Luxury holidays 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.