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Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie)

a wonderful archipelago in the middle of Mediterraneo

"The Aeolian Islands are an excellent example of volcanic island formation and destruction, as well as ongoing volcanic phenomena. Studied since the 18th century, these islands have provided the field of volcanology with examples of two types of eruptions (Vulcanian and Strombolian), playing a prominent role in geologist education for over 200 years. The area keeps to enrich volcanology even today." (Unesco World heritage Centre)


Lipari

The island of Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands, covering 36.7 km2. Its volcanic origin is revealed through the white and black hues of pumice stone and lava glass. Thousands of years ago, lava glass was a significant export product to the mainland, used for making sharp tools and weapons. Volcanic phenomena can also be seen in the island's thermal springs and hot water sources.
The Meligunte Castle, overlooking the village and harbor, houses one of Europe's finest archaeological museums within its walls, along with an impressive cathedral in Norman style.
An abundance of archaeological and historical sites strewn across the island are certain to captivate the hearts of the most ardent explorers.The island also boasts spectacular beaches and rugged cliffs that rise steeply from the sea.
Lipari is the primary source of pumice stone that lends the sea a distinct white or light blue hue. The most famous beach is called "Spiagge Bianche" (White Beaches). Apart from the the town, there are four other villages on the island: Canneto, Acquacalda, Quattropiani, and Piano Conte.


Vulcano

Vulcano is just half a mile from Lipari, a 10-minute ride on the hydrofoil. The island was once known as "Hierà" (sacred), as well as "Termessa" or "Terrasia." Nowadays, it's famous for its underwater hot springs. This island, covering 21 km2 and reaching a height of 500 meters (Mount Aria), is the closest island to the Sicilian coast. Its name clearly reflects its geological background: a land of lava and fumaroles, yellow sulfur rocks, and black sand, a visit is worthed. The island hosts three volcanoes: the first has been extinct since prehistoric times; the second is Vulcanello (123 meters high, dormant since 183 BC); the last is "Gran Catere," with active fumaroles. The most beautiful beaches are Porto Ponente, Porto Levante, and Spiaggia dell’Asino (Gelso).


Salina

As the second-largest Aeolian island (26.8 km2), Salina is named after the small salt lake near Lingua in the southeastern tip, where inhabitants collected salt for preserving capers and fish. This centrally located island, two miles from Lipari, is the only one among the seven Aeolian islands covered in thriving vegetation.The fields are irrigated by natural springs, nurturing the growth of the splendid Malvasia grapes (used for the famous dessert wine) and capers. It also boasts the highest mountains (three extinct volcanoes): Monte Fossa delle Felci (962 m), partially covered with one of the most beautiful strawberry tree forests in the Mediterranean; Monte dei Porri (860 m), and Monte Rivi (850 m).
In addition to the villages of Santa Marina Salina (the largest), Malfa, and Leni, there are five smaller hamlets: Lingua, Rinella, Valdichiesa, Pollara, and Torricella. Salina's history dates back to the Bronze Age, as witnessed by a grave found in Malfa from the 3rd millennium BC. These remains are exhibited in the museum of Lipari.


Panarea

The smallest Aeolian island is very popular among elite tourists. The largest village, Contrada San Pietro, consists of a group of white houses along the eastern side of the island. The other two villages, to the north and south of San Pietro, are Dittella and Drauto. The only accessible roads connect the center of the island to Punta Calcara.
Panarea was inhabited during the Neolithic period. Capo Milazzese, in the southeastern tip, hosts a village from the Middle Bronze Age (1400-1270 BC). This prehistoric village can be reached walking from San Pietro's beach in about an hour.
Taking a boat trip to the nearby islets Basiluzzo, Dattilo, and Lisca Bianca, to the Scoglio Bottaro (with its underwater "fumaroles"), and to the rocky points of Lisca Nera and Le Formiche is highly recommended. Also the charming bay of Cala Junco should not be missed.


Alicudi

This island of 5.2 km2 is an extinct volcano rising from the sea, with a peak at 657 meters in height (Monte Filo dell'Arpa, also known as Timpone della Montagnola). It is the westernmost inhabited island of the Aeolian Islands and is located about 67 miles from Milazzo. It was once called "Ericusa" due to the heather that blankets the volcanic surface with a pink hue in spring.
This island is not part of the mass tourism circuit, and the only place to go ashore is near the Scoglio della Palomba. A boat trip along the island's 4 km long coast gradually reveals enchanting corners with unique red and black rocks separating the beaches. Particularly special is the stair-like eastern coast where you can spot the San Bartolomeo church rising above the houses of Alicudi.


Filicudi

The island of Filicudi was once called 'Phoenicusa,' which means "rich in ferns." A significant part of this island is still covered with these plants. This island, slightly smaller than 10 km2, lies 9 miles from Alicudi and 19 miles from Lipari. The highest peaks were once crater mouths: Fossa delle Felci (774 m) is the oldest; Montagnola (333 m) is likely the most recent, and Torrione (280 m).
In this perfect island getaway, away from the noise and crowds, there are two villages at the southern tip that you shouldn't miss visiting: Filicudi Porto and Pecorini a Mare. Here, remains of prehistoric settlements from the Bronze Age have been found. Later settlements have also been discovered, likely built for defensive purposes. A boat trip to "La Grotta del Bue Marino" is also highly recommended, a cave where seals (monk seals) once lived and according to legend, a monster hid.


Stromboli

The northernmost Aeolian Island covers 12.6 km2 and is home to approximately 500 residents. Stromboli is a 924-meter-high lava mountain (Serra Vancori) that abruptly rises from 2000 meters under the sea, making it Europe's largest active volcano after Mount Etna.
At night, from a boat or from Panarea, you can see the glowing "sciara del fuoco" (the hot lava flow descending to the sea). The white houses of the village create a unique contrast with the black lava ground and the dark green forests.
On the west side of the island lies the village of Ginostra, known by local residents as "Pertuso," with the world's smallest harbor. Just big enough for one boat! Hydrofoils stop outside the harbor, and smaller boats transport then visitors to the shore.
The other harbor of Stromboli is "Scari," undoubtedly more accessible. This harbor is located in the village of San Vincenzo, on the eastern side of the island. Between San Vincenzo and Piscità, you'll find coves and beautiful black sand beaches.
From the terrace opposite the church of San Vincenzo, you can see "Strombolicchio," a large volcanic basalt reef that rises just 1 km from the beach, 50 meters from the sea.