Eolian Islands

Italian: Isole Eolie

They are also called the seven beauties. The Eolian islands have received their name from the Greek god of wind. The Eolian islands are located off the northern coast of Sicily and are of volcanic origin.

On Vulcano you can climb to the Gran Cratere, where sulfur fumes constantly rise. Stromboli the volcano spews fire fountains almost every hour.

Lipari, on the other hand, is the gentle main island. More than 6000 years ago, the Greeks settled here and produced impressive objects of use and jewellery that is well preserved and can still be admired today.

In total, about 20 islands belong to the archipelago, but only seven of them are inhabited.

The most beautiful Eolian Islands

Lipari is the largest island and gives the archipelago its name. Hustle and bustle seem to be a foreign word on the island. Here you still have time for a chat and the much-sung Dolce Vita. The island is fertile and the port city of Lipari is densely populated. The main economic sectors are tourism and fishing. Pumice stone and kaolin used to be mined for porcelain production, but this has been taboo since it was declared a World Heritage Site.

The two ports Marina Lunga and Marina Corta are interconnected by the Corso Garibaldi promenade, where life takes place. The ports are connected by the castle mountain and the Corso Garibaldi promenade.

In the narrow streets, restaurants alternate with delicatessen shops and souvenir vendors, ice bars invite you to delight

The castle hill is home to one of the most important archaeological museums in Italy, with finds from six millennia.

The island of Vulcano is dominated by the 391 m high volcano, from whose crevices hot sulphur gas penetrates and the crater is yellow with crystals.

Vulcano has an area of about 8 x 4 km and there are fewer than 1000 people living on the volcanic island. Since there are no water sources, rainwater is collected or water is brought by ships.

In summer, Vulcano becomes a holiday island, most tourists live between Porto Levante and Porto Ponente and in the resorts of the Vulcanello Peninsula.

Right by the harbour is the famous Vasca dei Fanghi mud bath, where mud-covered people frolic.

The last major volcanic eruption took place in August 1888 and lasted until 1890. The island of Vulcano is still highly active and is well monitored.

Salina is a very green island where agriculture is the main source of income. The dessert wine Malvasia and the small, particularly spicy capers are known all over the world.

Salina is also a volcanic island, but without any noticeable activity.

Salina rose to fame as the film set for the award-winning film The Postmann (Il Postino) about the exile of the poet Pablo Neruda.

With 3.4 km² and a population of just over 200 inhabitants, Panarea is the smallest inhabited island in the Aolen and lives mainly from tourism. The typical colors are snow-white houses over dark blue sea.

Panarea, too, was already inhabited in the Bronze Age and is considered the oldest of the Liparian Islands.

Alicudi is the westernmost and at the same time the most remote of the seven Eolian islands. The island is covered with heather and cactus figs, It is the ideal place if you’re looking for solitude and tranquility.

In Alicudi, even in the 21st century, it is still possible to enjoy the simple life and experience original taste. The few residents are very friendly and welcome visitors.

Filicudi is one of the oldest inhabited islands in the Eoliaen. There are many beautiful old paths where you can cross the island completely undisturbed. Especially in spring it is pleasant here, when the blossoming flowers envelop the island in a fragrance cloud. The coasts are gentle and the sea appears in changing shades of blue.

Stromboli Island is the northernmost island in the Aeolian Islands archipelago. In fact, the island consists only of the 900 m high volcano around which people have settled.

Only people who are looking for peace and seclusion or want to climb the fire-breathing volcano at night come to the island of Stromboli. In ancient times, the permanent fire fountain served as a navigation for the sailors.

The approximately 600 inhabitants of the island live mainly along the way from the harbour to the central square Piazza San Vincenzo.

Our guide to the Liparian Islands

By air

The nearest airport to get to the Liparian Islands is Catania. From there, a direct bus departs for Milazzo, where hydrofoils regularly run to the islands.

By ship

All islands are served by the hydrofoils Aliscafi. Departure points are Messina, Milazzo, Palermo, Sant ‘Agata di Militello, Tropea, Reggio Calabria, Naples.

The islands of Lipari, Vulcano and Salina are also served by the car ferry.

Everything that is needed for daily life on Vulcano must be brought in by ship, including drinking water.

The isolated location of the islands is reinforced by a storm and at the small ports the hydrofoils can only dock in calm seas. It was not for nothing that they were named after the Greek god of the wind Aeolus.

By car

Whether you’re renting a car or using your own car, you don’t usually need that for the Lipari Islands. On some islands there are no roads anyway and on the larger ones there are taxis and scooters for the small tracks.

Peace of Mind

If you book a trip with us, then we take care of all that-including. Hotel and accompanying program. For the trip to the Liparian Islands, leave your car better at home.

Comments

Depending on the exact travel date and booking situation locally, hotel prices may vary greatly. Especially in high summer, almost all beds are fully booked. As soon as we get your request and know what matters to you, we take care of it and provide you a individual proposal. To do this, we need to know what is important to you.

Most of the accommodation is on the island of Lipari. Here is also evening life in the alleys and there are beautiful restaurants.

There are convenient connections by ship from Vulcano to the other islands. If you are looking for relaxation in the mud baths, you are in good hands on the island of Vulcano.

Stromboli consists of the mountain and the small town of the same name. For those seeking peace and quiet, this is an ideal way to relax. The tiny fishing village of Ginnestra on the other side of Stromboli can only be reached by boat.

Salina is the green island and well developed. There are beaches and beautiful hiking opportunities. The number of accommodations and therefore tourists is limited.

Special accommodation

Would you like to move into your quarters in an exclusive villa or out of town in a noble country house? We are happy to take care of your wishes. A hotel with charm or something economical for smaller budgets. We know the area well and will certainly find something that will inspire you.

Please note your preferences with the booking request.

The name Eolian was coined several thousand years ago. The islands are named after the Greek god of the wind Aeolus.

According to legend, Zeus of the god sent Aeolus to the island as an unpredictable ruler of the wind, plunging reckless sailors to their deaths. Even today, the sailors and fishermen pay great respect to the rapidly changing wind

Another legend has it that King Liparos, a legend hero who settled here in antiquity, gave the archipelago his name.

Between the islands you can take nice day trips. Tickets for the hydrofoils do not need to be reserved.

The Liparian Islands are beautiful from spring to late autumn.

The best time to travel is certainly in May and June. Nature is in full bloom, it smells seductive. Daytime temperatures are already warm in summer and at night it is still pleasantly cool. Especially the wind as a constant companion of the “Seven Beautiful” is still blowing moderately in the spring.

The choice of accommodation is still wide even when booking for a short term and the flights are inexpensive.

In spring and autumn, hiking groups from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France, and of course from Italy, will be encountered on the volcanoes.

In midsummer, on the other hand, the few islanders are barely up to the onslaught of sun-hungry families.

Clothes

We recommend comfortable shoes, except in the evening, as you are also welcome to go to elegant and stroll. Don’t forget sunscreen and sun hat!

Topic Tipping

Tipping is expected in the restaurants frequented by foreign tourists. The waiters in these restaurants know very well what is common in your culture. You should know, though, that an Italian usually only pays what is printed on the bill. Importantly, they are considering whether the amount is justified. You can also ask for a proper invoice, which you can also get if you suggest that you need it for business. Speak calmly in your language and use your hands to make it clear what it is all about. If you stay friendly, then it all works out too. By the way, you are legally obliged to take the receipt with you. You may be checked by finance police outside the door.

Italians pay in the restaurant at the checkout on the way out. Money is dirty and shouldn’t actually change hands at the dining table. Of course, the waiters also adapt to the visitors and you can also have it the way you are used to from home. But it is better you go to the cashier near the entrance. In particular, if you pay by card, want a special receipt and maybe another brandy.

In Italy, it is not desirable to pay separately. When Italians go out to eat together, everyone eats and drinks what they want and can. One pays the bill to the restaurant. And in retrospect it is divided in private by the number of adults. Children are invited by the group.

Offers for your trip to the Eolian Islands

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Eolian Islands on the Sicily Map

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