Explore your creative side at expert-led art workshops alongside gastronomic and cultural experiences on Stromboli and Salina

Tour Details

Our Art Retreat takes place on the mesmerising Aeolian Islands of Stromboli and Salina.  On Stromboli, daily painting and drawing classes are held on location in the villa and the lush gardens of local sculptor Salvatore Russo whose award-winning sculptures are carved out of the island’s volcanic rock. Russo’s sculptures are dotted throughout the gardens, nestled amongst prickly pear bushes and palm trees, and against the backdrop of Stromboli’s awe-inspiring volcano. On Salina, classes are held on secluded terraces, shaded by ancient lemon trees and with views stretching far out to sea. We also visit the neighbouring islands of Lipari and Panarea for more art inspiration.

Itinerary

We start with a welcome dinner and an overnight stay in the vibrant city of Catania in western Sicily and then set off early the next morning for the island of Lipari where we enjoy an excellent introduction to the islands on a private guided tour of the ancient citadel and archaeological museum. After a delicious lunch at a renowned fish restaurant, we take a private boat trip to Stromboli.

The first part of the week is an opportunity to experience life in Stromboli, with art classes in and around the island. As on any Aeolian Adventure, exploring food and wine on the islands shares centre stage. We explore culinary traditions and savour the local delights at an agriturismo on the slopes of the volcano.

Highlights of our stay on Stromboli include a thrilling hike up the volcano, accompanied by a local volcanology expert, and an evening boat trip, with dinner on board, to watch the night time eruptions. We also take a boat trip to the pocket-sized village of Ginostra, a sleepy hamlet only accessible by sea in the south west of the island, for a morning workshop. Depending on sea conditions, we also enjoy a workshop on the captivating island of Panarea, before continuing on to the volcanic islet of Basiluzzo, with lunch on board prepared by our captain Felice.

During the second part of the week, on Salina, our art locations include the hotel’s honeysuckle scented terraces and the iconic Bay of Pollara. We also enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at a rustic vineyard overlooking the sea, and a visit to the home of a local artist.

Art classes and workshops

Our daily workshops are led by several accomplished artists, each with their own individual style and expertise, who provide personalised guidance and feedback to elevate your artistic skills regardless of whether you’re an experienced artist or a passionate beginner.

On the May retreat, we enjoy exclusive sessions with watercolour master Cesc Farré and London-based artists, Simon and Deborah Philpott. On our September retreat, we welcome leading watercolour artist Eudes Correia.

Cesc Farré is an award-winning Spanish watercolour master. The former architect is deeply influenced by his Mediterranean roots, renowned internationally for his landscapes featuring water, sky and light and for highlighting the transient beauty of these natural elements.

Artists and art teachers, Simon and Deborah Philpott, will lead a series of inspiring workshops that guide you through an engaging exploration of mixed media, working with a variety of materials and techniques, from charcoal to pastels, watercolour pencils and the magic of cyanotype painting.

Eudes Correia is a leading contemporary watercolour artist who cites his principal inspirations as God, the sea, life and human existence. Based in Lisbon, the Brazilian painter participates regularly in exhibitions and workshops worldwide.

The art classes explore the unique and captivating surroundings of the islands, using watercolours, with photography as a source material, and also drawing on location with chalk pastels. All materials are provided, including a sketchbook, backpack with portable chair and easel.

Accommodation

Our accommodation on Stromboli is the delightful Hotel Sciara in the north east of the island.  During our stay here, we indulge in sumptuous lunches and dinners set in spectacular locations. On Salina, we stay in the enchanting Hotel Signum, a restored pastel-hued country home where head chef Martina Caruso, the daughter of husband-and-wife owners, is the youngest chef in Italy to receive a Michelin star.

Please note there are no single supplements on our guided tours.