The Aeolian Islands, UNESCO World Heritage Site, are seven islands located North East of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Lipari is the biggest of the islands, the other islands are: Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Alicudi and Filicudi. In the summer months, travelers flock in masses to the islands because of their pristine beaches.As a kid, I spent most of my summer vacations with family and friends hopping from island to island. It was fun: we were happy just with going to the beach mornings and afternoons. Living close to Milazzo, it was fairly easy to reach the islands. We were taking the boat and arrived in Vulcano in about two hours. The hydrofoil takes much less, but I think it is half of the fun.
As soon as we started seeing the sulphureus coasts of Vulcano, we could smell the sharp scent of the still-active volcanic island. Vulcano is typical for its bubbling mud pools and fumaroles that can be found just a few steps away from the port. Be aware that you will smell like a match for about two days after entering these mud baths: no matter how many showers you take!
The Aeolian Islands are of volcanic origins; Vulcano and Stromboli have both active volcanoes. Vulcano’s last eruption was in 1890, while Stromboli is continuously erupting. Volcanologists constantly monitor the situation. Both islands can be climbed, but I strongly advise to hire professional guides for this, especially to walk up to Stromboli. It can take from four to six hours to reach the highest allowed point and inexperienced hikers can easily loose their way back at dusk. The nocturnal views of the Stromboli’s activity are spectacular and unforgettable.
Lipari boasts a rich archeological museum that illustrates the history of the islands from the prehistory to classical period. The submarine archeological section is of particular interest. You will be surprised at how much mythology gravitates around these places. Do not forget that the Aeolian Islands are named after Aeolus, the Greek god of the winds who was believed to reside in these islands. Odysseus lost his way home and wandered along these places for seven years before returning to Ithaca.
Salina is the second biggest island after Lipari. Hilly as the other islands, it is internationally well-known because of its production of Malvasia wine (from the local Malvasia delle Lipari grapes) and capers.
Panarea is probably the most exclusive of the islands: its hotels and nightclubs are crowded with VIPs every summer. Mind the wallet: it can be very expensive!
Alicudi and Filicudi are the most remote. Very isolated, especially during Winter time, and inhabited by only a few people, these two islands are an ideal escape for a different type of vacation.
How to get there
There are frequent ferries and hydrofoils from Milazzo, Messina and Reggio Calabria daily. A few ferries a week depart from Naples. For more details and ticket prices, check out Siremar (Italian only), SNAV (Italian only) and NGI (Italian and English). Tickets start at 9 Euros for the ferries during low season and can be purchased at the port in Milazzo and Naples. Milazzo and Naples are both well served by public transportation.
Good to know
1) The Aeolian islands do not have fresh water. Boats from Sicily deliver water on a daily basis during Summer time. Water is preciously saved.
2) Leave your car in Milazzo if you are visiting for a couple of days. There are lots of options where to park and also paid parking lots. You can rent a moped once you are in the islands. Lipari, the biggest of the islands, can be seen in less than a day.
3) If you like the ocean, spend at least 4 days to visit the archipelago.
4) If you are traveling in a rush, Lipari is where to go.
Best time to go
Weather can be hot in the summer and unpredictable in the winter months of the year. Rare storms might stop ferries and hydrofoils from operating for brief periods. If you love the beach, the best months to go are June, July, August and September. The end of July and the entire month of August are crowded and accommodation is more expensive. Locals might be seen to take the first swims of the year around Easter time. Easter Monday weekend is a popular time to go for a short break, if the weather is good. The beginning of October is much less crowded and might still be good to swim, but some facilities might already be closed down because of the end of the tourist season.
Where to stay
Capofaro Malvasia & Resort
Address: Via Faro, 3 - Malfa
98050 - Salina (Me)
Tel.: (090) 984 43 30 - 984 43 31
Fax: (090) 984 43 39
Villa Meligunis
Address: Via Marte, 7
98055 Lipari (Me)
Tel.: (090) 98 12 426
Fax: (090) 98 80 149
Map of the Aeolian Islands
Technorati Tags [ aeolian islands | sicily | lipari | sicily guide | stromboli | vulcano | panarea ]
I just received my weekly copy of the Business Week magazine and was happy to read a great travel article about Salina, one of the seven Aeolian Islands in Sicily. The title of the article is “If it were easy to get to… it wouldn’t be so unspoiled“. The content features most of the highlights of the island with traveling tips and advice. It is what a destination marketer wishes for!
Sicily has been an island of great inspiration for filmmakers from around the world. By no doubt, the most internationally recognized movie shot in Sicily is Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, based on Mario Puzo’s famous mafia novel. Coppola returned to Sicily to film sequences for Godfather II and III.