Summary
Short description
Venture to the Aeolian Islands to view active volcanoes, crystal waters and lush vineyards
Highlights
- Explore this magical cluster of volcanic islands off Sicily’s northeastern coast
- Take a night boat to watch lava erupt from Stromboli’s broad central volcano into the sea
- Try a wine-tasting tour of Salina’s famed vineyards, and admire the picturesque setting of Il Postino
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Beach | Off the beaten track | Relaxation
Experience your own piece of paradise, as this itinerary brings you to the magical Aeolian Islands. Located off Sicily's northeastern coast, this itinerary begins in Lipari, the largest of the seven islands. Get attuned to island-hopping life, visiting the busy port and pastel-coloured seafront set against a typical Mediterranean landscape. The next stop, Stromboli, is sure to entertain nature lovers with its dramatic volcanic silhouettes and black sand beaches. Then end in Salina, home to lush landscapes and the famous Malvasia wines.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-3
UK/Catania/Lipari
Fly to Catania and take a private transfer to Milazzo for your first hydrofoil service to Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. Lipari is 17 nautical miles (one hour) away from the Sicilian mainland.
The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the main town of this group of seven islands listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site since 2000 for their “outstanding record of volcanic island-building and destruction, and ongoing volcanic phenomena.” Over the next two days we recommend a visit to Saint Bartholomew Cathedral, the archeological museum, the vineyards of Tenuta Castellano, the coral beach at Cannot and of course the smoking crater of neighbouring Vulcano.
Stay: Hotel Tritone, Lipari, Aeolian Islands
Meals: B
Days
4-5
Stromboli
Transfer to the harbour and depart via reserved hydrofoil to Stromboli, the only island with a large active volcano. The island consists of three small villages surrounded by palm trees, olive groves and citrus trees where small dark-sand beaches are succeeded by rocky spurs.
Molten lava can be seen erupting on the slope of the Sciara di Fuoco. The sight at night is magnificent and is possible to go by boat and watch the lava descending into the sea.
Stay: La Sirenetta Park Hotel, Stromboli, Aeolian Islands
Meals: B
Days
6-7
Salina
Salina is the second-largest island in the archipelago, formed by twin volcanic cones and the saddle between them. It is a cosy green oasis, and produces excellent wine. It was also the setting for the Oscar-winning film Il Postino, a fictionalised (and transplanted) account of an episode in the life of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda.
Day
8
Salina/Catania/UK
After breakfast, take the hydrofoil back to Milazzo, before transferring to Catania airport for your flight back home.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
8-day tailor-made self-guided tour
from £1,240 pp incl. flights
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