Tremiti Islands, San Nicolo Fortress

Tremiti is from an ancient word for "tremors", as these islands are all volcanic in origin. Rising out of the Adriatic Sea, they are surrounded by beautiful clear waters. Now a tourist destination, this group of five main islands and numerous crags peaking out of the water’s surface, has had a varied history including being the location of internment for both Julia the Younger, Augustus' granddaughter during Roman times and for political prisoners of Mussolini in the 20th century.


Tremiti Islands,San Domino

Of the five main Tremiti Islands, San Domino, San Nicola, Caprara, Cretaccio, and Pianoso, only San Domino and San Nicola are inhabited. San Domino is the most visited today by tourists as this island has the only sand beach in the whole island group. San Domino is also a beautiful island, covered in vegetation including blooming myrtle, and geraniums. Although the largest of the Tremiti islands, San Domino can still be walked across in 20 minutes.


Tremiti Islands, San Nicolo Fortress

San Nicola is where the bulk of the population of the Tremiti Islands resides and has the only year round inhabited village, along with a monastery, once home to the monk Nicola, where his remains are buried. Legend states that anytime the remains were tried to be removed from the island a huge storm whipped up from sea foiling the attempt. San Nicola is a rough and craggy island with a wilder feel than San Domino. An extensive fortified castle and abbey form an impressive silhouette against the rocky cliffs, and are open to visitors to be explored.


Tremiti Islands,Rocky Crag

Caprara Island is the furthest from the coast of Italy and is covered with caper plants. Cretaccio is a big block of clay, with no vegetation and Pianoso is so small, as the name suggests that sometimes during storms, waves wash right over the highest point of this island, which is just 15 meters from sea level.


Tremiti Islands,dinghy dock

Relatively unknown, the Tremiti Islands are a great yacht charter location offering beautiful waters, history, fresh seafood cuisine and are definitely away from the maddening crowds.

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Marettimo Harbor

These three islands have been virtually untouched by man. Favignana, Marettimo, and Levanzo are the main islands of this group and are surrounded by "microisles" or crags of rock that dot the waters around these islands. Indian Figs, dwarf palms and Mediterranean shrub covers these islands that are home to many migratory birds.


Marettimo Cliffs and Caves

Favignana is the largest island, and the only one with any overnight accommodation. This accommodation is in the form of camp grounds and simple family style hotels, which is the same for the few restaurants. Levanzo is the smallest Aegadian Island and Marettimo is close by as a large island rising straight out of the sea. These islands are honeycombed with caves and grottos, both inland and along the coast, and feature white cliffs rising out of the ocean topped with a rich and varied vegetation, where many rare botanical species are found having flourished in relative peace and quiet for centuries. The crystal clear waters around each island beckon to divers and snorkelers, along with the many caves and grottos. Visit the Grotto of San Nicola on Favignana to see graffiti left by some the first Prehistoric Inhabitants of this island.


Marettimo Lighthouse

The waters around these islands are filled with sponges, lobsters and crabs, and sponge gathering was once an industry in these islands. Today, the few islanders mainly make their living from tuna fishing, as these waters are known as the "highways of tuna fish". And tuna and lobster do feature on the menus of the few restaurants, and very fresh tuna is often available for purchase. For a yacht charter out of Sicily, at Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters, we suggest including the Aegadian Islands as well in your yacht charter itinerary.


Map of Aegadian Islands

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Castello Giglio

Giglio Castello is the medieval walled city on top of the tallest granite mountain on Giglio. With very few tourists to the island, there are few taxis and the easiest way to visit this medieval gem is to take the bus up the narrow winding road from Giglio Porto, the main harbor. The oldest town on the island, Giglio Castello is still humming with activity while the residents continue to go about their daily activities. The main gate dates to the 1300’s and opens to a town of buildings jumbled on top of one another separated by a maze of alleys and narrow streets. Explore this area by wandering, as getting lost is impossible, and stop for a bite to eat at one of the local eateries inside the walls for a taste of the strong local wine called Ansonco and hearty country Italian food.


Castello Giglio

Giglio is also known for the crystal clear waters surrounding, and long sandy beaches around the perimeter of the island. Diving is also very good along the coast of Giglio with great visibility, underwater caves and ship wrecks from various centuries. And sometimes on a clear day, dolphins and whale calves can be seen frolicking in the surrounding waters. Stop in Giglio for at least a night on your yacht charter of this area to enjoy this island packed with history and water adventures.


Giglio Harbor

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Imperia; Monument to Sailors

Straddling the River Impero, Imperia is tucked into the Italian Ligurian Riviera between San Remo and Portofino, and is a perfect stop in a yacht charter along this coastline. Birthplace of the famous Admiral Andrea Doria from the 15th century, sailing has always been a part of this coastal town. The town of Imperia was created out of two ancient towns by Mussolini in 1923. This merging of two historic cities, one on either side of the River Impero, leaves Imperia with two old city centers, Porto Maurizio and Oneglia. Of the two old city centers, Porto Maurizio is the more colorful and wealthy area of the city and the main center of yachting.


Imperia Fishing Port

Keeping pace with yachting, the new Porto di Imperia is due to be opened June 2010. This yachting facility will feature 1400 berths, black water pump out, small shipyard facilities, yacht club and helipad. The economy of Imperia subsists on tourism centered around the harbor, with a growing focus on yachting. However also for the visiting yachtsmen, the area is well known for high quality olive oil, and in town there is a small naval history museum. Include Imperia on your next yacht charter along the Ligurian coast of Italy.


Imperia Old City

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Sardinia: Porto Cervo


Sardinia: Porto Cervo Marina


Costa Smeralda was "born" in 1961, with the group of developers and well known architects that sculpted this shoreline as a playground for the rich and famous. The luxury hotels of Cala di Volpe, Hotel Romazzino, Hotel Pitrizza, and Cervo Hotel, form a core of luxury living with high level restaurants and bars. It is easy to come in by charter yacht and enjoy a drink at one of these luxury hotels. The created town of Porto Cervo offers outstanding luxury shopping. This is a great walking town, set at the head of a small protected bay with an anchorage and marina. In September the Sardinia Cup Sailing Regatta is held off of this coast centered on Porto Cervo. And for other draws, there is a superb golf course, regular polo games, a film festival, and a vintage car rally.


Emerald Water, Sardinia

However it is really the natural beauty of this coastline that provides the biggest draw. Costa Smeralda means "Emerald Coast" and the crystal clear blue green waters are a testament to this name. The landscape is white rock, greenery, and white beaches all reflected in the sparkling clear waters. There are a myriad of little secluded bays along this coast which offer great anchorages for swimming and a feeling of enjoying this beautiful coast in relaxed privacy. One week may be too little for a yacht charter in this area, but everyone should spend at least a week on charter cruising along the Costa Smeralda.


Sardinia Coast

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On a fateful summer's day in 79AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted, spewing volcanic ashes and lapili over the village of Pompeii. Unaware of the imminent danger, most people continued on with their daily lives and as a result the entire town and around 20,000 of its inhabitants were buried under tons of ash and pumice.

Almost 2,000 years later, you can explore the preserved ruins of this famous disaster. Depart by taxi from either Naples or Salerno to Pompeii. While there your guide will show you fascinating places such as The Forum, Thermal Baths, the Lupanare and Vettius House with its beautiful frescos.

In ancient Roman cities the forum was the center of activity. There was a basilica, the center for legal and business matters, a macellum or marketplace along with various temples where the masses could appeal to their favorite deities.


The Forum, Pompei

The Vettius house belonged to two wealthy merchants, Aulus Vettius Restitutus and Aulus Vettius Conviva. Its beautiful paintings, still in their original positions, and the skillful reconstruction of its apartments make it one of the most interesting houses to visit in the whole town.


Vettius House Frescoe (Left)

A Lupanare (Brothel)(Right








The Lupanare, or brothel, feature well preserved erotic frescoes that line the interior of the building. The paintings point to the use of the building, but there are more clues in the interior layout. As you enter the building you will find yourself in a long rectangular chamber or hallway. Along each side of the chamber are small cubicles where ladies would conduct their work.

The House of the Faun is considered the most beautiful example of a private house from ancient times because of its size, decorations, and architectural importance. This house provides an incredible example of mosaic art including the Battle of Alexander the Great and Darius which is now in the National Museum of Naples.


Mosaic of Alexander the Great

The house was built at the height of the Samnite civilization and during the great influence of Hellenistic architecture, showing a fusion of Italian and Hellenistic elements.


Bronze Statue of the Dancing Faun

The greeting "Have" is in the front of the entrance to the House of Faun, and two shrines for the Lares (the household god) are high up on the walls of the entrance hall.


House of the Faun

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Alassia, Ligguian Coast, Italy

If your yachts docks in Imperia, consider a visit by car to Laiguelia and Alassio. The former is an ancient fishing village where boats used to be hauled onto the beach. Today, it has kept the charms of the coastal settlements where the growing of olives in the hills contrasts with the narrow lanes and vaulted boat shelters lining the sandy beach. Deep green shades and the silver foliage of the olive groves are the background to ochre, beige, and stoney facades of timeless elegance.

A five-minute drive further east along Via Aurelia brings you to the resort town of Alassio. It was made famous during the twenties and thirties when numerous visitors from Britain would migrate there during the drab winter months of the north. Many palatial residences line beaches and dot the surrounding hills. Its sand beach is a bliss for inspirational winter walks, while the pastel and salt bleached cabanas and colorful umbrellas towered by majestic pine trees make it an attractive summer outing. The Muretto, a wall clad with celebrity signed and created tiles is a favorite landmark where Hemingway and the likes left their marks.

Ombre Blu Aft

Ombre Blu is comfortable for 6 guests in three guest staterooms, all with ensuite head. Northrop and Johnson Yacht Charters has already had one successful charter on this yacht this summer and we are looking forward to booking many more. The charter rate for Ombre Blu is quite reasonable and you can request a rate for the yacht and crew only or a rate inclusive of the yacht, crew, food, beverage and fuel. Right now, the entire month of August is free, which is a great month to cruise in this area.


Ombre Blu Saloon

Francesco, your Captain is a native of Venice, but spent every summer growing up at the family home in the Aeolian Islands and as basically a native of these islands, bring extensive local knowledge to a yacht charter in this area. Frencesco is also an accomplished chef and will be your chef on board Ombre Blu for charter with a wide repretore that includes, of course, Italian food and pasta. Melissa is also a trained masseuse and, for an additional fee, will provide on board massages and other treatments at request.


Ombre Blu Cabin

With all of August and dates in mid September still free, you could be on board Ombre Blu for charter this summer, and cruise Sicily and the Aeolian Islands.

Lipari

The main islands of the Aeolian Islands are Lipari, Stromboli, Vulcano, Panarea, Basiluzzo, Salina, Filicudi, and Alicudi. Lipari is the most well known and probably the most well settled. There is a very good museum on Lipari, well worth visiting, that traces the history of civilization in the Aeolian Islands from the stone age. Panarea is the jet set island of the group, if one of the islands were to be singled out for that description and one of the other inhabited islands. Stromboli has one of the most active volcanos in the world, which has been erupting for the last 2000 years. Climb to the crater and after working up an appetite have a pizza cooked in oven heated by the volcano. Agriculture is predominant in these islands with the rich volcanic soil and restaurants commonly serve the catch of the day and the main menu item.


Panarea

A great way to see these islands is by yacht charter. A one week charter beginning and ending in Palermo, Sicily can include the highlights of the Aeolian Islands and one or two other ports on the island of Sicily. There is an airport servicing Palermo, so for a charter including the Aeolian Islands flying into Palermo and starting and ending your charter in Sicily is the easiest way to organize a charter of Sicily and the Aeolian Islands. And if you do decide to do this charter itinerary, you will be one of few that have cruised this volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea.


Caves on Filicudi

Caprera Island

This group of small rocky islands has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Now the main island of Maddalena has the largest settlement. Many of the rest of the islands are inhabited by rabbits, birds, and the occasional Sheppard using the vegetation of these undisturbed islands as a feeding ground for his flock. A main feature of these islands is the pink sand found on many of the island beaches. In fact the island of Budelli is home to one of Italy's most enchanting beaches, famous for its pink sand.


Spargi Island

Just as popular in ancient times as now, wrecks of Roman ships can still be seen along the bottom and offer a great snorkeling adventure. And these islands are loved not only by the yachtsmen, but also by dolphins, who can often be seen cavorting amongst these islands and coming up to play in the wake of your yacht with a smile and a twinkle in their eye. The Maddalena Islands are a pristine playground that very few are aware of, offering miles of beaches, isolated anchorages and beautiful clear waters. These islands are a highlight of any yacht charter in Sardinia.