Located off the NorthEastern coast of Sicily, the Aeolian islands are made up of seven islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi. To visit all 7 islands you need at least 2 weeks, but if you are short on time, you can get a feel of 3-4 islands in a week 

Aeolian Islands (Sicily)

If you look at a map, you will be able to see that the 7 islands seem close to each other, but can actually be quite far. It’s probably a good idea to base yourself in the more central islands of Salina and Lipari, which will give you a chance to get to know 2 of the bigger islands, while also allowing you to take day trips to the others 

- Fly to Catania airport, hire a car and driver to Milazzo and take a ferry from there

- Fly to Palermo and take a taxi to the port where you can hop on a ferry. The ferry from Palermo is a bit longer, but I usually choose this option because it’s just easier  

The best time to visit the Aeolian islands is at the start of the season towards the end of May, beginning of June. Everything is open, the water is fresh and the heat isn’t extreme like it is in the peak of summer. Also, the locals are in a great mood, excited for the new season to start 

This is the largest of the Aeolian islands, and because of that it also has a more urban feel and has the largest number of restaurants, activities and accommodation available compared to the other islands. In high season it can feel crowded and slightly touristy, and since it’s more developed it is also easier for families to move around the island and enjoy their holiday here, so there are a lot more children compared to other islands. Include a visit to the Archeological museum to learn all about the island’s rich history when it comes to local trade routes. Shop for local gifts and unique souvenirs at La Casa Eoliana. For food, head over to Al Tramonto, Le Macine or Trattoria del Vicolo for delicious traditional food and casual vibes. And to Sangre Rojo for amazing views and a slightly more upscale dining experience. Arte e Sapori di Pino D’Ambra for Cannoli and Giardino di Lipari for cocktails 

This island is considered the ‘green’ island (Isola Verde), and feels quite luscious and rich compared to the others. It has a number of vineyards which produce Malvasia dessert wine and if you want to get a cinematic view of the island, watch the iconic Il Postino before your trip, one of the movies which defined Italian cinema and was filmed here in the early 90’s. It has three main towns, with each one having its own distinct personality. It’s easy to hop on a taxi or bus, or even better rent a scooter to be more independent. Sleep at Hotel Ravesi, Resort Capofaro or Signum (this last one also has a spa and a restaurant for a more high end and very special meal). Da Alfredo is the most famous bar on the island for a Granita. If available, try their seasonal flavours: prickly pear, fig and mulberry. Papero Bar is another famous granite spot on the island, don’t miss their ricotta and cappero flavour! Al Cappero is a family run restaurant with delicious food and their own production of capers. Il Gambero looks touristy from the outside, but the food is actually delicious and traditional. For some shopping, head to the port town of Santa Marina, specifically on the Via Risorgimento which is filled with small shops, often open until late in the evening. We love ceramic shopping at La Bottega di Sophie (and across the road they also own a shop with some great linen clothing) 

Even though it’s the smallest of the islands, it attracts hundreds of visitors each year for its beauty and nightlife in the small urban center of San Pietro. it’s also known as the ‘wealthy island’, since it’s always been a favorite with the wealthy and elite looking for some calm and privacy. Some even call it the ‘Capri’ of the Aeolian islands, and it reflects in the prices, because it’s definitely more expensive compared to any of the other islands. While it is beautiful and more ‘manicured’, this is not particularly our favorite of the islands since its hard to get a true feel of the real Aeolian lifestyle here. We don’t recommend staying here, but it’s great as a day trip where you can include a sandwich or Arancino at Gastronomia le Delizie di Nonna Pasqualina, and spend the afternoon lounging on the beach of Spiaggetta Zimmari 

Is actually a fully active vulcano, and is continuously erupting. It is possible to hike up a guided path, but since it is truly active, it’s only possible to make it up to a certain point. One of the most impressive things to do it a boat excursion to La Sciara del Fuoco, where you will be able to see lava go from the top of the island all the way to the sea. You cannot leave the island without a stop art the very picturesque town of Ginostra in the southern part of Vulcano. Head to La Marina del Gabbiano for an aperitivo by the sea, and Ristorante Punta Lena for its beautiful terraces and delicious seafood dishes

Vulcano is another island characterized by its vulcano (the name hints towards that). Differently from Stromboli, the vulcano here doesn’t emit lava, but a sulfuric smoke which smell can be felt across the island (you just need to be prepared for this in case you are extra sensitive with smells). This island is known to have some of the best views of the whole archipelago, and is also one of the most affordable and closest to the mainland. If you have the time, we recommend getting both a taxi tour around the island to explore it’s beautiful nature, as well as a boat ride around the island to explore the numerous coves and cliffs. Make your way to the Pozza dei fanghi di Vulcano, to truly experience the benefits of the sulphuric mud/air. Head to Therasia Resort for a Michelin style meal at Il Cappero, and for a seafood feast make a reservation at The King of Fish, For a gelato go to Il Gelato di Antonio

These are the ‘roughest’ of the islands, with the least amount of infrastructure. Both islands are great for lovers of nature, fishing and diving. Not the easiest island for families or people with limited mobility. For accommodation, the best option is to book something on airbnb. 

Filicudi has two main towns and ports: Pecorini and Filicudi Porto, the first is slightly more ‘cool’, with a few restaurants (including Filicrudi for Sushi), an art gallery, and a couple of bars that fill with locals starting around sunset. La Sirena is the most popular restaurant, open from breakfast to dinner. Instead head over to the main port for a granita or arancina at Nino. Alicudi only has 105 residents on the island, no roads (so no cars) and is one of those places where you get a true taste of the Mediterranean lifestyle looked like before mass tourism and technology. Apart from enjoying the slow and relaxed lifestyle on the island, you can hike up to the Filo dell’Arpa for a breathtaking view. While hiking up, you will see beautiful houses and once those start to disappear, you will see uninhabited pastures with goats clinging to dramatic cliffs.If you stay for a few days, which we recommend, try interacting with locals to find out where to eat. Since there only really is one official ‘restaurant’, a lot of locals open up their homes for some delicious home cooked meals (usually about 30 euros per person). For both islands, don't count on eating any extraordinary meals in restaurants, the best meals will probably be the ones you make yourself at home with the products available in the local 'alimentari' 

Aeolian Islands (Sicily)

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