10 things to do and see in the Aeolian Islands

Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Alicudi, Filicudi, Panarea, and Stromboli are the seven gems that make up the magnificent Aeolian archipelago, north of the Sicilian coast.

The seven volcanic islands emerge like shards of stone from the deep blue sea, shaped by fire and battered by winds. Wild beauty, unspoiled nature, and authentic atmospheres make this archipelago (one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean) a fascinating tourist destination.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their beauty and the volcanic phenomena that take place here, the Aeolian Islands are a magical place where history and myth intertwine, where you can hike up smoking volcanoes, visit prehistoric villages, or go out on a boat with fishermen.

Although similar, the seven islands each have their own distinct character. Lipari is the most urban, Panarea is certainly the most glamorous, and Filicudi is the most radical - chic. The most remote is the wild Alicudi, the tranquil Salina is bucolic, while Stromboli and Vulcano retain a primeval charm.

Here is our guide to choosing things to do and see if you decide to spend your vacation in the Aeolian Islands.

1

Crowded in winter, teeming in summer, Lipari is the largest and liveliest island in the Aeolian archipelago. Rich in scenic and cultural beauty, history and entertainment, attractions and services, Lipari is the ideal island for those who don't want to give up an active lifestyle even during vacation.

The heart of the island is the town of Lipari, dominated by the Castle with its massive defensive walls, where the Cathedral of San Bartolomeo and the Aeolian Archaeological Museum with one of the most complete collections of artifacts in Europe can be found.

The liveliest street is Via Vittorio Emanuele, lined with charming alleys, little shops, restaurants, and bars, while the most frequented square is Marina Corta, a picturesque meeting point for locals and tourists alike.

But the island offers so much more. To grasp this, there's no better way than to explore it and discover its beautiful viewpoints (Quattrocchi being the most prominent), its country paths, localities (Canneto, Acquacalda, Quattropani, and Pianoconte), its thermal springs, and of course its sea and beaches that in some cases, with flows of obsidian and stretches of pumice, have become surreal places.

Among these are: the beach of Acquacalda dominated by the majestic pumice mountain, the Papesca covered in pumice dust which gives the water a stunning turquoise color, and Porticello where docks used in the past for loading pumice extend over the crystalline sea.

And also, the beach of Valle Muria, overshadowed by imposing dark cliffs that drop straight into the sea, and that of Vinci, a tranquil pebble cove lapped by crystal-clear waters, a true paradise accessible only by boat.

2

Beautiful and genuine, Salina is an enchanting island enveloped in the colors and fragrances of rich and lush nature, earning it the nickname of Green Island.

This is the land of capers, or cucunci, and vineyards, where for centuries the finest quality Malvasia has been produced, celebrated by Guy de Maupassant, who called it "the wine of the volcanoes." Two volcanic cones (Monte Fossa delle Felci and Monte dei Porri) covered in forests outline its profile, while picturesque beaches lapped by azure seas provide a stunning backdrop.

Tranquil and secluded, the island gets its name from a brackish pond present in the romantic hamlet of Lingua, once used as a salt pan.

Charming small towns and picturesque fishing villages dot the island, which was chosen in 1994 to shoot some scenes for the film "The Postman." The center of Salina is Santa Marina, with its square dominated by the church and the lively Via Risorgimento lined with artisan shops and local venues.

The other two island municipalities are: Leni (the Greek Lenoi after the containers for pressing grapes), with the characteristic village of Rinella where there is a wonderful half-moon shaped black sand beach, and the settlement of Valdichiesa with the sanctuary of Madonna del Terzito; and Malfa, with a rural atmosphere, named after the Amalfitans who emigrated here in the 12th century to repopulate the island.

Malfa includes the lovely locality of Pollara, one of the most enchanting places in the Aeolian Islands, a group of houses scattered on the remnants of an ancient crater that rises vertically over the sea.

Here, on the ridge of the bay that descends towards Perciato (the sea-bored promontory), where caves still visible were carved into the tuff and have always been a refuge for boats, is the pink house of poet Neruda in the last film by Troisi.

Below is the beach, known as the one from "The Postman," or rather what remains of it, as due to the progressive erosion caused by the sea and the repeated collapse of boulders, it is sadly disappearing year after year.

3

Among the seven islands of the archipelago, Panarea is the oldest and smallest but also the most exclusive and expensive.

An undisputed destination for VIP tourism, in summer Panarea transforms into the island of socializing and fun, where, amidst unavoidable happy hours, boat parties, and terrace parties, day and night blend seamlessly in a whirlwind of euphoria and excess. But fortunately, Panarea is also about sea, nature, and beauty.

Surrounded by a series of islets and rocky formations, nestled in a labyrinth of lime-washed houses and intricate streets filled with lush bougainvillea and hibiscus, Panarea retains all the charm of a wild island.

Panarea is rich in natural attractions, starting with the famous bays of Cala degli Zimmari, dominated by two towers of lava rock, and Cala Junco, a splendid inlet enclosed between rocky walls.

Of great interest are the promontory of Punta Milazzese, the site of a prehistoric village from the Bronze Age (14th century BC), the beach of Calcarea where various volcanic phenomena can be observed in the form of fumaroles (jets of steam that rise at extremely high temperatures from the ground), and Punta del Corvo, the highest point of the island, where beautiful landscapes with views over the archipelago unfold on the horizon, and nature displays itself in all its splendor.

4

Beautiful, solitary, and wild. This is how Alicudi presents itself, the volcanic island covered in heather, which derives its name (Ericusa) as the most unspoiled in the Aeolian archipelago, also thanks to the absence of roads and its rugged terrain that does not allow further buildings.

There are no cars or scooters on the island; people move on foot along the mule tracks and scenic paths that lead from the port to Monte Filo d'Arpa (675 m.), where chestnut and linden trees replace olive trees, prickly pears, and caper plants.

Here, the only means of transport are donkeys and mules used to carry goods and luggage.

Very few houses in typical Aeolian style exist, mainly located on the eastern side of the island, which is home to just a few dozen families.

There is still no public lighting, but this absence is well compensated by the magical spectacle of the night sky laden with stars. The center of the island is the port area (Alicudi porto) where there are two grocery stores and essential goods, the post office, a bar restaurant hotel, and a newsstand.

Nothing more.

Because Alicudi is a paradise of sea, sun, and silence. It is the ideal place for those who love nature, tranquility, simplicity, and for those in search of a primitive world where life flows at slower and more genuine rhythms.

For those wanting to detox from stress, there's no better place than Alicudi; after all, "This place is full of calm. A terrible calm" (Nanni Moretti, Dear Diary).

5

Filicudi is a paradise of crystalline waters, captivating scenery, and fantastic viewpoints. Of volcanic origin, the island, once known as Phoenicusa, which means "rich in ferns", appears as a rocky cone surrounded by the sea.

A wild and unspoiled nature characterizes the island, home to about 250 inhabitants who in the summer are joined by thousands of tourists seeking tranquility, attracted by the ancient rhythms of the island and its incomparable beauty.

One single paved road connects the small villages of Filicudi Porto, Valdichiesa, and Pecorini Mare, while the rest of the island is traversed by old mule tracks and paths immersed in lush vegetation.

The best way to explore Filicudi is by boat. The coast consists of a series of rocks with bizarre shapes (the Canna sea stack, the Elephant rock, and the Fortune rock, the islet of Montenassari), places of singular beauty (the natural arch of Punta Perciato and the cave of Bue Marino) and truly spectacular stretches of sea.

The interior also holds interesting surprises. Don't miss the promontory of Capo Graziano with the remains of a prehistoric village discovered in 1952, Monte Fossa delle Felci from where a stunning panorama of the archipelago can be admired, the ghost town of Zucco Grande, and the scenic walk to the viewpoint of Stimpagnato at sunset to admire the wonderful spectacle of the sun diving into the sea.

6

Stromboli is the black pearl of the Aeolian archipelago. It is "Iddu" (Him, in Sicilian) that dominates it, namely the volcano that has been asserting its presence for millennia by erupting regularly, spewing incandescent lava, lapilli, and ash that typically roll down the famous Sciara del Fuoco, eventually plunging into the sea.

Although Dumas referred to it as "the most courteous volcano on earth", there have been episodes of devastating landslides and violent explosions throughout history (even recent).

Brought to fame in the 1950s by Rossellini who filmed "Stromboli, Land of God" here, the island has since undergone unstoppable tourist development, though never overly commercialized.

Tourist facilities are concentrated in Stromboli, the main inhabited center of the island, where the port of Scari and the church of San Vincenzo can be found, offering a breathtaking panorama of the sea and the spur of Strombolicchio that rises a mile and a half from the coast.

The most characteristic is the tiny village of Ginostra on the western side of the island, recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Accessible only by sea, the small village with a few houses and very few inhabitants (around 20) is a true paradise for tranquility lovers.

Those seeking strong emotions need only hike to the summit of the majestic volcano to closely witness the eruption of incandescent material accompanied by more or less thunderous explosions. Less strenuous but equally captivating is witnessing this extraordinary spectacle from the sea, perhaps at night when the glowing lapilli color the darkness red.

7

A rugged and wild beauty envelops Vulcano, the fascinating "island of fire" where according to Ancient Greeks and Romans, the forges of Hephaestus (Vulcan) were located, where the Cyclopes forged weapons for the gods.

The island, sacred to the god Vulcan, was born about 100,000 years ago from the merging of several volcanoes, among which the largest is the Gran Cratere or Crater of Vulcano, still active as evidenced by its continuous fumarolic activity; the smaller is Vulcanello, dormant since 183 BC, connected to the island by an isthmus formed by volcanic debris; the highest are the Monti Aria, extinct since prehistoric times, and Saraceno, also inactive.

Known since ancient times for its mud baths and thermal springs with healing properties, Vulcano is a highly sought-after island for those seeking a relaxing vacation.

You can spend your time enjoying the characteristic black sand beaches (Porto di Ponente, Gelso), lounging in waters heated by fumaroles (Spiaggia delle fumarole), purifying and rejuvenating yourself in the famous mud pool. For the less lazy, there's plenty more to do.

The major attractions on the island are indeed the ascent to the Gran Cratere among fumaroles emitting sulphur vapors, from whose summit one can admire one of the most beautiful panoramas of the archipelago, and the walk through the Valley of the Monsters at Vulcanello where lava rocks shaped by weather elements have taken on eerie forms.

By boat, you can also discover equally spectacular places, such as: the Sirens' Rock, the Pool of Venus, and the famous Horse Cave consisting of ponds, galleries, stalactites, and stalagmites, where the sunlight creates fantastic plays of light.

8

The Aeolian Islands do not have an island airport; the closest ones are Reggio Calabria, Catania, and Palermo. The recommended boarding port is Milazzo, from where several hydrofoils and ferries depart for both passengers and vehicles (there are restrictions on vehicles during the summer).

Departures are also available from Reggio Calabria, Messina, Palermo, and Naples.

The always active companies are Siremar, NGI, Ustica Lines, and Snav-Alilauro. If you decide to arrive in Sicily by car, account for the traffic on the Salerno-Reggio Calabria and the waiting times at Villa San Giovanni during peak season.

Connections between the Aeolian Islands are sufficient during the summer, more difficult in winter.

Salina and Lipari are connected to all other islands. Vulcano benefits from its proximity to Lipari, and Panarea and Stromboli are also well connected. The most difficult to reach are Alicudi and Filicudi as they do not have a direct connection with the smaller islands and always require a stop at Salina and Lipari.

9

With few contacts with the mainland, over the centuries the inhabitants of the Aeolian Islands have had to "make do" with the ingredients provided by nature.

The stars of the cuisine are therefore fish, rabbit meat, chicken, and goat, tomatoes, herbs, vegetables, and cheeses.

With minor variations from island to island, on restaurant menus you will find pasta with octopus, cuttlefish, grouper, mollusks, tuna, and sea urchins.

A special mention must be made for the local-style pesto made with capers, the true protagonists of local cuisine. Fish, mollusks, and crustaceans are also the stars of main courses (swordfish, anchovies, squid, spatula) complemented by some local specialties such as caponata without fish and eggplant parmesan.

Desserts take on an honorary note, as in addition to traditional Sicilian delights (cannoli, cassata, gelato), there are some local preparations like Nacàtuli (almonds, sugar, egg, cinnamon), Spicchiteddi (flour, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, cooked wine, and lard), Giggi (flour, lard, eggs, sugar, yeast, white wine), and Sfinci, fritters made with eggs and sugar.

Desserts and gelato must be accompanied by Malvasia Doc, the "Wine of the volcano" as Guy de Maupassant called it.

10

Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, apartments: with the arrival of summer, every dwelling on the Aeolian Islands transforms into a place to sleep.

Demand is high, and accommodation capacity is quite limited. There are about 150 establishments across all the islands divided based on their sizes: Salina and Lipari offer the most options, followed by Vulcano and Panarea. Stromboli, Alicudi, and Filicudi have very few official hotels and many apartments that can be converted into accommodation when needed.