The 10 must-have things to do in the Isles

Visit the Eolian Islands: Discover our selection of the 10 things to see or do during your trip to this beautiful volcanic archipelago!

Located north of the Sicily , in the Tyrrhenian Sea in Italy, the Eolian Islands have risen in waters over the last 200,000 years as the volcanic eruptions occur. Surrounded by small islands and basalt rocks, this archipelago is well known to geologists and volcanoologists, who often came to study its rocks over the past two centuries. The Eolian Islands mark the separation between African and European plates, recognizable by their alignment!

Despite the same emblematic conical shape, each of the 7 inhabited islands has its own particularity. Inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, they have become a small and small destination for travellers seeking authenticity, calm, unique landscapes and crystalline waters. So what do you do in the Isles of Eloes during your trip? What must you discover absolutely?

To help you visit the Isles, we have listed for you the 10 essential things to see or to do in this unique archipelago, off Sicily!

1. Vulcano

So what do we do in the Isles? Vulcano is not the largest island, nor the most populous, but it is certainly one of the best known and appreciated! If this is not the capital island Lipari, it will probably be your gateway to the archipelago.

On site, you can discover a beautiful black sandy beach, where locals and visitors come and relax. It extends on the coast of the Isthmus connecting the island to the Vulcanello peninsula.

Over there awaits you Valle dei mostri , the " Valley of Monsters" – statues of lava frozen. Finally, enjoy your stay in Vulcano to experience an amazing activity: take a sulfur and hot mud bath. Which would likely be beneficial to the skin.

2. The crater of Vulcano

Before leaving the island of Vulcano, you should absolutely climb to Fossa summit ! To reach it, a small one-hour hike will be necessary. Just make sure to start your adventure at dawn, before the sun rises and the heat is too intense!

Once you're up there, you can admire the rugs of pain crystals and let yourself be haunted by the Smokingolles. You can then enjoy a superb view of the island of Lipari and the twin cones of Saline Island in the North.

3. Le Castello de Lipari

Lipari is the capital of the Isles. This city is best known for its great bastion-acropolis! Located on its eastern coast, the Castello is a must-see monument to visit in the Isles. He has seen many civilizations succeed in his bosom, each leaving a testimony of his passage.

The Archaeological Museum, located in the episcopal palace, bears witness to the history of trade. Next, you can discover a beautiful baroque cathedral, which hides a small Norman cloister of the 12th century in its entrails.

4. Old Lipari

Before leaving the wind capital to discover the beautiful beaches and volcanic landscapes that the island has to offer, take the time to stop in the charming streets of the island Old Lipari . In small narrow and picturesque streets, you can find typical trattorias, where you can enjoy pizza or pasta with freshly sinned fish.

Along the fishermen's harbour, the Marina Corta in the south, there is also a charming promenade, a real postcard decor with its small boats and picturesque buildings facing the sea.

5. Salina

In the shadow of its two volcanoes, now extinct, grows the superb vines of malvoy of the island of Salina . Charming and greener than its neighbors, it is a charming place to visit in the Eolian Islands. Guests can enjoy the delicious local wines, admire the picturesque houses of Malfa, on the edge of turquoise water, or stroll through the small port of Rinella.

No doubt: Salina is the incarnate charm! You will not miss the occupancy and small wonders to discover in this fantastic island of Eloienne.

6. Stromboli

What to do in the Isles? Stromboli is certainly the best known of the seven islands in the archipelago. Farntain, surrounded by mist, the Stromboli volcano is still active. Amazed by its explosions of lava, the elders would even call it the “light of the Mediterranean”! We do not come to this island for its beaches or picturesque villages, but to climb from day to night its volcano, 926 meters high.

After a rather difficult hike, you can admire a breathtaking show. No doubt this little adventure will leave you compelling memories!

7. Alicudi

After discovering the most tempestuous island in the archipelago, why not take the time to do nothing? Alicudi stands out by its absolute calm. Here, no white sand beach, but slippery rocks and pebbles where to enjoy the sun. Once you arrive on the island, you will be caught by its picturesque atmosphere.

Almost nothing has changed since the last century. For proof, the mule remains the main transport of the island! On site, you can climb the hundreds of stone steps leading to the tops of the island, from which you can enjoy superb views, or along the pebble shore.

In the evening, there is no choice: everyone is in the only bar on the island to enjoy a beer on the terrace facing the sunset. Pittoresque, right?

8. Filicudi

If the distant Alicudi scares you, you can stop at Filicudi. Here too the fierce reign. If the island does not welcome beautiful sandy beaches, you will always be able to rest and enjoy the sea on the pebble beaches or on some well chosen rocks.

The toughest will also be able to storm the paths, in the middle of the stone walls and Barbarie fig trees. On the heights, old hamlets await you, as well as magnificent views, such as Ficarrisi!

9. Panarea

Are you coming to visit the Isles? You can't miss Panarea or almost. Lighting by the film L’Aventura , the island lives mainly luxury tourism. If she lost her 70s, she always attracts the Italian jet set.

Despite its superficiality, the island offers some amazing scenery: a superb view of the Stromboli in the distance, some old hamlets, beautiful white villas, preserved seabeds and breathtaking landscapes.

10. A boat ride

And if to move between your different ones, while adding a magical dimension to your stay, you opted for a boat rental? In this way, you will enjoy even more of the Mediterranean paradise offered by the archipelago, without any constraints!

With or without skipper, you can rent a boat in the Isles to an individual. Which also means that you will avoid mass tourism.

What do others do in the Isles?

Are you still wondering what to do in the Isles? Then discover the activities and other places to discover during your stay:

• Relax Canneto, a charming seaside resort of Lipari, known for its pebble beach.
• Bathing Havana Beach, a beautiful beach with turquoise water enchanting to discover urgently in Lipari!
• Discover the marine fauna Filicudi by landing with the Filicudi Wildlife Conservation in an attempt to observe sea turtles and whales!
• Explore them marine caves of Filicudi by boat.
• Admire the incredible cliffs and crystal clear waters Spiaggia di Pollara, on the island of Salina.

How do I go to the Isles?

To visit the Isles, you will first have to go to Sicily. There is no airport in these populous islands. So you'll have to land at airports in Catania or Palermo . To find a flight at the best price, we recommend our partner's website Ulysses an online flight comparison.

To reach the islands from Sicily, you can choose the boat or helicopter (very expensive). From Catania Airport, a line bus will take you to the port of Milazzo from which you can reach the islands of Lipari or Vulcano in ferry . There are also links to these two islands from Palermo (between June and September), Messina, Reggio Calabria and Naples . You can consult the following sites to find out more about boat trips: Libertylines and Siremar .

From Lipari, it is easy to reach the other islands of the archipelago by boat. Including 10 minutes to reach Vulcano and to 1h20 for Stromboli.

Note that the frequencies of ferries obviously vary with the seasons and the importance of the islands. Non-resident cars are also banned on the islands during the summer.

Where to stay in the Isles?

If you have planned to visit the Isles, you should know that the best time for accommodation is May to September . In addition to the low frequency of transport to the archipelago, only a few establishments in Lipari and the other islands are open outside this period. In the summer, opportunities increase with prices.

For good markets, it is best to avoid the months of July and August. It is also recommended to turn to rooms at the living room or cottages. Fortunately, by taking you in advance, you will have no trouble finding your dream accommodation on one of the beautiful Isles! To find a hotel at the best price, head to this Compare hotels .