I’m about to let you in on one of Italy’s best-kept secrets - the Aeolian Islands of Sicily! While many people from Italy come here during the summer months to soak up the Mediterranean sun, you may not be aware of these hidden gems waiting for you just off the coast of Sicily. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Aeolian Islands are less expensive and touristy than other more well-known islands in Italy, but they offer everything you could ask for in an Italian island holiday!
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What and where are the Aeolian Islands?
The Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie in Italian) are situated just off the northeast coast of Sicily, near the Strait of Messina. The seven-island archipelago began as a group of underwater volcanoes and today includes the islands of Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi, as well as several smaller “islets”.
The islands were inhabited by a Greek tribe known as the Aeolians in the 6th century BC, who named them after the mythical god Aeolus. According to Greek mythology, Aeolus ruled the kingdom of islands and was known as “Tamer of the Winds”. Other legends tell of Ulysses’ encounter with the cyclops Polyphemus on Vulcano, named after the God of Fire, who was thought to live on the island bearing the same name.
Why should you visit the Aeolian Islands?
Italy has many beautiful destinations that, unfortunately, end up on everyone’s Italian bucket list. So many people visit them that they become overcrowded and expensive, losing the appeal that made them so loved in the first place. If you’re looking for an island to include on your Italian travel itinerary, why not skip the crowds and excessive price tag of Capri? Instead, take advantage of a less-expensive but just as beautiful option with stunning coastlines, panoramic views, charming towns, and picture-perfect beaches - the Aeolian Islands!
Which islands should you visit?
Lipari
Lipari is the biggest island and a great place to base yourself. If you have a vehicle, it’s possible to take it on some of the ferries (see below); however, personal transportation isn’t necessary, especially if you stay in or near the historic center of Lipari city. If you want to explore the island you can rent a scooter, jeep or car after you arrive, or book a tour with a local company. Whether on your own or with a tour, do not miss the opportunity to drive the coastal road around Lipari, stopping at all the panoramic viewpoints. We rent scooters and make the drive every time we go, and it never gets old!
Some of the other best things to do on Lipari are to tour Lipari Castle and museums, spend a day sunbathing at White Beach, hike to the Geofisico Observatory, take a vineyard tour and sample wines at sunset, eat granita at the old port, or get lost exploring the historic center of Lipari city.
Frequent ferry routes connect Lipari to the other islands for taking day trips, and there are also quite a few local boat tours available. You’ll see tour stands set up near the ferry port and tour agency offices along the main street. If you speak enough Italian, you can also wander down to the old port and try your hand at haggling with some of the smaller tour operators. We did this and had an amazing time on a half-day tour of Lipari, Vulcano and Salina!
Salina
Salina is the second largest island in the group and is ideal if you’re looking for a more relaxed pace, but still want a variety of restaurants, beaches, shopping and nightlife. You can explore the island by car, scooter, local bus, or even on foot! In fact, Salina is one of the best islands for hiking due to the gorgeous landscape along its trails and the unique Val di Chiesa (Valley of the Church) that runs between the island’s two volcanoes!
Salina is known for its beaches, and there are many to choose from despite the small size of the island. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas at the rocky beach of Punta Scario, Rinella’s black sand beach, or the stretch of beaches north of the port at Santa Marina. Pollara Beach is more difficult to reach and does not have room for sunbeds, but gives you the chance to swim in a submerged volcanic crater! No matter which beach you choose, be sure to do these three things: wear protective water shoes, take a mask/snorkel if you have one, and stay for the sunset. You'll thank me for all three!
Vulcano
Vulcano is the southernmost island of the chain, and the first ferry stop if you’re arriving in the islands from Milazzo. The island has four volcanoes, two of which still have active craters. La Fossa, also called the Gran Cratere, is the largest and sits as a centerpiece of the island. You can hike to the top in about one hour, where you can look directly into the crater, witness the gas “fumaroles” escaping through cracks in the surface, and on a clear day, see all other six islands in the chain. There are other hiking trails on Vulcano, but the La Fossa trail has the most spectacular views!
Vulcano is also known for its therapeutic mud baths and black sand beaches. The most popular beaches on the island are Gelso Beach, Asino Beach, and Fumarole Beach. Fumarole Beach, or Spiaggia delle Acque Calde (hot water beach) features jets of hot water that bubble up from underwater hot springs. What a cool experience! There are other "secret" beaches that are only accessible from the sea, so if you have time, a boat tour around Vulcano is highly recommended!
One thing to keep in mind is that the gasses on Vulcano are sulfurous, and have the distinctive smell of rotten eggs that can sometimes be quite strong. Recently, the mud baths and the hike to La Fossa have been closed due to escaping gasses that can be harmful to breathe, so check for signage at each site. For information on alert levels and current status, check this official website.
Panarea
Although Panarea is the smallest of the Aeolian Islands, it is blessed with just as much natural beauty as the others. A hike around the island offers rocky inlets, picturesque beaches, and blue vistas in every direction. It’s so small, a circular hike around the entire island is less than five miles long! Some of the best beaches on Panarea are Cala Junco, Spiaggia della Calcara, Cala degli Zimmari, and Punta Milazzese. They can be reached on foot, but as with many of the beaches in the Aeolians, they are much more spectacular when you arrive by boat.
The most unique feature of this tiny piece of paradise is that more than any of the other islands, Panarea really highlights the Greek influence of the chain. A walk through the San Pietro district near the port feels like you’ve stepped into a miniature version of what Santorini, Greece would have been like in the 1950’s. Wander through its labyrinth of streets under canopies of bougainvillea, past whitewashed buildings with blue-painted doors and small groves of olive trees. Panarea is where you’ll find high-end shopping, fine dining, and an exclusive club scene. Spend a holiday here and you’ll join the ranks of celebrities like Orlando Bloom, Katy Perry, Bradley Cooper, Rihanna, and Giorgio Armani!
Stromboli
Stromboli is the most theatrical of the islands, a continuously active volcano that oozes lava and puts on a nightly fireworks show. Although there is a small village on the island with beautiful views, that’s not why you want to come here. The volcanic craters of Stromboli have been erupting for over 2,000 years and are the focal point of activities, the most exciting of which is to climb to the top! You can hike up to 100 meters on your own; however, access to the summit is forbidden without a guide, as the conditions can actually be dangerous. Risk levels vary based on volcanic activity, so even with a guide reaching the top is not always possible. Tour companies will be aware of all conditions and are always the safest way to go.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing way to enjoy Stromboli, you can spend a day on one of its black sand beaches, indulge in traditional Sicilian foods, or sip an aperitivo while you watch the sun sink below the Tyrrhenian Sea. Short on time and can’t make a day trip to Stromboli? Not to worry, you can still witness the spectacular nighttime show by taking a sunset boat tour from one of the other islands!
Filicudi
Filicudi is one of the best islands to visit if you’re looking for a “tropical paradise” feeling. The Greek meaning of Filicudi is “rich in ferns”, due to the fact that over half the island is covered with them. In addition to an abundance of lush green vegetation, Filicudi is home to seven extinct volcanoes, three villages, two archaeological sites, and some pretty spectacular views. If you visit Filicudi, you can’t miss out on its beautiful hikes! They can be a little difficult, so be sure to wear good shoes and take plenty of water, especially during the heat of summer. The Sicilian sun is unforgiving, but the views from the top will be worth every drop of sweat and aching muscle!
Spend a full day on Filicudi by renting a car or scooter near the port and driving the scenic road to the charming fishing village of Pecorini a Mare. The beach there is flanked on both sides by step hills, creating a quaint little cove where you can relax on a sunbed, swim in the cerulean waters, or explore further out into the sea on a kayak or windsurfing adventure. After your day at the beach, sample some local specialties at a waterfront restaurant and watch the sun set over the horizon.
Alicudi
Alicudi is the westernmost of the seven islands, with a unique and almost perfectly circular shape. Being in such a remote location, those coming to Alicudi usually have a specific purpose in mind: getting away from it all. There are no cars or paved roads on the island, meaning you will be walking to your villa, most likely up 100 or more steps. There are also no ATMs on the island either, so make sure to take cash and know what type of payment your accommodation accepts. If you come here for a day trip be aware of the ferry schedule, because they do not run as often as many of the other islands and have adjusted schedules during the off-season. Despite the challenges, Alicudi is the best island to visit if you want to get away from anything resembling tourism and fully immerse yourself in traditional Sicilian culture - the art of enjoying a slow-paced life.
One of the best things to do on Alicudi is a hike to the Chiesa di San Bartolo, where you can admire sweeping views over the island, reaching down and across the Tyrrhenian Sea. If this is too far of a trek, you can admire an equally spectacular view from a lower altitude at the Chiesa del Carmine or by hiking along the lower slopes. With a rugged landscape and old-world charm, Alicudi is the definition of unspoiled beauty.
How do you get to the Aeolian Islands?
The Aeolian Islands are easily accessible by ferry from ports on the larger island of Sicily, as well as the mainland of Italy. The closest airport to the Aeolian Islands is Catania-Fontanarossa, with direct bus service to the port of Milazzo through Giunta Bus. The bus route to Milazzo is 2 hours and costs $15 one way or $26 for a round trip. It drops you off right at the port of Milazzo, where you’ll take a ferry to the islands. If you are driving a vehicle, you can either pay to store your car in a private, secure lot or transport it on the ferry with you.
The main ferry operator from the port in Milazzo is Liberty Lines, which has passenger-only routes that get you to Lipari in about one hour on a super-fast hydrofoil. Additional routes offered by Siremar take about twice as long, but do allow you the option of taking a vehicle.
Liberty Lines also has ferry routes from the ports of Palermo and Messina in Sicily, and Reggio Calabria on the mainland. Siremar offers ferries from the port of Naples; however, these routes are typically overnight and take between 10 and 16 hours depending on which island is your final destination. Regardless of which line or route you choose, I recommend that you buy tickets in advance to guarantee the departure time you prefer, especially during July and August when many Europeans are on summer holiday.
Top 10 things to do in the Aeolian Islands
Drive the scenic road around Lipari, stopping at the panoramic viewpoints.
Take a boat tour to secret beaches only accessible by water.
Hike to the volcanic crater on Stromboli.
Relax on the black sand beaches of Vulcano, Salina or Stromboli.
Experience wine tasting at sunset on Lipari.
Get lost in the picturesque San Pietro district of Panarea.
Explore the historic center of Lipari city.
Escape from it all on one of the remote islands of Filicudi or Alicudi.
Hike to the top of La Fossa for views from Vulcano across the entire archipelago.
Watch the sunset over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Are you ready to get off the beaten path and explore one of Italy's lesser-known islands? Drop me a comment about which one appeals the most to you!
Check out some of the other articles on my European Destinations page or read more about my Sicilian adventures below!
