The Aeolian Islands, an enchanting scenario in which real jewels of volcanic rock seem to be set since time immemorial in a sapphire-coloured sea. It is for this reason that the splendid islands are becoming more popular with seafarers which choose them as their favourite destination in Sicily.
An itinerary of 7 days is the minimum needed to visit the 7 magic islands, praised by Homer. The Greek poet tells of Aeolus, God of the Winds and Vulcano, God of Fire who had chosen these islands as a refuge after fleeing Olympus. These are the Aeolian Islands of today, seven sisters, wild and fantastic and which still have intact the same magic as in those legendary times. Lipari is the largest and most populated; Vulcano the island of fire; Stromboli the round one, Salina the twin; Panarea the smallest; Alicudi and Filicudi the most rugged.
Lipari: Between July and August every summer there is a film industry exhibition. A Sea of Cinema which hosts many famous personalities. There are many things to see on Lipari: The Aeolian Archaeological Museum, the Archaeological Park and among the marine excursions not to be missed – Canneto, 5kms north along the eastern coast where you can visit the caves of pumice-stone and the obsidian lava flows as well as the rugged coastline, grottoes and inlets for a memorable swim.
Vulcano almost touches Lipari and is famous for its volcanic activity both on the slopes of the mountain and in the sea. Next to the eastern port there is in fact a vast area of sea in activity with fumaroles which make the water boiling in several places. The same activity takes place next to the beach in a bathing pond of mud and warm water which is ideal for thermal bathing. A grotto to visit is that of the Cavallo (‘Horse’), the grotto of alum, the crater at 390 metres above sea level about one hour from the eastern dock. On the high slopes of the island the panorama presented is picturesque and wild.
Salina is the greenest island of the archipelago with its colourful sea giving spectacular contrasts. The tour around the island is fantastic for its variety of views and beautiful scenery. The island consists of six volcanoes. Of the most ancient, Capo, Pizzo del Corvo and M.Rivi, there are only the ruins remaining, while the layered volcanoes of the Fossa delle Felci and Porri mounts still have a perfect conical shape.
Panarea, the most chic of the Aeolian islands, is the destination for those who love the sea and society life, in that it has a lot of inlets, creeks and little beaches set in the indented coastline. The sea is also full of different species of fish and popular with those who love fishing. Places to visit are the prehistoric village at the south-eastern extremity of the island, Cala Junco, the little island of Basiluzzo, the small islands of Lisca Bianca, Lisca Nera and Dattilo and the circumnavigation of the island.
Stromboli, the island of nature between black sand beaches and rocks, and volcanic activity. It is in fact one of the most active volcanoes on earth. Not to be missed therefore is an excursion to the central crater, accompanied by an official guide due to its continual eruptive activity. The explosive activity can be seen in the evening with 20 minutes of navigation. This spectacular show is unique, watching the flows of red lava going down towards the sea, interrupted sometimes by explosive phases of magma and lapilli from the central crater. Going around the island we come across the large Scari lido, Punta Lena with its little white cottages and tall palm trees which make it look like an Arab village, the central beach of Ficogrande, adjacent to the little port , which was once the landing-place of large mercantile sailing ships. Fishing is the main industry of the island.
Filicudi, with its slightly oval shape and a southern peninsula of Cape Graziano, is an island with indented coastlines and small beaches adjacent to the rocks which jut into the sea. Here and there deep grottoes can be admired such as those of Maccatore, San Barolomeo, Perciato and the most famous, Bue Marino. This grotto is a refuge, an oasis of peace and one of the most enchanting corners of the Aeolian kingdom. Completing the show are the rock formations of Notaro del Mitra and Canna which is 85 metres high.
Alicudi, the ancient Ericusa, is the most solitary and uncontaminated island. Circumnavigating the island there is a never-ending variety of beautiful panoramas: the hill slopes with their terraces, high coastline with black rocks, valleys and cliff faces which give a magical look to the countryside. The island is formed by a conical volcano which is no longer active. The sea and underwater fishing constitute the main source of living.
One thing is certain, that no pen can describe such beauty as that of the Aeolian archipelago, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site; our one-day itinerary for each island will give you unforgettable emotions.
