Aeolian Islands
Alicudi, Filicudi, Salina, Lipari, Vulcano, Panarea, Stromboli.
The volcanic Aeolian archipelago is located north of Sicily and consists of 7 different beautiful islands: Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, the largest, Filicudi and Alicudi to the west, and Panarea and Stromboli to the north. Filicudi and Alicudi are the oldest islands in the archipelago, born about a million years ago. While the youngest are Vulcano and Stromboli, volcanic activity on these islands is very intense. On the other islands, volcanic activity is evidenced by hot water, underwater springs, and thermal mud.
Alicudi
Due to its bare and unlivable nature, it has never been a populated island. The name comes from the word "Ericusa," meaning heather; the island is very rich in this plant, from which the very few inhabitants make handicrafts. Circumnavigating Alicudi, one cannot fail to notice the beauty of its sea and its rich seabed. For many centuries, Alicudi was subject to frequent raids by pirates, as a result the island's population was forced to find shelter in small houses built on high terraces. Donkeys still remain one of the preferred methods of transportation.
Filicudi
It is with Alicudi the oldest of the 7 islands, 16 miles from Lipari and 9.5 km in area. There are 3 villages for 300 inhabitants, but the island is the most archaeologically interesting. Among its caves should be mentioned that of the "Sea Ox." According to legend, there is a monster inside the cave and you can hear its voice from the play of water against the rock. For excellent snorkeling anchor near the Scoglio di Montenassari, a few meters from the Canna, an impressive rock formation.
Salina
In population and area it is the second largest island in the archipelago, 27 km in area, 7 km in length, distant from Lipari only 2 miles. Here the volcanic nature is clearly visible from the twin volcanoes, Monte dei Porri and Fossa delle Felci. The name Salina comes from a saltwater lake on the south side of the island that was once used to produce food salt. But, at the same time, this is the only island which has fresh water. For this reason, when we arrive from the sea, the island appears to us as a mountain of emerald green leaves.In addition, Salina is very famous for its vineyards. In fact, the precious Malvasia wine comes from here. Those who claim that Pollara is the only picturesque area to visit here are wrong. With 13 miles of coastline around Salina there are alternating fishing villages, caves, and coastlines all to be discovered, among the most beautiful being Rinella and Leni, with their colors changing from the blue of the sea to the green of the plants.
Lipari
It is the most important and largest island of the Aeolian archipelago, 37.6 sq. km in area, 9.5 km long. Like the other islands, Lipari has a volcanic nature. In fact, 12 volcanic systems are present. It is also rich in volcanic springs and volcanic materials such as obsidian and pumice. Lipari is the most populated island of the Aeolian Islands, 9,000 inhabitants, which quadruples in summer. There are 4 towns: Acquacalde, Canneto, Piano Corto and Quattropiani. For those who love archaeology, Lipari is worth a visit: the Castle, the ancient acropolis of Lipari, the Archaeological Park, the Aeolian Archaeological Museum, and the Contrada Diana Archaeological Park are all rich in ancient Roman ruins and buildings. The whole history of the Aeolian Islands has passed through here. The most beautiful beach on the island is the Spiaggia Bianca, so called because of its pumice seabed. Crossing the Formiche rocks are the rocks of Pietra Enala and Pietra Lunga, much loved by divers. Following the coast there are many bays to visit and coves to discover.
Vulcano
It is half a mile from Lipari. The island is characterized by 4 volcanic structures, 2 of which are still active: Gran Cratere and Vulcanello. Vulcano is the wildest island in the Aeolian archipelago and the one that changes its appearance depending on the colors of the sky. To the left of Porto Levante is Vulcanello, a promontory created by a violent underwater eruption. Along the isthmus that separates Vulcanello from the island are the bays of Porto Levante and Porto Ponente. The latter is known for its very warm waters produced by underwater bubbles, while Porto Levante is famous for its fine black sand. To go around the island by sailboat, one can start from Punta Nere, which then enters the coast of Raja under the volcano itself. All around are white and yellow rocks. Near Punta Lucia begins a series of beautiful caves, following which one is faced with the wonderful coast of Cannitello and Donkey beach in Scario, all places with crystal clear waters.
Panarea
It is known throughout Europe for some of its famous guests. The island is only 3 ml from Lipari, and there are 3 main resorts: San Pietro, Drauto and Ditella. Among the rich Mediterranean vegetation are thermal springs. We can define Panarea as an archipelago within the archipelago, because of the smaller islands that surround it: Basiluzzo, Spinazzola, Dattilo, Bottaio, Lisca Nera, Formiche, Panarelli and Lisca Bianca. They are a paradise for divers because of the crystal clear waters. Panarea is also rich in caves all worth visiting, the largest of which is Cala Junco.
Stromboli
The island is 22 miles from Lipari; the water around it is 1,200 meters deep. The island is formed by the volcano Stromboli, the highest dry volcano in Europe. Stromboli is inhabited only because lava flows on the north and east sides of the island. The whole island should be visited, with special attention to Ginostra. Circumnavigation of the island could start from Fico Grande to reach Strombolicchio, a 50-meter-high rock about half a mile away from the island. Cruising along the coast of the island, after P.ta Lebranzo, one encounters numerous shores and caves until one reaches the point where the lava plunges into the sea. A wonderful sight, especially at night from the sea.
