Island paradise north of Sicily

The Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily are a paradise of magnificent, varied landscapes and crystal clear sea waters. The have been World Heritage listed since 2000.

Each of the enchanting sette perle (seven pearls) Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli and Vulcano has its own and very special character. When visiting Sicily, and if you have got the opportunity, take a closer look at this Aeolian "island dream".

The sette perle – varied and individual

The main island of Lipari with its extremely varied and charming landscape is the liveliest and most visited of the Aeolian Islands. Lush green and fertile Salina is the second largest island, but, just like Alicudi and Filicudi, it counts rather few visitors and is ideal for those who prefer a bit more quiet. The island of Panarea is considered the summer destination of well-to-do Italians.

On Vulcano, the island closest to Sicily, there's sizzling and steaming everywhere, the strong smell of sulfur rising from the earth's interior is your steady companion. A bath in the warm sulfur springs is, however, an experience of a special kind. A visit to the island of Stromboli, where you get to admire Europe's only permanently active volcano at close range, is considered a highlight by many travelers.
Lovely bathing bays are found on all the islands.

The Aeolian Islands are of volcanic origin, which is quite obvious on Stromboli and Vulcano, and part of a volcanic chain stretching from Mount Vesuvius to Mount Etna, which makes them so interesting and fascinating.

Tips for insights into the culture/history of the islands: The Archaeological Museum on Lipari documents the history of the Aeolian Islands. The Museo dell’Emigrazione Eoliana on Salina provides information about the large-scale emigration at the beginning of the 20th century, when one third of the population left the islands to settle in America and Australia.

The magnificent landscape of the Lipari Islands has more than once been the setting of internationally known motion pictures. On Stromboli, for example, Roberto Rossellini shot the world-famous film "Stromboli" (1949) starring Ingrid Bergman.

How to get there

There are various ways to get to the Lipari Islands: Hydrofoils depart from Milazzo, Messina, Naples, Palermo and Reggio Calabria. Boats depart from Milazzo and Naples. The nearest airports are at Catania, Palermo, Reggio Calabria and Naples.

Regular local bus service: You can get around by bus on the islands of Lipari, Vulcano and Salina.