Are you dreaming of the sun, sea, and stunning landscapes? Look no further than the Aeolian Islands in Sicily! The Aeolian Islands, also known as Isole Eolie, is a group of seven UNESCO-protected islands. These enchanting islands offer a perfect getaway with their unique natural beauty, charming villages, and crystal-clear waters. Since they're sparsely populated and slow moving, the charm of it lies in basking and enjoying the days. 

So if you're planning to visit the Aeolian islands this summer, here is everything you need to know about each, to decide which one to add to your itinerary.

How to Get to the Aeolian Islands from Sicily?

The Aeolian Islands are a part of Sicily, however, there are no airports on the Aeolian Islands. The best way to reach most of the islands is by flying to Sicily and then getting the ferry from there to the island of your choice.

Which mainland Sicily has two airports, one in Palermo and the other in Catania, the closest one to the ferry is definitely Catania. So I would recommend flying into Catania if you can. You can also check your ferry options here.

From mainland Sicily, you can get the ferries to any of the Aeolian Islands. Alternatively, if you're going with a group, the best way to experience the beauty of these islands is by chartering a yacht for a week and visiting all the islands. That is how I visited this part of the country in 2023 and it is the perfect way to explore those secluded coves and swimming spots in the area.

Best Aeolian Islands to Visit This Summer

Lipari

Considered the gateway to the Aeolian Islands, Lipari is the largest and most populated of the Aeolian Islands. Located just a short ferry ride from the mainland, this little town welcomes you with its picturesque streets, colourful houses, and historical sites. 

During summer, the balconies are decked with pretty flowers, while the shore looks surreal as the sun glistens over it. You can take the whole day, leisurely visiting the clandestine cathedral as well as the pristine beaches on Lipari and you'd still want to do it all over again! The charm of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari especially, is exquisite, often leaving its visitors wanting to explore more. 

Getting to Lipari 

It is easy to reach the island via the mainland of Sicily once you reach the Catania Fontanarossa airport. Catch a ferry from the Milazzo Port which is approximately 1 and a half hour from Catania. You can also opt to catch the boat by Palermo. From Palermo, the ferry ride takes around 4 hours. There are many mainlines that will connect you from Sicily to Lipari but the main thing to watch out for is the pricing and the time of the year. I usually use Omio to compare prices before booking transportation for trips.

Top Things to Do in Lipari 

The beauty of Castle Rock is unparalleled and often a place that attracts many. If you're feeling a little touristy, take a walk to the San Bartolomeo Cathedral, or visit the Via Garibaldi which is famous for shopping. You can shop a few captivating ceramic arts and later on enjoy fresh Cannoli from Pasticerria D'Ambra Giovanni, a lovely local shop that serves yummy Italian dishes. 

Stromboli

Known as the fiery island because of its active volcanoes, Stromboli's beauty lies in lava-spewing mountains that have existed for more than 2,500 years. Make sure you come by during the summer season! As the sun sets, you get to enjoy the unique experience of observing the volcano's eruptions against the backdrop of a starry night sky. 

Getting to Stromboli

From Lipari, Stromboli is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes away. Liberty Lines operates direct hydrofoil services from Lipari to Stromboli. 

Top things to do in Stromboli

Stromboli is famous for its active volcanoes and if you're lucky enough, you can visit it when it starts to splatter around. Make sure you hike to the crater with an experienced guide to see the active volcano up close. It is about a 6-hour hike but ends with a breathtaking view! 

Another lovely landscape to witness is the Sciara del Fuoco, an ash scar that runs down Stromboli. If you're looking for some peace, rest along the famous black sand beaches spread across this little island.  Check out the little hamlet at Stromboli, known as Ginostra. It's cute little composure is captivating with hardly 40 residents! Until recently it had the smallest port and its bay makes for a natural amphitheatre which looks over the sea. 

Vulcano

This island is also considered as a Natural Spa. So, for a rejuvenating experience, head to Vulcano, famous for its therapeutic mud baths and hot springs. The warm, mineral-rich mud is known for its healing properties, which you can soak in before rinsing off in the inviting turquoise waters. You may seem to smell the acidic sulphur that emanates from the lava, but don't worry, it won't be a bother and you'll get used to it!  

Getting to Vulcano

Vulcano rests at the southernmost part of the Aeolian Islands and is just a short ride away from Lipari. You can hop onto a hydrofoil or even a ferry which takes up to 10 to 15 minutes to reach Vulcano. Make sure to check the fares and timings, even though they run regularly. 

Top things to do in Vulcano

Vulcano is famous for its soothing mud baths,  and its black sand beaches. Since it has active volcanoes, there's always a volcanic crater that is usually a lovely sight to see. You can take a hike to Solfatare di Vulcano to look at the island's extinct Grab Cratere di Vulcano. Make sure you take a drive to Belvedere Capo Grillo for a view of Punta Luccia and Vulcano's capes. If you're looking for something authentic and local to eat, try the Caseificio La Vecchia Fattoria for fresh farm-handmade goat cheese. Finally, you can also unwind at Gelso Beach with a glass of wine after a day of sightseeing. Hiking up to Gran Cratere, the island's highest point, also rewards you with panoramic views of the Aeolian archipelago. If you're short on time or wish to visit the place, you can also book a boat tour that takes you to and fro whilst you enjoy the summer breeze! 

Salina

This island is a green oasis, perched amongst the surrounding dry ones. Known for its lush vegetation and serene atmosphere, Salina is filled with vineyards and olive groves.  The Zibibbo and Malvasia are famous wines that you should try out here. They are the island's famous, known for their exceptional quality. The freshly caught capers are also well known, and you can enjoy them at the Trattorias on the island. 

Getting to Salina 

Salina is about 25 minutes away from Lipari in a hydrofoil. You can also book a ferry from either Milazzo or through the ports of Palermo and Messina. You need to either reach the Santa Marina port in the east or the Rinella port in the south-west, to reach this beautiful island. Check your ferry options here.

Alternatively, you can also book a tour leaving from Lipari to visit Salina and some of the islands as a day trip.

Top things to do in Salina

Although the second largest island, Salina serves as an idyllic spot to relax and rejuvenate. Besides being a significant wine-producing region, Salina is well-known for the Capofaro Malvasia and Resort, a lovely place for a relaxing vacation. You can also head to the Santa Marina Salina village for some leisure walks. You can shop for some lovely trinkets and ceramics from Elsalina along the way. The surrounding hamlets like Leni and Malfa are good for grabbing lunch since they're filled with many five star restaurants. A good place to go to, when you're hungry, is Da Alfredo which have for some mouth-watering lunch options! 

Panarea

Photo by Gabriele Salmeron on Unsplash

If you're looking for a glamorous island experience? Look no further than Panarea, which is a favourite destination among the jet-setting crowd.  A favourite among celebrities, this island has an expensive appeal that allows you to live like a billionaire , among the billionaires! This tiny island boasts luxurious villas, high-end restaurants, and trendy bars, creating an exclusive and sophisticated atmosphere. Enjoying the stunning coastal scenery here is literally the best part! Since it has an entrancing nightlife, you can dance the night away at fashionable beach clubs. 

Getting to Panarea

From Lipari, you can take a hydrofoil to Panarea. Panarea's journey by hydrofoil lasts about 55 minutes and the same company, Liberty Lines, takes you to all the adjoining Islands from Milazzo. Check your ferry options here.

It might also be fun to get the night cruise to the island. You can check it out here.

Top things to do in Panarea

If you're fond of beaches, this is the island that you're going to love the most. You can begin by walking down to San Pietro, where boats and Hydrofoils dock. It is calming to watch the boats go wobbling in the water as the sun shines above. Very picturesque with a touch of glam. Heading ahead, you can pass by the white sugar cube houses that stand in the neighbourhood of Panarea. The pastel-coloured Chiesa di San Pietro church is serene and peaceful, which makes it a wonderful place to rest and listen to the sound of the waves. 

Make sure to visit the Cala Junco Beach which is a natural swimming hole that is covered by lava cliffs all around. It's the perfect place to dip yourself into nature. 

If you're looking to hike, the Punta Del Corvo is an uphill place that ends with the views of Stromboli Island. 

Alicudi 

Photo by Giuseppe Gallo on Unsplash

If you're after a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, venture to Alicudi, the most remote and pristine island in the archipelago. A fun fact about this island is that electricity arrived here only 20 years ago! With no cars or paved roads, Alicudi allows you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature. With this slow and sustainable retreat, it's a treat to enjoy the tranquillity as you detox from nature.

Getting to Alcudi

Alicudi is a smaller island, and so is Filicudi. The two are usually paired together because of their proximity. If you take a ferry from Lipari, you will reach Alicudi in about 1 hour 40 minutes. The distance from the other islands is quite a lot, but the untamed version of living is best explored here! 

Top things to do in Alicudi

This island is a true paradise for nature lovers if you're seeking peace. Since the island is small, there are no proper roads made and so donkeys are used. Hiking is the number one activity performed here, and you can access trails right up to the 700-metre tall volcanic cone. Since it's a cosy little island, you will come across one local restaurant and a cute little hotel and that's just about it!  

Alicudi is perfect for a day journey since it has no nightlife and a lot of welcoming locals. 

Filicudi

Photo by Giuseppe Gallo on Unsplash

Considered as an underwater Wonderland, Dive into the rich marine life surrounding Filicudi! This island offers incredible opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving, allowing you to explore colourful coral reefs, hidden caves, and fascinating shipwrecks. The Grotta del Bue Marino, a sea cave accessible only by boat, is a must-visit spot, where you can witness the stunning play of light and shadows.

Getting to Filicudi

Hop onto a ferry from Lipari, and it would take about 1 hour 10 minutes to reach Filicudi. Since this is a very secluded island like Alicudi, nightlife is scarce and ferry journeys are only accessible during the day. 

Top things to do in Filicudi 

Here at Filicudi, get ready for lovely tan lines and absolute fun with water activities. Exploring the beaches, especially the Black Pebble beach of Pecorini A Mare,which is a picturesque village on the southern side, is a must! If you're up for some adventure, there exists a prehistoric village which contains the remains of 27 huts dating back to the Bronze age. A good day at being Dora the explorer! You can also enjoy diving at Capo Graziano. For some lovely sightseeing, head to the Grotta del Bue Marino which is the largest cave in the Aeolian Islands and was a thriving home to monk seals once.