Summary
How to explore this archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
In the waters between Sicily and the Italian peninsula are the Aeolian Islands, an archipelago comprised of seven volcanic islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea. A favorite destination for vacationing Italians, the islands are diverse, dreamy, and sometimes even explosive. They’re also well worth the extra effort required to visit. Many travelers arrive by boat to the shores of Stromboli, where they can see the eponymous hyperactive volcano that spews lava and gas regularly. Others take a ferry to the island of Vulcano to climb up to the crater of its namesake natural wonder — though active, the volcano hasn’t had a major eruption since the late 19th century.
The Ancient Greeks believed these islands were home to Aeolus, the God of the Winds, who was visited by Odysseus in Homer’s epic poem. With so many different islands to explore and crystal-clear waters to swim in, you can plan your own odyssey through the Aeolians Islands, one filled with sweeping vistas, bombastic geology, and all the charms and flavors of an Italian holiday by the sea.
Below, we’ve broken down everything you need to know to start planning your trip to the Aeolian Islands, including the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do, plus practical advice for how to get there and what you can expect from each island. We also tapped Sicilian travel guide Ciro Grillo of Sicily Routes to weigh in on the archipelago’s must-do experiences.
Best Hotels & Resorts in the Aeolian Islands
The islands have long been a resort destination for Mediterranean vacationers, and there’s a wide variety of hotels to suit different budgets. Here are a few stand-outs that capitalize on the picturesque sea views and volcanic silhouettes of the islands.
Hotel Ravesi
Set in the town of Malfa on the island of Salina, this hotel was once a family home. Today, it’s one of the Aeolians’ coziest boutique hotels, with just 14 rooms and epic views of Stromboli and Panarea — especially if you choose the honeymoon suite, which has a private corner balcony.
Hotel Signum
Another fixture of the boutique hotel scene in Malfa, this high-end hotel with vintage touches is a choice stay for anyone looking for a serene spa with geothermal treatments and an open-air steam bath.
Raya Hotel & Resort
This Panarea resort is a luxury accommodation option with a bohemian design scheme, plus panoramic views from the pool deck, open-air restaurant, and music club. It’s arguably the most fashionable hotel in the destination, set on the Aeolians’ most stylish island.
Capofaro Locando & Malvasia
This Relais & Chateau property is both a vineyard and a seaside retreat. Located in a quiet corner of verdant Salina, the standalone rooms are set up like a small private village, so guests have their own private abode among the vines.
B&B Al Salvatore di Lipari
Lipari is the busiest of the islands, yet you can still find a sense of peace by staying in this cozy bed-and-breakfast run by artists. The villa is located atop a hillside off a country road, providing plenty of quietness and stunning views.
Best Things to Do in the Aeolian Islands
There are numerous hidden corners and coves on these islands, making it practically impossible to run out of wonderful things to do and see. You could spend your time ferrying across the sea, checking every island of the archipelago off your list or you could rent a scooter and explore some of the larger islands like Lipari and Salina at your leisure. Here are other top sights and activities to consider.
Volcanoes
Most would agree that the star of the show here is Stromboli — sometimes called the “lighthouse of the Mediterranean.” Known to blow off steam often, your odds of catching some activity are rather good. Naturally, because minor eruptions occur frequently, climbing up to the crater is prohibited; however, you can hike to the highest viewpoint at about 1,300 feet. Alternatively, if you prefer to keep your distance, observe the eruptions via a boat tour, which can be an especially memorable experience at night if you’re lucky enough to visit when the lava is flowing.
Looking at the eruptions from the water is just what Ciro Grillo recommends, stating, “Just under the Sciarraa de Fuoco — this is the side of the volcano where the lava, ash, and sand go out from the crater and arrive at the water, and it’s really spectacular.” Note that all of these islands are volcanic, so if a crater hike is your aim, you might consider climbing up to Gran Cratere on Vulcano.
Boats and Beaches
You will see plenty of water while you’re on the ferry to the islands, but a boat tour is also a good plan, preferably one that includes a bit of swimming and some snorkeling gear. A smaller boat is the best way to reach the destination’s more remote coves, where you’ll find rocky outcrops for swimming and far fewer crowds. For scuba divers who prefer to explore underwater, there are numerous tour operators to guide you diving among the reefs and to see bubbling fumaroles.
If you prefer a lounge chair and a beach club, head to some of the most popular beaches, including Spiaggia Bianca on Lipari or Pollara Beach on Salina. Vulcano is the only island where you will find black-sand beaches like Spiaggia Sabbie Nere.
Wine
Don’t forget that you’re still in Italy, which means the nearest vineyard isn’t far away. Oenophiles in the Aeolian Islands should go wine tasting at a local vineyard and sample local dessert wine. According to Grillo, “Malvasia is one of the most famous sweet dessert wines in Sicily, made with the Malvasia grape. They dry the grapes in the sun until the end of the summer, yielding very little wine because the vineyards are small and the process is lengthy. That’s why it’s esteemed and costly.”
Considering the volcanic terroir and the ancient tradition of viniculture in the islands, it’s an experience not to be missed. You’ll find vineyards on different islands, but some of the most prominent include Carlo Hauner Azienda Agricola on Salina and Tenuta di Castellaro on Lipari. Ciro recommends Capofaro especially, a resort on Salina with its own sprawling vineyards.
Best Shopping
When it comes to shopping in the Aeolian Islands, you’ll have the best luck in larger towns like Lipari. Here, you can stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, visiting clothing boutiques and souvenir shops. You’ll find all the typical items you’d see in the rest of Sicily, like spices and ceramics, plus volcanic rocks (which make for a unique souvenir). Panarea is where you will find more upscale boutiques.
Nightlife
While the islands can be quiet, you will still have no problem finding a charming outdoor table from which to enjoy live music or an aperitivo. On Lipari, try restaurant Il Giardino di Lipari, and on Salina, the bar at Hotel Ravesi in Malfa is a great option. Another spot on Salina includes the Hotel Signum.
However, if you’re looking for a bigger night out, it’s best to stay in Lipari, where you’ll find a more active evening scene and an array of bars. Alternatively, Raya on Panarea is known for its open-air disco that attracts international DJ talent.
Best Restaurants
You will eat well throughout all of Sicily and especially on the Aeolian Islands, where the seafood is fresh and the granita and gelato flow as freely as the sweet Malvasia wine. Here are some of the top restaurants for stunning views and traditional Sicilian bites.
Osservatorio
Forget an ocean view — at this Stromboli restaurant, diners enjoy zero-kilometer dishes with direct views of the active volcano. There’s even a live web cam set up, providing a preview.
Ristorante da Filippino a Lipari
This rustic restaurant is one of the most famous in Lipari, serving up dressed-up Sicilian classics since 1910. Expect regional specialties, a variety of seafood, and an extensive wine list.
Malvasia
When visiting Vulcano, head to this iconic wine bar near the harbor to try its famous pane cunzatu, an open-faced sandwich stacked with a variety of fresh ingredients.
Da Alfredo
Visitors to Sicily must try granita, a shaved ice treat that is a lighter alternative to gelato (but still served with an optional brioche bun). This shop on Salina is considered one of the best spots in all of Sicily.
Trattoria da Paolina
It doesn’t get more classic than this trattoria, which serves island specialties on a lovely terrace. It’s easily reached by a short walk from the harbor on Panarea.
How to Get to the Aeolian Islands
The fastest way to get to the islands is to fly into Sicily’s Catania Airport, then hop on the shuttle bus to the seaside town of Milazzo. Daily ferries depart from here to all the islands.
If you are considering visiting the islands only for a day, there are boat tours that can take you to Stromboli and back to Milazzo. Many operate at night, allowing you to see the volcano light up. Grillo also notes that you can charter a boat with a company like Sicily Sea Charter for a tour on traditional sailboats.
What Islands to Visit
Formed by the volcanic fissures at the bottom of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Aeolian Islands archipelago consists of seven islands — including the actively volcanic and inhabited Stromboli — each offering something unique. You would need weeks to thoroughly explore every island; however, if you’re short on time, we’ve summarized the vibe of each below.
Lipari
The largest island in the archipelago, Lipari serves as the center of life here. While it can be a great choice for budget travelers, it does tend to be more crowded with tourists. From the port, you can connect to any of the islands or stay and drive around the island to scenic points like Belvedere Quattrocchi or visit the Archaeological Museum and local wineries.
Salina
The greenest of the islands, many visitors prefer to spend their time here exploring the vineyards. The volcano on Salina is extinct, making it suitable for those wary of eruptions yet eager to enjoy nature. Hike up to Fossa della Felci for stunning views of the other islands. Accommodations tend to be more upscale, especially around Malfa. You can also visit local Malvasia vineyards and taste the sweet dessert wine produced here.
Stromboli
For volcano enthusiasts, Stromboli is an ideal destination because it erupts predictably. There’s a small town with only a few dozen residents, no cars, and limited accommodation options, but visitors typically experience the best views from the water. Check out Stromboli’s beautiful black-rock beaches, or visit the workshop of Salvatore Russo, who creates sculptures from hardened lava.
Panarea
Located right next to Stromboli, Panarea is the smallest and most upscale of all the islands, frequently attracting a celebrity crowd. As with any exclusive destination, the atmosphere is quieter and pricier, featuring many luxury beach clubs alongside picturesque natural spots like the stony Cala Junco. You can also explore a prehistoric village at Punta Milazzese for remarkable views of rocky bays and other islands in the distance.
Vulcano
The original “volcano,” this island gives rise to the term, named by the Romans after the God of Fire, Vulcan. Although its activity is less frequent than Stromboli, the fuming crater still erupts occasionally. Hiking to Gran Cratere is allowed, and from there, you can wind down to Asino Beach. Don’t miss soaking in one of the islands’ mud baths.
Filicudi
One of the more remote islands, Filicudi is often visited alongside Alicudi. It boasts some of the clearest waters and is less developed than the other islands, making it ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful swim. However, accommodations are limited here.
Alicudi
When you reach Alicudi, you’ll find yourself at the farthest reaches of the Aeolian Islands. It’s a realm of tranquility and remoteness, lacking in restaurants or attractions. Instead, you will discover quiet beaches, fewer visitors, and a car-free experience.
