The 9 Best Aeolian Islands Tours

1.Chic Panarea and Stromboli Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 396 reviews · from $118Our pick

Travel by coach and motorboat from Taormina to Panarea and Stromboli on a 14-hour day trip. Walk Panarea’s winding lanes, see Stromboli’s black beaches, and watch eruptions over the Sciara del Fuoco after sunset. Guides speak English, German, and Italian.

“Trip was as promoted. Be aware that the bus trip is +- 2 hours, you get on the boat in Milazzo. From there it’s another 1,5h on the boat towards Panarea. Boat is too small to sit everyone, but if the weather is fine it’s ok to stand on the (small) deck as well. Panarea and the islands are nice enough, but the highlight is of course Stromboli, with the active volcano and the lava showers. Guide was very kind and informative. For the price it’s definitely worth it, but as said be aware of the logistical challenges.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Wine tasting THE CLASSICS

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 287 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $60Top rated

At Tenuta di Castellaro on Lipari, you’ll tour the winery, walk among the vines, and taste three classic wines with water and a daily food plate. Guide Michela is among the hosts associated with the experience. The 12:30 pm visit is shared, capped at 30 people, and returns to the winery.

“Wonderful experience at Tenuta di Castellaro. Our passionate guide gave us a very detailed tour of the amazing installations. Beautiful views of the aeolian islands from the winery and, of course, fantastic wine.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Lipari and Vulcano Mini Cruise Aeolian Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 281 reviews · 1 day · from $106

From Taormina, ride a climate-controlled bus to Milazzo, then cruise to Lipari and Vulcano with a multilingual guide. Explore Lipari’s old town, relax by Vulcano’s black beach, and see sea caves and rock formations before returning. Plan for a long day and possible rough water.

“This was a lovely day out , very interesting to see these islands . Tour was very efficiently run and the tour guide was very informative and friendly!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Stromboli: sunset trekking to Sciara del Fuoco – Ashàra

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 270 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $36Best value

Join Ashàra Etna & Stromboli Guides for a roughly five-hour sunset hike from Piazza San Vincenzo to Stromboli’s Sciara del Fuoco. You’ll reach 400 meters with a volcanology guide, watch sunset and eruptions, then descend by headlamp. Gear is provided, but bring water, food, and warm layers.

“Great guides with a lot of knowledge of the vulcano and the history! The tour itself is not so difficult, when a bit trained. Hiking shoes strongly recommended (some people had to rent them). It was a pleasure to do this tour and see the sunset and later the vulcano erupt.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Aeolian Islands Day Trip from Taormina: Stromboli and Panarea

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 238 reviews · 13 to 14 hours (approx.) · from $132

Travel by coach from Taormina to Milazzo, then by motorboat to Panarea and Stromboli. You get free time on both islands, a sunset cruise past Stromboli, and a chance to see lava glowing after dark. Multilingual guides such as Alessandra, Franco, and Alex lead the trip.

“It was great to see the islands and even to see some lava spouts. However, the journey times were long and details should be posted so that people know better what to expect. The staff were very helpful but the outward boat trip was very rough. People need to be advised to take appropriate medicine to prevent sickness.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Lipari and Vulcano Private Boat Tour (7 hours)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 72 reviews · 7 hours (approx.)

Join Emanuela and Silvestro for a private seven-hour cruise around Lipari and Vulcano. Swim at Praia Vinci and Venus Pool, see volcanic caves and rock formations, and stop on Vulcano for mud baths or a short visit. Towels, snorkel gear, drinks, fruit, and bruschetta are included.

“ABSOLUTELY LOVELY! We (myself, husband, and two kids - 21/23 yo) had the most wonderful time with Emanuela - this is a must do!! The highlight of our Lipari experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Salina, Panarea, Stromboli Tour with Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 68 reviews · from $111

Travel by bus from Cefalù to Capo d’Orlando, then by ship to Salina, Panarea, and Stromboli. You’ll stroll Salina’s harbor, explore Panarea’s white lanes, and watch Stromboli’s eruptions from the sea after dark, with a live guide in four languages.

“no trip ever came, no one called or informed us, 197 euros paid for nothing, Still waiting for some knowledge. waited for one hour and half at bus stop. disappointed so”

Check availability →Read our full review

8.Boat Tour to Panarea and Stromboli from Lipari

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 55 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $67

Leave Marina Corta at 2 pm for Panarea’s coves and islets, then Stromboli’s black-sand beaches and active volcano. You’ll have free time ashore, a restroom on board, and an evening view of Strombolicchio and the Sciara del Fuoco before returning to Lipari.

“Relaxing on the beach at Stromboli, dolci on Panarea, sailing around rock forms, watching the volcano”

Check availability →Read our full review

9.Discovering Lipari by boat (Private tour)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 3 to 5 hours (approx.)

Set out with Emmanuela and her small crew for a private boat circuit of Lipari. You’ll visit Valle Muria, the former pumice quarries, Praia di Vinci, and Cala Fico, with time to swim, snorkel, snack, and enjoy white wine. Choose from several departure points and travel at your own pace.

“The trip was outstanding. We were fortunate to secure a spot as there was a cancellation. How lucky we were! Emmanuel is an expert skipper and the owner of a beautiful boat. She too great care in ensuring we had a wonderful journey around the island. She shared her knowledge of the island throughout the tour and served us a beautiful aperitivo made with homemade toppings of olives, capers, sun dried tomatoes. Her boat is elegant and all amenities were appreciated. Mostly she is so proud of Lipari and loves what she is doing. This made all the difference on the trip. I highly recommend this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review