e - laisoleeolie.it/ S even d ays in th e Mad d alen a A rch ip elago (S ard in ia). T o u r s o f t h e Maddalena Archipelago, islands s c a t t e r e d t o t h e N o r t h o f Sardinia and South of Corsica, start in Palau, a quintessential Sardinian town overlooking a windy bay. On the first day you are in for a treat, as you sail towards Caprera, an island that is part of the natural preserve of La Maddalena: here nature is at its best, wild and rugged, bask- ing in the strong Sardinian sun. F r o m C a p r e r a , G i u s e p p e Garibaldi's last residence before he died, a short but adventurous navigation will take you trough t h e B o c c h e d i B o n i f a c i o t o C a v a l l o , a s t u n n i n g s p o t t o enjoy a swim or a snorkel. The Isola di Piana, too, leaves visi- tors breathless with its crystal c l e a r w a t e r s a n d g r e e n Mediterranean vegetation and s o d o e s t h e p i n k s a n d o f Budelli. In seven days surround- ed by the Sardinian wilderness you will definitely get in close touch with nature and go home feeling relaxed and renewed. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n : http://www.vela-sardegna.com/ Isole campane e pontine in o n e w e e k ( C a m p a n i a a n d Lazio). Your week long tour starts in romantic Sorrento, a s t o n e ' s t h r o w a w a y f r o m Napoli. On the first day of navi- gation you will reach Ischia, CHIARA ASSI f a m o u s f o r t h e b e a u t i f u l M a r o n t i b e a c h a n d f o r i t s Aragonese castle, a stunning c i t a d e l o v e r l o o k i n g t h e s e a . You will then sail to Ventotene, w i t h i t s R o m a n r u i n s , a n d Ponza, a scuba diving paradise. T h e i s l a n d o f P r o c i d a w i l l charm you with its colorful old harbor, a lovely spot to watch sunset while enjoying a drink or dinner. Definitely a less adven- turous tour, this one week vaca- tion is perfect for those who want to try sailing, but want to s l e e p i n h o t e l s a t n i g h t . I n f o r m a t i o n h e r e : h t t p : / / w w w . s e d u c t i o n . i t /it/isole-campane-ed-isole-pon- tine.php Parco N azion ale d ell' A rcip elago Tos can o (Tu s can y) . T h e T u s c a n Archipelago National Park is the largest marine preserve in Europe and is famous for being both interesting to explore and beautiful. Sail off from Isola d ' E l b a , I t a l y ' s t h i r d l a r g e s t island, with its citadel dating back to the 16th century and sweeping panoramas, and head to Capraia, with its lush vegeta- tion and interesting underwater life. Isola del Giglio fascinates visitors with its castle and vil- lage from the Middle Ages, a charming spot to enjoy a local favorite: spaghetti with clams. Pianosa, too, has a lot to offer, especially to history buffs, as it can boost the most remarkable Roman catacombs besides those in Rome. Last but not least, the i s l a n d o f M o n t e c r i s t o i s t h e most rugged of them all, unin- habited and wild. The only con- struction on the island is the ex royal villa, built along with a botanical garden, both of which can be visited. For more infor- mation on weekend and week long trips to the Arcipelago Toscano visit: http://www.lafil- ibusta.com/ A sail boat is one of the most enjoyable ways to discover Italian islands The bluest of skies and the crystal clear water of the Mediterranean

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