Aeolian Island Hopping: Your Way, Your Guide

The seven Aeolian Islands comprise Lipari, Salina, Stromboli, Vulcano, Panarea, Filicudi and Alicudi. The volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea sits at the tip of Italy’s toe. Lying north of Sicily, and sometimes referred to as the Lipari Islands or The Seven Pearls of Sicily, the diminutive isles collectively make an idyllic Aeolian island hopping yacht itinerary, where hidden coves, black sands and vineyard terrain are a daily treat.

Which Aeolian Islands should I visit?

Each of the seven Aeolian Islands offer something unique, from the mud baths of Vulcano and the vineyards of Salina, to the designer fashion boutiques of Panarea and the nightly eruptions on Stromboli. Including all seven islands in an island-hopping adventure is the only way to get a rounded experience of the jewels that can be found off the coast of Sicily.

Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands. Lipari town offers a fortified acropolis, flower-hung alleys, and the pretty fishing harbour of Marina Corta. To escape the bustle, hike to the Cave di Caolino, a disused kaolinite quarry on the northwestern coast, or head to the beach at Porticello to look for large chunks of obsidian, which can still be found washed up on the pumice beach. For something a little less rustic, head to Hotel Tritone for a dip in the outdoor thermal baths – a signature of the island’s Roman past.

On Vulcano, a dip in the emerald waters of the Piscina di Venere is a must. But no one leaves this island without completing a tour of its smouldering namesake volcano. Thrill seekers will enjoy a warm mud bath – or Fanghi di Vulcano – followed by a swim in the bubbling mid-sea fumaroles (openings in the seabed that emit steam and volcanic gases). If you can’t stomach the smell of sulphur, head to the spa at the Oasi Della Salute for a dip in its three thermal hydromassage pools.

Perhaps the most exhilarating of all the islands, Stromboli ignites the soul and lights up the night sky. The famed nightly volcanic eruptions are a must-see event and prove particularly spectacular when viewed from the comfort of a yacht. On land, access to the peak is only permitted with a guide, though worth the exertions.

For something a little less strenuous, meandering through the white-washed villages will deliver you to quaint shops and eateries, while time on the beach is best spent sheltered by one of the island’s many lava crags. Better yet, tender to the offshore islet of Strombolicchio in the most northern point of the Sicilian region or stroll along the black-sand beach at Piscità. The Dolce & Gabbana villa was located here for 20 years, before the fashion duo upped sticks to nearby Salina.

Panarea is the smallest of the Aeolian islands, but by no means shy. Due to its popularity with the rich and famous – Giorgio Armani, Will Smith, Jeff Bezos and Oprah Winfrey to name a few – it has also become the most expensive. The beaches offer more adventurous diving and snorkelling than found on neighbouring islands, with Cala Junco considered one of the most beautiful. Yet when the sun goes down, the real attraction comes to life, Panarea’s many trendy clubs and bars. Begin with an aperitif at music locale Banacalii Bar, then dance the night away at Raya, a mecca of Sicilian nightlife and considered the destination club on the island.

Arguably the greenest and most care-free of the islands, Salina brings a savoir faire to its culinary servings. Head to Capofaro for a farm-to-table lunch in the shadow of the Monte Fossa hills to sample wine and olive oil from the Tasca d’Almerita wine estate. Aside from the velvety black beaches, the capers are an island delicacy, best served with a fresh catch of the day, and followed by Salina’s signature zesty Malvasia dessert.

Culinary delights

Fresh seafood forms the bedrock of the Aeolian diet. Locally sourced, seasonal produce is often grown organically and served alongside succulent fish pulled straight from the sea, such as moscardini (octopus, cooked with tomato, capers, wild fennel and chilli). The mainstays of olives and capers are paired with almonds and prickly pears. The spaghetti with almonds served at La Sirena is a highlight.

And no stay in Italy would be complete without a slice of rustic pizza. For a twist on the ordinary, try the pane cunzato (toasted bread with tomatoes, tuna, anchovies, aubergines, capers and ricotta salad) at Bar Alfredo on Salina, washed down with one of its famed granitas.

The remote western islands of Filicudi and Alicudi are achingly wild. Days are spent cliff diving into the Mediterranean Sea, basking in the warmth of the sun and winding down from everyday life. On Filicudi, villages are connected by old mule tracks. On Alicudi, the gentle lapping of waves forms the daily soundtrack. Here, the general vibe is about off-the-grid relaxation, away from the distraction of work, laptops and noise.

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