GingerSF

I would like to visit the Aeolian Islands in Sicily, in August. Any advice from forum members about whether it's a good place to visit during the summer? All tips about transportation from Sicily and places to stay (on the islands or on Sicily) is appreciated.

We are in our early 50s and want to walk, swim, experience the culture of Italy, and eat good food. We won't be spending much time on a beach (just a quick swim each day).

Thanks in advance.

willit

It is likely to be very hot, and crowded.

The main Aeolian Island is Lipari, but you can stay on nearly all of them, and there are regular ferries and hydrofoils between them. From Sicily itself, most ferries go from Milazzo (easily reached by train), although there are ferries from Palermo and I believe Messina, but depending on which Island you are visiting they can be long journeys.

neckervd

Many ferries from Milazzo, 1 fast ferry daily from Naples, 2 overnight ferries weekly from Naples.

organictuscany

We spent 2 weeks in August on Alicudi, one of the most secluded of the Aeolian islands. There are no cars on the island and we needed to take our little boat around the island to go to the village shop. We spent most of our time snorkelling (too hot to do much walking). As willit says, in August it is very hot and the islands are very crowded. I'm not sure it's what you are looking for if you are really after good food and some culture. Maybe explore more of Sicily, which ticks both those boxes so well?

Dayle

Ginger

My trip to Sicily was started by a strong interest intone Aeolians. As I researched and read others TRs here, I wanted to see all of Sicily!

I spent 5 night on Lipari but my trip was in early May. No crowds anywhere, perfect temps for my liking, but I didn't go to swim. I rented a lovely vacation apartment in one of the islands most beautiful villas,which I didn't know at the time. It was up at Quattrocchi Belevedere and views were amazing.

I visited Salina, Panarea and Stromboli. I thought Salina would have also been a wonderful place to stay.

Is August your only possibility for a visit? It will be crowded. Maybe try for Alicudi or Filicudi, the two most remote islands.

I loved the islands and wished for a couple more days, but then you can never have enough days in heaven.

I did eat out several times and the meals I found were excellent!

GingerSF

Thanks so much to all who responded. This is helpful.

john777

Flew Rome to Catania. In July we spent five nights on Panarea after touring Sicily by car for three weeks. Ferry from Milazzo. Snorkeling and hiking. Small powerbooat rental for a giro d'isola as they say. Next, four nights on Stromboli. A guided ascent to the caldera of the volcano was a remarkable experience. Then a hydrofoil (aliscafi) to Naples and ferry on to Capri for a visit and then a ferry to Positano. I mention this itinerary because the maritime transportation system is very good. Sicily is very hot in high summer.