Panarea ... a celebrity hideaway

August 24, 2014

The Aeolian Islands ….. My first encounter with the Aeolian Islands was at 20,000 feet, the descent into Catania starts just above them. The seat belt sign came on “we are now making our descent into Catania, to the left you can see Stromboli and the Aeolian islands” I looked down and thought “Wow!!!” There they were like gems in the sea with Stromboli puffing away.

Two years ago my husband and I unintentionally renewed our wedding vows in Taormina and then decided to celebrate by booking ourselves a day trip to the islands of Panarea and Stromboli.

So we arranged for a driver to take us to Milazzo and then boarded a boat to Panarea, passing by the islands of Vulcano, Lipari and Salina.

Panarea is the smallest of the Aeolian Islands and the most exclusive and we could not wait to visit.

As we approached the island the sea became more and more dazzlingly clear and Panarea’s secluded islets came into view with blinding white yachts anchored.

Eventually we reached the main village of San Pietro with its freshly painted white houses climbing up the hillside. Here we disembarked from our boat for the next few hours. There are no cars here, the transport of choice is electric buggies, even the police cars.

Panarea reminded me of the chicest Greek islands but with Sicilian sensuality. It is no wonder that in August Hollywood stars, Fashionistas and rich Italians descend.

On arrival we decided to explore the warren of cobble stoned alleys behind the harbour eager to discover the stylish boutique hotels and beautiful houses Panarea is famous for before heading back to the harbour for lunch.

At the harbour front there are a few cosy and intimate bars and restaurants, together with a couple of chic boutiques, including the La Raya’s boutique … La Raya is the coolest hotel on the island. After dusk the terrace turns into an open air night club with seductive candles and lanterns and is open until the small hours. But be warned it can be closed if there is a celebrity in town, last year it played host to Beyonce, Jay-Z and their entourage. www.hotelraya.it

For lunch we chose a small bar overlooking the sea and the smoking cone of Stromboli and ordered Arancini with an Aeolian Leaf Salad accompanied by a crisp glass of Sicilian white wine, we did not want to eat too much as we knew we would be eating dinner aboard the boat later that evening. But I could not resist buying and eating a Cannolo whilst dangling my feet over the water’s edge.

I adored Panarea and was sad to leave but Stromboli was beckoning us in the distance …….