As global awareness of sustainability grows, interest in eco-friendly travel continues to rise. A recent survey found that over 80 per cent of travellers worldwide consider sustainable tourism important, with many willing to pay a premium for environmentally conscious experiences.

VegClub recently had the opportunity to enjoy a sustainable holiday first-hand: an idyllic week spent sailing the Mediterranean with Eco Sailors.

Eco Sailors was founded by Eva and Pietro, a couple who met while working in ocean conservation. After gaining experience aboard various sailing vessels, their shared love of the sea led them to launch their own project. Their mission is to offer unforgettable holidays that leave as little impact on the planet as possible.

Stepping aboard Luna feels like entering a slower, more peaceful era of travel. While she’s equipped with all the modern comforts, Eva and Pietro have been careful to preserve her original charm; think rich wood panelling, warm teak decking, and billowing sails.

Photo by @cnrgrn

The boat accommodates six people: Eva and Pietro, plus four guests. Some may choose to come with friends, but we really enjoyed getting to meet new people. We were all on this adventure together: sharing meals, swapping stories, and commiserating over our varying degrees of sunburn. 

The cabins, while not the most spacious, provide everything you need: a double bed, an ensuite bathroom, and three cupboards for storage. Guests are advised to bring a foldable bag, as space is limited. With so much exploring to be done, you won’t be spending much time inside anyway!

Photo by @cnrgrn

Over the course of the week, we visited five of the Aeolian Islands. We climbed two active volcanoes, Stromboli and Vulcano, explored the picturesque towns of Salina, Panarea and Lipari, and swam in the crystal-clear waters off the islet of Basiluzzo. We had hoped to visit Filicudi, but the wind was too strong (great for sailing, less so for my seasickness!). Eva and Pietro are experts at ensuring your stay is as enjoyable as possible, which means plans may occasionally change, but that’s all part of the fun!

It’s hard to pick a favourite day, but mine has to be the one we spent entirely at sea. We sailed, sunbathed, snorkelled, and paddle-boarded, and I finally had the chance to finish my book. I particularly enjoyed swimming through hydrothermal vents, warm bubbles of volcanic gas that rise and burst gently against your skin, creating a tickling sensation. On Vulcano, you can find more of these vents near the beach, where the bubbles are hotter and more intense. It’s like soaking in a natural sea jacuzzi!

Another highlight was the volcano hikes, both of which are optional; everything with Eco Sailors is optional! This holiday can be tailored entirely to your preferences. The six-hour climb was challenging, but we were rewarded with an incredible sunset and the thrilling sight of lava erupting from the earth. Vulcano offers a gentler two-hour trek that promises panoramic views, billowing smoke plumes, and the unmistakable scent of sulphur. Both excursions are remarkable and well worth making.

Photo by @cnrgrn

Eco Sailors offers a fully vegan menu, including three meals a day plus snacks - you just need to bring your own soft drinks and alcohol. Eva is a wonderful cook who ensured we were well fed at all times. The menu draws inspiration from traditional Sicilian dishes, all with a plant-based twist. Each day began with a hearty breakfast, varying throughout the week with options such as fresh fruit, tofu scramble, pancakes, French toast, and plenty of chocolate spread. Lunches featured a selection of delicious salads, parmigiana, caponata, and creamy red pepper pasta. Dinners included pasta di mare, lasagne, risotto, and polpette with mashed potatoes. Special mention goes to Pietro’s famous lentil soup, a real treat! 

Photo by @cnrgrn

The meals predominantly consisted of whole, plant-based foods, cooked in tasty and creative ways. We still enjoyed meat substitutes occasionally, so there was plenty of variety to suit all tastes.

Eco Sailors’ commitment to sustainability is evident in everything they do, from a menu rich in seasonal, local ingredients to bathrooms stocked with eco-friendly products. The boat runs on solar-powered electricity, and while Luna does have a motor, Eva and Pietro sail whenever possible. They are genuinely lovely people, and their passion for what they do made our stay all the more enjoyable.

Before we departed, we signed the guestbook, where a message from a previous guest read: “A tourist comes to see, a traveller comes to learn.”

That sentiment perfectly captures our experience. Our stay with Eco Sailors was unlike any other holiday. Living on a boat, hiking volcanoes, and exploring the open sea might be outside many people’s comfort zones, but that’s exactly what makes it so special.

On our final night, we laughed over cheesecake and limoncello, a fitting end to a magical week.

In 2026, Eco Sailors will be running expeditions to Sardinia. If that sounds like your cup of tea, or if you’d prefer to join them in Sicily, you can find out more and book through their website.