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Aeolian Islands ->
Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian
Islands are a group of seven volcanic islands just 45 minutes
by hydrofoil from Milazzo and 1 hour 15 minutes from Messina,
offering a different and slightly mysterious world from that
of mainland Sicily.
They have, until recently, remained largely unknown to
tourists, though they have been famed for centuries by the
cognoscenti for their association with Greek and Roman
civilisations. The oldest are Alicudi and Filicudi which are
approximately 1 million years old and the most recent are
Vulcano and Stromboli which still have volcanic activity.
The island architecture is quite unique with houses built from
the local lava and pumice stone and mainly painted white. Only
Lipari and Salina permit cars from outside and the smaller
islands offer the rare experience today of an almost
vehicle-free environment. Communication between the islands is
good and visitors have a choice of hyfrofoils or more
leisurely car ferries.
Vulcano is the closest to Sicily's mainland and its
lunar landscape still shows traces of the last eruption in
1890 which shaped its rocky coastline. It is possible to walk
to the crater's peak - and also experience the pungent smell
of the sulphourous gas it exudes. Its beach is of fine, soft
black sand, the sea bubbling with hot springs and its famous
hot mud pool is reputed to cure rheumatic ailments.
Lipari is the largest and liveliest of the islands and according to
mythology claims that it was the home of Aeolus, god of winds,
who gave Ulysses a bag of winds to assist him during his
ten-year Odyssey around the eastern Mediterranean Sea. From
Vulcano the journey is just 10 minutes by hydrofoil. Among its
attractions Lipari has a superb archaeological museum, spa
baths and Roman sauna cave. A trip round the island by scooter
is the best way to explore the small villages and admire the
breathtaking views of the other islands. The main beach at
Canneto is of white pumice stone and is reached by local bus
from the town.
The second largest island and also
the highest is
Salina. With its twin peaks it is
surprisingly green and fertile. It is here that the grapes for
the famous dessert wine malvasia are grown along with capers and
olives. The island, consisting of three small towns, is quiet
and relaxing.
Panarea is the smallest and arguably the most beautiful
of the islands with stunning views of Stromboli. Very
fashionable with the "jet-set" in the summer months, it has
clear blue waters surrounding a rocky coastline and is much
favoured by scuba divers and snorkellers.
With the absence of cars and with its rich and colourful
sub-tropical vegetation Panarea is a prime example of how life
can still be lived at nature's pace.
Stomboli is the furthest away from the mainland. It is
most famous for its spectacular "fireworks" display and is the
only volcano in Europe with permanently eruptive activity. An
early evening climb to the crater can be undertaken with a guide
and takes approximately three hours to go up - two to come down.
The crystal
clear waters surrounding the Aeolian islands make it a
diving and snorkelling haven. Courses at all
levels can be arranged and equipment hired locally. |
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