Luxury holidays in Aeolian Islands

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.

Areas in Aeolian Islands

When to go

Spring and autumn are warm and tranquil. July and August can be very busy and prices soar. Ferry and hydrofoil services are sometime cancelled, particularly in winter, due to heavy seas.

Getting there

  • Planes

    The nearest airport is Palermo. You can reach the islands by five-seater helicopter with Air Panarea (www.airpanarea.com).
  • Boats

    Hydrofoils connect the islands with Milazzo and Reggio di Calabria, as well as Messina, Palermo and Naples (summer only).
  • Automobiles

    A car is unnecessary. If you want your own wheels then scooters can be hired on the larger islands. Panarea is car-free.
  • Taxis

    Golf buggies on Panarea (hold on tight!); three-wheeled Vespa pickups on Vulcano. Taxis can be scarce and somewhat undependable. Get your hotel to order one for you.