Aeolian Islands: Lipari, Stromboli and Ferries from Milazzo

The Aeolian Islands are seven islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Panarea, Filicudi and Alicudi. UNESCO inscribed the group as World Heritage in 2000 for its volcanic landforms. You reach it only by sea, usually from Milazzo on Sicily's north coast.

Which seven islands make up the Aeolian Islands?

Island	What it is known for
Lipari	largest island, main port and the place to change boats for the others
Vulcano	active volcano and a mud bath; the last eruption ran from 1888 to 1890
Salina	second-largest island, highest point of the archipelago (Fossa delle Felci, 962 m), Malvasia wine and capers
Stromboli	volcano with near-continuous activity (Italy's civil protection service, Protezione Civile)
Panarea	small island with a Bronze Age settlement at Capo Milazzese
Filicudi	western island with a Bronze Age settlement at Capo Graziano
Alicudi	the westernmost island of the group

Why are the Aeolian Islands a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

UNESCO inscribed the Aeolian Islands in 2000 under criterion (viii), which recognizes outstanding geological features. The islands show the building and destruction of volcanic islands and ongoing volcanic processes. They have been studied since at least the 18th century and gave volcanology two types of eruption, the Vulcanian and the Strombolian. The protected area covers 1,216 hectares.

How do you get to the Aeolian Islands?

The usual route runs through Milazzo. The Liberty Lines hydrofoil takes about 1 hour 5 minutes from there to Lipari, the Siremar ferry about two hours. Only the ferry carries cars (as of October 2026). More on the port: Milazzo.

Lipari is the hub for the other islands. If you want to visit several islands, plan the crossings between them around each operator's timetable and expect to change boats on Lipari. Boat trips to the islands also start from the marina of Portorosa near Furnari. Timetables change with the season and the weather, so check with the operator shortly before you travel.

Where do you swim in the Aeolian Islands?

The coasts mostly drop steeply into the sea, and small coves and rock platforms replace long beaches. The municipality of Lipari received the Blue Flag of the FEE foundation for the first time in 2026, for the beaches of Vulcano Gelso, Acqua Calda, Canneto, Vulcano Acque Termali and Stromboli Ficogrande. Sea temperatures by month are on the travel planning page; more coastal places are listed under beach.

What applies at the active volcanoes?

Stromboli and Vulcano are active volcanoes. On Stromboli the Sciara del Fuoco, the "stream of fire" on the northwest flank, channels lava and ejected material down to the sea. Vulcano last erupted from 1888 to 1890. Walks to the craters follow official rules that change with volcanic activity. Italy's civil protection service (Protezione Civile) publishes current notices, so check them before a climb.

Which province do the Aeolian Islands belong to?

The islands belong to the province of Messina. The towns of the coast and its hinterland are described on the province of Messina page. If you want to combine the islands with a stay on the north coast, you can browse vacation rentals in Sicily.