Sicily island hopping itinerary
Sicily’s smaller islands are some of the Mediterranean’s most enchanting — volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear seas, and timeless fishing villages. This **Sicily island-hopping itinerary** takes you from the Aeolian Islands in the north to the Egadi and Pantelleria in the west, combining adventure, relaxation, and authentic island life.
- Visit Sicily
- 3 min read
Sicily Island Hopping Itinerary — Volcanic Adventures and Crystal Seas
🧭 Overview
Sicily’s surrounding islands each have a distinct character. The Aeolian Islands bring volcanic drama, the Egadi sparkle with Caribbean-like waters, and Pantelleria offers rugged isolation. This 10-day itinerary explores the highlights of all three archipelagos, with ferry connections from Sicily’s mainland ports.
🗓️ Day 1–2: Arrival in Milazzo & Lipari (Aeolian Islands)
- Start: Fly into Catania or Palermo, then drive or take a train to Milazzo port (2–3 hrs).
- Ferry: Hydrofoil to Lipari — the largest and liveliest Aeolian Island.
- Explore: Lipari Castle, Archaeological Museum, and Marina Corta.
- Swim: Spiaggia di Canneto or Valle Muria.
- Eat: Granita al limone and fresh swordfish.
🗓️ Day 3: Vulcano — The Island of Fire and Mud
- Ferry: 15 min from Lipari.
- Activities:
- Hike up to Gran Cratere for panoramic views of the archipelago.
- Relax in natural hot springs and volcanic mud baths.
- Swim at Spiaggia Nera, the black-sand beach.
- Evening: Return to Lipari or stay overnight on Vulcano.
🗓️ Day 4–5: Stromboli — Watch the Volcano Glow
- Ferry: 1.5–2 hrs from Lipari.
- Explore: Narrow whitewashed streets and black lava beaches.
- Adventure: Join a guided sunset hike to Stromboli’s crater (weather permitting).
- At night: Watch eruptions from Osservatorio Restaurant — a spectacular natural show.
- Tip: Bring sturdy shoes and a headlamp.
🗓️ Day 6: Salina — Green Heart of the Aeolians
- Ferry: 30–45 min from Stromboli or Lipari.
- Highlights:
- Pollara Bay (filming location for Il Postino).
- Wine tastings of Malvasia delle Lipari.
- Hike up Monte Fossa delle Felci, the archipelago’s highest peak.
- Stay: Overnight in Santa Marina or Malfa.
🗓️ Day 7: Travel to Trapani — Gateway to the Egadi Islands
- Ferry: Return to Milazzo, drive or take a train to Trapani (approx. 5 hrs total).
- Evening: Explore Trapani’s old town and salt pans at sunset.
- Prepare: Book hydrofoil tickets to the Egadi Islands for the next day.
🗓️ Day 8: Favignana — Turquoise Waters and Relaxed Vibes
- Hydrofoil: 30 min from Trapani.
- Explore:
- Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra — among the clearest waters in Italy.
- Bicycling around the island — the best eco-friendly way to explore.
- Visit Ex Stabilimento Florio, a tuna fishery museum.
- Evening: Enjoy seafood dinner by the harbor.
🗓️ Day 9: Levanzo or Marettimo — Quiet Island Life
- Option 1: Levanzo — 10 min ferry, visit Grotta del Genovese with prehistoric cave art.
- Option 2: Marettimo — 1 hr ferry, known for wild hiking trails and sea caves.
- Both: Offer snorkeling, boat excursions, and untouched tranquility.
- Stay: Return to Trapani or overnight on one of the islands.
🗓️ Day 10: Pantelleria — The Black Pearl of the Mediterranean (Optional Extension)
- How to get there: Short flight or overnight ferry from Trapani.
- Explore:
- Specchio di Venere (Venus Mirror Lake) — natural spa and thermal pools.
- Arco dell’Elefante — lava arch over turquoise water.
- Dammusi houses — traditional stone dwellings unique to the island.
- Taste: Local capers and passito wine.
🚢 Travel Logistics
- Ports: Milazzo (Aeolians), Trapani (Egadi), and Palermo/Trapani (Pantelleria).
- Ferries: Liberty Lines hydrofoils operate between islands.
- Best season: May–October — warm seas, active ferry schedules.
- Stay: 2–3 nights in the Aeolians, 2 nights in the Egadi, 1–2 in Pantelleria (optional).
💡 Tips
- Book ferries and accommodations early in summer.
- Bring cash — smaller islands have limited ATMs.
- Pack light and include reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and a hat.
- Respect local ecosystems — never take shells, lava rocks, or coral.
🌅 Summary
Island hopping around Sicily reveals a world of contrasts — lava and sea, ancient and wild, relaxation and adventure. From Stromboli’s fiery summit to Favignana’s calm bays and Pantelleria’s rugged solitude, each island offers a different face of Sicily — all equally unforgettable.