Aeolian Islands: 9 places to see, from Vulcano to Stromboli
Explore the seven volcanic islands of the Aeolian Islands off Sicily's northern coast. This 545 km route covers the archipelago's most notable locations, from Vulcano with its active crater to Stromboli, one of Italy's four active volcanoes, showcasing dramatic landscapes shaped by volcanic activity.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- How to get around the Aeolian Islands
- End
- Santa Maria Salina
- Stops
- 9
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- How to get around the Aeolian Islands — Ferry and hydrofoil services connect the seven volcanic islands, with seasonal schedules varying between summer peak travel and winter months.
- Salina & Pollara — Lush volcanic island featuring dramatic coastal cliffs, Mediterranean vegetation, and a crescent beach nestled beneath towering rock formations.
- Panarea & Archeological site — Smallest inhabited island with Bronze Age ruins revealing ancient Mycenaean settlements and evidence of early Mediterranean trade networks.
- Stromboli & San Vincenzo — Active volcano with nighttime lava flows visible from offshore, topped by a crater accessible via hiking trails with panoramic views.
- Volcano — Closest island to Sicily, home to an active volcano visible from the port. The crater can be reached by a 30-minute hike offering views of other Aeolian Islands.
- Lipari
- Faraglioni di Lipari — Dramatic stone pinnacles on the south side of Lipari Island offering stunning rock formations and views of Volcano Island.
- Salina — Second largest island in the archipelago composed of two volcanic domes with lush green slopes and several beautiful villages ideal for exploration.
- Santa Maria Salina — Charming commune on Salina Island with quiet streets and boardwalks, perfect for relaxation and cultural exploration of village life.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- You can take a ferry from Sicily to reach the Aeolian Islands, but sailing by boat is recommended as the best way to experience them.
- Transport
- Book a sailing trip with Dreams Horizon Yachting - they offer catamaran tours around the Aeolian Islands with experienced captains.
- Timing
- Sailing to Vulcano from Sicily takes about 2 hours by boat.
- Tip
- Hike to the rim of Vulcano's crater - it takes about 30 minutes and offers views of the other Aeolian Islands. The volcano actively emits smoke.
- Where to stay
- Stay a night in Santa Maria Salina - it's a quiet commune with nice streets and boardwalks for relaxing and exploring.
- Tip
- Visit Pollara on Salina's western side - it features steep green mountains and ocean cliffs similar to Hawaii, with a lighthouse hike and sea arch.
- Tip
- Dive at Lisca Bianca off Panarea to swim through volcanic gas bubbles rising from the ocean floor at about 10 meters deep.
- Tip
- Explore the ancient settlement on Panarea dating back to 2000 BC during the Bronze Age - stone bases of huts are well preserved with excellent views.
- Food
- Find amazing pizza in San Vincenzo village on Stromboli island, a quiet town overlooked by the active volcano.
- Tip
- Visit the northern side of Stromboli island by boat for the best volcano views - you can see lava eruptions and rocks rolling into the ocean.
- Tip
- Visit Faraglioni di Lipari - stone pinnacles on the south side of Lipari island with great views of Vulcano island.
Video on this route
Top 10 Places On The Aeolian Islands - Travel Guide