Palermo
Explore Palermo’s markets, churches and historic streets, with time for local food and evening restaurants before travelling to the islands.
Volcanic islands, sea crossings and slower stays off Sicily’s north-east coast.
Swim below volcanic slopes, explore harbour towns and linger over lunch with a sea view. Salina, Vulcano, Lipari, Stromboli, Panarea, Filicudi and Alicudi each have a different character; we help you choose an island and arrange the crossings for an unhurried stay.
Begin with Palermo’s markets and mosaics, cross to Salina for sea views and boat days, then finish among Taormina’s terraces and gardens. Private transfers and hydrofoils connect three contrasting stays.
Explore Palermo’s markets, churches and historic streets, with time for local food and evening restaurants before travelling to the islands.
Settle into Salina for swimming, Malvasia wine, boat outings and quiet afternoons at your hotel. Several nights leave time to enjoy the island and its villages.
Finish with Taormina’s sea views, ancient theatre and gardens. Enjoy evenings in town and choose a guided Etna outing if you would like to explore further.
Allow several nights for your chosen island, with time for swimming, village walks and days at the hotel. Crossings are part of the holiday, so we plan them with the mainland transfers and leave sensible time before flights.
Catania and Palermo can both work depending on the wider route, but Milazzo is the practical port for many Aeolian crossings. We arrange the mainland transfer and crossing together, with time for the port connection.
Salina suits slower stays, Lipari is practical and lively, and Vulcano works well when the hotel itself is central to the experience. Choose the setting, evening life and hotel facilities you would most enjoy.
Stay on one island and enjoy getting to know it. Add a boat day or a visit to a neighbouring island, with time to return for dinner and a relaxed evening.
Combine an island stay with Palermo, Taormina or Etna. We recommend several nights on the island so the holiday includes quiet days beside the sea as well as exploring.
Enjoy resort facilities on Vulcano, harbour life on Lipari or a smaller hotel among Salina’s villages and vineyards. Choose somewhere you will enjoy spending the quieter parts of the day.
For sea views, resort comfort, spa time and a self-contained island stay. Best when Vulcano is chosen for its landscape and hotel experience.
See Therasia Resort
A small, welcoming Salina hotel for pool afternoons, sea-view terraces and evenings close to the village.
See Hotel Principe di Salina
For village life in Malfa, gardens, spa time and one of Salina’s strongest food identities.
See Hotel Signum
A practical Lipari base for ferry connections, town access and a straightforward island stay.
See Hotel Mea
A vineyard estate for privacy, sea views, Malvasia and unhurried time at the hotel.
See Capofaro Wine ResortThe Aeolian Islands are not a destination to rush through. Some days are best kept simple: a boat trip, a swim, a long lunch, an evening in a harbour town, or time to enjoy the view from the hotel. These guides and travel notes help you think more clearly about what to include — and what to leave out.
Salina is often the best island for travellers who want the Aeolian Islands to feel calm, rooted and unhurried.
Read our Salina guide
Vulcano works well for dramatic landscapes, sea views and active days that still fit comfortably into an island holiday.
Read our Vulcano guide
Lipari is the most practical Aeolian base, especially where you want evening choice and easier movement between islands.
Read our Lipari guide
Discover Stromboli’s villages, dark beaches and volcanic landscape. Walking access follows current local restrictions; choose a permitted outing with an authorised guide where required.
Read our Stromboli guide
These islands suit slower, more specialist travel. They can be wonderful, but they are not always the easiest choice for a first Aeolian stay.
Read more island notes
For travellers who want expert context, private guiding can connect the Aeolian Islands with Etna, volcanic landscapes, food, wine and local history.
Explore private tour ideas