Named after Aeolus, god of the winds, the Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago not far from Sicily’s northern coast in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Also emerged as the Lipari Islands and Isole Eolie, the principal islands of the chain are Lipari, Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi, Stromboli, Panarea and Vulcano. Between them the islands boast beautiful scenery, great beaches, castles, thermal resorts, water sports, good fishing and, of course, some live volcanic activity. Photo by: adam butler photography

These beautiful islands are quite rugged, with deep caverns, extraordinary rock formations, steep cliffs and splendid views. The volcanoes of Stromboli erupt fairly frequently. Rossellini’s 1950 film, Stromboli, was inspired by this volcano, which still regularly sends molten lava down its scarred rocks. This however, hasn’t prevented these islands from becoming popular smart resorts for well-headed Italians, so expect crowds in summer. Photo by: adam butler photography

Lapri is perhaps the most fascinating of the islands from the historical point of view, with its citadel and archeological remains. It is from there, the most of the boat trips to the beaches and other islands start out. Buoyant pumice and smooth black obsidian litter the beaches, and Lapri is well-served by restaurants and cafes. Filicudi with its basalt shoreline, is much less developed as a tourist resort – the water is magnificently clear, you can hire a boat or scuba dive, and the beaches are often empty. Photo by: afewscoops

Panarea offers a lovely scene of rocky hills, ancient settlements, green slopes and pretty buildings characterized by columns and arches. There can be found the Hotel Raya, opened in the 1960s by artist Paolo Tilche, which has given Panarea the reputation as a party island. Photo by: adam butler photography

The garden islands of Salina offers tranquility, perfect if you are looking for a hideaway. It is one of the greenest of the islands, producing capers, delicious fish and octopus and a golden dessert wine, Malvasia. It was there, that the film Il Postino was shot in the 1990s. There is a museum in Lingua, an interesting church in the post town of Santa Marina and spectacular rock formations at Pollara. The stone beaches are clean and rarely crowded, and the views over other islands are breathtaking. Stomboli has become island of choice for a select fashionable crowd. The Volcano is still main attraction, and is best viewed from an evening boat trip from where you can see the fiery show. Volcano’s other great attraction is the open air pool of volcanic mud, which attract bathers looking for a cure for skin complaints and other ailments. Photo by: adam butler photography

When to go: May, June or September. Population: 13,431. How to get there: By boat, ferry or hydrofoil from Milazzo, Palermo or Naples. You should know: The archipelago is UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its geology and vulcanology. Photo by: Ithip.com Hotel Collection