Set adrift off Sicily’s northern coast, the Aeolian Islands are a volcanic paradise with black-sand beaches, lush hills, and jaw-dropping sea views. Whether you're after a stylish spa hotel on Panarea, a cosy converted villa in Lipari, or a budget-friendly stay on Salina, there’s something here for every traveller. Lipari’s the go-to for families and first-timers, while Panarea is perfect for luxe escapes. Still flying under the radar, these islands offer serious charm without the crowds.

Most visitors land on Lipari, drawn by its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and scenic walking trails. Just a short hop away, Salina is a lush, green haven thanks to its freshwater springs — a favourite for hikers and food lovers alike. Vulcano may be known for its pungent sulphuric mud baths, but those in the know swear by their healing powers, making it a unique spa destination. Meanwhile, Stromboli dazzles with its still-active volcano and world-class diving opportunities.

If you're after something more exclusive, Panarea offers a chic, yacht-filled escape with stunning views and stylish seaside dining. For a true off-the-grid vibe, Filicudi and Alicudi feel like the farthest edges of civilisation — peaceful, raw, and unforgettable. No matter which island you choose, you’ll find yourself in a little corner of paradise — and often at surprisingly reasonable prices.

The Best Places to stay in the Aeolian Islands

For an Island Resort

• Therasia Resort is a luxe five-star escape on Vulcano with 97 spacious rooms and suites—some with private pools. Despite its size, it feels serene and secluded. Enjoy panoramic sea views, gourmet dining, top-tier spa, watersports galore, and family-friendly amenities in a refined setting.
• Minimalist elegance meets Aeolian charm at Capofaro, a stylish 18-room retreat set among vineyards with sweeping sea views. Expect designer details, a scenic pool deck, fine dining, tennis courts, and boat charters—all wrapped in peaceful, boutique exclusivity.

For a Beach Break

• Hotel Les Sables Noirs is a relaxed beachside stay with 53 unfussy, traditional-style rooms in classic blue and white. Family suites offer self-catering, while a generous breakfast starts the day. Guests enjoy a private beach, large pool, and spa with sauna—all steps from Vulcano’s coast.

For a Relaxed Island Escape

• Principe di Salina is a chic 12-room retreat with whitewashed walls, terracotta touches, and sweeping sea views from every balcony. The infinity pool and open-air arches are postcard-perfect, and the restaurant serves standout Sicilian fare. Ideal for couples seeking a peaceful base to explore.
• Hotel Signum- Once a cluster of farm buildings, now a tranquil hideaway amid citrus groves with sea views and heavenly scents. Its 26 charming rooms are rustic yet refined, but it’s the gourmet restaurant and indulgent spa that truly set Signum apart.

For Romantics

• Quartara Resort Hotel is a chic, intimate retreat with sea views and breezy white-on-white interiors, accented with wood, blue, and bougainvillea. Expect soft drapes, a peaceful terrace with daybeds, a soothing spa, and a refined Sicilian restaurant—all with an effortlessly elegant, island vibe.
• La Settima Luna Hotel- A serene, all-white villa with just seven rooms set beside Canneto’s sandy bay. Light-filled, minimalist, and romantic, it features a rooftop bar, breakfast terrace, and views to linger over. A perfect, affordable honeymoon hideaway with stylish simplicity at its core.
• Hotel Raya offers an exclusive Panarea escape with 30 sea-view rooms and a private villa, plus a spa, infinity pool, nightclub, and water sports. Interiors are simple, but the vibe is sophisticated and social—ideal for stylish travellers who want both peace and play.

For Families

• Set within a volcanic crater, La Locanda del Postino is a charming 10-room hideaway offering sweeping sea views and a peaceful, elevated setting. Family-friendly and affordable, it features spacious rooms with terraces, a relaxed vibe, and a standout restaurant serving Aeolian dishes and excellent local wines.
• Mamma Santina is a warm, traditional retreat just above the coast, with 17 airy rooms—top-floor options have ocean-view balconies, some with hot tubs. Expect tiled floors, island charm, a lush pool area, and a great restaurant. Ideal for couples or families wanting relaxed comfort.

For Great Value

• Hotel Cincotta is a timeless whitewashed retreat with 29 sea-facing rooms, private beach access, and tiled floors that channel classic island charm. Enjoy a saltwater pool, hot tub, panoramic terraces, and a great restaurant. Romantic, family-friendly, and fantastic value—with plenty to do on-site.
• La Salina Borgo di Mare- Rustic charm meets sea views at this affordable 24-room hideaway. Expect tiled floors, whitewashed walls, and breezy simplicity—some rooms have private sea-view terraces. There’s a private beach, and the island’s best eateries are just a scenic stroll away.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• None of the Aeolian Islands have their own airport, so if you’re flying in you’ll most likely be arriving via one of Sicily’s four airports: Palermo Airport and Catania Airport, which are both international airports with flag-carrier and low-cost airlines, and Trapani Airport and Comiso Airport, which are both favoured by European no-frills carriers. From there it’s a ferry trip. Naples Airport is another option, about four hours away from the ferry port by train.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• The Aeolian Islands have a Mediterranean climate, which broadly speaking means hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, but because they’re islands they get some temperature regulation from the sea, so it’s only really hot mid-July through mid-August. The busy season for visitors runs throughout summer, though, and if you want to visit at any time in July or August you need to book early. For that reason our Gurus recommend April and June, or September as the best times to visit the Aeolian Islands. Spring is beautiful, and the tourist resources are just starting to open up again, whereas during September the water is still warm, but many visitors have left, so there’s more space on the beach! Travelling in these windows will probably mean you pay less too.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Refine your search to each individual island and check out the best places to stay on Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, and Panarea.
• Expand your search to include all our recommendations in neighbouring Sicily,
• Or, explore by accommodation type, such as the best beach hotels in Sicily, Sicily's best wine hotels or the best hotels in rural Sicily.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.