Among the natural wonders in Italy are the Aeolian Islands in Sicily, which have emerged forcefully from the Mediterranean Sea. They are composed of seven islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi, and Panarea. Thousands of tourists flock to these islands periodically because witnessing the movements of water, fire, and air up close on the Aeolian Islands is an immersive and breathtaking experience. These islands are a testament to how volcanic activity can significantly influence the geological formation of a territory. The eruptions of Stromboli provide an open-air spectacle that lights up the nights on these islands, while the scenic views are a hidden paradise. Here, you can find beaches, coves, caves, inlets, and sea stacks, as well as picturesque villages. If you plan to travel to the Aeolian Islands, here is everything you need to know.
Monuments of the Aeolian Islands: The Most Beautiful to Visit
Since the Aeolian Islands consist of seven islands forming the archipelago, it is worth highlighting the most beautiful monuments to visit overall. First among them is the Lipari Castle, a fortress situated between two natural inlets overlooking a small harbor. Archaeological findings in the surrounding area show that it was inhabited since the Neolithic period, while its current appearance dates back to the Spanish domination. Inside, you can visit the Archaeological Museum, which is divided into six thematic pavilions. Furthermore, the Lipari Cathedral, a monument of refined value, is the Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew, accessible via a staircase and enriched over time with numerous frescoes and side aisles.
Salina is the island where the film “Il Postino” by Massimo Troisi was shot, and it is also renowned for its beautiful beaches and enchanting landscapes. Not only does Salina have the greenest territory of all the islands, but it also boasts several picturesque villages to explore. It’s recommended to visit the various churches and museums located in the three municipalities of Malfa, Santa Marina, and Leni. Panarea, on the other hand, is a lively island where you can have fun (especially in San Pietro) and relax by discovering hidden bays and inlets, not to mention the famous white houses. Specifically, Cala Junco is one of the great beauties of Panarea, where a prehistoric village dating back to the Bronze Age was discovered.
Stromboli is famous not only for its namesake active volcano but also for its black sand beaches and the villages of San Vincenzo and San Bartolomeo; don’t miss the small village of Ginostra, which can be reached by sea. Alicudi is the wildest island among the Aeolian Islands, with untouched coves and beaches—a true natural gem. Finally, on the island of Filicudi, there are the splendid villages of Pecorini Alto and Pecorini Mare.
Aeolian Islands Itinerary in One Day
If you want to explore the Aeolian Islands in one day, you can start from the port of Milazzo. Everything previously described is worth seeing, but often there is not enough time for an extended vacation. To travel to the Aeolian Islands in one day, it’s advisable to rely on a guide to discover what Stromboli and Lipari have to offer.
The recommendation is to start with Stromboli for an immersive experience through an excursion on the volcano, observing its phenomena; then, visit the black sand beaches and the villages of San Bartolomeo and San Vincenzo. In the afternoon, head towards Lipari to visit its cathedral and castle, including the prestigious Archaeological Museum inside. In the evening, take the ferry back to Milazzo.
Aeolian Islands Itinerary in Three Days
For a three-day visit to the Aeolian Islands, you can plan a custom itinerary. Start from the port of Milazzo by 10:00 AM to reach Lipari, visiting the disused factories where the stone extracted from the subsoil was processed. For lunch, enjoy something local and then admire the cathedral and the castle in the old village. In the evening, take a stroll along the Marina Corta promenade.
The second day is dedicated to Stromboli, where you must organize an excursion (guided tour) on the volcano. However, first, take a refreshing swim in Ginostra, as it takes about 4 hours of navigation. Before leaving the island, take a panoramic tour of the characteristic village and have dinner there.
Next, head towards Panarea, skirting the Sciara del Fuoco, to stay overnight, waking up directly there on the third day. After breakfast, head to Cala Junco for a relaxing day; in the afternoon, return to Lipari, perhaps enjoying lunch on board and a subsequent swim during the trip. The next day (or the same evening), return to Milazzo.
Ferries to the Aeolian Islands: Where is the Airport?
As mentioned earlier, to reach the Aeolian Islands, you need to depart from the port of Milazzo via ferries (Ngi). While there are direct connections between the ports of Palermo (Liberty Lines), Messina (Liberty Lines), Reggio Calabria, and Naples (Snav, Siremar) with the archipelago, it is also important to note that hydrofoils depart less frequently.
In Milazzo, you can park your car in secure parking lots, and there are also connections with other means of transport, especially if you land at Catania Airport. Alternatively, you can fly to Palermo or Reggio Calabria airports, but they are not as well connected to the port of Milazzo as Catania, which is recommended for heading to the Aeolian Islands. The situation is more complex if you choose to land at Trapani, Naples, or Lamezia Terme airports.
Aeolian Islands Hotels: The Best Ranked
To enjoy a high-level stay during your trip to the Aeolian Islands, you should definitely book a room in advance at one of the best hotels in the archipelago. Here is the ranking:
- Therasia Resort Sea & Spa – Vulcano
- Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia – Salina
- Hotel Mea – Lipari
- Hotel Oasi – Panarea
- La Sirenetta Park Hotel – Stromboli
- Hotel Aktea – Lipari
- Hotel Eros – Vulcano
- Grand Hotel Arciduca – Lipari
- Hotel Signum – Salina
- Le Sable Noir – Vulcano
Aeolian Islands B&B: The Best Ranked
As a more economical yet standout alternative, the B&Bs scattered across the Aeolian Islands can be the best solution for budget-conscious travelers. Of course, it’s good to know in advance which ones are the best, so here is the ranking:
- Punta Sallustro B&B Boutique – Lipari
- B&B da Luca – Panarea
- B&B Villa Saracina – Vulcano
- A’Alera Room & Breakfast – Salina
- B&B Luna Rossa – Stromboli
Typical Dishes of the Aeolian Islands: What to Eat
When talking about the typical dishes of the Aeolian Islands, it’s important to know that each of the seven islands has its own specialties, but many dishes are also shared. One example is Sicilian capers, a must-try when visiting the Aeolian Islands, as well as fresh swordfish rolls. Lipari salad, or Aeolian salad, is one of the most popular dishes in summer due to its rich flavors. Other must-tries include sweet and sour wild rabbit, bluefish meatballs, and for dessert, sesame cookies flavored with orange called sesamini. All this can be accompanied by Malvasia, a DOP wine produced in three variants: white, fortified, and raisin wine.
