Aeolian Islands

Meet the Locals

The Aeolian Islands are a fascinating volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily. They are named after Aeolus, the demigod of the winds.  Lipari is the biggest, most populated Aeolian Island and has historically been the most significant. Lipari offers a grand archaeological museum housed in the buildings around the Duomo. Also impressive are the white shiny pumice quarries, which, overlooking the sea, give the water an amazing turquoise hue. Vulcano, which gives its name to all volcanoes, is particularly famous for its sulfurous mud baths and its smoking main crater. A man named Stevenson lived on Vulcano until the last major eruption in 1888. He never returned although his villa is still visible and intact. The tour departs from Taormina by bus to Milazzo harbour on the North coast of Sicily then continues by private boat to Lipari. In Lipari there is plenty of time to visit the old town center, to see the interesting archaeological park or simply shop for souvenirs. Guests then transfer by boat to the island of Vulcano for a second stop. Here there is the possibility to swim in the warm sulphureous seawater or enjoy the beach and have a delicious lunch (optional). On the way back, the tour follows the coastline to see the Faraglioni Rocks, the Horse Cave and the Mermaid's Rock.

Meet your skipper in Lipari and embark on your trip around the island of Vulcano and the Vulcanello Peninsula. Admire the fantastic island from the sea and then sail around the peninsula. See the Grotta del Cavallo, the Piscina di Venere, and the Testa del Leone, before docking at the port on the island. Visit the nearby thermal mud lake and take a relaxing bath in its sulfurous waters. Enjoy a meal in the nearby village, visit the black sand beach, or climb up Vulcano to the crater to experience breathtaking views of the entire archipelago.

Explore Lipari and Salina of the Aeolian Islands archipelago on this boat tour. Stop in Salina to visit the town of Santa Marina and the small village of Lingua. Discover some of the most magical corners of Lipari, most accessible via boat. First, head out to explore Lipari from the water. Spot Monte Rosa (also “Mount Rosa”), the village of Canneto, white beaches, and more. After a few minutes of sailing, see Pumice Beach with its turquoise waters. Then, arrive at the village of Acquacalda, where you can admire the white pumice caves from the sea. Next, move away from Lipari and sail towards Salina, where you will stop to visit and independently explore the town of Santa Marina and the village of Lingua on foot. In the bay of Pollara, the semicircle shape and high, layered walls of an ancient half-submerged crater give off the impression of a natural amphitheater. The bay is famous for some scenes from the latest masterpiece film by Massimo Troisi: "Il Postino" (“The Postman”). After your stop in Santa Marina Salina, stop in Lingua, a small seaside village with a natural salt lake. The last surprise will be the west of Lipari, which is mostly accessible from the sea. Caves, bays, and strange rock formations will follow one after the other. Immerse yourself in this unique landscape before the conclusion of the tour.