Things to do in  Aeolian Islands

Mother Nature pulled out the stops in the Aeolian Islands. Strewn like gems in the waters off Sicily’s northeastern coastline, these seven islets—Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Panarea, Filicudi, and Alicudi—are home to smoldering volcanoes and thermal mud baths, black-sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters, vineyard-covered hills producing local Malvasia wine, and rugged coves lined with vibrant resort towns. Island-hopping boat tours and excursions by kayak and stand up paddleboard top the list of things to do off the snorkeling-friendly coast, along with volcano hiking and wine tasting on land.