7 Aeolian Island Airbnbs to Book for an Off-the-Beaten-Path Italian Holiday

Reported by Vogue.

The Aeolian Islands have always belonged to those who know — Italians who grew up ferrying between volcanic shores, eating granita for breakfast, and treating inconvenience like a luxury. Now the secret is spreading, and the smartest way to do the archipelago is by renting a home on one of its seven islands, settling in, and refusing to rush. According to Vogue, this UNESCO World Heritage-designated chain off the northeast coast of Sicily — reachable by hydrofoil or ferry from both Sicily and Naples — rewards travelers willing to trade tourist infrastructure for black sand beaches, crystalline water, and the particular peace of being somewhere genuinely remote.

The islands each have their own personality. Lipari is the largest and most accessible, with enough civilization to feel grounded. Stromboli and Vulcano offer active volcanoes you can actually climb — one writer, self-described as averse to both hiking and heights, made it to Stromboli's summit at sunset and called it worth every step. Salina is the greenest, best for slow days between local wineries and rocky coves. Panarea pulls an upscale crowd to its car-free whitewashed village. And then there are Filicudi and Alicudi at the far edge — the latter has no cars, no ATMs, and exactly two shops — for anyone who wants to disappear entirely.

The Rentals Worth Booking

The standout properties span every budget and group size. On Panarea, Il Frantoio (from $1,843/night) sleeps six with hot tub access and terraces above Cala Zimmari beach — ideal for a group that wants to cook late dinners to the sound of cicadas. On Stromboli, La Porta Rossa (from $433/night) delivers elegant interiors — iron bed frames, terracotta floors, jute rugs — steps from the island's black sand beach in Piscità. For something more minimal, Casa Eoliana on Lipari (rates vary) opens every room onto a terrace with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and Vulcano. On Alicudi, Casanelblu (from $186/night) requires a 20-minute climb from the port, but rewards you with wraparound sea views and space for seven. On Salina, the compact Aeolian House with Sea View (from $196/night) is ten minutes from the beach and close enough to the village of Malfa to sample Malvasia delle Lipari at local wineries. Casa Panoramica on Filicudi offers three en-suite bedrooms and a seasonal vegetable garden on a hilltop. And on Vulcano — the closest island to Sicily and the logical first stop — Casa Giara puts you 800 meters from Acque Calde beach, the island's famous thermal "natural jacuzzi."

The Aeolian Islands aren't the destination for anyone who needs a resort to feel like they're on vacation — but if your version of a good trip involves volcanic terrain, strong coffee on a sun-warmed terrace, and evenings with no particular agenda, you'll leave already planning the return trip.

Read the original at Vogue.