Destination Guide

Aeolian Islands

These seven UNESCO-protected islands, rising from the vivid blues of the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily, are each completely different in character and style. But all share an uncontested spot on our list of some of the Mediterranean’s best summer destinations.

Stay

We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand.

Capofaro Malvasia and Resort

With a secluded cliffside perch in eastern Salina, what makes Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia luxurious is its surrounding natural beauty.

Hotel Raya

In the same family since the 1960s, the hotel Raya is an Aeolian institution. The reception, concierge, restaurant, nightclub and some rooms are right in the harbor of San Pietro, while most of the other 36 rooms and suites are housed in a multi-story, peach-colored villa that stacks up the hillside like a vision straight out of Dr. Seuss. Walking between the two Rayas takes no time, but it’s up the hill through narrow passages, and at night it can be quite dark. Suffice it to say that at check-in, guests are handed flashlights.

Rooms are typical Aeolian Island style, with tiled floors and small windows (to keep out the heat) but most of the eclectic antiques were gathered on the owner's trips to Bali. Bathrooms are on the small side but stocked with some nice touches, like beach bags with the Raya logo (a turquoise stingray). The rooms to get are the ones with seaviews, of course, and many come with perfect little terraces and lounge chairs and have the most incredible vistas.

The restaurant is expensive and hard to get into during the summer months. Even better than the restaurant views, however, are those from the patio where breakfast is served, which sits on top of the Raya villa and is one of the most beautiful spots on this sleepy little island.

Eat

Alfresco

First Time Musts

See & Do

River Hawk International Limited Tours: Boat Rental

Since the Aeolian islands have few sand beaches, the best way to explore them is by boat. Local captains know the best coves to stop for swimming in the absolutely glorious waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Salina Hiking

The Aeolian's greenest island has several lovely hiking paths, but the most memorable is Monte Fossa delle Felci, the Aeolian's highest peak (at 31,000 feet). The challenging hike snakes through gorgeous countryside and steadily rises (the final 20 minutes are particularly strenuous). From the top, you have incredible views across the Aeolians. The trailhead is located near Malfa in Valdichiesa.

Stromboli Hiking

For the truly outdoorsy, hiking the Stromboli Volcano is an experience that is second to none. The summit reaches a height of 3,030 feet—where eruptions can usually be seen at fifteen-minute intervals. The highly active volcano is one of the only in the world where hikers can get within close proximity to the actual explosions—a reward garnered after a strenuous 4-hour hike. After taking in the magnificent view and occasionally startling eruptions, hikers descend by “sliding” down the sandy terrain, a trip that takes only about an hour-and-a-half. Because of the potentially hazardous conditions, a guide is required for those wishing to hike above 1,300 feet.

When to Go: Because of the potentially hazardous conditions, a guide is required for those wishing to hike above 1,300 feet. Hikes usually depart either around 10am or in the early afternoon, the latter allowing hikers to reach the summit at sunset.

River Hawk International Limited Tip: Serious hiking gear is needed for this trek to be comfortable. Hiking boots are a must, and long pants are highly recommended to keep the ash from filling your boots during the rapid descent. This trek is not recommended for leisure hikers—it is long and difficult, and one should expect to be covered in soot and dust at the end of it.

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