The Aeolian Islands are 7 volcanic islands off northeastern Sicily. Black sand beaches (Vulcano, Stromboli), pumice beaches (Lipari), mud baths (Vulcano), and the surreal experience of swimming while an ACTIVE VOLCANO erupts above (Stromboli).
White pumice beach — the pumice mines of Lipari turned the sand WHITE. Turquoise water. Surreal.
Black volcanic sand. Shallow, warm (volcanic heat). The Fanghi (mud bath pools) are 200m away — smear yourself in thermal mud, then rinse in the sea.
Black sand beach facing the Strombolicchio sea stack. At night: watch the volcano erupt from the beach (the Sciara del Fuoco glow).
A crescent in a volcanic crater bay. Where Il Postino was filmed. Sunset is extraordinary. Steps down (steep).
A natural pool in a prehistoric bay. Turquoise water in a rocky amphitheatre. The most exclusive island (Panarea = the VIP Aeolian).
Ferry from Milazzo (Sicily): Lipari 1.5h, Vulcano 1h (Liberty Lines/Siremar). Island-hop by hydrofoil. Best base: Lipari (largest, most services) or Salina (quieter, greener).