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The Aeolian Islands: Route Guide

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Lipari Aeolian islands view — The Aeolian Islands
Photo: Carsten Steger · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Seven volcanic sisters off Sicily, one of them permanently on fire. Ferry-hop from Lipari's pastel harbour past caper terraces and green twin peaks, then stand on a night boat, or the crater rim, while Stromboli throws orange against the dark on schedule, as it has for two thousand years. Malvasia wine tastes of the islands' own sunshine.

The Aeolian Islands is a 95 km one-way journey (mixed transport). It works best as a 5-day trip; the plan below is the 5-day version for June, built from 36 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

5
days
95km
distance
4
Stops
36
curated stops

Plan your own version → 5-day plan · best time to go

The route

Milazzo→ 40 kmLipari→ 15 kmSalina→ 40 kmStromboli

What you'll see

L'Antiquarium
Archaeological artifacts from Milazzo offer a glimpse into the past.
Milazzo
Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano
Discover ancient amphorae and burial urns from Aeolian sites.
Lipari
Pollara viewpoint
Look across Pollara's half-submerged volcanic crater from a public cliff-top viewpoint.
Salina
Stromboli
Explore Stromboli's rugged volcanic landscapes and witness active eruptions from a safe distance.
Stromboli
Castello di Milazzo
Imposing castle with sweeping views over the town and sea.
Milazzo
La Cattedrale
Baroque church with richly painted vaults and island charm.
Lipari
Lingua salt-lake viewpoint
Walk beside Lingua's historic coastal salt lake with views across the Aeolian sea.
Salina
Malfa village view walk
Follow Malfa's public village lanes to sea-facing views on Salina's north coast.
Salina

Choose your length

5-day plan11 stops · 11.8 h transit2.2 stops/day · 2.4 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: May, June, July, August, September

Hydrofoils run full schedules, the sea is warm and the crater-climb permits for Stromboli's evening eruption-watching are easiest to book.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

Plan your own version →