Our 8 Favorite Hotels On The Aeolian Islands

If you’re planning a trip to the Aeolian Islands in Sicily, you may envision exploring the archipelago by boat. However, for those who prefer to stay on dry land, there are a plethora of charming hotels and resorts that will appeal to even the most discerning traveler.

Lipari Island is an excellent starting point for exploring the Aeolian Islands. And the Aeolian Charme Collection offers an exceptional way to experience the island. This group of four hotels, restaurants, and event spaces is owned and operated by locals and hospitality experts, Sarah Tomasello and Emanuele Carnevale. Their properties are located in some of the most alluring parts of the island, including Hotel Villa Enrica. This popular venue for weddings and events boasts a panoramic infinity pool with views of Lipari’s impressive medieval castle.

Hotel Mea, a sophisticated property within walking distance of the historic center, is home to Ristorante Chimera. Here, you can savor authentic Sicilian cuisine in a romantic atmosphere. Don’t miss the Aeolian antipasto platter and make-your-own-cannolo for dessert. For beach lovers, Hotel Cutimare is a haven of tranquility close to the island’s pumice-stone canyons. By staying with the Aeolian Charme Collection, you’ll also have access to Sarah Tomasello, an Aeolian ambassador who is passionate about sharing her knowledge with guests in person and on Instagram.

Watching the sunset from the Therasia Resort, a luxurious hideaway on the island of Vulcano, is reason enough to visit the Aeolian islands. With a picturesque infinity pool, beach access, and terrace suites with private hot tubs, this resort offers an unforgettable stay. It is also part of Leading Hotels of the World.

The Therasia Resort has four restaurants, including Michelin-starred Il Cappero, helmed by Giuseppe Biuso, an ambitious young chef who puts a creative spin on local dishes. For a fun evening, dine at I Tenerumi, the resort’s new vegetarian restaurant. It serves its dishes in a gourmet picnic style, seated on cushions overlooking the sea. Each course is paired with a cocktail, craft beer, or sake, making for a memorable culinary experience. Given the restaurant’s innovative approach to vegetarian cuisine, I wouldn’t be surprised if I Tenerumi earned its own Michelin star in the future.

Hotel Signum stands out as one of the most impeccably curated properties in the Aeolian Islands. The property has an interesting origin story. It was born in 1988 when Clara Rametta and Michele Caruso began renovating a group of old homes. Today, the hotel is run by their children, Luca and Martina, who have imbued it with the unmistakable spirit of Sicily, or “Sicilianità.”

Clara scours the region for unique furnishings for the hotel’s suites and distinctive common areas, while Luca manages the property and the impressive wine cellar, which houses over 1,000 labels. Martina, one of Italy’s youngest Michelin-starred chefs, helms the kitchen at Ristorante Signum. It offers exquisite garden-to-table fare on the outdoor terrace. The breakfast spread is equally impressive, featuring delights like freshly-made granita paired with sweet brioche, omelets, and cheese plates. All of which taste even better when savored on your own private terrace.

At Hotel Signum, every detail is thoughtfully curated to create an unforgettable stay. From the warm and welcoming ambiance to the expertly-prepared cuisine. With its Sicilian charm and exceptional amenities, it’s no wonder that Hotel Signum is a perennial favorite among travelers seeking a luxurious escape in the Aeolian Islands.

Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia

Set upon a promontory with views of Salina’s lush hills and glimmering sea, Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia is a wine boutique hotel that enophiles won’t want to miss. This picturesque estate is owned by Tasca d’Almerita, an eighth-generation Sicilian noble winemaking family. It also boasts stunning views of the sea and hills. The property takes its name from a historic 19th-century lighthouse that rises above rows of vines cascading into the sea. Capofaro is part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection, offering guests a lavish stay in bright suites that blend traditional Aeolian architecture with modern sustainable design elements, complete with private terraces.

In 2019, Capofaro was named “European Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast due to its commitment to sustainable viticulture. The estate produces two dry Malvasia wines, Didyme, and Vigna di Paola. They also produce a Malvasia delle Lipari passito made from grapes grown on the estate and nearby Vulcano island. You can sample these wines (together with other labels from Tasca d’Almerita’s five estates around Sicily) at Capofaro’s Wine Bar. The bar features an outdoor terrace overlooking the estate’s panoramic “amphitheater” vineyard. Alternatively, you can try them at the hotel’s gourmet pool-side restaurant, led by Chef Gabriele Camiolo.

Panarea is the smallest and most exclusive island in the Aeolian archipelago. It is entirely walkable, making it the perfect place to unwind without having to worry about transportation or getting around. Everything is close in distance, but bring comfortable shoes for island hikes.

Located just a few steps from the picturesque harbor, Hotel Cincotta boasts breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding cliffs, making it the ideal spot to unwind and soak up the sun. The hotel’s rooms and suites are spacious, beautifully decorated, and equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. Each room has a private balcony or terrace with breathtaking views of the sea or the lush gardens surrounding the hotel. We also love spending days sipping wine by the scenic swimming pool

The hotel’s restaurant is excellent, serving local dishes of freshly caught seafood, homemade pasta, and delicious desserts. For those seeking relaxation, Hotel Cincotta’s spa and wellness center offers a range of treatments and therapies designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. From massages and facials to yoga and Pilates classes, guests can indulge in a wide range of services in a serene and peaceful setting.

Looking for stylish and spacious accommodation just minutes from the sea in Stromboli? Check out Il Gabbiano — a luxurious “ApartHotel” that offers the best of both worlds. With fully-equipped kitchenettes, daily cleaning, and breakfast delivered to your door, you’ll have all the amenities of a hotel combined with the luxury of space. Plus, the on-site chef is available to cook local recipes, so you can enjoy a private dinner by the tropical pool. If you’re looking to celebrate or retreat, the communal setting is perfect for both.

Owned and managed by Federica Masin and Vito Russo — two entrepreneurs and consummate hosts — Il Gabbiano is just one of their many ventures on the island. Their latest addition, Il Gabbiano Mare, is a beachside hangout that’s perfect for aperitivo hour. With bohemian vibes and elegant details, this fun spot is adorned with striking paintings of Stromboli’s volcanic eruptions, created by Federica herself.

If you’re searching for an authentic and unforgettable experience on the island of Filicudi, look no further than Hotel La Canna. When you arrive, you’ll feel the relaxed and bohemian vibe that characterizes this hidden gem of the Aeolian Islands. Located on a hill overlooking the sea, La Canna Hotel offers breathtaking views of the island’s rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters. The hotel’s outdoor restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal, with fresh ingredients sourced from the island’s fertile soil.

The hotel’s decor is inspired by the natural beauty of the island, with traditional Aeolian style mixed with contemporary touches. The rooms and suites are cozy but quaint, with private balconies or terraces where you can enjoy the sea breeze and watch the sunset. One of the highlights of La Canna Hotel is its large swimming pool, which seems to merge with the sea in the distance. Whether you’re swimming laps or just lounging by the pool with a good book, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise.

Nestled on the remote and charming island of Alicudi, Giardino dei Carrubi is a boutique hotel that embodies the essence of simplicity and tranquility. As soon as you step foot on the island, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a different world. Time stands still here, and the only sounds you’ll hear are the seagulls flying overhead and the lapping of the waves.

Alicudi is a unique destination, with no vehicles and no hustle and bustle. Instead, you’ll find a peaceful and unspoiled environment, where nature reigns supreme. Giardino dei Carrubi is the perfect place to immerse yourself in this idyllic setting. The hotel’s facilities blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, with traditional Aeolian architecture and eco-friendly materials. The rooms and suites are spacious and airy, with private balconies or terraces that offer stunning views of the sea and the lush garden.

Visitors should note that Alicudi doesn’t have many traditional services, like shops and restaurants. Most guests eat with local families at home restaurants, so if you opt to stay here, make arrangements in advance. That being said, Giardino dei Carrubi is a true gem and absolutely worth a visit. Alicudi is a place where you can escape the stresses of everyday life and reconnect with nature in all its glory.