Aeolian Islands, Sicily guide - The Volcanic islands
Travel guide to Aeolian Islands in Sicily, Italy
Seven volcanic islands make up the Aeolian Islands which lie due north from the eastern end of Sicily. Travel by hydrofoil from Sicily takes about 45 minutes and until fairly recently, the islands were off the tourist map. Originally occupied by both Greek and Roman civilisations, the volcanic islands have a mysterious air and offer delightful seclusion from the mainland.
The oldest island is Isola Filicudi which burst above the waves about a million years ago. The newest arrivals to the group are the islands of Vulcano and Stromboli both, of which, still have volcanic activity.
Houses built on the Aeolian Islands are constructed in local lava and pumice stone and are invariably painted white. There are cars on two of the islands, Salina and Lipari, but the other islands offer a delightful, car-free 
experience. Links to the islands are good either by hydrofoil or by ferry. There are also ferry links between the islands.
The closest island to Sicily is Vulcano which last erupted in the late 19th century. It is perfectly possible to walk to the edge of the crater and look in but the pungent sulphurous smell may put you off from hanging around too long.
All the beaches are comprised of soft, black sand and there are hot springs that keep the sea bubbling. For the brave there are hot mud pools which are reputed to cure rheumatism.
The largest of the seven islands is Lipari and the journey from Vulcano to Lipari is about ten minutes via hydrofoil. There are many attractions on Lipari including a wonderful museum, an amazing Roman cave that is a natural sauna, and various spa baths.
From the highest point on Lipari it is possible to see all the other islands in the group. Unlike Vulcano, the main beach on Lipari by the village of Canneto has white sand that is made from ground pumice stone.
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