Known locally as Lipari, the Aeolian Islands are a beautiful location within Italy which are known for their volcanoes and fantastic beaches, especially those with volcanic black sand.
There is a millennia of history throughout the archipelago which dates back to the day of the Greek Empire who once ruled over the chain of islands.
Located just off the coast of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands have many unique characteristics which attract countless visitors to their shores every single year.
Besides the many Greek myths that can be heard throughout the archipelago, there are countless ruins and many of the finest beaches in the southern part of Italy.
There are seven islands in the Aeolian Islands that one can stay or visit throughout their holiday. The smallest and most unspoiled of the islands are Panarea and Alicudi.
Then you have the famous island of Vulcano, which has been aptly named because of the volcano that can be found on the island. There is also Salina, Lipari, Stromboli as well as Filicudi.
To get to the archipelago, you can take a ferry or hydrofoil from the city of Milazzo, which can be found in the northeastern part of Sicily.
There are also hydrofoils and ferries that regularly run to the islands from the ports in Messina, Palermo as well as Naples.
Filicudi
The island of Filicudi is a popular location in the western part of the archipelago. It is home to three villages that offer a variety of amenities. You will be able to rent scooters to get around the island to the countless restaurants located throughout the villages.
Filicudi however does not have any sandy beaches as most of the island is surrounded by jagged coastlines. There are several beaches covered in pebbles that can be found around the island though.
Filicudi, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy
Alicudi
The island of Alicudi is considered to be the second smallest island in the Aeolian Islands. It is home to a single hotel and a couple of homes.
There are very few shops that can be found on the island and most people who stay make use of the hotel’s amenities. For those who are seeking a truly peaceful retreat, Alicudi is the perfect location.
Alicudi and Filicudi at sunset , Sicily, Italy
Salina
One of the largest islands in the group is that of Salina. It has the most agricultural land as the vast majority of the island is fertile. The island of Salina is known for its Malvasia wines and capers.
There are a number of shops as well as cafes that can be found on the island. While now extinct, the island is also home to two volcanoes that are known to be popular hiking spots.
Salina, Lipari, Sicily, Italy
Vulcano
The island of Vulcano is so named because of the volcano which is home to the island’s popular mud baths and hot springs. Within the crater of the volcano, one will find a mud bath that has become a very popular tourist destination over the years.
There are many shops and restaurants that can be found in the villages surrounding the volcanic crater. To get to the crater, you can walk, rent a scooter or even make use of the island’s bus service.
Vulcano island, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy
Lipari
The largest island in the archipelago is that of Lipari. The history of the island can be dated back to the Neolithic Period as there have been several archeological sites and discoveries in the area dating back to the times before antiquity.
Most visitors to the area opt to rent a scooter in order to get around the island, even though the bus system on Lipari is very efficient. The Museo Eoliano is perhaps one of the most popular destinations on the island as it houses the many archeological discoveries that have been unearthed throughout Lipari.
Lipari island, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy
Stromboli
Perhaps the most famous of the Aeolian Islands is that of Stromboli which is home to one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. Stromboli has been in a state of continuous eruption for a very long time and a constant flow of razing hot lava can be seen seeping from its crater.
Anyone who visits the archipelago has to make their way to the island of Stromboli, climb up to the top of the volcano and marvel at the natural beauty of not just the volcano, but also of the surrounding islands and seas.
Stromboli, Aeolian islands, Sicily, Italy
Panarea
Considered to be the smallest of the Aeolian Islands, Panarea has grown famous over the years thanks to Hotel Raya. The island’s main tourist attractions can be found right in the hotel itself.
From the terraces, one is afforded the most awe-inspiring views imaginable. The hotel is also home to a very popular and very lively disco that keeps people active well into the night.
There are countless swimming locations located around the island and at many of the small islets that can be found nearby.
Panarea, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy