About Sicily

Eolian islands frequently asked questions

The Aeolian Islands are an archipelago belonging to the Aeolian Arc located in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea, north of the Sicilian coast. The Aeolian islands are worth a visit. For this reason, here is a guide that will help you organize your trip to these wonderful lands.

How to reach the Aeolian Islands?

The Aeolian Islands are accessible daily by ferry. On the Mrferry website you will find a search engine that gives you all the possibilities from Milazzo or Messina. The furthest island is Stromboli. The journey to Stromboli takes an hour if it is direct and up to 3 hours if it stops. Attention the last departure from Stromboli to return to Milazzo or Messina is at 6pm in summer, spring at 4h15pm. The ferry or hydrofoil is the most economical solution. Average price per trip from 20 to 30/35 euros. If you go to Stromboli to see the night explosions, this solution is not the best. The ideal solution would be to stay at least one night or choose daily-cruises.

What are daily-cruises?

Mini-cruises are a great solution for those who have little time and want to visit at least two islands on the same day. They are also a great solution to see the Stromboli explosions at night. There are daily-cruises organized from Milazzo that arrive first in Panarea then in Stromboli to the place where the explosions of Stromboli can be observed. Daily-cruises make stops on the islands you have chosen and you will have time for a walk in the island.
Warning: being one of the few ways available to go in a single day on the islands, in high season, there could be many people. It is not a tourist trap! It is just a means of transport available to tourists. During the navigation, there will be some explanations in different languages by radio. No excursion is planned on the islands, you will be completely autonomous. It is always best to buy your tickets in advance online or from a travel agency. Prices start from 55€ per person up to 100/110€ per person. I recommend taking only two steps and not 3 because you will have less time to visit the islands. In any case, the choice is personal.

Type of daily-cruises:

• Milazzo Lipari-Vulcano Milazzo
• Milazzo Panarea-Stromboli by night Milazzo
• Milazzo Lipari-Panarea-stromboli, Milazzo
• Milazzo Vulcano-Panarea-Stromboli Milazzo

Where to park your car in Milazzo or Messina?

There are daily car parks in the area at an average cost of 10 € per day. In general, when you buy a daily-cruise, you can also book parking. It is easy to find parking online.

Are there private excursions from Milazzo to the Aeolian Islands?

There is another way, but much more expensive to visit the Aeolian Islands: private excursions from Milazzo. It is an ideal solution for groups. You will have at your disposal a boat and a skipper all day. Price starts from 1200€ per day.

How long to visit the Aeolian Islands?

The Aeolian Islands are a “piece” of Sicily in Sicily. The ideal would be to be able to spend holidays only on the islands to be able to appreciate them. Of course, this is not always possible, so we recommend staying at least three days and two nights in Lipari the largest island and at least two days and one night on the other islands.

Is it possible to go from one island to another?

If you have the opportunity to stay a few days in the Aeolian Islands, you can take the opportunity easily join the other islands. There are many local shipping companies that offer these transfers at low prices. If you want to enjoy the sun, the sea, relax and discover the hidden corners of the islands in privacy, you can also choose a private boat trip. It is advisable to book in advance especially in high season. Prices start from 500€ for half a day. Perfect for a group of friends or families.

How to see explosions at Stromboli? Trekking or boat ride?

This answer depends on you. If you like to walk in nature, we recommend the path to the “Sciara del Fuoco”. You will reach 400m high, this is the maximum allowed by local law at the moment. Given the peculiarity of the volcanic environment, this type of excursion cannot be done independently, you must always be accompanied by a volcanological guide. Cost of the excursion from 30 € per person in a group.
If, you like comfort or for other reasons, you cannot make long walking, the solution is boat trips from Stromboli or daily-cruises (see question N2. ). If you are on the island, it is easy to find this type of excursions from the main port of Stromboli. Cost 20/30€ per person. In any case, explosions are “almost” always guaranteed with some regularity. Of course, it’s still a volcano and it may not explode for a few hours. It’s rare, but it can happen;-).

What to do in Vulcano island?

Vulcano is another island with an active volcano, but not erupting . It is possible to make excursions independently or with a guide.
The best months to visit Vulcano are May, June, September and October. Autumn, September and October, is certainly cooler, and you can always take a bath.
Access to the volcano is regulated by an automatic traffic light system activated by the municipality of Lipari according to atmospheric conditions. Indeed, the wind direction determines the health conditions of the crater area.
With red light, the path to the crater is CLOSED and the climb to the crater of “La Fossa” PROHIBITED.
With green light, the path to the crater is OPEN and the climb to the crater of “La Fossa” ALLOWED.
The excursion to the volcano is possible, but only at certain times and only when the light is green.
From 6:30am to 10:30am and from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. From April to 20 October. Walking is simple, but you should always have appropriate and seasonal clothing.

Are the Aeolian Islands suitable for children?

The Aeolian Islands do not present any particular problems for children even if it is an island intended more for adults than for children. The beaches are easily accessible.
10. Should I rent a car on site?
In the islands, it is good to move on foot, by bike, by scooter and as little as possible by car. Some islands like Stromboli do not even offer the possibility of bringing in a car. Lipari is the largest island, but you can do without a car, as public transport or taxis work quite well.
11. Are islands more expensive than land?
It all depends on what we need, but in general prices tend to be higher, but not very high. This is due to both the distance from the mainland and the fact that we are located in tourist places. A minimum budget for a night in the Aeolian Islands starts from 80-90€.

Are the Aeolian islands windy?

The islands are named after the god Eole (Àiolos, Αἴολος in ancient Greek), king of the winds. Yes, there is often wind and for this reason ferries and sea transport can be delayed or cancelled.

What to see on the other islands?

The answer would be very complex and depends mainly on you. There is nature and culture in the Aeolian Islands. Surely if you like the sea, the islands are perfect for this kind of holiday. The islands that require the most time are certainly: Lipari, Stromboli, Vulcano and Salina. The others are easily accessible and visitable with ferries: Alicudi, Filicudi, Panarea.

What about Salina?

One of the islands that stands almost away, but definitely worth a visit is Salina.
Salina is the least touristy of the Aeolian Islands and the most authentic. Agriculture is the main activity and can be seen from the cultivated territory to the vineyards, capers, citrus and flowering gardens. Pollina beach, in particular, was the shooting location of the film Oscar Prize «the postman» with the wonderful Massimo Troisi.