Best Small Luxury Hotels in Aeolian Islands, Italy

Nestled in the picturesque village of Acquacalda, Hotel Cutimare offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea from its whitewashed building. Guests can enjoy a peaceful stay in the elegant rooms, all equipped with air conditioning, LCD TV, and a balcony. Some units boast a view of the sea. A continental breakfast is served each morning, and can be savoured on the furnished terrace when the weather allows. Local restaurants and cafes are a mere 5-minute walk away, and the hotel is conveniently located near a bus stop that connects to Canneto and Lipari.

Rooms: 30 Stars: 4

Experience a blissful stay at Hotel Villa Cute – HVC. Set in a 19th century villa, this haven of tranquillity offers a serene getaway on the captivating island of Lipari. All rooms and suites are fully renovated and feature modern amenities. Enjoy a dip in the infinity pool or take a stroll to the town centre, just 100 metres away. An array of activities await, from boat excursions to fishing and dinners in local trattorias. Plus, the hotel provides a free shuttle service from and to the harbour. Spend your days unwinding and exploring the beauty of Lipari at Hotel Villa Cute – HVC.

Rooms: 10 Stars: 4

For an unforgettable stay in the Aeolian Islands, La Locanda Del Postino is the perfect choice. Located on the Island of Salina, this 4-star small luxury hotel is just 400 metres from the sea and set in Pollara. Offering free private parking, a traditional restaurant and rustic-style rooms, each with a patio or balcony, you’ll enjoy a wrought iron bed, terracotta floors, air conditioning, a TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. A buffet breakfast is available daily, and the restaurant serves Mediterranean and Aeolian specialities based on fresh fish and vegetables, plus you can enjoy the veranda. Staff are available 24 hours a day and can organise tours to nearby islands. Malfa is 6 km away, while Rinella Port – providing links to Naples and the surrounding islands – is just 15 minutes by car.

Rooms: 10 Stars: 4

Just a few steps from the sparkling waters of Canneto Beach on Lipari island, La Zagara is a perfect spot to soak up the sun. Enjoy the views of neighbouring islands Panarea and Stromboli from the terrace, or explore the island’s shops and restaurants nearby. Inside, the air conditioned rooms feature minimalist décor, a flat-screen TV and safe, and many have partial sea views. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and staff can help you arrange car and scooter rental, as well as connections to Sicily’s main airports. Start your day with a buffet breakfast of local produce, croissants and cakes, served on the terrace.

Rooms: 20 Stars: 4

Experience seaside luxury at Hotel La Sciara, one of the finest small hotels in the Aeolian Islands. Boasting 4-star accommodation and a seasonal outdoor pool, the hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, private bathrooms, and a balcony with sea views. Guests can enjoy nightly entertainment, room service, and a restaurant serving Italian cuisine with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Located on the beachfront, the hotel is close to popular attractions such as Piscita Beach, Ficogrande Beach and Punta Lena Beach. The nearest airport, Lamezia Terme International, is 625 km away and a paid airport shuttle service is available.

Rooms: 62 Stars: 4

Hotel A Pinnata offers spectacular views of the Pignataro Bay in Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands. Its air-conditioned rooms feature Mediterranean décor and unique colour schemes inspired by the zodiac signs. Each room is equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV, and hydromassage shower. Enjoy breakfast on the hotel’s terrace overlooking the bay and Lipari Castle. A free scheduled bus will take you to an Italian and Filipino restaurant for dinner. Shuttle service to Lipari harbour can be arranged. The Canneto private beach is 2 km away and the town of Lipari is a 5-minute drive.

Rooms: 11 Stars: 4

Hotel Oasi is a small luxury hotel in the Aeolian Islands, located on the island of Panarea. It features a pool surrounded by a garden and free WiFi. Air-conditioned rooms come with TV, minibar and a patio. Boat rental and helicopter excursions to the nearby islands are available. The hotel also boasts two restaurants with covered and open-air terraces, offering sea views in summer. It is a 5-minute walk to the harbour, with ferries and hydrofoils to Lipari, Stromboli and Santa Marina Salina. A free transfer service is also provided on request.

Rooms: 10 Stars: 4

Relais Il Gabbiano offers a luxurious apartment hotel experience in the heart of Stromboli. Guests enjoy air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace, kitchen or kitchenette and en suite bathroom. Organic furniture, linen and cleaning products are used throughout. There is an outdoor swimming pool with hydromassage and a spacious garden. Free WiFi is available. A welcome bottle of Sicilian wine and 2 bottles of water are provided, as well as a daily basket of breakfast items like croissants, bread and biscuits. Stromboli Harbour is a 15-minute walk away, and the beach is just a 5-minute walk. Il Gabbiano can be reached from Messina, Milazzo or Naples.

Rooms: 7

The breathtaking Therasia Sea and SPA, set on the Vulcanello peninsula, offers views of the stunning Aeolian Islands. Built with local materials such as Mount Etna rock, Sicilian terracotta, cedar and olive wood, it stands proud in white stone. Guests can enjoy a modern spa, and private access to the sea. The elegant rooms are decorated in soft, calming colours, with balconies, LCD TVs and private bathrooms with lava stone and coloured Sicilian tiles. Some rooms even have views of the sea and islands. There are 3 restaurants, including the Aricpelago grill and pizzeria, and Il Cappero restaurant, which serves delicious Mediterranean and Sicilian dishes. A generous breakfast buffet with local pastries is also available. Guests can explore the nearby 1 km walking path, passing through Mediterranean bush, cactuses and subtropical plants. Plus, a free shuttle is available to the centre of Vulcano and the harbour.

Rooms: 97 Stars: 5

Just a short stroll from the port, tucked away in the charming, multi-hued streets of Lipari’s old town, lies the romantic Arciduca Hotel. Its décor is inspired by the Sicilian styles of the late 19th century. A 2-minute walk away is a small beach, while the shops and boutiques in the centre can be reached in minutes. The hotel’s restaurant has a terrace with views over the pool with hydro-massage, surrounded by the vibrant hues and aromas of Mediterranean vegetation. The hotel is just steps away from Marina Corta Square, the fishermen’s port and the hydrofoil dock. The rooms boast modern amenities, such as air conditioning, and a bathroom with a bath or shower.

Rooms: 40 Stars: 4