Which islands comprise the Aeolian Islands?
The Aeolian Islands consist of 7 islands: Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Alicudi, Filicudi, Stromboli and Panarea. The entire Aeolian archipelago has special natural features. The sea is clean and teeming with fish, there are many spectacular caves and high cliffs, with rocks or in other cases beaches of fine black sand in between, not to mention the solfatars and pumice mountains.

Panarea

Panarea is the smallest island of the seven. The island is especially popular with young people and celebrities. The island is characterized by its white houses with blue elements.

Vulcano

The island of Vulcano is the perfect destination for thermal cures, as sulfur-rich water flows from the ground. Vulcano is only 750 meters away from Lipari and has no more than 1,000 inhabitants. The island’s economy is mainly based on tourism. However, the island’s wine production is also very special, thanks to the special soil of the island.

Lipari

Lipari is the largest island of the Aeolian Islands. The island is nicknamed “Montagna Bianca (White Mountain)” because it is largely made of pumice, which when thrown into the water does not sink.

Salina

The island of Salina is especially famous for the local production of Malvasia, a sweet wine liqueur.

Stromboli

Stromboli is also very characteristic, mainly for the fact that the island is a volcano, whose activity is one of the most intense in the world. The volcano is about 926m high and, thanks to the persistent explosions, there is an eruption almost every hour. Periods of inactivity are rare, with the volcano “sleeping” for several months at most.

Alicudi and Filicudi

The islands of Alicudi and Filicudi are the oldest and most pristine islands. The islands are characterized by peace and serenity.

Where are the Aeolian Islands located?
The Aeolian Islands are located about 30 kilometers northwest of Sicily. Vulcano is the island closest from Milazzo and Stromboli the furthest away.

How to visit the Aeolian Islands.
The best way to visit the Aeolian Islands from Milazzo if you are in Sicily. There are several ferry services leaving daily for the Aeolian Islands from Milazzo. Most ferries depart from the port area of Milazzo, but there are also ferry services departing from the city.

In addition to the ferry services, there are also day excursions that depart from Milazzo and visit some of the Aeolian Islands. First, decide which islands you want to visit and how much time you have to do so. Based on this you can then look for the best suited ferry service, ferry or excursion to the Aeolian Islands.

Another option is to visit the islands by helicopter.

By car to the Aeolian Islands
It is better to leave the car at home if you want to visit the Aeolian Islands, or park at one of the guarded parking lots in Milazzo. Cars are in fact only allowed on Lipari, Vulcano, Salina and Filicudi, but often the streets here are closed or there are restrictions.

Ferries to the Aeolian Islands
These are the ferry services to the Aeolian Islands. In addition to these ferry services, there are also organizations that offer day excursions.

From Naples: Alilauro, Snav and Siremar
From Milazzo: Ngi, Siremar and Ustica Lines
From Messina and Palermo: Alilauro
From where can you visit the Aeolian Islands?
From Sicily, the best place to visit the Aeolian Islands is from Milazzo. However, day excursions are also organized from Cefalù. Sometimes it seems that excursions to the Aeolian Islands are also organized from Catania and/or Taormina, but often this just means a transfer with a bus to Milazzo and from there the ferry to one of the islands. Pay close attention to this!

It is also possible to visit Stromboli from Naples by ferry. Or from Tropea in Calabria with a day excursion.