Aeolian Islands Information

The Aeolian Islands, also known as the Lipari Islands or Isole Eolie is a breathtaking archipelago of seven enchanting islands and a number of tiny unoccupied islets scattered throughout the cobalt blue Tyrrhenian Sea. The islands , located North of Sicily, are have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2000 and their name comes from the Greek -Aeolus- meaning the Greek God of the wind. Prepare yourself for many breathtaking sights, such as active volcanoes on Stromboli, charming churches on Lipari, black sandy beaches and steaming hot muddy baths on Vulcano. Then there's more, the picturesque villages at Salina, the steaming fumaroles at Panarae and the spectacular nature and scenery of Alicudi and Filicudi. There is truly something for everyone and as expected the Aeolian Islands are very busy especially during summer months, where thousands of people rightly pick this collection of beauties for their unforgettable holidays.

How to get to Aeolian Islands

This archipelago lies to the north of Milazzo and comprises Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi, Panarea and Basiluzzo. Each has its own charm and atmosphere and if you have time we highly recommend you visit all of them. All have great summer weather, fertile soils, wonderful landscapes and a fair share of holiday-makers. However outside of July and August they are far quieter and the smaller ones receive less tourism. But don't visit too far out of season - in winter the islands are pummelled by wind and water and ferry and tourism services shut down.

The best way to get to the Aeolian Islands is by ship or hydrofoil from Milazzo where services are the most frequent. There are a number of operators including Siremar and Ustica Lines and their schedules are listed online. However there are also boats leaving from Messina, Palermo and other ports on the Tyrrhenian coast.

Most of the crossings arrive in Lipari, and from here a series of local boats make regular visits between the islands - the outer, smaller ones less frequently though. Some of the boat transfers really give you a spectacular view of the islands; particularly on the sheer sides of the Island of Lipari, the dual craters on Salina and many of the islands’ hidden beaches and coves. On each island you can get around on foot, by bike, bus, scooter, car or taxi.

Things to do and see in Aeolian Islands

The Aeolians should be on your travel wish list when you visit Sicily. Think steaming volcanoes, mud baths, sandy beaches, strolling or serious hiking, clear waters, great diving and archaeological sites that date back to the Bronze Age and beyond and you have the recipe for a fantastic holiday.

As described above, the Aeolians are volcanic islands and not all are dormant. In fact the active volcanoes of Stromboli and Vulcano are amongst the archipelago’s biggest attractions. On Vulcano, which is the closest to the Sicilian mainland, you can walk to the Gran Cratere (main crater) or simply have a muddy wallow in the sulphurous mud baths (Fanghi) near the harbour. It's a fun, dirty and smelly experience and an absolute must, as long as you can bear the smell. Once finished, head straight in to the sea to rinse yourself off and where natural hot springs will bubble up.

Lipari is the main and biggest island and in fact, almost 10,000 Aeolians call this proudly their home. Lipari’s coast is wild, rocky with steep cliffs and almost 10 km long with stretches of beautiful beaches .Mount Chirica (602 m) and Monte S. Angelo (594m) rise proudly from the ground and dominate the island. As well as the other Aeolian Islands Lipari boasts volcanic history, but the last volcanic activity was noted almost 1500 years ago in the southern part of the island on volcano Monte Pilato. Nowadays the only remains of the volcano’s wild days are the sulphurous fumaroles and hot thermal springs. Lipari is also known for its white colour gained through pumice extraction. It has an interesting castle and duomo, some old churches to explore, Greek and Roman tombs and plenty of good shopping. Many people base themselves here to explore the other island on day trips. Lipari has several good beaches, old thermal spas, good walking trails, diving opportunities and the best choices for eating and sleeping.

Stromboli's active volcano is very exciting and its dominance of the island makes for a rather dramatic backdrop to the place. You can ascend to the steaming vents on a night climb or see a fireworks display from the sea on a night boat tour. Most of the other islands have steaming fumaroles and thermal waters.

Salina has also been shaped by volcanoes, six in fact, but all are now extinct. However they have created a fertile landscape where Aeolian capers and Malvasia wine grapes grow. Salina is less visited than other islands and this may well attract you - there are beaches for swimming, Bronze Age settlements to explore and some great walks.

Picturesque Panarea is for the well-heeled crowd and is quiet and exclusive, a superb choice in the Aeolians. It has clusters of islets that are wonderful for swimming, walking and archaeological exploration. The streets around the harbour only permit electric cars and three wheelers and are filled with pretty white washed houses.

Few people make it to Filicudi and Alicudi at all and this may well attract you. There are not a lot of ferry services to these islands and they can be cancelled even in summer if there are rough seas - you may wish to have a few days up your sleeve in case you are stranded overnight. Both have pretty coves for swimming and good walking options.

You may well have already been introduced to the Aeolians on the silver screen without even realizing it. Some fabulous Italian films have been shot here, the most recently famous one was the romantic story of a postman's romance in Il Postino (1995) shot on Salina. Stromboli: Terra di Dio (1949), Il Camino della Speranza (1950) and Caro Diario (1993) were also shot on the Aeolians. Keep an eye out for them before or after your own trip to the archipelago – they will help set the mood for your armchair or real travel.

Accomodation and restaurants at Aeolian Islands

All of the islands have a variety of eating and sleeping options. Lipari has the largest town of all the Aeolians and the largest number of services. However you could stay on any of the islands, depending on what you plan to do with your holiday. Prices will be higher during peak holiday season. The best islands to stay on include Panarea, Stromboli and Lipari.

The cuisine on the Aeolians reflects their affinity with the sea. And the rich volcanic soils of the islands have allowed for an abundance of produce. Cuisine features fresh fish, capers, peppers and tomatoes. The sweet Malvasian wine is also a speciality and very famous - make sure you have a glass or two while you're visiting.

Share

Find a Hotel

Select Region

Select Area

Check-InCheck-Out

Rooms

Guests

Check Availability > More Search Options

Check Availability - Instantly search all the major websites
Make Enquiry - Contact hotels directly when no internet prices are available

Sicily Photos

more media >>