Aeolian Islands

Fire, wind, black and bristling rocks. Rumbling craters. Explosive curves. Seven islands with a seething character, but with a gentle soul.

 

Islands of fire and wind. Where primeval nature and Homeric myths coexist with resorts hidden among the vineyards and gourmet restaurants, new clubs and boutique-ateliers, terraces overlooking the sea and wellness centers.

Where to stay

Capofaro Wine Resort

Aeolian Islands

Island escape on Salina, just north of Sicily, on a wine estate with sea views.

  • from £2590 per person
  • 7 nights, Superior Sea View, Airport transfers

DETAILS

Hotel Signum

Aeolian Islands

An unpretentious boutique hotel with an infinity pool and indulgent spa hidden away in a rural setting on the Aeolian island of Salina.

  • from £1550 per person
  • 7 nights, Deluxe Sea View, Airport transfers

DETAILS

Hotel Principe Di Salina

Aeolian Islands

A wonderful boutique hotel with amazing sea views on the peaceful island of Salina.

  • from £1560 per person
  • 7 nights, B&B, Private airport transfers from Catania

DETAILS

Palermo, The Aeolian Islands And Taormina

Sicily three ways is a bustling city break, an island retreat and a chic hilltop town, all rolled into one car-free holiday.

  • 14 nights

£ 3250 per person

Palermo, The Aeolian Islands And Taormina

Sicily three ways is a bustling city break, an island retreat and a chic hilltop town, all rolled into one car-free holiday.

  • 14 nights

Car-Free Holidays

Casa Massimo

A splendid 2-bedroom villa sitting in a privileged position overlooking the sea and easy access to restaurants, bars and beaches.

  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Sleeps: 2

£ 1470 per week

Casa Massimo

A splendid 2-bedroom villa sitting in a privileged position overlooking the sea and easy access to restaurants, bars and beaches.

  • Bedrooms: 2
  • Sleeps: 2

The Islands

#1 VULCANO - Once known as Therasia (hot land) or Hierà, the island of Vulcano is associated with the myth of the god Hephaestus. The myth says about Hephaestus, the God of Fire, and the blacksmith of gods, had his own forge on the island.

 

Take advantage of the cool morning hours to hike up to Gran Cratere before the intense summer heat comes, and get your camera ready to capture God-like views at a height of 400 meters. It can be reached with a walk of about an hour. A pair of comfortable shoes is sufficient, but adequate trekking shoes will make a difference, a hat and a bottle of water.

 

#2 LIPARI - Lipari welcomes you with a pictorial view of the sea of Marina Corta, a square enclosed by the marina and guarded by the church of the Souls of Purgatory, in the immaculate shadow of the Civita. The walls of the fortress have a remarkable concentration of history: the huts of the Bronze Age and the Spanish cathedral, the Norman Cloister, and the surprising archaeological museum, one of the richest in the Mediterranean. The cells of the old prison for political prisoners host permanent installations of contemporary art.

 

#3 SALINA Fertile and water-rich, it is famous for the capers and Malvasia grapes. We are in the centre of the archipelago, and from Salina, the view embraces all the other islands. The island is secluded without being remote, and the green of the Mediterranean scrub softens the profile of its six extinct volcanoes.

 

Not to miss is certainly a swim in Salina on the famous beach of "Il Postino" in Pollara, an inlet closed by a sheer wall, making it one of the most beautiful of the Aeolian Islands.

 

#4 PANAREA - About ten miles northeast of Salina, Panarea is surrounded by a constellation of islets: Basiluzzo, Dattilo, Lisca Bianca, paradises with Caribbean waters that become hells in the middle of August, besieged by rafts, yachts, small boats and barges, often with music at full throttle. After all, the smallest of the Aeolian islands is also the most worldly. Since the seventies, the terraces of the Hotel Raya have attracted VIP who come here to celebrate the sunsets views with a cocktail and live music.

#5 STROMBOLI - Stromboli is the northernmost island of the entire Aeolian archipelago. It has an area of ​​12.2 sq km and is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

 

The almost total absence of roads certainly makes it one of the wildest islands, but its charm is mainly due to the presence of the vulcano (affectionately known as "Iddu") which occurs periodically and constantly with explosions and launches of lapilli.

 

The island is made up of the villages of San Vincenzo and San Bartolo which form the town of Stromboli in the north east of the island.

 

On the southern coast there is an isolated village reachable only by sea, Ginostra, which in winter has just 30 residents.

 

 

#6 FILICUDI  - An island that makes you lose your mind is Filicudi, a paradise of crystal clear waters, suggestive landscapes and fantastic panoramic views. The unspoiled flora and fauna, and the wonderful beaches of Capo Graziano, are the ideal setting for a holiday that will delight all senses, from sight to scent, and, last but not least, your palate.

 

#7 ALICUDI - Finally, here we are in Alicudi. Called "the secret island", it is also the least visited. There are no roads here, and the island is made up of vegetation covering strips of lava and basalt that reach up to 675 meters. As soon as you land in the small village of Alicudi, you will find that time seems to have stopped here.

 

We recommend strolling around the narrow streets and districts of the village, and then taking the mules to the ancient volcano, now extinct, and the beautiful Bezzina Beach. A real oasis of peace, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Travel

How You Can (Do) a Romantic Holiday in Salina in the Aeolian Islands

The sunsets in Pollara, of course. And then Malvasia and the famous capers. But also secret art boutiques, exquisite dinners and refined hospitality.

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Sicily

How to visit Stromboli

Planning a holiday to Sicily without visiting Stromboli? Impossible. This is one of those things that should not be missed because, with its breathtaking scenery and the Sciara del Fuoco (the blackened lava scar running down Stromboli's northern flank) illuminating the starry nights, Stromboli gives truly unforgettable moments.

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