Vulcano
Vulcano is the first island off the mainland and therefore an easy reach for a day excursion.
Vulcano has a small village with tourist shops, bars, some good restaurants and holiday accommodation of which Terasia Resort is the most luxurious one.
The Vulcano volcano has not erupted since 1890, but as its fumaroles prove, it may only be dormant.

You can climb to the crater’s peak (3 hour hike to there and back). The walk to the crater is unshaded, so bring hat, sunscreen and water; wear sturdy hiking shoes.

You also can rent quads or scooters to discover the island and have a swim at desolate beaches. Otherwise walk from Porto di Levante to Porto di Ponente and relax at a lido at the Spiaggia Sabbie Nere; because of the volcano the beaches are of fine black sand. There are hot

But the most famous of Vulcano are the Laghetti di Fanghi, the mud baths (admission is 2 euro),
which you can’t miss because of the penetrative smell of sulphur and the white mud bodied people walking around. Though the remarkable smell is compensated by the beautiful colour pallet of the rocks.
The mud bath is one massive pit of thick, sulphurous gunk that is said to greatly relieve certain skin diseases and rheumatic suffering. Be warned that the mud discolours everything from clothing to jewellery and that the smell stays in your swim suit or clothing for months.
Since the mud baths are also radioactive, you are warned not to stay in them for more than 10 to 15 minutes. Then you rinse of the mud (in order to leave the mud in the place where it belongs) and have a bath in the hot submarine springs.

From Milazzo by hydrofoil: 45 minutes

Lipari
Lipari is the largest and liveliest of the islands.
The main town (also called Lipari) is the biggest town of all the islands and people can easily spent a few days here. Have a cold drink or a cappuccino at of the terraces in the picturesque harbour or stroll along the shopping street with local shops that sell Mediterranean beach wear, typical products and Italian fashion.
At night local private (taxi) boats come from the other islands to bring guests to enjoy the active nightlife of cosmopolitan bars, nightclubs and restaurants.

During the day these local boats can bring you to one of the beautiful bays for a refreshing swim or rent a scooter to discover the island over land.
Further attractions are a superb archaeological museum, spa baths and Roman sauna cave.

From Milazzo by hydrofoil: 1 hour

Salina
Salina is the garden island and is famed for its production of the heady, sweet wine malvasia. Its slopes are blanketed with deep green vineyards along with capers and olives and its waters populated with fish and octopus. The island is beautiful, quiet and relaxing.
NB The Academy Awards nominated film Il Postino (The Postman) was filmed here.
From Milazzo by hydrofoil: 1,5 hours

Panarea
Panarea is the smallest and arguably the most beautiful of the islands with stunning views of Stromboli. Also known as ‘jet-set’ island, it boasts three small but famous hotels and the summer homes of many wealthy Italians. It has clear blue waters surrounding a rocky coastline and is much favoured by scuba divers and snorkellers. The prehistoric village of Punta Milazzese, can be reached from the beach of San Pietro in an hours walk. Or sail around the small islands nearby and to the Scoglio Bottaro, and its underwater ‘fumaroles’.
Panarea is a part of the rim of an imploded volcano, in fact you can see the round outline of what once used to be a volcano well from the harbour.

When staying on one of the other islands, Panarea makes a good day trip for hiking on the island or a beach day at one of the calette (bays).
From Milazzo by hydrofoil: 2 hours

Stromboli

Stromboli has Europe's biggest active volcano after Etna - the only volcano in Europe with permanently eruptive activity. During the night, the glittering "sciara" of fire (the red-hot flow descending towards the sea) can be seen from the boats while during the day, the smoke of the peak joins the steam rising up from the water that cools down the lava detritus that has plunged into the water after sliding down the slope of the coast.

Black sandy beaches contrast nicely with the typical white Aeolian houses. The island has a laid back atmosphere.

In order to see the activity of the volcano (it needs to be dark), you need to stay overnight. Please be aware that accommodation prices are quite high, but you get an unforgettable experience in return that makes up for it.
You can either go on a boat excursion at night or on a guided hike excursion to get close to the craters and experience this amazing fire spectacle from close by. Also kids can do the excursion.
See ‘Things to do’ for more details

From Milazzo to Stromboli it’s about a 3 hours trip by hydrofoil.

Filicudi
Filicudi has two villages lying on a small peninsula stretching out towards the south: Filicudi Porto and Pecorini a Mare, linked by the only tarmac road of the island. There is no traffic allowed or possible, but the mule paths crisscrossing the slopes are relatively easily accessible on foot.
Accommodation in the only one hotel or otherwise private homes.
Filciudi is for the real off the beaten track traveller.

From Milazzo by hydrofoil: 2 hours

Alicudi
This is the island least frequented by visitors. The visitors that do come here are attracted by the quietude and the simple life, away from modernity.
Once it was called ‘Ericusa’ (Erica = heather) and a major area of the island is still covered with this type of vegetation. The Italian government used this island as a prison for convicted Mafiosi. Nowadays the population (120 inhabitatants) consists of fishermen and farmers.

There is only one restaurant on the island, and the menu depends greatly on what fish the local fishermen have caught, or what food supplies the hydrofoil brings.
Accommodation in the one hotel or otherwise private homes.

From Milazzo by hydrofoil: 2,5 hours