AEOLIAN ISLANDS ITINERAY

Lipari is the largest and most vibrant island in the Aeolian Archipelago, a place that captivates travelers with its natural beauty and tranquil charm, while offering a variety of tourist experiences. With its picturesque center nestled at the foot of the Rocca del Castello, an ancient Greek acropolis, Lipari is the beating heart of the archipelago. Here, history blends with everyday life, as the past reflects in the charming shops, restaurants, and outdoor cafés that invite you to slow down and enjoy the magic of the island.

The Piazzetta di Marina Corta is the hub of social life, a delightful spot where you can sit in one of the typical bars and enjoy an aperitif while the sea reflects the golden hues of the sunset. The narrow streets of Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the main street, offer everything a traveler could desire: artisan boutiques, refined restaurants, and the relaxed atmosphere of an island that knows how to blend modernity with tradition.

Where to Stop

Lipari is also famous for its dreamlike beaches, offering crystal-clear waters and breathtaking scenery, ideal for those seeking peace or an opportunity for exploration.

• Spiaggia Bianca (or della Papesca): One of the most iconic beaches on Lipari, famous for its light-colored sand and transparent sea, located on the island’s eastern side, north of Canneto.
• Spiaggia Valle Muria: A more secluded paradise, where tranquility reigns supreme.
• Spiaggia Praia di Vinci: A small, pristine cove, perfect for a refreshing dip.
• Spiaggia di Porticello: A livelier beach but equally enchanting, offering a spectacular view.
• Spiaggia di Acquacalda: With its golden sand, this is one of the most beloved beaches by the locals.
• Spiaggia di Canneto: The most popular beach, with plenty of services, ideal for a relaxing day.
• Spiaggia di Marina Corta: A small bay facing the harbor, perfect for a peaceful sunset stroll.
• Scogli Le Formiche: A picturesque sea spot, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts.
• Faraglioni di Pietralunga and Pietra Menalda: Two spectacular rock formations emerging from the sea, ideal for nature and photography lovers.

Recommended Restaurants

Filippino (Michelin Star) Located within the Therasia Resort Sea & Spa, Filippino is a Michelin-starred restaurant offering a top-tier gastronomic experience. Chef Giuseppe Biuso presents a gourmet cuisine that blends tradition with innovation, using the finest fresh local ingredients. With a spectacular view over the Aeolian Sea and an elegant setting, Filippino is the perfect place for a refined dinner that stimulates all the senses.

La Capannina Located in the heart of Lipari, La Capannina is an exclusive restaurant that combines Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of elegance. The menu varies according to the seasons, but fish-based dishes and Sicilian specialties are always the stars. The location, with a view of the sea and an intimate atmosphere, makes it ideal for a romantic dinner or a special evening with friends.

These restaurants represent the best of Lipari’s gastronomic offerings, providing gourmet dishes, impeccable service, and an atmosphere that makes every meal a special occasion.

Moorings and Bays in Lipari

Lipari is well-equipped to welcome yacht owners with its floating docks at Pignataro and Marina Lunga, just steps from the main street. Among the most beautiful bays on the island are Marina Corta, famous for its intimacy, and the picturesque white sand beaches that stretch out into breathtaking panoramas. The calm and crystal-clear waters are perfect for anchoring and enjoying a day of pure relaxation.

Lipari is the perfect destination for those seeking a vacation that combines the charm of nature, millennia of culture, and the typical hospitality of the Aeolian Islands. Every corner of the island has something to offer, whether it’s a moment of relaxation on the beach or a stroll through the historic alleys of the town center. An island that, more than being visited, is meant to be lived.

Panarea, the smallest and most sophisticated of the Aeolian Islands, captivates with its natural beauty and exclusive atmosphere. This corner of paradise, along with the islets surrounding it – Basiluzzo, Spinazzola, Bottaro, Dattilo, Lisca Bianca, and the fragment of Lisca Nera – forms its own archipelago, situated between Lipari and Stromboli. Here, the summer nightlife explodes on the hottest days of August, but for the rest of the year, a calm and serene atmosphere prevails.

What makes Panarea unique is its perfect blend of pristine nature and architecture in harmony with the environment. The cubic Aeolian-style houses, flat terraces, lime-plastered walls, and vibrant bougainvillea climbing up the white walls are just a few of the elements that define the landscape. This is all enhanced by the intense aromas of the Mediterranean scrub, the fresh and crystalline air free from pollution (here, there are no cars, and one either walks or uses small eco-taxis). The true magic of Panarea, however, emerges when the sun sets, and the stars, along with the soft glow of the moon, illuminate the silent streets, without public lighting, creating a unique atmosphere.

But it’s not just the architecture and landscape that make it special: the sea, with its colors ranging from turquoise to emerald green, creates emotions every time you gaze at the horizon. In many parts of the coast, the transparency of the water is so intense that it feels like being in a tropical paradise, where the white sand blends with the blue of the sea.

Where to Stop

• Spiaggia della Calcara: One of Panarea’s natural wonders, where fumaroles of steam still emerge from cracks in the rocks in an explosion of sulfuric colors. The volcanic activity leaves its mark here, with temperatures reaching up to 100°C, offering a unique sensory experience.
• Baia di Calajunco: The famous natural pool of Panarea, a protected corner where crystal-clear waters are nestled between the rocks of Punta Milazzese. A perfect spot to relax and swim in a sea that feels like it’s straight out of a dream.
• Caletta Zimmari: The only sandy beach on the island, located between the center of Panarea and Punta Milazzese. During summer, it becomes a popular gathering place for tourists, with its reddish sand contrasting spectacularly with the blue of the sea.
• The Islets: Basiluzzo, Spinazzola, Bottaro, Dattilo, and Lisca Bianca are small paradise spots worth visiting. Each of these islets has its own unique features, offering breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters, and untouched nature.

Recommended Restaurants

• Hycesia (Michelin): A Michelin-starred gastronomic experience that reflects the sophistication and elegance of Panarea. The restaurant offers haute Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant and intimate setting.
• Raya: The ideal restaurant for an aperitif on the terrace, with a breathtaking view of the Aeolian archipelago. The perfect place to enjoy a cocktail at sunset and immerse yourself in the exclusive atmosphere of the island.
• Ristorante da Pina: A traditional and cozy restaurant offering typical Sicilian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. An excellent choice for those seeking an authentic experience.

Moorings and Bays in Panarea

Panarea does not have an official marina, but it is possible to moor in the area in front of the town, a well-protected spot that offers a charming view of the island and its crystal-clear waters. The bays of Panarea, such as those of Calajunco and Zimmari, are ideal for a tranquil and picturesque anchorage, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

In every corner of Panarea, time seems to stand still, between the serenity of its streets and the enchantment of the sea that surrounds it. It is a place where every detail tells a story of elegance, nature, and tranquility.

Stromboli is undoubtedly the most fascinating and mysterious of the Aeolian Islands. Its identity is inextricably linked to the “Iddu” volcano, one of the few mountains in the world with continuous explosive activity. Every 15 minutes, the crater of the volcano produces spectacular lava eruptions, which, as night falls, light up the sky in an incredible dance of fire. These natural displays, visible from kilometers away, are the true essence of Stromboli, an island that has always captivated travelers with its primal power.

The island is made up of two main villages: San Vincenzo and San Bartolo, located in the northeastern part, forming the main settlement of Stromboli. To the south, on the southern coast, lies Ginostra, a small, isolated village with only about 30 residents in winter, accessible only by sea. This remote corner of the island offers total peace, away from the tourist crowds, and provides breathtaking views of the Sicilian coast and the surrounding islands.

Next to Stromboli is Lo Strombolicchio, a tiny islet of only 300 square meters, uninhabited, with its lighthouse towering over the surface, making it an ideal destination for a picturesque visit.

The Sciara del Fuoco

An unmissable experience for those visiting Stromboli is the nighttime excursion. From the sea, you can admire the spectacular Sciara del Fuoco, a stream of lava sliding down the volcano’s slope, flowing into the sea in an incandescent river that illuminates the night. The wild energy and heat emanating from the volcano create a unique atmosphere, making this excursion unforgettable.

Hiking on the Volcano

For hiking enthusiasts, Stromboli offers the opportunity to take a trek up the volcano with expert local guides. The hike begins from the town center in the late afternoon, leading up the lava rock ridge that overlooks the Sciara del Fuoco. The trail, which reaches the crater, offers a spectacular view of the island and the surrounding sea, while the atmosphere becomes magical as the sun sets and the lava begins to flow.

Recommended Restaurant

• Punta Lena (Michelin): A restaurant that captures the essence of the sea and the land of the Aeolian Islands, with dishes that celebrate the freshness of local ingredients in an exclusive setting. Perfect for those looking for a high-level gastronomic experience in an intimate and evocative environment.

Moorings and Bays in Stromboli

Stromboli does not have an official marina, but it is possible to moor using the mooring field located in front of the town, in a protected and safe area. The view from the water of this volcanic island, with its majestic crater rising against the sky, is absolutely extraordinary and adds a magical touch to your experience.

Filicudi, the oldest of the Aeolian Islands, is a corner of land where time seems to have stood still. With its steep and rugged coastline, the island is the emerged cone of an extinct volcano, covered by lush vegetation that ranges from broom and ferns to heather and prickly pears. Its geology, bearing witness to millennia of history, fascinates anyone who steps foot on this island where nature reigns supreme.

The coasts of Filicudi are an extraordinary wonder. Cliffs plunging into the sea, deep and mysterious caves, magnificent sea stacks rising from the crystal-clear water: every corner of the island tells a story of wild beauty. For nature lovers, Filicudi offers a sensory experience that engages every fiber of the body. Away from the noises of the city, the sound of the sea and the winds blends with the scent of the Mediterranean scrub, creating a unique atmosphere.

Must-See Spots

La Canna, the famous rock that rises majestically 74 meters above the sea, is one of the most iconic places on Filicudi, an unmissable stop on any boat trip. The waters surrounding the island are ideal for diving, with crystal-clear transparency revealing extraordinary seabeds, while the most fascinating caves, such as Bue Marino and Maccatore, enchant with their mysterious shapes and the light filtering through the water.

For those wishing to explore the land, Filicudi offers trails leading to breathtaking views. The Capo Graziano archaeological site, with the remains of a prehistoric village, is a journey into the past. For the more adventurous, a hike to the summit of Fossa delle Felci mountain, starting from Val di Chiesa, promises a spectacular view of the entire Aeolian archipelago. There are also fascinating routes leading to the Macine, Ficarrisi, or Zucco Grande areas, with panoramic views extending to the islands of Salina, Lipari, and Vulcano.

Aperitivo at the Filicudi Saloon

No visit to Filicudi is complete without stopping by the Filicudi Saloon, an authentic landmark that has been welcoming visitors for over half a century in the picturesque village of Pecorini a Mare. Here, among sailors and travelers, you can sip a glass of Malvasia, the local wine, or one of many Sicilian labels, accompanied by an atmosphere that evokes the charm of times gone by. An aperitif at the Saloon is an experience not to be missed, an opportunity to savor the tradition and beauty of Filicudi.

Moorings and Bays in Filicudi

Filicudi does not have tourist ports or docks, but it offers an excellent mooring solution with the mooring field in front of the village. Here, anchored in a peaceful and protected spot, you can enjoy the enchanting view of the island and the crystal-clear waters surrounding it, far from the crowds, in a true corner of paradise.

Alicudi, far from the chaos and modern conveniences, is the most remote and unspoiled island of the Aeolian Archipelago, a corner of paradise where time seems to have stood still. Here, life flows to the rhythm of nature, far from paved roads, shops, and noise. It is a place where the absence of traffic and complete tranquility take center stage, and the only means of transport are the slow steps of the donkeys, which travel the dusty paths crossing the island.

With just one small inhabited area located on the eastern coast, Alicudi is divided into minimal fractions, each with its own rustic and silent charm. Simplicity and authenticity are the true queens of this hidden gem of the Mediterranean. Alicudi has no nightclubs or banks, but only the charm of a small restaurant with a spectacular view, where silence and peace reign supreme.

The coves of Alicudi, nestled between the rocks and washed by crystal-clear waters, can only be reached by sea, offering an exclusive experience to those seeking true contact with nature. Every corner of this island invites you to stop and breathe deeply, enjoying a beauty that seems timeless, without haste, without compromises.

Alicudi is the perfect destination for those who wish to rejuvenate far from everything, in a place where every sunset and every sea breeze tells a story of pure serenity. If you seek absolute tranquility, authenticity, and direct contact with nature, this island is the ideal retreat to recharge both body and mind.