Off the northern coast of Sicily, the breathtaking Aeolian Islands await, featuring Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Alicudi, Filicudi, Stromboli, and Panarea.

The best, and well really only way to explore the different islands, is through a guided boat tour. We booked a tour with Visit Sicily Tours, which offered several different excursions to explore the islands. Our chosen itinerary took us to Filicudi, Vulcano, and Lipari, with transportation from Cefalù, multiple swimming stops, and plenty of free time to wander the unique islands. Check out more information about the tour HERE

Filicudi was our first stop, and it was absolutely breathtaking. As we approached the dock, we passed rows of colorful boats floating in shallow turquoise waters, setting the scene for a dreamy island escape. The water here was crystal clear, warm, and incredibly inviting. While we only had access to a small section of the island, we found a peaceful spot on the rocks to relax and take in the view. There was also a small beach area with lounge chairs and a bar, but we opted to go off the beaten path and do our own thing. If you need a quick bite or coffee, there’s a little café nearby, though I wouldn’t say the service was the friendliest!

Vulcano is, well… an active volcano, but you wouldn’t necessarily know it at first glance, with hotels, shops, and restaurants scattered across the island. It was surreal to walk on land shaped by volcanic activity, knowing the ground beneath us was still alive. Unlike Mount Etna, Vulcano doesn’t spew lava, making it a fascinating and safe place to explore.

One of the highlights was the natural mud baths and “spa treatments”. In the water you can fetch volcanic rocks below your feet, and rub them together to create a mineral-rich paste for a DIY mud facial. So exciting! There’s also a bubbling mud pool, though it was way too hot for us to enter. (Some brave souls did, but…ouch.) After soaking up the island’s raw, natural energy, we grabbed a refreshing drink at a nearby café to cool down.

Our final stop was Lipari, and after a long day of adventure, it was the perfect place to unwind. We wandered deep into the island and stumbled upon a breathtaking church with an outdoor Roman-style amphitheater overlooking the ocean and city below. The peaceful atmosphere made it feel like a hidden gem.

And the best part? A gigantic, freshly made cannoli, possibly the best I’ve ever had. If you’re a foodie, Filicudi’s marina area has plenty of great spots to grab a bite and a drink before heading back.

As the day came to an end, we were treated to a first-class view of the sun dipping below the horizon from the boat, the perfect way to wrap up our island-hopping adventure.

Is this a day trip from Palermo?

I initially considered recommending this as a day trip from Palermo, but be warned that it’s a long journey. You’d need to take a 2-hour 45-minute train from Palermo to Milazzo, then catch a ferry to the islands. It’s totally doable, but if you’re short on time, joining a guided tour (like we did) makes things a lot easier. The tour took care of transportation, allowed us to see multiple islands in one day, and we got to enjoy the experience with a fun group of fellow travelers.

Other Trips from Palermo we didn’t get to make it to but wish we could’ve: 

• Trapani
• San Vito Lo Capo
• Scopello