Welcome! Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you prepare for a dream vacation in the stunning Aeolian Islands. Discover everything Aeoliancharme Collection offers for an unforgettable stay.
FAQ
Your Perfect Vacation in the Aeolian Islands with Aeoliancharme Collection
General Information about Hotels and Apartments
Where are the Aeoliancharme Collection hotels and apartments located?
Our exclusive properties are located on Lipari, the largest and liveliest island of the Aeolian archipelago:
● Hotel Mea: In the heart of Lipari Town, the island’s main hub. Fun fact: the town shares the same name as the island!
● Hotel Villa Enrica: On a panoramic hill in Lipari, just 1 km from the main harbor and town center.
● Hotel Amarea: In Canneto, the island’s second-largest village, only 3.5 km from the main port.
● Hotel Cutimare: In Acquacalda, a picturesque seaside village 10 km (approx. 20 minutes) from the port, easily reachable by car or scooter.
● Aeoliancharme Holidays Apartments: We offer apartments both in Lipari Town and in Canneto, ideal for a self-catering holiday.
Check-in/Check-out and Services
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 3:00 PM. Check-out is required by 10:30 - 11:00 AM (exact time depends on the hotel).
If you arrive early or leave late, you can store your luggage for free and enjoy our common areas.
What is the Aeoliancharme Card?
At check-in, you’ll receive the Aeoliancharme Card, which gives you access to discounts and special deals in all our hotels, apartments, restaurants, bars, and beach clubs.
We want your holiday to be as enjoyable as possible.
Is there a tourist tax?
No, the municipality of Lipari is exempt from tourist tax. However, there is a disembarkation tax (cost varies by season), added once to your ferry ticket, which allows free circulation among all the islands of Lipari’s municipality (Lipari, Vulcano, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi, and Alicudi).
Do all rooms have sea views?
Not all rooms have sea views. When booking online or on our website, rooms with sea views are labeled as “sea front,” “sea view,” or “partial/lateral sea view.”
How does daily cleaning work?
Daily housekeeping takes place between 08:00 and 15:00. Priority is given to check-in rooms, followed by stayover rooms. As water is a precious resource on the island, we encourage guests to request towel changes only when necessary by leaving them on the floor.
You can also opt out of daily cleaning to reduce environmental impact.
Bath amenities and linens will still be replenished at the time you specify at the reception.
Is Wi-Fi available at the hotel?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms and common areas. Just connect using the password provided at reception.
Which hotels have a swimming pool?
Hotel Mea and Hotel Villa Enrica have pools. Access times vary and are listed in the FAQs on each hotel’s page.
Please respect the quiet hours in the early afternoon and at night, as some rooms are adjacent to the pools.
When are the pools open?
Pools open at the same time as the hotel’s seasonal opening and remain open until the hotel closes.
Are the pools heated?
No artificial heating is available. The pools are naturally warmed by the sun.
Are pool/beach towels provided?
Pool towels are provided free of charge and can be changed with no extra cost. The first beach towel is free; replacement towels cost €5.00 each.
Is there a lifeguard at the pool?
No, as the maximum depth is 1.30 meters, you can enjoy swimming safely without a lifeguard.
Is there entertainment at the pool?
No entertainment is provided. Please refrain from playing ball games or disruptive activities to ensure a relaxing atmosphere for everyone.
At Hotel Mea, from June to September, aquagym classes are available for a fee and with reservation.
Do the hotels have a wellness center or gym?
No, but we partner with external providers. You can book treatments in advance.
At Hotel Cutimare, treatments can be arranged in a dedicated in-house area.
Is there parking available?
● Hotel Mea: Free, outdoor, video-monitored but unattended parking.
● Hotel Villa Enrica: Free, outdoor, unattended parking.
● Hotel Amarea & Hotel Cutimare: Luggage loading/unloading area in front of reception. Free street parking available nearby, but no private parking.
Are pets allowed?
Only Hotel Cutimare and Hotel Villa Enrica accept small pets upon request (except poolside rooms at Villa Enrica), with a €10 daily supplement.
Please do not leave pets alone in rooms for extended periods and keep them on a leash in common areas out of respect for other guests.
Is there a maintenance/assistance service?
Of course! For any issue, please inform us.
Our staff promptly handles ordinary maintenance.
Extraordinary maintenance requiring external specialized technicians may take longer if professionals are not available on the island.
Do you have partnerships with beach clubs?
Yes! The Aeoliancharme Collection includes Asino Beach, a renowned beach club with a restaurant and pizzeria in Vulcano (Gelso).
In Canneto, we partner with several beach clubs offering a relaxing environment, beautiful sea, and exceptional beaches. Some also offer bar and restaurant service.
For prices and reservations, contact our reception directly.
How does the Hotel Cutimare beach service work?
Hotel Cutimare offers free sunbeds and umbrellas, exclusively to our guests, subject to availability.
This service is not available for external guests. To preserve the beach’s natural charm, no additional equipment is provided.
Breakfast and Dining
What are the breakfast hours and options?
Breakfast times vary by hotel. You’ll find an international buffet with sweet and savory options. Room service is available (except at Villa Enrica and Amarea) for a fee. Ask reception for details.
Do the hotels have snack bars?
● Hotel Mea & Villa Enrica: Poolside drinks, aperitifs, and light lunches (June–September).
● Hotel Cutimare: Drinks and snacks on the panoramic terrace (June–September).
● Hotel Amarea: Indoor café/bar in the lobby.
Is there an in-house restaurant?
Only Hotel Mea has a restaurant: Chimera (see below).
What does Ristorante Chimera offer?
Located at Hotel Mea in Lipari center, Chimera has indoor and panoramic outdoor seating. Open daily from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
10% discount on à la carte menu for all hotel and apartment guests (reservation required). Half Board Service (for hotel and Aeoliancharme Holidays apartment guests):
Includes a daily 3-course menu (drinks excluded):
● First course
● Second course with side
● Dessert or fruit
Menu is chosen at breakfast. Options include meat, fish, vegetarian, and vegan (on request). Guests must also specify their preferred mealtime.
If you miss a meal, you can recover it the next day or have lunch on departure day. Alternatively, a packed lunch can be requested.
Transport to Chimera Restaurant:
● Hotel Villa Enrica (500 meters from Mea): Free shuttle to Chimera.
● Hotel Amarea & Hotel Cutimare: Guests reach Chimera on their own. They are also partnered with local restaurants in Canneto and Acquacalda.
New for Apartment Guests:
Aeoliancharme Holidays apartment guests can now also enjoy the Half Board service at Chimera.
Do you have other restaurants or pizzerias in town?
Yes, ask at reception for recommendations.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes. Please inform us at the time of booking so we can prepare suitable meals.
Getting Here
How do I get to Lipari?
Visit the “WHERE WE ARE” section of your chosen hotel’s website for full transport info. In summer and holidays, book ferries/hydrofoils in advance.
Do you offer a shuttle from/to the port?
Yes, upon reservation and subject to availability. Cost ranges from €10 to €30 per ride depending on the number of passengers, time, and season. Contact us for details.
Is there public transport to the hotels?
● Hotel Cutimare: Public bus from Lipari port to Acquacalda in about 30 mins. Limited service on Sundays/holidays.
● Hotel Amarea: Canneto is served by regular buses (every 30 mins). The stop is 50m from the hotel near Bar Papisca.
● Hotel Mea & Villa Enrica: Located in Lipari town and easily reached on foot or by private transfer.
Where can I leave my car in Milazzo?
There are secure car parks with shuttle service to/from the port, or rent a car with DROP OFF at Milazzo port (SRC rentals).
Can I bring my car to the island?
From June 1 to September 30, non-residents are not allowed to bring cars/motorbikes to Lipari, Vulcano, and Filicudi unless staying at least 7 nights in a hotel.
Contact us for the required vehicle permit.
Are ferries available on Sundays and holidays?
Yes, unless there are severe weather conditions. Lipari’s port is the most protected, and service rarely stops all day. If you're delayed, contact us for help with alternative arrangements.
Can you organize airport transfers from Catania?
Absolutely! Aeoliancharme Collection offers full travel assistance. Book your flight and stay—we'll take care of the rest. Contact us for a quote.
Can I buy ferry tickets from you?
Yes, we partner with a local travel agency. Contact us for details.
Explore the Aeolian Islands
What can I do in the Aeolian Islands?
These UNESCO-listed islands offer rich natural and cultural experiences. Contact reception before your arrival for personalized suggestions or visit our Concierge desk once here.
Is there nightlife?
Lipari, the largest and most populated island, has vibrant day and night scenes and remains lively even in the off-season.
What’s the best way to get around the island?
Scooters are the easiest way to explore. Cars are recommended for families or those not used to riding scooters.
Can I rent a scooter or car?
Yes, directly onsite or in advance. A deposit is required. Prices vary by model and rental period. Early booking is recommended during peak times.
Can I rent a boat?
Yes, with or without a skipper. Boats over 40 HP require a boating license. Fuel is extra. Booking early is advised during high season.
Are the beaches sandy or rocky?
Lipari beaches are mainly pebbly. Vulcano has black sandy beaches like Asino Beach, part of our group—a must-visit!
How do I reach the famous pumice caves?
The easiest beach is Porticello, reachable by public bus. From June to September, boats from Lipari and Canneto visit other nearby beaches.
What’s required for hiking Vulcano or Stromboli?
● Vulcano: Medium-easy difficulty, 1.5h ascent. Access is limited during hot hours and after sunset. Guides are not mandatory but recommended.
v ● Stromboli: Hike solo up to 280m. Beyond that, a certified volcanology guide is required. Always check current volcanic activity and restrictions.
Recommended gear:
● Comfortable clothing
● Hiking or athletic shoes
● Long socks (for sand)
● Windbreaker
● Spare T-shirt
● Water and backpack
Contact us to book a guide or equipment.
Can I book excursions in advance?
Yes! Stay and experience packages are available on our website. You can also book on-site, but early booking is advised in high season.
Reservations & More
Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, if you booked with “free cancellation,” you can cancel without fees within the stated period (see your confirmation email). Deposits are refunded (less bank fees) the following month.
Non-refundable bookings cannot be canceled or refunded.
Can I change my booking dates?
● Non-refundable bookings:
Changes only allowed for direct bookings (website or office), via email at least 15 days prior. Stay value is transferable (not divisible). Rate differences may apply.
● Flexible bookings:
Check your cancellation policy for deadlines. Changes are subject to availability and possible rate adjustments.
How do I cancel or change a booking?
● Direct bookings: Use the “Modify/Cancel” section on our website. Enter your booking number and follow the instructions.
● Third-party bookings: Contact their customer service (e.g., Booking.com, Expedia), as we cannot modify/cancel third-party reservations.
To request a new quote, contact us by phone, WhatsApp, or via the form at the bottom of the page.