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Volcanically active archipelago off the northern coast of Sicily, Italy
Photo: This image was taken by the NASA Expedition 17 crew., Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The Aeolian islands (Italian: Isole Eolie, Sicilian: Ìsuli Eoli, Greek: Αιολίδες Νήσοι), aka Lipari Islands, are a group of attractive islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea about 25-50 km north of Sicily in Italy. This diverse group of volcanic islands used to be off the beaten track, but they are becoming more popular and can be very busy during July and August. The islands are inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
the main island and the main town (called Lipari as well) is the transportation hub, with plenty of hotels and makes a good base.
right next to Lipari, this island is dominated by the Gran Cratere volcano cone giving off clouds of sulphurous gas. This peak gives great views. The island is popular for its beaches and mud baths.
lush and hilly - great for a relaxing walk. Some of the film Il Postino was shot here.
a smaller, upmarket island with great views across to Stromboli.
the most remote of the islands, it is little more than a volcano rising out of the sea. Popular for trips out at night to see lava spurting out of the cone.
lie to the west and are much less visited, particularly Alicudi, which is still primarily agrarian.
There are frequent car ferries and much quicker hydrofoils from Milazzo and Messina on Sicily, and from Reggio di Calabria on the mainland, to and between the islands.
Read in the guideThe larger islands, Lipari, Vulcano and Salina have quite good bus services. Timetables are available at the tourist offices in each island's port.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Reggio Calabria · Regional · REG
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