For more information and to book please visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or let us arrange your whole trip, by calling +44 (0)20 8987 4312 or from the USA dial 1 866 610 3867.
Once believed to be the home of Aeolus and Vulcan, the god of the winds and the god of fire, they are now worshipped by island-lovers drawn to the cobalt waters, secret coves, brooding volcanoes and windswept mountainsides. The islands mix elemental forces in extraordinarily variety: the fiery volcano of Stromboli; black-sand beaches of sulphurous Vulcano; glamorous bougainvillea-framed hideaways on Panarea; the lush vineyards of Salina. Serene and peaceful and yet volatile and capricious – a playground fit for the gods.
Click here to see our separate guide to mainland Sicily.
Hire a boat to reach the secluded coves and grottoes that line the coasts of the archipelago. The harbours are full of local operators ready to charter, or ask your hotel to arrange a vessel.
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and romantic boutique hotels in Aeolian Islands, Sicily
This boutique island hideaway is pure Med heaven with simple, elegant rooms tastefully furnished in Hotel Raya’s signature colours of blue and white.
Hotel Signum on the island of Salina is set around a series of landscaped terraces, bursting with scented lime-trees and tumbles of bougainvillea.
Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
As with most islands, it is the harbours of the Aeolian Islands that have a buzz of activity as the day’s catch of fish or tourists are unloaded. This is one of the best places in the archipelago to sit and watch the spectacle. In summer, fashionable folk gather here for cocktails, music and dinner.
La Sirenetta Park Hotel, Via Marina 33, Stromboli
The islands’ most famous restaurant, frequented by celebrities such as Sting and Naomi Campbell, is an unprepossessing century-old family-run fish specialist. Try stromboli – black squid-ink risotto with fish, chillies and tomatoes, while sitting on the jasmine-scented terrace.
Piazza Mazzini, 98055, Lipari, Isole Eolie (closed on Mondays and during winter)
‘Da Pina’’s pergola is a hot spot, great for trying house specials such as fish all'acqua pazz and gnocchi with aubergine. There’s an extensive wine list, but they won’t serve it by the glass, so dining here is an all-or-nothing affair.
via San Pietro, Isola di Panarea, Messina
This small-but-perfectly-formed eaterie serves some of the most honest and super-fresh seafood in the Aeolians. Definitely worth making the effort to find its remote location.
Gelso, Vulcano
This is the place to head to watch the world go by while enjoying drinks from the huge menu and live music.
Corso Vittorio Emanuele 191, Lipari
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