Photo: Carsten Steger · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Aeolian Islands
Hop between volcanic islands and watch Stromboli erupt.
Seven volcanic islands off Sicily's north coast: Lipari for a base, Vulcano with its smoking crater, green Salina, chic Panarea and Stromboli, which throws up lava most nights. Hydrofoils hop between them. Lovely from May to October; very quiet in winter.
Places to see
Lipari's castle hillWalk · A rock above the harbour ringed by 16th-century Spanish walls, with churches, Greek tombs…Free
VulcanoWalk · The island just south of Lipari: a sulphur-smelling climb of about an hour up to the rim…≈ A$39- Stromboli's eruptions by nightViewpoint · An evening boat trip round Stromboli, which has erupted every few minutes for thousands…≈ A$123
When to go
- Jan15° / 9°Often wetQuiet
- Feb15° / 9°Often wetQuiet
- Mar16° / 10°Some rainQuiet
- Apr19° / 12°Some rainBusy
- May23° / 15°Mostly dryBusy
- Jun27° / 19°Mostly dryVery busy
- Jul30° / 22°Mostly dryVery busy
- Aug31° / 23°Mostly dryVery busy
- Sep
Staying and getting around
Good areas to stay
Lipari town. Between the two harbours under the castle; most beds and every hydrofoil.
Vulcano. The crater and hot springs, 10 minutes by hydrofoil.
Salina. The green island of capers and wine.
Stromboli. The erupting volcano.
Flying in
Catania Fontanarossa (CTA): Bus to Milazzo port, then the hydrofoil, about 3 h, ≈ A$61.
Palermo (PMO): Bus or train to Milazzo, then the hydrofoil, about 4 h, ≈ A$61.
Flewaway's estimate for the usual budget way into Lipari; check times and fares before you fly.
By ferry
Aeolian Islands is reached by ferry from Milazzo port. Hydrofoils from Milazzo to Lipari, about 1 h, several a day and more in summer; also from Messina and an overnight ferry from Naples (check)
Getting around
Mostly on foot. A single ticket is ≈ A$4. Lipari town is walkable and buses go round the island (about €2). Hydrofoils and ferries link the islands several times a day, fewer in winter and none in storms (check).
