
These seven UNESCO-protected islands, rising from the vivid blues of the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily, are each completely different in character and style. But all share an uncontested spot on our list of some of the Mediterranean’s best summer destinations.
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Perfect forFamilies | Foodies | Romantics
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When to goJune-August | September-November
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Ideal length of stay1-2 Nights
Designing Your Journey
Work with Indagare to design the perfect itinerary for an immersive journey. Our travel experts know the destination inside and out, and they can make recommendations based on your travel needs and preferences.
3 Days: Essential Aeolians
There’s a reason the Aeolian Islands only feature one five-star hotel: the beautiful Capofaro on Salina. Most travelers approach this destination by private boat charter. Here is just one example of what our destination experts can create for you.
Day 1: Salina
Get settled at the luxurious Capofaro on Salina, the second-largest island which is known for its verdant landscapes. In the afternoon, explore this volcanic island, which offers great hiking, as well as the cute town of Santa Marina, which has some nice shops and restaurants. Indagare can arrange sundowners overlooking the town of Pollara, where the film Il Postino was filmed.
Day 2: Stromboli
Take a day trip to the Aeolians’ most striking island: smoldering Stromboli, a massive volcano whose tip rises out of the sea like a child’s perfect drawing. The hike to the top is dusty and challenging (a guide is required for those wishing to hike above 1,300 feet). Afterwards, ask the captain of your boat to moor in the gorgeous waters so you can go swimming after the adventurous hike.
Day 3: Panarea or Filicudi
Options for your final day: scensters and sunbathers should make the trip to Panarea, the Aeolians’ most famous jet-setter destination. Boats arrive in the harbor of San Pietro, home of the legendary Hotel Raya, which has restaurants, shops, nightclub and rooms scattered in different buildings around the island. Or travel to sleepy Filicudi, a nature paradise where you can hike before having a seaside meal at a rustic albergo.
Where To Stay
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special amenities, including upgrades, early check-in, breakfast, spa credits and more. Look for the Indagare Plus logo in the reviews.
- Photo by Matteo Carassale, courtesy Capofaro Locanda & MalvasiaRead More
Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia
With a secluded cliffside perch in eastern Salina, what makes the boutique Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia luxurious is its surrounding natural beauty, including its working vineyard.
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Hotel Raya
Panarea’s uncontested classic hotel is the Raya, which takes up much of San Pietro (where boats arrive) and includes a famous restaurant, a wild nightclub and rooms that are housed in a building up the hillside with gorgeous views.