Trip idea / Aeolian Islands

Italy's Alluring Islands
Exploring the Aeolian Islands

Our Sales Manager, Sarah, recently explored the alluring Aeolian Islands, just north of Sicily, and discovered a destination full of dramatic rockscapes, volcanic thrills and black-sand beaches

Exploring the Aeolian Islands

Sarah found each island to be an unspoilt, rustic gem with individual charm that will reward island-hoppers with characterful, family-run hotels to match. She recommends starting in the bustling Sicilian city of Catania before discovering her favourite Aeolian Islands with this suggested journey that was recently featured in The Sunday Times travel supplement.

Highlights:

  • Explore Italy’s lesser-known islands in the Aeolian and spend time in Sicily
  • Stay at characterful hidden gem hotels
  • Explore lush Salina’s hidden coves and hiking trails
  • See Stromboli’s smouldering volcano on a boat trip from Vulcano
  • Take a restorative mud bath on Vulcano
  • Travel by ferry and hydrofoil between islands on easy, short journeys
  • Relax on the beach for well-earned downtime

Exploring the Aeolian Islands

Sarah found each island to be an unspoilt, rustic gem with individual charm that will reward island-hoppers with characterful, family-run hotels to match. She recommends starting in the bustling Sicilian city of Catania before discovering her favourite Aeolian Islands with this suggested journey that was recently featured in The Sunday Times travel supplement.

Highlights:

  • Explore Italy’s lesser-known islands in the Aeolian and spend time in Sicily
  • Stay at characterful hidden gem hotels
  • Explore lush Salina’s hidden coves and hiking trails
  • See Stromboli’s smouldering volcano on a boat trip from Vulcano
  • Take a restorative mud bath on Vulcano
  • Travel by ferry and hydrofoil between islands on easy, short journeys
  • Relax on the beach for well-earned downtime

Getting There:

Ferries and hydrofoils to the Aeolians depart from various Sicilian ports, as well as Naples. Schedules vary depending on the season; we will pre-arrange tickets.

When To Go:

Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds make spring and autumn lovely times to tour the islands. Book ahead for summer.

Combine With:

Add in extra time to discover Sicily’s ancient ruins, baroque towns and beautiful bays on a road trip around the island or talk to us about staying extra nights on the Aeolian Islands such as lovely Lipari or lively Panarea.

Day 1-4

Catania

Fly into Catania to begin your island-hopping journey, starting in the east-coast of Sicily. Catania is a bustling city that’s elevated its reputation in recent years, characterised by dark volcanic stone. Get your bearings by exploring the city’s lively fish market and handsome historic centre, all as an imposing Mount Etna backdrop provides a first taste of the volcanic views to come.

 

Time permitting, get closer to Mount Etna – trekking along scorched lava fields dotted with bone-white trees. For something more verdant, visit the lush gardens of Radicepura, a botanical garden half an hour from Catania which has a festival every two years which is likened to Chelsea Flower Show.
Time permitting, get closer to Mount Etna – trekking along scorched lava fields dotted with bone-white trees. For something more verdant, visit the lush gardens of Radicepura, a botanical garden half an hour from Catania which has a festival every two years which is likened to Chelsea Flower Show.

Stay

Donna Carmela

We can recommend hotels in the city but for longer stays, we love the peaceful ambience of Donna Carmela that has a pool and overflowing garden, and is a short cycle to the nearest beach. The restaurant serves sublime tasting menus, paired with wines grown from grapes that flourish in Sicily’s fertile soil.

Day 4-7

Salina

From Catania, transfer to the port of Milazzo on Sicily’s northern coast. Take a ferry or hydrofoil to Salina, the greenest and most fertile Aeolian island, famed for its salted capers and sweet Malvasia wine. Upon arrival we’ll transfer you to your hotel. Once settled, explore Salina. Wander down to the nearby pebbly beach at Scario, or head to the seaside village where scenes from Il Postino were filmed. The narrow cove here, backed by striking sandstone cliffs, is one of the Aeolians’ loveliest locations.

 

Serious walkers can hike a flat trail from here to the traditional countryside town of Leni, or climb the island’s two volcanic peaks which dominate the landscape. Exploring the rocky coastline by boat is another must; the crystal-clear waters suit snorkelling and diving. Daytrips to neighbouring islands are easy and quick – we recommend spending time on Lipari – the Archaeological Museum is an intriguing look at human history on the island and the castle has stunning views over the island. You can also visit the smouldering sometimes-lawa spewing Stromboli on a night time boat trip to maximise the volcanic drama.
Serious walkers can hike a flat trail from here to the traditional countryside town of Leni, or climb the island’s two volcanic peaks which dominate the landscape. Exploring the rocky coastline by boat is another must; the crystal-clear waters suit snorkelling and diving. Daytrips to neighbouring islands are easy and quick – we recommend spending time on Lipari – the Archaeological Museum is an intriguing look at human history on the island and the castle has stunning views over the island. You can also visit the smouldering sometimes-lawa spewing Stromboli on a night time boat trip to maximise the volcanic drama.
Serious walkers can hike a flat trail from here to the traditional countryside town of Leni, or climb the island’s two volcanic peaks which dominate the landscape. Exploring the rocky coastline by boat is another must; the crystal-clear waters suit snorkelling and diving. Daytrips to neighbouring islands are easy and quick – we recommend spending time on Lipari – the Archaeological Museum is an intriguing look at human history on the island and the castle has stunning views over the island. You can also visit the smouldering sometimes-lawa spewing Stromboli on a night time boat trip to maximise the volcanic drama.

Stay

Il Principe di Salina

Elegant boutique hotel Il Principe di Salina is sociable hotel that overlooks the deeply intense colours of the Tyrrhenian Sea. With cool, white interiors that make way for gorgeous sea views, enjoy family-style dinners served on the veranda with a  daily-changing menu of fresh fish and island recipes.

Day 7-10

Vulcano

Known for its bubbling mud baths and therapeutic hot springs, the island of Vulcano is your final stop and it’s here you’ll stay in splendour at one of the Aeolian Islands’ most dazzling hotels. As well as lounging at the hotel, beach-lovers are also well served by the nearby trio of dark-coloured coves.

 

Just five minutes from the hotel are those famed outdoor mud baths. Cover yourself in healing sulphur, then dive into the sea where underwater fumaroles act as natural hot tubs. It’s a unique experience – but do be prepared for the strong sulphuric aroma.
Just five minutes from the hotel are those famed outdoor mud baths. Cover yourself in healing sulphur, then dive into the sea where underwater fumaroles act as natural hot tubs. It’s a unique experience – but do be prepared for the strong sulphuric aroma.

Stay

Therasia Resort

Positioned between inky cliffs and blue sea, Therasia Resort specialises in blissful spa treatments, mouth-watering cuisine and phenomenal sunsets. Don’t miss dining at I Tenerumi, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving out-of-this-world vegetarian tasting menus.

Enquire now

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