Aeolian Islands Island-Hopping
Depart from Milazzo and hop between islands, staying overnight on Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, and Stromboli.
Five main islands, each with its own character: Lipari for archaeology and pumice coasts, Vulcano to climb the crater, Salina for a slow-paced stay, and Stromboli via Panarea to witness night eruptions. Travel light as you will be taking ferries daily. Perfect for second-time visitors who love volcanoes and islands; Filicudi and Alicudi are excluded due to limited ferry connections.
From November to April, ferry services are limited, most businesses are closed, and strong winds can cause sudden cancellations.
Day by day
Day 1 · Ferry to Lipari Town
Port of Milazzo → Lipari & Aeolian Islands（Lipari Castle & Acropolis、Aeolian Archaeological Museum、Marina Corta）
Transfer from Catania or Palermo to the port of Milazzo, then take a hydrofoil to Lipari (approx. 1 hour).
Stay: Lipari Town
Day 2 · Exploring Lipari Island
Lipari & Aeolian Islands（Belvedere Quattrocchi、Valle Muria Beach、Pumice Quarries & Rocche Rosse）
Rent a scooter or take the island bus; the loop around the island is about 30 km, allowing you to stop and explore at leisure.
Stay: Lipari Town
Day 3 · Climbing the Vulcano Crater
Lipari & Aeolian Islands（Gran Cratere, Vulcano、Vulcano Mud Baths、Spiaggia delle Sabbie Nere）
Take a hydrofoil to Vulcano (approx. 10 minutes). The round-trip hike up to the crater takes about 2.5 hours.
Check the entry signal light; during the summer half of the year, access is restricted to specific hours and requires a minimum of two people.
Stay: Vulcano Porto di Levante
Day 4 · Transfer to Salina Island
Lipari & Aeolian Islands（Lingua, Salina、Pollara, Salina）
Take a hydrofoil to Salina (approx. 40 minutes). Use the island bus or rent a car to visit Lingua and Pollara.
Pollara is a fantastic spot for sunset; check the schedule for the last bus back in advance.
Stay: Santa Marina Salina
Day 5 · Hiking Monte Fossa delle Felci
Lipari & Aeolian Islands（Monte Fossa delle Felci）
Take a bus to the trailhead at the pass. The round-trip hike to the summit takes about 4 hours, leaving the afternoon free to relax.
Stay: Santa Marina Salina
Day 6 · Panarea to Stromboli
Lipari & Aeolian Islands（Panarea、Cala Junco & Capo Milazzese Village）
Take a morning hydrofoil to Panarea (approx. 30 minutes), and continue to Stromboli in the afternoon (approx. 40 minutes).
Coordinate the two ferry legs carefully; luggage storage is available near the pier.
Stay: Stromboli Village
Day 7 · Stromboli Night Eruption
Lipari & Aeolian Islands（Strombolicchio、Sciara del Fuoco、Stromboli）
Take a morning boat trip to see Strombolicchio. In the late afternoon, join a guided hike up to 400 meters (approx. 5 hours round trip).
Hiking to the 400-meter mark requires a certified guide; restrictions vary based on volcanic activity.
Stay: Stromboli Village
Day 8 · Ferry Back to Milazzo
Port of Milazzo
Take a hydrofoil back to Milazzo (approx. 2.5–3 hours), then transfer to Catania or Palermo Airport.
Allow plenty of buffer time on your final day; do not schedule flights before the late afternoon.