The archipelago of the Aeolian Islands is located north of eastern Sicily, in the province of Messina and consists of seven volcanic islands: Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Panarea and Stromboli. They are a popular destination for summer holidays for Italian and international clients.
Let's see below what they are:
Alicudi is the least inhabited. Its characteristic lava rock contrasts wonderfully with the crystalline blue of the sea, the only source of noise in an otherwise almost immaculate silence. The island is perfect for a restful stay in contact with nature. There is no tourist port and to get there it is necessary to take advantage of temporary landings. The coasts of Alicudi are steep, rugged, full of mysterious caves and inaccessible beaches, so the best way to admire the island is from the sea, taking a boat ride.
Aeolian Filicudi is the fifth largest island of the Aeolian Islands. A little wild, it is suitable for those who love unspoiled nature. About half an hour's walk from the port it is possible to reach Capo Graziano, one of the most important archaeological sites of the Aeolian Islands.
Reachable by sea, it is possible to visit the Grotta del Bue Marino (or Green Grotto), the largest cave in the entire archipelago. The entrance is carved out of a rocky wall which with its reflections resembles a large mosaic. Inside, the sound of the sea is similar to the cry of an ox and the rocky arches follow one another with many stalactites and stalagmites with greenish reflections. It is said that the cave was the home of the god Aeolus and that in defense of it there were a large seal and a sea ox, from which it takes its name.
Eolie Lipari is the most populated of the islands and also the largest, with an area of almost 40 km². Its highest peak, Monte Chirica (600 m) is an excellent point to observe the entirety of the archipelago. Lipari also boasts an enviable millenary history and culture, thanks to various underwater finds, witnesses of glory and culture of the Greek world on the Aeolian Islands. Finally, the historic center offers an infinity of shops and cafes between steep climbs and narrow streets that offer live music and delicacies until late at night.
Aeolian Salina is the second largest island in terms of number of settlements. Cultivation of olive trees, caper bushes, lush fig and citrus trees. Streets of stone, pebble beaches and the two volcanoes that have been dormant for 13,000 years. You will also find the famous Pollara beach, set within an amphitheater-shaped cliff. Here, at dusk, you will be able to admire what is called one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. To the north you will find the Balate bay closed by the Perciato, a promontory from which to observe the warehouses dug into the tuff. A little further on we find the Filo di Branda, the highest and most impressive cliff on the island. Pollara is also famous for being the location of the film "Il Postino" by Massimo Troisi, with 5 Oscar nominations in 1996.
In Vulcano, phenomena of volcanic origin are observed, such as famous sulphurous muds with therapeutic qualities capable of soothing rheumatism, arthrosis and respiratory problems. Here, from puddles surrounded by sulphurous hillocks, hot shower heads continually come out, ideal for insufflations.
Paranea is the smallest of the islands of the archipelago, but unlike Alicudi it has many attractions and very active nightlife venues. The island offers us some very beautiful overhangs on a postcard-perfect blue sea. The only sandy beach on the island is Cala degli Zimmari, which has a particular reddish color of the sand. Without wind, the flat and crystalline sea takes on iridescent colors, capable of producing truly unique chromatic games. Another well-known beach is that of Calcara, which stands on an ancient crater of prehistoric origin, the smell and gases produced by the fumaroles make the beach one of a kind. The island is also suitable for diving enthusiasts who will find wonderful and interesting seabeds such as the Spinazzola Scoglio, Scoglio La nave and The Lanishen wreck.
Aeolian In Stromboli stands the most active volcano in Europe with its 2400 meters above sea level, a giant called Iddù, formed by a three-mouthed volcanic cone in permanent activity and characterized by frequent and spectacular eruptive activity. It is symbolically represented by the Sciara del Fuoco, a slope formed by ash, incandescent lapilli and sulfur fumaroles on which the lava flow finds the optimal path to descend impetuously to the sea.
