Where to go in October: Sicily’s Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian Islands – that scattered volcanic arc just north of Sicily – have always carried a whisper of myth.
By October, when the summer crowds retreat, the seven islands shift gear. Ferries still run, boutique hotels stay open, and the volcanic landscapes feel more intimate. It’s shoulder season at its best: a little quieter, a little more elemental, and arguably more luxurious.
Why October Holds all the Magic
Travelling in October means cooler days for hiking, empty trails, and space at the islands’ most celebrated addresses. According to IO Donna and Corriere della Sera, the ferries and hydrofoils are reduced compared to summer, but core services continue well into late October. You trade beach-club bustle for dramatic skies, harvest flavours, and a slower rhythm.
Where to Stay
If you choose one island as your base, make it Salina, dubbed by Italians as the Mediterranean’s “green island” – not only for its lush interior and vineyards, but for a thoughtful balance of sustainability and style. The island offers a trio of hotels that set the bar for barefoot luxury:
Hotel Signum – family-run, with Michelin-starred chef Martina Caruso at the helm and a spa that draws on geothermal traditions.
Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia (Relais & Châteaux) – a vineyard retreat where suites spill out toward the sea, pairing island authenticity with polished design.
Principe di Salina – boutique and bohemian, ideal for couples looking for quiet corners and sea views.
For a more low-key but equally charming option, Hotel Ravesi and Hotel Punta Scario sit on Salina’s cliffs with cinematic sunsets.
Explore the Islands
Hike with ease - cooler air makes the climb to Monte Fossa delle Felci a joy. At the top, views stretch across all seven islands.
Sip the harvest - October overlaps with Malvasia tastings and seasonal produce.
Wander Stromboli’s villages at dawn - From Piscità to Ginostra, the air is thick with the scent of sulfur and citrus. Follow the trail up to the Osservatorio in time for nightfall, and witness jets of lava arc through the sky.
Spend a night in off-grid Ginostra island - With no cars or scooters and extremely limited services, Ginostra offers a radical simplicity. In October, it’s a chance to test your appetite for silence, where local resourcefulness becomes essential.
Live Panarea like a local - Start your day with granita at Bar del Porto, slip into a wooden boat and explore Basiluzzo and Dattilo, dine at Da Pina or Cusiritati with islanders’ flair, and watch the sunset from Raya’s terrace.
Sail without the crowds - charter a boat to Panarea’s islets or out towards Stromboli. With luck, you’ll catch the nightly glow of the Sciara del Fuoco – a natural firework show best seen by sea.
Climb a crater - Vulcano’s Gran Cratere della Fossa remains accessible (weather permitting), a reminder of the archipelago’s raw origins.
Soak and spa - October is a perfect time to indulge in wellness; Therasia Resort Sea & Spa on Vulcano makes an elegant day-trip destination.
The October Mood Board
In summer, the Aeolians feel cinematic. In October, they feel secretive. The sea turns cobalt, the villages fall hushed, and the islands invite slower rituals: a glass of Malvasia on a quiet terrace, a cliffside walk without company, a dinner where the chef has time to stop by your table.
Insider’s Note
Unless you’re traveling independently on a private boat, check ferry schedules, as services thin out towards late October. Some smaller islands like Alicudi and Filicudi can feel almost deserted, which for the right traveller is part of their magic. Lipari, Salina, and Vulcano offer the most reliable bases for this season.
In October, the Aeolians belong not to the crowds but to those willing to linger. For travellers who love a quieter kind of luxury, this is the month to see them.
