The seven pearls of the Mediterranean: Sicily’s northern islands

Just as they lie adrift among the glistening blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Sicily’s Aeolian Islands have largely drifted under most tourist’s radars. But one taste of their untamed natural beauty, delectable wine and sedate lifestyle and you’ll quickly wish you’d holidayed here sooner.

Located north of Sicily, the volcanic archipelago is made up of seven main islands – dubbed the ‘pearls of the Med’ for their charm. From culture-rich Lapari to off-the-beaten-track Alicudi and beyond to striking Stromboli, each island calls out to be explored. Our advice? Answer them.

Here’s the lowdown on Sicily’s seven northern islands and why you need to go.

Lipari

Best for culture and history

Lipari is the largest and capital of the islands, drawing in the majority of visitors with its lively harbour town. Crammed full of enchanting narrow streets lined with bustling cafes and shops, its appeal is hard to resist.

Controlled at one point in time by the Greeks, the Romans and then the Arabs, it’s a hub of history and you can delve into it at Museo Eoliano. Encased behind the fortified walls of Lipari Castle, the archaeological museum houses impressive artefacts from periods ranging from the Neolithic to the Greco-Roman. Highlights include vast collections of Greek theatre masks and ancient shipwreck cargo.

Head next door to admire soaring arches and painting masterpieces in the Co-Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew.

Salina

Best for greenery and wine

You’ll quickly see why Salina’s nickname is ‘Green Island’. More plant than people, it’s the most verdant and fertile of the islands, awash with grape vines, caper flowers and lush trees carpeting the slopes of its two extinct volcanoes.

Enjoy long rambles and catch the sunset from crater tops before enjoying the fruits of the island’s labour – capers and malvasia wine. You’ll find the former flavouring many traditional Mediterranean dishes and the latter in any shop, restaurant or home. The sweet dessert wine is typically drunk alongside nibbles of piparelli – Sicillian biscotti – but don’t let the lack of a biscuit hold you back from sampling the stuff.

Pull yourself away from the countryside and there’s dramatic sea cliffs and dark pebbled beaches to discover on the coast – Pollara is the most scenic.

Vulcano

Best for beaches and mud baths

Vulcano’s still smoking crater is a gentle reminder that it is actively volcanic, but there’s no volatility here. Just ample opportunities to relax and unwind.

Known for its mud baths, a soak in the sulphur-rich pools is a must. Used as far back as the Romans for their therapeutic properties, the mud is said to aid rheumatism and arthritis. It’s only a short walk from the ferry port, so be prepared to share with day trippers.

Hot springs are also abundant on the island, creating warm pools of sea water in places such as Fumarole Beach, much to the delight of beach bums. Porto di Ponente’s black-sand beach is another delight altogether, mirroring the inky black of the lava stones.

When you’ve reached maximum relaxation levels, the quaint villages of Piano and Gelso are worth a wander.

Alicudi

Best for wilderness and walks

Little Alicudi, almost a perfect circle, is the westernmost of the islands – and the wildest. Characterised by extinct craters, heather-covered slopes and deep blue sea, it has untamed beauty written all over it. Only inhabited on the east coast, it’s home to just one hotel and restaurant and is entirely car free.

Reconnect with nature by hiking to Alicudi’s summit, Filo dell'Arpa. Beyond the single road village, old donkey tracks will lead you to the top, where the sea views are the kind that could swallow you whole. Keep your eyes peeled for a series of caves called the Timpone delle Femmine, once used as a shelter for women during pirate raids.

Off shore, hop aboard a canoe or boat to explore the island’s rugged coastline and rocky beaches.

Stromboli

Best for striking scenery and lava drama

Europe’s most active volcano has been in a state of continuous eruption since 1932. Its steep and distinct cone reaches 926m (3,038ft) above sea level and is famed for its Sciara del Fuoco – a luminescent slide of lava that trails down the crater to the sea.

Despite its frequent activity, some 600 residents called Stromboli home, mainly living in the north-eastern village of the same name. Whitewashed cubic houses, built to withstand volcanic tremors, gleam beneath the volcano's foothills, and if you look out to sea you’ll spot the imposing rock of Strombolicchio, which is crowned by a lighthouse.

During increased activity, the island can be closed to tourists. A boat trip is your second best option to see the lava flows. Go at night for the most spectacular views.

Panarea

Best for luxury escapes and nightlife

Tiny Panarea steals the spotlight – and that’s saying something when you consider the A-lister crowd that holiday here.

Beyoncé, Kate Moss and a megayacht-load of other famous faces have been seduced by Panarea’s isolated setting and pastel-shuttered houses that tumble down to the harbour. Come nightfall, you can dance in their footsteps at Hotel Raya’s open-air disco.

Beyond the VIP scene, you’ll find luxury in Panarea’s natural charms. Hike into the green hills, seek out the hidden coves and islets that surround the island, or head beneath the crystalline water to see bubbling underwater springs.

For the cherry on top of the cake, join the locals for an aperitivo while watching the sun set over San Pietro.

Filicudi

Best for swimming and serenity

Remote Filicudi in the west of the archipelago still slyly escapes the eye of tourists. You’ll find no nightclubs or swish hotels – this is more lounge in a hammock and float in the sea territory. What it does have is three main villages (Filicudi Porto, Pecorini a Mare and Valdichiesa) offering a handful of laidback restaurants and guesthouses.

The island’s interior is a mismatch of volcanic rock and cactus-covered hills, while the coast is scattered with unpretentious pebbled beaches lapped by sheer turquoise sea.

You’ll find the most scenic swimming spot at Grotta del Bue Marino caves, where you can also catch a glimpse of the 85m-high (278ft) sea cliff, La Canna.