The Aeolian Islands are a truly stunning holiday location; you have Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi, each island with its own character. There is so much for everyone in this archipelago, crystal waters for swimmers, a breeze for sailors, coves and hidden beaches for kayakers and plenty of flora and fauna for divers. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, there is plenty of trekking on active volcanoes and Malvasia wine tasting for foodies. These islands are mother nature at her best, fertile, hissing, streaming rumbling and sometimes erupting! You just have to decide which island to visit.

Stromboli

Firstly you have Stromboli, the most famous and the island containing a volcano that goes by the same name. This island is a hikers paradise, but since 2005 access has become strictly regulated due to the volcano's volatility. You can ramble freely up to 400m from the crater, but a guide is required to continue any higher. There are plenty of organised hikes available, especially the stunning tours at sunset, where you will wait at the top to allow time to wait for some pyrotechnics! It takes about 2½ to three hours to reach the crater, while the descent back to Piazza San Vincenzo only takes around 1.5 hours. In terms of accommodation, the island has only one hotel and restaurant, Hotel Ericusa, it is waterfront, sitting above the port, with stunning views. If you prefer to have independent accommodation, we suggest renting a simple house on the west of the island, prices on Air B and B are reasonable, and the sunsets are to die for.

Lipari

Lipari is the largest, busiest and most accessible of the Aeolian Islands, with frequent ferries to the mainland. It is far more built-up than the outer Aeolian Islands, but will still feel like a world away from the city! The Museo Archeologico Eolian will provide you with a bit of background on the archipelago's volcanic geology. And as the central transport hub, you have an excellent base for exploring the other islands. There is plenty of accommodation on Lipari and Hotel Carasco is one of Lipari's oldest and best-loved hotels, just seconds away from the sea. The best views on Lipari are at Quattrocchi (Four Eyes), located 3km west of the town.

Vulcano

Therasia Resort Sea & Spa is a luxury hotel situated on the stunningly beautiful island of Vulcano. The interiors are high end with furniture made from cedar and olive wood, floors in Sicilian terracotta and the bathrooms finished in Vulcano's dark lavic stone. There are two seawater pools, one of which overlooks the sea, and there is a full spa available to pamper you. The ancient Romans believed the Fossa di Vulcano to be the chimney of the fire god Vulcan's workshop, this steaming volcano towers over the island's northeastern shores. It is a brilliant place to capture some fantastic photos.

Panarea

The archipelago's most exclusive spot is the island of Panarea, which also features five offshore islets to explore on a day trip. Luxury yachts fill the tiny harbour during the summer, and outside of the tourist season, there isn't much accommodation available. Most of the tourists here stay in very exclusive (and expensive) private luxury villas, catering for Milanese fashionistas and the super-rich.

Filicudi

This island is said to be perhaps the prettiest of the Aeolian Islands and remains the least developed. It is excellent for divers as there are some Greek and Roman shipwrecks off Capo Graziano to explore and for snorkelers, the island's rugged coastline features lots of amazing caves. Much of the accommodation is in little b&bs run by locals; being hosted is a great way to experience Aoleian island culture, and maybe you'll get a chance to eat lovingly prepared homemade food.

Salina

This island has a lush, verdant landscape thanks to the natural freshwater springs. There are gorgeous Mediterranean plants and flowers everywhere. The island's economy was traditionally based around salt-making, and the word Salina means salt works. The main port of Santa Marina Salina is the most lively and touristy part of the island, but outside this little village the island is a peaceful haven, the perfect island to get away from it all. The Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia hotel and resort has beautiful rooms and suites, some with uninterrupted views over the sea and the other islands. There is a panoramic outdoor pool, massages, cooking classes, yoga, pilates classes and wine tasting can be arranged. Capofaro's restaurant is top quality and also open to the public, and the food uses local ingredients to create some magnificent dishes.

Alicudi

Alicudi is one of the most isolated places in the entire Mediterranean basin; if you want to get away from it all, then this island will be heaven. The main village has little in terms of amenities, and the island has no proper roads, boats and mules are how people get around here. There is very little going on the evening with only one bar along a little lane lit with torches. If you come out of season, then be prepared to ask around for a room to rent.

Ferries to the Aeolian Islands

Let Netferry find you the best deals on ferry tickets to the Aeolian Islands; there are departures from Vibo Valentia in Calabria, Messina, Milazzo and Naples Mergellina. Explore your options and do some island hopping off the coast of Sicily using the Netferry online booking service to find out about timetables, routes, ferry companies and prices.

Netferry: the ferry experts