EXPLORE THE ISLANDS

The Aeolian Islands are an archipelago located off the coast of northeastern Sicily formed by volcanic eruptions over time. The archipelago is composed of seven islands – Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi – each one with its peculiar identity. 

LIPARI - POPULAR AND VIBRANT

Among the Aeolian Islands, Lipari is the largest island of the archipelago. It offers something for everyone, from pebbled beaches and hiking paths, to museums and a picturesque port. Lipari hosts the Archeological Museum, located within the Spanish fort, the so-called Castello by locals. It houses hundreds of ancient amphorae and the world’s largest collection of miniature Greek masks. 

Lipari hosts deposits of two important volcanic rocks which shaped the cultural and geological identity of the island, pumice and obsidian. Obsidian is glassy black volcanic rock with sharp edges, employed in ancient epochs to craft durable tools and weapons. In contrast, the pumice is white , light and porous, widely applied in the construction and cosmetics industry. Today, the pumice stone quarries are still visible and makes the island unique for its white cliffs and clear and turquoise waters.

Lipari - View of the Castle

Lipari - View of Spiagge Bianche

Suggested activities:

  • Visit the famous White Beaches in Porticello

  • See the panoramic view from Quattrocchi

  • Visit the wine resort Tenuta di Castellaro

  • Visit the Archeological Museum

  • Watch the sunset from Madonna della Catena Sanctuary

VULCANO - THE FORGE OF THE ANCIENT GOD

This island took its name from the ancient Roman god of fire and metalworking, Vulcan. The legend says that the god has his forge beneath the island, sparking fire and molten metals. Today the main crater is characterised by active fumaroles, which emit sulphurous gases. 

Vulcano offers a unique opportunity to travellers interested in both adventure and relaxation in a striking volcanic scenario. The island is famous for its natural “spa-like” offerings. The “Pozza dei fanghi” – the mud baths – is known to have therapeutic benefits while the nearby fumaroles bubbling underwater heat the shallow sea and create a unique natural “jacuzzi” experience.

Vulcano - Gran Cratere

Vulcano - Piscina di Venere

Suggested activities

  • Hike on top of the Gran Cratere

  • Try the famous “Granita di gelsi” at bar “Da Remigio”

  • Have a mud bath at Pozza dei Fanghi 

  • Try the SPA at the Therasia Resort Hotel

  • Have a swim in Piscina di Venere

SALINA - THE "GREEN ISLAND"

Characterised by two twin peaks, Salina has gained the name of “Green Island” thanks to its verdant and fertile valleys, the Malvasia vineyards and capers local productions. Charming boutiques and typical Aeolian-style houses populate the picturesque and colourful villages which are sparsely located around the island.

Salina gained international fame when Pollara Bay became the setting for the ’90s romantic Italian film Il Postino with actor Massimo Troisi. Nearby Pollara,  there is the Perciato rock arch, a stunning naturalistic example offered by the Aeolian islands. Monte Fossa delle Felci is the highest peak of the archipelago. This extinct volcano is covered by dense ferns and Mediterranean vegetation. From the summit, visitors can admire the Tyrrhenian Sea and the other islands.

 
 

 

 

Salina - Scogliera di Pollara

Salina - Perciato rock arc

Suggested activities

  • Watch the sunset from Pollara panoramic view

  • Try the typical “Pane Cunzatu” at “Da Alfredo”

  • Have a boat trip excursion with Capitan Luigi

  • Hike on top of Monte Fossa delle Felci

PANAREA - CHIC AND GLAMOUR

Panarea is the smallest of the Aeolian islands. It is a well-known hotspot for celebrities and international VIPs who are used to reaching the island on top of their luxurious yachts. Its active nightlife is characterised by stylish bars, beach clubs and nightclubs that attract DJs and music lovers from around the world. The white houses with bougainvillaea and hibiscus give the island the classic Mediterranean vibes.

Panarea is surrounded by a multitude of tiny islets and rocky formations, remnants of ancient volcanic activity. These are the perfect destinations for people interested in swimming, snorkelling and diving activities. Basiluzzo is the largest of the nearby islets, known for its crystal-clear water and intriguing ancient Roman ruins on top of it.

PANAREA - VIEW ON BASILUZZO

PANAREA - A PICTURESQUE STREET

Suggested activities

  • Walk in the pictoresque tiny streets

  • Visit the famous Cala Junco beach

  • Have a boat tour excursion around Basiluzzo, Dattilo, Lisca Bianca and Lisca nera 

  • HIke to the prehistoric village on top of Capo Milazzese

STROMBOLI - "IDDU"

The black pearl of the Aeolian archipelago is Stromboli, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The volcano, also called “Iddu” by locals, is the main attraction of the Aeolian islands. Spectacular lava eruptions and plumes of ashes can be frequently admired from the boat or during nighttime hikes. The major attraction of Stromboli is the “Sciara del Fuoco”, a steep slope where lava regularly flows and tumbles down into the sea. 

On the island, locals live with a sense of both respect and resilience. The village of Ginostra, which can be reached only by boat, hosts one of the smallest harbours in the world. The villagers live a peaceful and secluded life, far from modern development. Strombolicchio is a rocky islet located near the island. It has steep, jagged cliffs and a flat top that hosts a lighthouse built in the early 20th century and accessible only by climbing a steep staircase carved into the rock. 

STROMBOLI - MILKY WAY AND A COMET

STROMBOLI - THE LIGHTHOUSE ON STROMBOLICCHIO

Suggested activities

  • Visit the black sand Ficogrande and Spiaggia Lunga beaches

  • Have a boat tour to see the “Sciara del fuoco”

  • Visit the borgo di Ginostra

  • Climb on Stromboli crater

FILICUDI - RUSTIC AND PEACEFUL

Filicudi is one of the quietest and most untouched islands of the archipelago. The island, with its hilly terrain and volcanic landscapes, offers several hiking paths and stunning panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Evidence of ancient settlements and archaeological locations are present on the island. In the southern part of Filicudi, on top of Capo Graziano hill, it is possible to see the remnants of a prehistoric Bronze Age village.

One of the main natural attractions of the island is the rock formation known as La Canna. It is a towering, needle-like sea stack that rises roughly 70 meters above the sea. It is a popular spot for divers for its rich and unique marine life. Another natural beauty that deserves to be visited is the cave Grotta del Bue Marino. It is a large sea cave with deep blue water that creates magical reflections inside.

FILICUDI - VIEW ON CAPO GRAZIANO

FILICUDI - LA CANNA

Suggested activities

  • Visit the famous Pecorini A Mare beach

  • See the panoramic view from Capo Graziano

  • Visit the sea cave Grotta del bue marino

  • Hike to the prehistoric village on top of Capo Graziano

ALICUDI - THE WILD ISLAND

Among the Aeolian islands, Alicudi is the westernmost and most remote of the archipelago. It is the island of the sea and silence, and offers a unique opportunity to truly disconnect. Roughly a hundred of people live on Alicudi, where there is no public illumination, no cars and only two mini-markets and a post-office. 

Ancient mule paths wind up the island, characterised by terraced hillsides and past traditional stone houses that give to the island a timeless, almost mystical feel.

ALICUDI - PUBLIC TRANSPORT

ALICUDI - VIEW ON THE HARBOR

Suggested activities

  • Disconnect and relax