Trip Report by Luca Ferroglio, TRAK Pilot and Trip Host
The volcano erupts regularly every few minutes. It’s a steep volcanic scree bounded by two ridges, down which material from the frequent eruptions and explosions cascades all the way down to the sea. The explosions are even more dramatic at night, when the red hot volcanic bombs are ejected high in the sky.
Introduction
In April 2026, over five memorable days, a group of five international paddlers explored the Aeolian Islands by sea kayak. They were on a mission to discover volcanic coastlines, remote coves, vibrant island communities, and some of the most spectacular scenery in the Mediterranean.
Above: this small but mighty international team assembles for their journey
Eugenio (my friend from Sicily in Kayak and local guide), and I were responsible for planning, managing navigation, logistics, safety, and the group’s well-being throughout the expedition.
The trip required careful planning and flexibility. Moving kayaks between islands, coordinating hydrofoil transfers, monitoring weather conditions, and continuously assessing sea states were all essential elements of the journey. Would all that preparation pay off?
Above: the shores of Vulcano, steaming from the active cinder cone above.
A long-held dream made possible
This expedition represented much more than a five-day kayaking trip. For me, it was the realization of a dream that had been growing for years.
I grew up with a view of the Aeolian Islands from my grandparents’ home in Sicily, and I have always been drawn to their unique combination of active volcanoes, rugged coastlines, remote sea caves, and Mediterranean culture. When I discovered the joy of paddling, I began to imagine exploring them by kayak. I often looked at maps of the archipelago and envisioned paddling between them, experiencing these islands from the perspective of the sea rather than from ferries or tourist boats.
For a long time, however, turning that vision into reality seemed complicated. Organizing a multi-island kayaking expedition in the Aeolian archipelago requires overcoming significant logistical challenges. Transporting traditional sea kayaks between islands, coordinating ferries, and managing equipment can quickly become a complex undertaking.
The decisive element that transformed this dream into a feasible project was the support of TRAK and their innovative foldable kayaks. Their boats were opening the door to travelling efficiently between islands using the hydrofoil network while still enjoying the performance, reliability, and seaworthiness required for a demanding sea-kayaking expedition.
Above: Luca assembles his TRAK folding kayak on location in the Aeolian Islands
The ability to disassemble, transport, and reassemble the kayaks where needed was giving us a level of flexibility that would have been difficult to achieve with conventional rigid sea kayaks. Suddenly, moving between the islands was a practical reality rather than a logistical challenge.
TRAK allowed me to lead a group of fellow kayakers, and helped transform a personal dream into a shared adventure, allowing paddlers from different countries to get together, and experience one of the most extraordinary archipelagos in the Mediterranean Sea from the water.
Looking back, seeing our kayaks assembled on the beaches of the Aeolian Islands, paddling beneath the cliffs of Lipari, circumnavigating Salina, and watching Stromboli erupt from the sea felt like the fulfillment of an idea that had existed for years. It was a reminder that some dreams simply need the right companions, the right conditions, and the right equipment to become reality.
Day 0: Gathering the Team
Every successful expedition begins long before the first paddle stroke, and our Aeolian adventure was no exception.
The day before setting off on the water was dedicated to welcoming participants, organizing equipment, and building the group spirit that was going to accompany us throughout the following days. As participants arrived on Vulcano at different times and on different ferries, Eugenio and I made a point of personally meeting everyone at the harbor. We wanted every participant to feel immediately welcomed and supported, especially considering that some were arriving after long journeys.
Above: Walking the streets to meet up with the group
These first interactions were important. Faces that had previously only been known through emails or phone calls gradually became familiar teammates, united by a shared passion for kayaking and adventure. The excitement was palpable as conversations quickly shifted to kayaks, previous expeditions, and expectations for the days ahead.
After each of participant had checked in to the B&B where we were sleeping at during our stay in Vulcano, we gathered at Eugenio's nautical base, our operational headquarters before departure. There, we began assembling our kayaks. Surrounded by paddling equipment, and the unmistakable atmosphere of island life, we enjoyed a generous and delicious aperitivo graciously offered by Eugenio.
Above: Is this a paddling expedition, or are we here to eat only?
Local specialties quickly appeared on the table: olives, zucchini, tomato sauce, fresh bread, and other Sicilian delicacies, accompanied by a first taste of local wine. The relaxed setting provided the perfect opportunity for everyone to get to know each other better before embarking on a five-day adventure as a team.
Once everyone had settled in, Eugenio and I presented a detailed briefing covering the entire expedition. Using maps of the archipelago, we walked participants through the high level planned route, describing each island, the anticipated crossings, possible landing sites, the most significant highlights, weather considerations, and safety procedures.
Before launching each day, we were going to conduct a thorough briefing covering the planned route of the day, expected weather and sea conditions, landing options, communication procedures, and emergency contingencies.
Above: Having detailed charts and maps is essential to good planning
As a group, we were going to carry the necessary safety equipment, including personal flotation devices, towing systems, communication devices, drinking water, sun protection, and repair materials. Particular attention was paid to hydration, as the Sicilian summer sun can quickly lead to fatigue and dehydration.
One of the key principles throughout the expedition had to be adaptability. Sea kayaking in a volcanic archipelago means constantly evaluating wind, swell, and participants’ condition. When conditions changed, plans had to change accordingly.
The briefing only added to the excitement. Looking at the map, tracing our intended route from Vulcano to Lipari, Salina, and Stromboli, made the adventure suddenly feel real. For me personally, that moment was especially meaningful: I was finally standing with a group of paddlers ready to transform my vision into reality.
As the sun slowly set over the islands and conversations continued late into the evening in a local restaurant, a strong sense of anticipation filled the group. We had not even started paddling, but already the foundations of a memorable journey had been laid: friendship, trust, good food, careful preparation, and a shared eagerness to discover the Aeolian Islands from the unique perspective of a kayak.
Day 1: Circumnavigating Vulcano
The expedition began on Vulcano, where excitement was high as we loaded equipment into the kayaks and reviewed the day's plan. For some members of the group, the feeling of setting off from the beach with several days of adventure ahead was one of the most anticipated moments of the trip.
Figure 4 Final check: all systems go
Paddling around Vulcano immediately immersed us in the island's unique volcanic environment. From the water, the island revealed a constantly changing landscape of cliffs, lava formations, caves, and striking rock formations. The smell of sulphur occasionally drifted across the water, reminding us that Vulcano remains an active volcanic island.
Above: Gas bubbles come to the surface of the warm water. We're preparing kayak's soup for lunch.
We began by paddling clockwise around the island. After leaving the bubbling water in front of the beach, we went to pay tribute to the Siren rock, and then down along the coast. As guides, Eugenio and I encouraged the group to discover the most hidden coves and sea caves, leaving time to stop, observe, and appreciate the surroundings. Several breaks were spent floating offshore, simply enjoying the silence and the remarkable colours of the sea, and the occasional goats lurking from the cliffs.
Above: Careful with your head ;-)
We landed at Cannitello Beach for lunch. Eugenio was ordering a fresh made sandwich from a local bakery in the morning... what a nice way to curb our hunger and refuel after the morning’s paddling. We also enjoyed a walk through the vineyards growing on the volcano slopes, enjoying views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and Sicily from a favourable perspective.
After our lunch break, we launched again our boats and continued to explore the even wilder western coastline.
That evening, after storing the kayaks and recovering from the first day on the water, we gathered at a local restaurant. Fresh seafood, homemade pasta, local vegetables, and of course a bottle of wine produced in the vineyards visited earlier in the day, provided the perfect reward after a full day of paddling. Conversations revolved around first impressions, favourite sections of coastline, and anticipation for the days ahead.
“I can’t believe it can get any better than this”, was the common comment at the table. But we were only getting started!
Above: Paddling in sea caves - where the sea appears most blue!
Day 2: Crossing to Lipari
The second day brought our first inter-island crossing as we paddled from Vulcano toward Lipari.
Above: Preparing for a committed crossing.
Open-water crossings always carry a special sense of adventure. As Vulcano slowly receded behind us and Lipari grew larger ahead, the group experienced the satisfaction that comes from travelling between islands using only the power of the paddle.
The morning was dedicated to exploring sections of Lipari's western coastline. Towering cliffs dropped directly into the sea, creating one of the most dramatic landscapes of the expedition. The water was exceptionally clear, allowing us to see the seabed far below our kayaks.
Lipari’s west coast is its wildest and most dramatic side; paddling among the rocks, and beneath huge natural arches left everyone in awe. “Well... it did get better than that”, was more or less the common though of the participants.
Above: Let me pass below that arch!
We stopped for lunch on a natural beach, reachable only from the sea, and were treated to another delicious slice of Focaccia from Eugenio’s favourite bakery.
Above: The face of a happy paddler (Luca, the author)
Above: Crystal clear waters... and a paddler
After lunch, we continued toward the eastern side of the island. The contrast between the two coasts was remarkable. The eastern shoreline felt more sheltered and offered a different perspective on local life, with views toward a more populated shoreline. Villages, harbours, and scenes of everyday island life lined the shore.
Above: You'll be mine, you slice of Focaccia!
That evening we once again immersed ourselves in local culture. Dinner became an important part of the expedition experience. Beyond simply refuelling, it offered an opportunity to discover the regional cuisine. Local fish dishes, capers, traditional Sicilian preparations, and regional wines became recurring themes at our table. Discussions often continued long into the evening as the group shared stories and reflected on the day's challenges and successes.
Day 3: Circumnavigation of Salina
Early on a Wednesday morning, we boarded the hydrofoil bound for Salina. As the boat followed the coast of Vulcano and Lipari, we enjoyed looking back at coastlines we had paddled along only a few hours earlier.
Above: A rare scene of a boat getting on a boat
A short trip brought us to Salina; seeing the islands emerge in the morning light while travelling across the sea was an experience in itself.
Upon arrival, we reassembled the kayaks and prepared for another rewarding day. Salina immediately stood apart from the other islands. Its lush vegetation and twin volcanic peaks created a greener and softer landscape than the stark volcanic scenery of Vulcano and Stromboli.
Navigating counterclockwise, we observed the abundant vineyards and wineries which cover the north side of the island, around the city of Malfa.
Above: The abandoned fishermen’s village in Pollara. Can you hear the ghosts?
The highlight of the day was by far reaching Pollara. The village oversees a huge amphitheatre of volcanic origin, with high vertical cliffs and the highest mountain of the archipelago standing right behind. The remains of an old fishermen’s village welcomed us on the rough shore, the Scoglio Faraglione standing in the sea in front of us. I had visited the village before, but never had the chance to view this place from the sea. I, along with everyone else in the group, was speechless.
Yet another treat for lunch: another delicious slice of Focaccia that Eugenio was collecting right before departure in the morning.
Soon it was time to continue paddling. Circumnavigating the island required steady paddling and good group coordination. Eugenio and I continuously monitored both the condition of participants and the changing sea state, adjusting our pace where necessary.
One particularly memorable aspect of the day was the sense of isolation along some stretches of coastline. At times, it felt as though the group had the entire island to itself. These moments highlighted one of the unique advantages of sea kayaking: access to places that remain largely untouched and unseen by most visitors.
Above: a break in the shade of another sea arch, all to ourselves.
Of course, no expedition is entirely free from small misadventures. We had planned to a stop in Rinella to enjoy a famous local delicacy: Granita di Ricotta with candid cappers. Luck was not on our side though, and on arrival, the bar was closed!!! A small moment of disappointment in an otherwise wonderful paddling day. Not too bad though, we continued until we reached Lingua, and enjoyed a different granita there instead, before our final stretch to Santa Marina.
The evening was especially enjoyable. The effort of a complete circumnavigation made dinner feel well earned. Our local restaurant of choice showcased again some of Salina's culinary specialties, accompanied, of course, by yet another bottle of Malvasia delle Lipari produced on the island. The relaxed atmosphere of the evening allowed everyone to recover physically while strengthening the camaraderie that had developed within the group.
Day 4: Stromboli and Strombolicchio
Day four delivered what many expected to be the highlight of the expedition.
After another hydrofoil journey, we arrived at Stromboli and prepared for what was proving to be another unforgettable day. The volcano dominates the island and everything around it, creating a constant sense of anticipation.
Our first destination was Strombolicchio, the dramatic volcanic sea stack rising from the water offshore. Approaching it by kayak allowed us to appreciate its scale in a way that is simply not possible from a larger vessel. Landing on the stack is not allowed, but no one could stop us from paddling around it from the comfort of our kayaks, and admiring it from every angle.
Above: Wow, we paddled to that island and back again!
Above: What? I can't climb up there?
From there, we paddled beneath the slopes of the island’s volcano itself. The sea remained relatively calm, and the volcanic landscape grew increasingly imposing as we approached the area from which eruptions could be observed.
Witnessing Stromboli's eruptions from sea level was an extraordinary experience. Periodically, bursts of incandescent material were projected into the air, reminding us that we were travelling alongside one of Europe's most active volcanoes. We spent considerable time simply observing and absorbing the scene.
Coming back to shore, we also had the chance to enjoy the reality of what it means to live on an island: as we were getting ready to land, fishermen with their small boats were getting ready to leave instead, to benefit from the abundant sea life that the local waters have to offer.
Above: What's the catch of the day?
Later that evening, after securing the kayaks, we continued the experience on foot. The hike to the observation point provided a completely different perspective on the volcano. As darkness fell, each explosion illuminated the night sky, drawing expressions of amazement from everyone present. Few moments during the trip generated as much excitement!
Day 5: Playing with the Sea
The final day reminded us of an important principle of sea kayaking: the sea always has the final say.
Already the evening before, the forecast for the day was not so favourable. Stronger winds were predicted, which would have made long-distance travel less attractive and potentially less enjoyable. Rather than forcing an ambitious route, Eugenio and I suggested to adapt the plan and focus on developing skills in the prevailing conditions.
What followed was one of the most playful days of the expedition. We spent time surfing waves, practising manoeuvres, improving boat control, and simply enjoying the dynamic interaction between kayak and sea. The mood throughout the group was relaxed, playful and enthusiastic.
Above: Riding the waves!
Although the day involved less distance than originally planned, it provided valuable learning opportunities and reinforced the importance of making good decisions based on prevailing conditions rather than predetermined objectives.
In the afternoon, we disassembled the kayaks for the last time during the trip, and boarded the boat back to Vulcano. As the islands gradually slipped behind us, there was a shared sense of accomplishment and a certain reluctance to see the adventure come to an end.
The expedition concluded with a final dinner together. We reached the southern tip of Vulcano, where they were waiting us at one of the nicest and best restaurants on the island. Over excellent sea food, and the unmissable bottle of local wine, we celebrated five successful days on the water. Stories were retold, favourite moments debated, and future kayaking adventures already discussed.
Above: Sunset is better with some good friends
Day 6: Goodbye and thanks for all the fish
Saturday arrived, and all too soon, our adventure was over. We gathered for a last breakfast together, before leaving our rooms and waving goodbye.
I found myself replaying the previous five days, which had passed by far too quickly. The expedition successfully combined sea kayaking, island exploration, volcanic landscapes, cultural discovery, and shared adventure. Over five days, the group travelled through some of the most remarkable environments in the Mediterranean while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and responsible decision-making.
From the sulphur-scented shores of Vulcano to the dramatic eruptions of Stromboli, from challenging crossings to relaxed evenings around a dinner table, the journey offered far more than a paddling experience alone. It became a shared journey of discovery, blending nature, local culture, friendship, and adventure, creating memories that will remain with all participants long after the kayaks have been packed away.
Top Highlights of the Trip (and a bonus one)
Is it even a blog post these days without a “Top #...” list? So here are my personal top five highlights of our adventure, in no particular order:
1) The caves on the West coast of Vulcano
The island’s west coast offers so many opportunities to explore sea caves. Not all of them are safe to visit, others are difficult to find. Some even require a headlamp to navigate through, as they extend for dozens of meters beneath the cliffs. The help of a local guide like Eugenio is essential.
Above: Navigating through caves definitely requires a light source
Above: Passing through these arches, one can sense the power of the elements
2) The stacks of Lipari
Lipari’s West coast is a real playground for paddlers, with towering sea stacks, narrow passages, and countless rock formations to explore. Although care is needed, as the volcanic rock can be razor sharp in places, it is a joy to weave through them by kayak.
Above: Paddling through dramatic landscapes
Figure 24 How high are those stacks? Definitely more than my paddle
3) The crystal clear water in Lipari
Above: Crystal clear waters are welcoming for daring kayakers
The relatively shallow water, and its exceptional clarity makes for a beautiful sight when paddling along the shoreline. The waterscape is as stunning as the landscape around.
4) The bay of Pollara
The village of Pollara featured prominently in the famous Italian film Il Postino, and it’s easy to understand why. The landscape there is truly unforgettable.
Above: The beautiful cliffs forming the amphitheatre of Pollara.
5) Strombolicchio
The fact that visitors are not allowed to land on or climb it only adds to the mystique of this small island, just off the shore of Stromboli. The lighthouse at the summit serves as a constant reminder at night that this dramatic volcanic outcrop rises from the depth of the sea.
Above: Some hard work is required to reach Strombolicchio, but it's absolutely worth the effort.
6) Stromboli and its volcanic activity
The volcano erupts regularly every few minutes. During daytime, the island’s northern flank, offers spectacular views of the Sciara del Fuoco. It’s a steep volcanic scree bounded by two ridges, down which material from the frequent eruptions and explosions cascades all the way down to the sea. The explosions are even more dramatic at night, when the red hot volcanic bombs are ejected high in the sky.
Above: A unique view on the Sciara del Fuoco
Above: Hard to properly capture it, but the explosions of Stromboli are even more spectacular at night
7) (Bonus point) The food and the wine
Fresh fish, capers, olives, and local wines... is it even necessary to list this one? I’m including it as a bonus for anyone still doubting whether it is worth spending some time of these islands.
Interested in participating in this trip in 2027?
Learn more and register (while space remains), here.
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