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Aeolian islands or Tropea and Scilla

Posted by on

Hello!
I am travelling this next June with a friend.
We have 3 weeks total, and two weeks will be for the eastern coast of Sicily. Planning on seeing Ortigia, Noto, Ragusa/Modica, Taormina, and an agritourism stay near mt etna. Our focus is food, wine, beautiful settings, and we both adore wandering the streets of old cities/villages. We do not enjoy big tourist resorts/vibes, but do embrace the fact that we are indeed tourists. We're more likely to walk the couple blocks to find a more local spot as opposed to the main drag.

We have 4-5 days and the end of our trip for either the Aeolian isles or a combination of Scilla and Tropea.

We would either take the ferry from the islands to Napoli -> Rome to fly out from

Or we would take the train from Messina to Scilla -> Tropea -> Rome

Travel (time) via ferry seems much nicer. But beyond that,

Any advice or opinions on either of these two areas to choose between? If you've just travelled to one, what was something about the area you found special about it?

Thanks so much in advance!

Posted by
336 posts

haven't been to either tropea or scilla so can't comment from personal experience. however, i have been to stromboli several times over the years and made a day trip to vulcano this july. stromboli or 'iddu' as the locals call 'him' demands at least an overnight stay, or he might get very angry. after all, he is etna's little brother! it's a magical place. The asymmetrical whitewashed houses with brightly painted doors, windows, caper-shaped chimneys are a visual treat. The volcano is active year-round and puts on a spectacular show every night. for the best view, you would have to climb to a safe spot near the crater. only with guided tours (safety reasons). The island is walkable, actually, no cars are allowed, only golf carts and scooters. Even the carabinieri have 'official' golf carts. Great place to eat is the punta lena restaurant. their pasta ala strombolana is the best pasta dish i have ever had..

went to vulcano in july for a day trip. have to admit didn't see much of the island, my goal was to climb to the edge of the crater. the view up there is incredible, the landscape otherworldly, including vents spewing out sulfur smoke! the climb is quicker and you don't need a guide.

As far as travel all the islands are connected by ferry or hydrofoil service. the ferry trip is overnight to and from napoli. hydrofoils run during the day. i took the train from messina to napoli this time around. crossing the straits of messina with the train loaded onto a ferry is quite fascinating. passengers go topside to enjoy the view. hope this helps.

Posted by
2173 posts

I've been to Scilla but not to the islands or Tropea. I think I would prioritize the islands. It seems to me they will take a little more logistical planning and, if you're up for that, then go for it. You may have another chance for the mainland towns in the future.

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