
The Aeolian islands are a stunning volcanic archipelago, packed with natural beauty, off the northeastern coast of Sicily. For me, they’re the ultimate retreat: my Italian family had a home on Vulcano for many years and I’ve been visiting the islands since I was a small child.
Naturally, tourism on the islands has moved on since those days and yet in many ways, nothing has changed. They remain an idyllic spot where life drifts along at a leisurely pace, locals are quietly appreciative of all they have, and food is still deeply rooted in what grows on and around the islands. What’s changed, however, is the number of ways of getting to the islands and the thrilling activities available once you reach them. Here’s an initial list of 17 of our top things to do on the Aeolian Islands, just to whet your appetite!
Top things to do on Vulcano, Aeolian Islands

Hike to Vulcano's crater
1. Hike to the grand crater of Vulcano at sunrise
Start your day with an awe-inspiring hike to the summit of the Gran Cratere, the island’s dormant volcano. When I lived in Vulcano I would cycle to the foot of the volcano between 6am and 7am most mornings to begin my ascent. Watching the sunrise from the summit with breathtaking panoramic views over the entire archipelago sets the tempo for a perfect day.
2. Kayak through Vulcano’s bays and grottos
Rent a kayak at Baia Negra to explore the waters around the island. A sit on top kayak is perfect for stability and relatively easy to use. Take a left turn when you leave the bay and set off to explore secluded coves with crystal clear waters. My favourite spots include the Grotta dei Cavalli and the Piscine di Venere, a gorgeous natural sea pool. And don’t forget your snorkel and picnic!
3. Savour fresh goat cheese ricotta in Vulcano
Fabrizio Lo Piccolo’s herd of goats graze freely on the slopes of Vulcano producing milk which is used to make the freshest creamiest ricotta. Head to Maurizio’s La Forgia restaurant to taste the mouthwatering ricotta cheese after it’s been lightly baked.
4. Watch spectacular sunsets on Vulcano
The sunset at the Baia Negra and the luxury Therasia Resort Sea and Spa Hotel are some of the most spectacular in the Aeolian Islands. As the sun sets over Filicudi the sky is transformed into a fiery array of colour that is reflected back across the shimmering waters.
Top things to do on Lipari, Aeolian Islands

Cava di Pomice, Lipari
5. Take a boat trip around Lipari
There’s really no substitute for experiencing the islands from the sea. Take a boat tour to explore Lipari’s hidden caves and grottos on the west side of the island. Alternatively head for the pumice quarries on the opposite side to swim in waters rendered an intense turquoise blue thanks to pumice sediments on the sea bed.

Explore Lipari town
6. Discover Lipari’s ancient citadel and archaeological museum
Whether you’re passionate about history or just love a good story, a guided tour of Lipari’s ancient citadel, once home to the ancient Greeks and Romans, is a chance to step back in time to a fascinating past. The regional archaeological museum houses an exquisite collection of miniature Greek theatre masks, amphorae from ancient shipwrecks and artifacts ranging from prehistoric times to the classical period.
7. Get the best views of Lipari and Vulcano
Just 3km west out of Lipari town, Belvedere Quattrocchi (‘Four Eyes’) is one of the island’s most scenic viewpoints, providing extraordinary clifftop views over the rocky outcrops, or ‘faraglioni’, of Pietra Lunga and Pieta Menalda, towards Vulcano.
Top things to do on Salina, Aeolian Islands

Visit a winery on Salina
8. Book a Malvasia wine-tasting on Salina
Learn about the ancient traditions of wine production and sample some of Salina’s superb wine, accompanied by capers and other nibbles, at a family-run winery overlooking the sea. The island is home to 13 micro-producers of Malvasia dessert wines and other exceptional varieties.
9. Visit a caper farm on Salina
Make tracks for Salina’s luscious green landscapes to learn about one of the island’s most famous exports – capers. With a visit to a caper farm, you’ll get to taste plenty of local dishes made with capers, from pesto and candied capers to dressed capers ready to be scooped out of the jar and guzzled with a chunk of crusty bread. It’s also, of course, the perfect opportunity to stock up on local pickled and preserved delicacies!

Fishermen's houses, Pollara Bay
10. Swim in Pollara Bay, Salina
Best known as the location for the opening scene of the 1994 Il Postino film, Pollara Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in the Aeolian Islands. It also happens to be one of my favourite swim stops! Formed by a huge sunken crater, the fishermen’s houses in the bay are carved out of the rocks, overlooked by dramatic soaring cliffs.

Cool down with a granita
11. Enjoy the best granita on Salina
You’ll find granita served on all the islands and on Sicily but for the real deal, head to iconic Da Alfredo in the pretty seafront village of Lingua where the almond (mandorla) granita is to die for. The other speciality here is ‘pane cunzatu’, a typical Aeolian flat bread piled high with toppings of tomatoes, tuna, mozzarella, olives, capers and ricotta. Not to be outdone, Pa.Pe.Ró in the village of Rinella whips up a splendid ricotta granita with candied capers which is, frankly, out of this world.
Top things to do on Panarea, Aeolian Islands

Swim in Cala Junco bay
12. Swim in Cala Junco bay
More memorable swims are to be had in Panarea, where the marine protected area of Cala Junco bay is a swimmer’s paradise. Shaped as a natural amphitheatre with turquoise waters, it is accessible by boat or on foot via Cala Zimmari.
13. Snorkel and dive around Panarea’s islets
The waters around Panarea are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. In particular, explore the underwater caves and diverse marine eco-systems around Lisca Bianca, Dattilo and Basiluzzo, three islets off Panarea.
Top things to do on Stromboli, Aeolian Islands

Watch Stromboli's night time eruptions
14. Witness Stromboli’s night time eruptions
Mount Stromboli is one of Italy’s four active volcanoes but when it comes to dramatic displays, it beats the other three volcanoes hands down. A boat trip at sunset, when blazing bursts of lava dazzle in inky night skies, is the best way we know to see the fiery eruptions.
15. Hike Stromboli’s volcano with expert vulcanology guide
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to see the volcano up close, a guided hike is the best way to do it. You’ll get incredible views of the Sciara del Fuoco (Stream of Fire) of volcanic lava and rocks as it cascades down into the sea. With minimal light pollution, Stromboli also has some of the best stargazing in the Mediterranean resulting in the memorable sight of twinkling stars hovering over the volcano’s glowing eruptions.
Top things to do on Filicudi and Alicudi, Aeolian Islands
16. Relax and explore Filicudi
You can go still further off grid on the island of Filicudi which is wilder and more rugged than the other islands. Stay in a seaside guest house or rent a typical Aeolian house set on sea-facing terraces. Enjoy hikes through unspoiled landscapes, swim in crystal clear waters and embrace the art of dolce far niente.
17. Discover Alicudi by boat
From Filicudi take a boat trip to Alicudi, the most remote of the Aeolian islands for a glimpse of an even simpler way of life.