In Italy, the seven islands surrounding Sicily are precious satellites, all UNESCO World Heritage sites. There are in fact 17 volcanic islands born of the subduction of the Ionian plate against the African shield, but only seven of them are inhabited. The Aeolian Islands have many different faces. Each island is worth a visit in its own way: Vulcano for its volcanic ascent and clay baths, Lipari for its large, well-preserved village and interesting archaeological museum, Salina for its vineyards and gastronomy, Panarea for its luxury villas and trendy bars and Stromboli for its indomitable volcano, which can be admired at night, and its two small villages at the foot of the giant, Filicudi and Alicudi, for their seabed and low visitor numbers. Which one to choose? Follow our guide.
Lipari, vulcanology and archaeology
Which Aeolian island to choose? Facing Sicily, Lipari is the largest and most populous of the Aeolian Islands. This volcanic island, marked by fumaroles and hot springs, is home to a vulcanology research center on Mount Falcone. The island's eponymous capital is charmingly small, barely larger than a village. It lies on the island's east coast, between the lovely little port of Marina Corta, where hydrofoils arrive, and Marina Lunga, where ferry passengers disembark. From the boat, the first thing you see is the imposing lava rock, walled in under Charles V. This is the "cittade", or town, of the island. This is the "cittade", as the islanders call it, or the "castello", inside which are the main remains of the town. Then there are the fishing boats, the colorful houses, the pedestrian lanes and one of Sicily's most interesting archaeological museums, housed in the former episcopal palace and prisons of Lipari Castle.
In short: the largest Aeolian island, the volcanic Lipari, will charm you with its charming houses and lanes and its archaeological museum.
Read also: What to do and see in Italy The 27 must-sees
Which Aeolian island to choose? Salina, nature and gastronomy
Salina is the greenest of the Aeolian Islands, a must-see in Sicily. Rich in vines, capers, olive and fruit trees, thanks to its abundance of fresh water, the archipelago's second largest island (27 km²) is charming. Mountainous, it is dominated by the Fossa delle Felci (962 m) and dei Porri mountains, which earned it its ancient name of Didyme, meaning "twin". Salina is renowned for its peaceful landscapes, lush greenery and white houses dotted around the countryside. Pollara, famous for having hosted the filming of Le Facteur, is the island's most beautiful beach. Santa Marina Salina, the main village, welcomes ferries and hydrofoils, as well as departures for sea excursions along the steep coastline. Finally, Salina is renowned for two gastronomic treasures: its capers, grown on the mountainside and renowned for their exceptional quality, and its Malvasia, a sweet , aromatic wine made from ancient grape varieties.
To book: Click here to book your boat trip to Salina from Lipari.
To sum up: if you love peaceful, green landscapes and good local produce, the island of Salina is the place for you.
Vulcano, fumaroles and hiking
Which Aeolian island to choose? Vulcano, which legend associates with the god Aeolus according to Homer, is the most volcanic and wildest of the Aeolian Islands. Over its 21 km², two active volcanoes, Vulcanello and Fossa di Vulcano, bear witness to continuous activity, with fumaroles, hot springs and mud baths. Climb the Fossa crater to admire the sulfurous fumes up close. A must-do excursion! Formed by the merger of two volcanoes in 1550, the island is now home to fewer than 1,000 inhabitants who live serenely despite the risks. The risks are limited, since the last major eruptions were in 1739 and 1888, the latter having thrown up blocks of lava for almost two years. However, the fumaroles are a reminder that Vulcano is always on the alert. The island is organized around Porto di Levante, known for its therapeutic mud baths and port, and Porto di Ponente, appreciated for its black sand beach, one of Sicily's most beautiful bathing beaches.
Visit Lipari and Vulcano and admire the incredible rock formations on the coasts by booking this excursion from Milazzo. See Vulcano's black sand beaches and catch a glimpse of Gelso.
In short: If you want to get up close to a still-active crater in between swims, Vulcano is the ideal destination.
See also: Where to go hiking? The best destinations
Which Aeolian island to choose? Stromboli, legendary volcano
Stromboli and its eponymous volcano reserve a grandiose spectacle for those who explore its shores. Nicknamed "the lighthouse of the Tyrrhenian Sea", the island has been an active volcano for over 2,000 years, forming an almost perfect cone, hence its Greek name Stroggulè, "the round one". At night, its regular eruptions offer a breathtaking spectacle, admired with respect by the locals who call it Iddu, "He". The island, formed by the emergence of an immense volcano whose summit, Vancori, rises to 924 m, boasts contrasting landscapes: the sciara del Fuoco, a steep slope where the ejecta flow, rubs shoulders with gentler slopes where vines and olive trees grow. But it's also an island full of charm, with white houses contrasting with its gray and black surface, lush gardens and small harbors with multicolored boats. We can't recommend a stay on this mythical piece of land enough.
Click here to book your night-time boat trip to Panarea and Stromboli from Milazzo.
To sum up: to marvel at a natural spectacle worthy of a real fireworks display, head for the volcano of Stromboli.
Panarea, the jet-set island
Which Aeolian island to choose? Panarea, the smallest of the Aeolian Islands at just 3 km², is also the most sought-after by the Italian jet-set for its picturesque charm, secret coves and crystal-clear waters ideal for diving. Formerly known as Euonymos, "of good omen", its current name evokes the many islets surrounding it, the remains of an ancient volcano whose crater is submerged 500 m beneath the sea. The island can be explored on foot, scooter or electric buggy, among flower-filled villages and narrow streets. Nightlife is particularly lively, with trendy discos and luxury restaurants. The coastline alternates between steep cliffs to the north and west, and peaceful beaches to the south and east. Panarea culminates at Punta del Corvo (421 m) and boasts dense Mediterranean vegetation. The 280 inhabitants live mainly in the villages of San Pietro, Ditella and Drauto, linked by a single road and several picturesque footpaths.
In short: if you're looking for a glamorous, jet-set atmosphere in the midst of crystal-clear waters, Panarea is the place for you.
Which Aeolian island to choose? Filicudi, walking and diving
The wild Filicudi is renowned for its sea caves, coral- and sponge-rich seabeds and fish-filled waters ideal for scuba diving. The 9.5 km² island is covered with ferns, caper trees, wild olive trees, ash and prickly pear. Traces of human occupation dating back 3,000 years can still be seen, notably at Capo Graziano. Filicudi is made up of six ancient volcanoes that are now extinct, including Zucco Grande and Fossa dei Felci, whose summit rises to 774 m. The main village is Filicudi Porto, but other hamlets such as Pecorini a Mare and Valdichiesa are home to a number of tourist establishments. The more accessible eastern slope is marked by agricultural terraces and gentle slopes, in contrast to the steeper hillsides of the other slopes. We recommend a walk around the Capo Graziano peninsula, where the remains of a prehistoric village dating back to the 18th century B.C. have been found and dated by ceramics. Discover the island's natural wonders on a 2-hour tour in traditional fishing boats. In short, a rather eco-friendly holiday for a destination, Sicily, that can be reached without taking a plane.
Are you tempted? Click here to book your boat trip from Lipari to Filicudi and Alicudi.
To sum up: if you're looking for an undeveloped island, popular for its hiking and sea caves, head for Filicudi.
Alicudi, rustic and timeless
Alicudi, the most rustic and isolated of the Aeolian Islands, seems frozen in time. On its 5.2 km² of volcanic rock, travel is on foot or by mule, and electricity has only recently arrived thanks to photovoltaics. Fresh water is delivered by boat twice a week... With just 150 inhabitants in low season, mainly fishermen, the island retains a rare authenticity where hospitality is always the order of the day. Alicudi forms a volcanic cone rising out of the Tyrrhenian Sea, culminating at 662 m at timpone delle Montagnola. The main village is located around the small port of La Palomba, on the south-eastern slope. Here, white houses cling to the steep slopes, amid caper terraces. To the west, the red and black cliffs, witness to the island's volcanic history, plunge into the sea.
To sum up : alicudi is the ideal destination for lovers of nature and silence, if you want to get away from it all.
Read also: Where to get away from it all? The best destinations
