The islands just off the tip of Southern Italy aren’t just easy on the eyes—they’re gorgeous; alluring even, calling out for attention from intrepid travelers who venture down from the mainland. Sicily is well known for its beauty, especially after its appearance in the second season of The White Lotus, but it also offers a wealth of cultural experiences beyond just stunning beaches and clifftop hotels. Sicily has, after all, always been a crossroads of civilization, with Italian, Greek, Roman, Arab, and Spanish influences.

This diversity of experiences also extends to the smaller islands surrounding Sicily. The Aeolian Islands, also known as Sicily’s savvy “Seven Sisters,” have their own beauty and charisma to match their bigger sibling. Upon their shores, you’ll find everything from active volcanoes to glimmering natural pools to an exclusive nightclub hidden in a secluded bay.

To get the most out of everything Southern Italy’s coasts have to offer, you can’t beat an LGBTQ+ tour or gay sailing trip, such as those run by expert Italian trip organizers, Quiiky. Here are just seven experiences you can enjoy on a journey around—and along—the shores of Southern Italy’s most seductive islands.

Uncover LGBTQ+ Infused History in Palermo

Sicily’s charismatic capital city, nestled on the northeast of the island, is a culturally rich place full of grand churches and cathedrals, historic theaters, ancient archaeological sites, chic Italian cafés in picturesque piazzas, and vibrant markets bustling with local spirit.

Just wandering the streets and soaking it all in is a pleasure in itself, but to really get to know its secrets, you can’t beat a good walking tour—especially one led by a gay guide, who can reveal the city’s hidden LGBTQ+ history along the way. On Quiiky’s Sicily Beach, Boat, Food & Wine Tour, you can take a three-hour tour of the main sites and hear stories of the significant LGBTQ+ figures who helped shape the city. And if you’ve still got energy come nightfall, Palermo’s gay scene holds its own, too!

Become a Sicilian Master Chef at a Cooking Class in Taormina

The picturesque town of Taormina has long served as a retreat for queer people, such as the homoerotic painter and photographer Wilhelm von Gloeden. But it’s also renowned for its mouthwatering cuisine, offering a local twist on the Italian staples we all know and love—like pasta!

Learn how to prepare some yourself at Restaurant Porta Messina as part of Quiiky’s Sicily by Beach, Boat, Food & Wine Tour. You’ll go through the entire process with a professional local chef, beginning by buying ingredients at an open market, then returning to the restaurant to prepare traditional dishes under expert guidance. Finally, enjoy the fruits of your labor with a good glass—or bottle—of paired wine. Nothing tastes quite as good as food you lovingly prepared yourself—well, one would hope!

Watch the Sunset at the TAO Beach Club in Baia delle Sirene

Cultural experiences are wonderful and all, but sometimes you just want to lie back and enjoy the scenery—after all, you’re on vacation! For that, there’s TAO Beach Club, the most exclusive beach club in town, located on the famous Baia delle Sirene. This luxurious retreat offers a premium seaside experience on a private beach in front of the emerald Ionian Sea, under the awe-inspiring Mount Etna. Come for the luxury, stay for the sunset—it’s truly breathtaking.

Swim in a Pumice Quarry in Lipari

Across those emerald green waters, the Seven Sisters beckon, so hop aboard a gay sailing trip to Lipari. Often the first—or last—port of call on a trip to the Aeolian Islands, it offers the perfect combination of pristine beaches and fantastic seafood restaurants.

Its truly unique feature, though, is its pumice quarry. The naturally formed swimming pool boasts sapphire, crystal-clear waters that dramatically contrast with the white pumice covering the surrounding landscapes and beaches. A swim in the quarry feels like floating in an otherworldly portal.

Witness an Active Volcano in Basiluzzo

There’s something alarmingly seductive about an active volcano, and Basiluzzo Island has the most active one in Italy. Don’t worry—Stromboli Volcano is safe to visit, provided you go with a guide! On Quiiky’s gay sailing trip, a guide will take you right up to the crater, where you can feel the earth tremble beneath your feet, watch smoke billow out, and even witness minor eruptions from a (still safe) distance. The island’s coast also features caves, sea monuments, and black sand beaches, best seen from the deck of a boat. Or, admire the volcano from an even safer distance at the bar on the nearby islet of Strombolicchio.

Snorkel in the Perfect Waters of Filicudi… Then Have a Beer on the Beach

Filicudi is the sister most in touch with Mother Nature. It’s home to the region’s greatest array of wildlife, especially in the surrounding ocean. Marine life thrives in the emerald waters, making it the best spot for snorkeling. Lucky snorkelers may even spot dolphins or sea turtles near the shore. Afterwards, unwind in the nearby fishing village of Capo Graziano with a beer by the sea and some homemade seafood from the local “outdoor fry shops.”

Party at an Exclusive Nightclub in Panarea

Panarea is known as the most elegant Aeolian island, and it certainly lives up to the title—ringed by beautiful beaches and dizzying volcanic landscapes painted in a palette of vibrant colors.

It’s the perfect setting for relaxing, swimming, and hiking, but this sister has a wilder side, too. In one of its hidden bays lies Raya, one of Italy’s most exclusive nightclubs. Those in the know flock there in summer to enjoy big-name international DJs and live music at open-air parties that go on until sunrise.

Quiiky Tours and Gay Sailing Trips in Southern Italy

All of these adventures can be experienced this summer with Italy’s leading experts in LGBTQ+ travel: Quiiky. Join the  Sicily Beach, Boat, Food & Wine Tour from August 4–13, or hop aboard the Aeolian Gay Sail Adventure, available on select dates in July, August, and September.

On the Aeolian Gay Sail Adventure, you’ll visit six of the seven Aeolian Islands, with your home base being a private boat for your group—complete with its own skipper. Meanwhile, on the Sicily Beach, Boat, Food & Wine Tour, you’ll experience Sicily from all its best angles, with an LGBTQ+ lens on every experience.

Southern Italy is all about passion—and you won’t find tours infused with more passion than those with Quiiky!