The full tour of the Aeolian Islands
10 days exploring each Aeolian Island
Discover the Aeolian Islands archipelago, a true volcanic gem where the meeting of fire and water continues to shape the landscape.
Each of the 7 islands, with its own unique features, deserves special attention... and luckily, you'll see them all! From Lipari, the largest island in the archipelago, to the striking landscapes of Stromboli and its active volcano, via the green island of Salina where you will spend two days, you will discover diverse panoramas and unique atmospheres. Vulcano, with its sulfurous fumaroles, Panarea with its impressive cliffs, and Filicudi with its prehistoric remains will amaze you with their stunning contrasts.
Highlights
- Discover the 7 Aeolian Islands
- Comfortable hotels
- Several hiking options per day
10 days
/ 9 nights
Price: Consult us
Activity
Hike
Journey TypeTrip Multi-center
Trip Type
Self-guided
Hiking Grade : Terrain Difficulty : Possible departures from 25 September to 25 September
Day by day program
Day 1 : Arrival at Catane or Palerme airport
Take a public transport to Milazzo.
TRANSFER TIME : around 2 hours
ACCOMMODATION : hotel *** or 4* at
Milazzo
Day 2 : Visit Filicudi, the wild island
Day trip to Filicudi Island, the wildest of the archipelago's
islands, declared a protected nature reserve.
There are two options for this day trip to Filicudi
Island.
- Discover Filicudi's history
In Filicudi, follow in the footsteps of the island's ancient
inhabitants on a pleasant hike between villages. The route takes
you along charming cobbled streets and stone stairways, revealing
stunning views of the sea and surrounding hills at every
turn.
The trail leads you to the remains of a Bronze Age village: 27
huts with lichen-covered foundations, set on a terraced hill
overlooking the horizon. This archaeological site, steeped in
history, offers a spectacular view of the blue waves and the
contours of the island.
On your way back down, you will have the opportunity to visit
Filicudi's only real beach, a little corner of paradise perfect for
swimming in clear, refreshing waters.
HIKING TIME : 3h30
DISTANCE : 7 km
ASCENT : 480 m
DESCENT : 480 m
- Monte Fossa delle Felci
A magnificent balcony trail follows the ridge of Filicudi,
winding through Mediterranean scrub, holm oaks, and arbutus trees
to Fossa delle Felci, the island's highest point.
Throughout the ascent, the view stretches out over the rugged
and untamed west coast, where spectacular rocky spires rise out of
the sea, the most iconic of which is nicknamed “the Aeolian
cane.”
At the end of the trail, a stop at the archaeological site of
Capo Graziano is a must. Perched on a rocky outcrop, it reveals the
circular foundations of Bronze Age huts, silent remnants of a
thousand years of island life. From this promontory, the view takes
in all the mineral and botanical beauty of Filicudi.
Check in your accommodation in Filiculdi for 2
nights.
HIKING TIME : 5h30
DISTANCE : 12 km
ASCENT : 830 m
DESCENT : 830 m
TRANSFER TIME : around 2 hours
ACCOMMODATION : hotel in Filicudi
Day 3 : Visit Aliculdi, the authentic island
Crossing from Filiculdi to Aliculdi, the wildest island.
Overlooked by Monte Filo dell'Arpa, this island shaped by
pirates and privateers has kept its authentic vibe. The mule tracks
wind through the terraced fields that cover the volcano's slopes,
showing how the locals make their living from farming.
There are two ways to spend your day on Alicudi Island.
There are two ways to spend your day on Alicudi Island.
- Alicudi Port and San Bartolo Chapel Loop
This loop starts at Alicudi Port and takes you through the island's picturesque hamlets, along stone stairways and mule tracks. Along the way, you will reach the charming San Bartolo Chapel, perched high above the village. This hike explores the unique history of Alicudi and offers an opportunity to meet its inhabitants.
HIKING TIME : 3 hours
DISTANCE : 4 km
ASCENT : 350 m
DESCENT : 350 m
- Monte Filo dell’Arpa
An easy climb up Monte Filo dell’Arpa, Alicudi’s highest point, offering fantastic views of the sea and neighboring islands. The itinerary continues with a tour of the island, following the old mule tracks that connect the small hilltop villages.
Return by boat to Filicudi.
HIKING TIME : 4h30
DISTANCE : 8 km
ASCENT : 650 m
DESCENT : 650 m
TRANSFER TIME : around 1h
ACCOMMODATION : hotel in Filicudi
Day 4 : Visit Vulcano and its active craters
Boat trip to Vulcano Island.
Among the highlights of a trip to the Aeolian Islands,
climbing the crater of Vulcano is one of the most memorable
experiences. This volcano, a cousin of Vesuvius, now dormant, still
bears witness to its turbulent past through an impressive mineral
landscape.
The route winds around the Gran Cratere to its summit, before
descending into the heart of the sulfurous fumaroles. Here you can
admire superb sulfur crystals in vibrant shades of yellow and
white. According to legend, it was in this fascinating place that
the Greek god of fire forged his weapons, and the island takes its
name from its Roman counterpart, Vulcan.
Check in your accommodation in Vulcano for 2
nights.
HIKING TIME : 3 hours
DISTANCE : 7 km
ASCENT : 380 m
DESCENT : 380 m
TRANSFER TIME : around 1h
ACCOMMODATION : hotel in Vulcano
Day 5 : Visit Panarea - La Punta del Corvo
Panarea, located between Stromboli and Lipari, is one of the
peaks emerging from a vast underwater volcanic massif, which is
still active beneath the surface, as you can see from the fumaroles
bubbling up from the sea.
The island's only hike takes you to Punta del Corvo, the highest point at 421 meters, for an exceptional view of the archipelago. The route crosses gentle, green slopes to the east, while to the west, the cliffs drop steeply into the deep blue sea.
Along the way, you will visit the remains of a Bronze Age village at Punta Milazzese, easily reached by a narrow isthmus. Today, Panarea combines unspoiled nature with discreet elegance, attracting the Italian jet set in search of authenticity.
Return by boat.
Spend the night in Vulcano.
Spend the night in Vulcano.
HIKING TIME : 4h30
DISTANCE : 8 km
ASCENT : 420 m
DESCENT : 420 m
TRANSFER TIME : around 2h
ACCOMMODATION : hotel in Vulcano
Day 6 : Visit Lipari - Le Monte Guardia
Crossing to Lipari by boat.
You have the choice between 2 hikes in Lipari.
- Le Monte Mazzun
Along the rugged coastline of Lipari, numerous lookout points
offer views of secluded coves with crystal-clear waters. This day
trip combines a beautiful hike through unspoiled countryside near
the bustling port, with stunning views of the town, and a trip to
one of the island's most popular beaches.
The route climbs along a natural trail to the chapel of Monte
Mazzuni (240 m), surrounded in spring by beautiful colorful flora.
At the end of the trail, you will reach the village of Canneto,
ideal for a swim break on its white pebble beach and in its
crystal-clear waters.
HIKING TIME : 3 hours
DISTANCE : 8 km
ASCENT : 250 m
DESCENT : 250 m
- Le Monte Guardia
This loop trail with spectacular views takes you to the
southern tip of Lipari, where dramatic cliffs plunge into the sea
and isolated rocks emerge from the deep blue waters. You will pass
by the famous Belvedere, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the
Aeolian Islands, captured on countless postcards.
After a climb from the center of Lipari, take a dip at the
beautiful Valle Muria beach, nestled between the cliffs.
The path then offers a unique view of the town from above, revealing its old town and hilltop fortress. The highlight of the day is reached at Monte Guardia, a former Lipari lookout post, with a breathtaking panoramic view of the island and its surroundings.
The path then offers a unique view of the town from above, revealing its old town and hilltop fortress. The highlight of the day is reached at Monte Guardia, a former Lipari lookout post, with a breathtaking panoramic view of the island and its surroundings.
Check in your accommodation in Lipari for 3
nights.
HIKING TIME : 5h30
DISTANCE : 15 km
ASCENT : 540 m
DESCENT : 540 m
TRANSFER TIME : around 10 min
ACCOMMODATION : hotel in Lipari
Day 7 : Visit Salina island - Le Monte Fossa delle Felci
Two options for this day on Salina island.
- Coastal sceneries, beaches, and Caprier
Coastal sceneries, beaches, and Caprier After a short
ride on a local bus, you arrive in the picturesque village of
Pollara, nestled in the heart of a natural amphitheater created by
the collapse of an ancient volcanic cone, a testament to the
island's intense past activity.
A pleasant balcony hike takes you through the western part of the island, offering breathtaking views of the distant islets of Alicudi and Filicudi. The trail, running along the cliffs and overlooking the sea, invites you to relax and marvel at the scenery. At the end of the hike, you can taste the local wine, Malvasia.
HIKING TIME : 2 hours
DISTANCE : 6 km
ASCENT : 80 m
DESCENT : 80 m
- Monte Fossa delle Felci
The hike takes you across the island of Salina, climbing up to
Monte Fossa delle Felci, the highest point in the Aeolian
archipelago. From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of
the neighboring islands. The trail follows almost the entire
circumference of the crater, passing through chestnut and pine
forests, before descending via a pass between the two volcanic
domes.
The descent, through dense, lush vegetation, takes you to the heart of Salina's vineyards, ending in the charming coastal village of Rinella.
Return by boat to Lipari.
HIKING TIME : 6 hours
DISTANCE : 12 km
ASCENT : 940 m
DESCENT : 940 m
TRANSFER TIME : around 1h
ACCOMMODATION : hotel in Lipari
Day 8 : Salina island - Hiking Monte Dei Porri
Boat crossing to Salina, then short bus transfer to
Pollara.
- Visit the village of Pollara
The charming village of Pollara, nestled in the heart of the Monte dei Porri Nature Reserve, sits atop an ancient collapsed caldera, forming a natural amphitheater that majestically overlooks the sea.
This unique setting has earned it the poetic nickname “Aeolus'
chair.” For an easy hike, a pleasant stroll around the village and
its distinctive beach-port will reveal charming little houses built
into the cliffs.
This exceptional setting has earned it the poetic nickname
“Aeolus's chair.” For an easy hike, a pleasant walk around the
village and its unique beach-port will allow you to discover
troglodyte houses carved into the foot of the cliffs. Pollara is
also famous for being the setting for the film Il Postino (1994),
which tells the moving story of the friendship between the village
postman and the poet Pablo Neruda. As a bonus, you can visit a
local farm that produces the famous Pollara capers.
HIKING TIME : 1h30
DISTANCE : 3 km
ASCENT : 90 m
DESCENT : 90 m
- Ascent of Monte Dei Porri
The hike to Monte dei Porri (860 m) starts from the village of
Pollara, following a winding path that climbs gently to the summit.
This easy and enjoyable ascent offers spectacular views of the
island as you climb.
Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy an exceptional panorama, offering an almost complete view of the neighboring islands and three villages on Salina: Rinella, Malfa, and Pollara.
Return by boat to Lipari.
HIKING TIME : 3 hours
DISTANCE : 5 km
ASCENT : 580 m
DESCENT : 580 m
TRANSFER TIME : around 1h
ACCOMMODATION : hotel in Lipari
Day 9 : Visit Stromboli
Two options for this day on the island of
Stromboli.
- The Sciara del Fuoco
Today, you explore the charming village of San Vincenzo before setting off on a free climb up to 290 m above sea level. This route allows you to get a close-up view of the volcano and admire the spectacular Sciara del Fuoco, nicknamed the “slide of fire.”
HIKING TIME : 3h30
DISTANCE : 9 km
ASCENT : 340 m
DESCENT : 340 m
- Ascend Stromboli with a guide:
This excursion takes you up the slopes of the volcano to an
altitude of 400m (optional, to be paid for on site): the hike is
undertaken in a group (up to 25 people) with a qualified
volcanologist guide (approximately 4.5 hours of walking, elevation
gain +/-400m). Beyond this point, climbing has been prohibited
since 2019.
HIKING TIME : 4h30
DISTANCE : 12 km
ASCENT : 400 m
DESCENT : 400 m
TRANSFER TIME : around 1h
ACCOMMODATION : hotel in Stromboli
Day 10 : Return to Milazzo and departure
After breakfast, take the boat to Milazzo, then the train to
Catania or Palermo.
TRANSFER TIME : around 4h
Dates and prices
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Trip Notes
Reviews of this trip
5
James
13 Juin 2025
10 day- tour in the Aeolian islands
Easy walks, a very complete itinerary, and we never got tired of discovering the islands day after day. We especially loved Salina. Comfortable hotels, nothing to complain about. Thank you !
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Tour of the Aeolian Islands