It would be nice to think that we never get too old for an adventure. After all, who wants every day to be the same? Plus, all the evidence suggests that stepping into a new environment with different people and faced with enough of a challenge to keep us on our toes does wonders for the ageing process.
But how many of us are looking for hardcore adventure? We’ve done the tents and sleeping bags and possibly even the bungee-jumping. When it comes to holidays and travel, most of us are looking for more of a soft adventure experience, activities that take us just slightly out of our comfort zone, away from the beach or poolside but with a big dollop of added comfort.
I’ve been going to the Aeolian Islands, a tiny archipelago of seven islands off the northeast coast of Sicily, since I was a child. But it’s only during recent years that I’ve come to realise how many boxes they tick on the soft adventure scale. Think low risk, gentle, unhurried climbs up the slopes of a volcano, island hopping and wine-tasting.
Basically, hands-on experiences that don’t require a high level of fitness or skill but that allow us to experience the beauty of a destination or perhaps simply meet new people with a different perspective on life. If you’re feeling a little restless, here are a few ways to dip your toe into your next adventure!
Explore the Natural World
Step into the natural world and every day seems like an adventure. And the natural surroundings on the Aeolian Islands are really quite spectacular. Each of the seven islands is very different but all share a rather raw beauty, so whichever you choose, you’re never far from a pristine beach, fiery volcano and extraordinarily translucent water.
Nature is at its most beautiful on Salina, with its lush green backdrop of olive groves and caper bushes, while the more remote island of Filicudi, criss-crossed with herb-lined mule tracks, has a more rugged feel. But it’s perhaps at its most dramatic on Stromboli where night skies are lit by a stream of fire from the constantly erupting volcano. Meanwhile, rocky coastlines and dazzling blue waters filled with sea life provide the perfect environment for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.
Top tip: Marvel at the power of nature on a night-time boat trip to Stromboli.
Push Physical Boundaries
This magnificent natural setting is the perfect backdrop to some soft adventure. While you may not want to take on an overly energetic physical challenge, a slight shift of gear beyond your comfort zone can be so rewarding. Add some dramatic scenery and the activity takes on a whole new perspective. For example, climbing Vulcano’s volcanic slopes shouldn’t be too taxing, but the spectacular views from the top over the neighbouring islands will leave you literally feeling on top of the world!
Then there’s the water, ultra-transparent and veering between deep blue and emerald green, so if you’re a reasonably competent swimmer, a heavenly place to try snorkelling or even diving.
Top tip: Join a guided sea kayaking tour along the coast, caves and volcanic areas that surround Vulcano.
Learn New Skills
Learning a new skill is always a bit of a rollercoaster. Initial misgivings and nervousness are inevitable, quickly followed by the challenge of absorbing new information and performing.
There are plenty of different activities to choose from on the Aeolian Islands, whether as a complete beginner, or as someone looking to hone existing skills. Painting and cooking are both popular, partly because they offer the opportunity to engage with locals and learn about local culture.
Top tip: Enjoy art workshops on Stromboli, with classes in the garden of local sculptor Salvatore Russo.
Island Hopping
OK, it’s not the Greek island hopping we may have done in our youth, but hopping between the Aeolian Islands nevertheless feels like an adventure, not least because each of the islands is quite unique.
Travelling from one to another is generally easy although as ferry services between the islands are less frequent during the quieter months, I would recommend some forward route planning if you’re organising your own itinerary in May, June or September.
As a rule, however, you can work your way round all of the islands with a combination of ferries and hydrofoils and there’s also the extra backup of tourist boats and the occasional water taxi.
Top tip: If you’re holidaying in mainland Italy, you can take a night ferry from Naples to Stromboli, with the comfort of dinner on board and a cabin.
Also read, A Greek Odyssey…. Maybe Not Quite, But a Fabulous Week on Crete.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you enjoy the challenge of soft adventure? Can you recommend a particular holiday or activity? Have you ever been to the Aeolian Islands?
