Aeolian Islands Day Trip from Taormina: Stromboli and Panarea

This was a very long, exhausting day from Taormina. The boat was extremely crowded and by the time our coach arrived from Taormina there was no place for us to sit that was a comfortable distance from other passengers. We had to stand the entire boat trip to Panarea as did many other passengers. On the return we queued up very early to ensure a seat for the 1 hour 45 minute ride back. The islands are lovely, but not worth the time it takes to get to them from Taormina. The coach ride back to Taormina provided very little leg room, the ventilation was poor and 4 guests sitting in close proximity to us were not wearing masks.

The trip was not planned well AT ALL. There were no clear instructions as to the itinerary of the day itself. Most of the time was spent travelling rather than exploring the islands. Throughout the whole day we visited only 2 islands for a total of 2 hours each, leaving us with little to no time for any activity. Too much time was spent to watch the Stromboli volcano erupt. Apart from that, Covid-19 measures were not taken into consideration at all. No one checked our temperatures and surely the boat was not operating at a less then full capacity. The boat trip also took way to long !! We arrived back at around 11.45pm, arriving at Taormina at 1am. We had to then walk it back to our apartment, and considering we spent a day in the sun, we were exhausted to do so. To add to this, the bus trip from Taormina to Milazzo took more then 2 hrs, on which the bathroom was locked. Suggestion for the tour leaders: at least start the trip an hour or so earlier and make more stops at Taormina for pickup and drop-off, rather then at Interbus Terminal only.

Very convenient pick up near our hotel. Long bus ride from Giardini Naxos, but enjoyed the islands. Not much to see in Panarea. Very small town, but really enjoyed Stromboli. Wonderful cafe near the church up on the hill with great view, good food, and reasonable prices. While on Stromboli, we would hear the vocano rumble. It sounded like thunder and then you could see activity on Stromboli. We went in May and the boat was not very crowded, except when many passengers went to the top deck to get the evening pics of Stromboli. My only recommendation is it would be helpful if the guide could try to face the passengers when doing her talks. It was very hard to understand what she was saying and really wanted to hear her information. Don't know if this would be possible, but would help to appreciate her information. Recommend.

Our tour guide Heidi was very nice and knowledgeable. This trip was just unexpectedly long, lots of driving and boating hours, way more than 12 hours as advertised. And there was a very shaky period towards the end when the boat sat still while waiting for lava eruption from Stromboli island but this was like torture! Boat was so rocky and everyone was puking left and right. It would have been nice to get a fair warning about this so people can come prepared and take the proper medication beforehand so there wont be any sea sickness. Plus the food on the boat was terrible.

There was no actual tour but just transportation first by coach and then by ferry to both islands.The ferries were overcrowded.

Beautiful boat journey, a once in a lifetime experience. Tour guide communicated clearly about the islands. The islands where very small and we were given plenty of time to go and explore. We witnessed the volcano erupting which was amazing and the sun set was fabulous. A great day out.

We, a family of five (two adults, three kids), had an enjoyable day out at sea getting to know the Panarea and Stromboli islands. Our guide (Salvatore?) was quite knowledgeable about the islands and island life in general and illustrated many of the things we saw with nice anecdotes. Contrary to many of the other reviews we did not find the boat or the islands too crowded. There was ample space to choose the seats from on board and the captain turned the boat around so that everyone could get a good view of the sights from where they sat. Unfortunately the weather was not the best possible as the top of Stromboli was covered in clouds and the volcano itself dormant. This is, however, something that cannot be guaranteed in advance. Would still definitely recommend to those who have not visited Mediterranean islands or seen an active volcano before.

What the info about the tour doesn't tell you is how long the trip to and from the islands are and that the trip turns out to be a 14 hour day....way too long! First you have to meet at a designated spot...for us a 15-20 minute walk to the bus station from our hotel in Taormina. A large bus picks you up for an hour and 20 minute drive down a very tight and winding road to the port. Then another hour and 20 minute boat ride to the first island. You're on the island for 2+ hours (could be a shorter time since not much to see or do) then back on the boat for 20 minutes to Strombolli for another 2+ hours. Then back on the boat to go near the volcano to possibly see lava and finally the long boat and bus ride to be dropped off at 12:30 a.m. to walk back to our hotel. I would not recommend this tour unless you don't mind the everyone day. And the tour guide had to repeat e everything in 3-4 languages which was annoying.....perhaps giving everyone a flyer with the info. I loved the Etna food and wine tour and would highly recommend doing that instead.

Awful! Again, the guide did not tell us much. The boat was too crowded and it was rough going out....many people were soaked when the waves crashed and we were on the upper deck. Because there is no space, everyone is pushing each time you get back on the ship trying to get a decent viewing seat.. This experience was also awful. Why not have the staff create a queue on the pier? Panarea was hot and nothing to do after we ate lunch. Should have had more time on Stromboli. With scant directions, we found the beach, but it was already in shadow...having missed our best beach time on Panarea. The return was a bigger nightmare. Huge waves and numerous people ill, which was not improved by the crew taking smoke breaks at the back where people were retching! Never saw the fire, which was just as well,because there were not enough seats and too many people to see out the windows. This ship is not well equipped for this excursion. There are local ships that were excellent and not crowded. A long, tiring, expensive day!

This was a great tour, got to see the Aeolian archipelago in a day and also the wonderful Stromboli island and it’s volcano. The negative is a very crowded boat and partly caotic arrangement for someone not speaking Italian. However the trip can be recommended as a must during a stay in Sicily.