TravHound

Planning a trip to Sicily this Nov-Dec.

Any recommendations for hotels in the Aeolians, price range of 75-100E? (Rates drop drastically in winter so high season rates will be above this range.)

We are leaning towards either Salina or Lipari in the Aeolians but if you could choose between either the Egadi or Aeolian islands, which would you prefer?

Frances

We visited the Aeolian Islands in September. Salina was quiet then far more so than Lipari which was where we were staying. The hotel we stayed in on Lipari was closing at the end of September but hoped at some time in the future to stay open through the winter. It caused us to wonder exactly what would take us there in mid-winter which I think would be what I would ask you.
I think the answer to your question would depend on your reason for travelling then

JQReports

Hi TravHound,

Frances has a good point about your motivation for travelling to these island groups late in the season. That being said, and having never been to the Aeolians, I absolutely loved Marettimo, the furthest west of the Egadi Islands. It was quiet in October (of '01) and there were no hotels on the island at that time (prospective renters would meet the ferry).

For a few of my pictures and one day's adventure on Marettimo, go to this link
http://www.infohub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6477

JQ

thursdaysd

Haven't been to Aeolians, but I was on the Egadi islands in early May, and have to say, I got bored. I suppose hiking might be better in Nov - there's precious little shade in sunshine - but I think it would be cold and windy. Can't imagine you'd want to swim, either. However, if you really want to go, I can recommend www.albergoegadi.it, which seems to be open this winter.

galaxygrrl200

The Aeolian islands are totally amazing, but I'm afraid the weather is horrible in Dec. They are windy and stormy. Sometimes the ferry's don't run because of the stormy weather.

The islands are named after the greek wind god for a reason.

As for the Egadi islands I have been there twice and thought they were dull with nothing to do twice. I would not go back.

Sorry not to be more uplifting.

I would go to a windy Aeolian over the Egadi any day however.

I don't know how much will be open in the off season.

TravHound

Thanks to everyone who replied. Anyone been to Pantelleria in this time period?

JQReports

Hi again,

Pantelleria was very quiet in October. If someone is hot on your tail and you want to disappear, Pantelleria might be the place.

We did find some authentic cuisine, and I do love Passito di Pantelleria, but it is easier to buy a selection of passitos in either Marsala or Palermo than on Pantelleria.

If you do go, rent a car and drive to the highest point, put the car in neutral and coast to the sea.

JQ

TravHound

Thanks JQR. We've decided against planning a trip to the islands that time of year and will stick with Sicily. If there is a good break in the weather while we are there we may take a chance on a daytrip.

caroline_edinburgh

Good idea. I'm not sure any hotels, restaurants etc will even be open in the Aeolian islands in Dec. We went for our honeymoon in late April/early May, our hotel had only reopened at Easter & few restaurants were open.