Eolie tours, let’s discover the archipelago
The Aeolian Islands are a not-to-be-missed tourist destination in Sicily. The “Seven Sisters”, as they are also known, have very ancient volcanic origins and hold lots of treasures which in 2000 deserved the nomination as World Heritage site by UNESCO. An Eolie Tour will allow you to discover the wonders that each islands has.
The Treasure Islands
Vulcano& Lipari: they are the first islands one will encounter sailing from the port of Milazzo for an Eolie Tour. Lipari is the largest and the most populated, and its administration includes all the islands except Salina. It is ideal for families, but also for young people searching for fun and entertainment. During the day it is possible to focus on a visit of the many points of interest, such as the Cathedral of San Bartolomeo, the main place of worship in the archipelago, and the Roman cloister, a masterpiece of man’s creative genius. The sixteenth-century Castle stands on a promontory,hosting the regional Aeolian Archeologic Museum, with many archeologic findings, brought to light in pristine conditions thanks to the protection of the volcanic hashes. The island of Lipari is also of natural interest. Among the most visited beaches, we mention the Canneto beach and the beautiful beach of Valle Muria, where the clear warm water and the black sand are key players. But the most incredible one is the White beach, named after the color of the pumice stone and the obsidian. These two minerals, in fact, were mined in the close Pumice Quarryuntil 2000, when, after the inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List, this practice was forbidden. Also the two panoramic points of the island are not-to-be-missed: the Belvedere Quattrocchi, where to enjoy a unique view on the near by Vulcano, and the Church of Quattropani, from which one can admire a stunning landscape, where the border between sky and sea melt together and give us a unique and an unforgettable vision.
The Island of Vulcano, along with Stromboli, is one of the two active volcanoes of the archipelago. Its non-explosive activity can be perceived only by the presence of the pool of sulphureous mud, the submarine fumarole and the fumarole on the Big Crater. The strong smell produced by sulphur, which welcomes visitors from their arrival to the harbor, comes out from the pool of sulphureous mud, a few steps from the sea. The pool attracts many tourists and visitors, benefitting from the treatment for skin care, respiratory and bones diseases. For those who prefer relaxing on the beach, there is the famous Black Sand Beach, with warm and clear water. Also trekking lovers will enjoy the island of Vulcano because of the possibility of taking the climb to the top of the Big Crater, where to admire in a single glance the amazing view of all of the seven Aeolian Islands. The crateris the place where to discover the hot fumarole coming out from the soil, which give it its yellow and red colors.
Panarea & Stromboli: Panarea is the smallest of the islands but also the most ancient, distinctive for its exclusive boutiques and its typical white houses with blue doors and windows. As in the other islands, the first human settlements date back to the Neolithic age, and theevidences are still visible on the Promontory of Capo Milazzese, where the remains of a bronze-age village are. The island is very popular among celebrities, who love enjoining the clear water of the sea around it, its coves and its little beaches, accessible only by boat. Stromboli is the active center of the whole Aeolian volcanic complex, and it attracts tourists with the show of its explosive volcanic eruptions, which constantly occur and which are visible on boat under the Sciara del Fuoco. The most adventurous ones can engage into a challenging climb to the top of the crater, in order to observe very closely (but still safely) the regular eruptions of the volcano. Stromboli has also been the film set for the movie “Stromboli” by Roberto Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman.
Salina: Salina is the highest and the only island not included in the administration of Lipari. There are three independent municipalities, Malfa, Leni and Santa Martina. A few km away from Santa Martina there is also a small lake of salty water, which once was used to extract salt. From this practice Salina took its name. The municipality of Leni is surrounded by vineyards, where one of the typical local products, the famous Aeolian Malvasia, is grown. As Stromboli, even Salina has been a film set for a movie, “Il Postino” by Massimo Troisi.
Alicudi & Filicudi: these two are the wildest and the outermost islands of the archipelago, and it seems that man has not succeeded in imposing himself, or maybe he wouldn’t, leaving these two outposts to nature. Uncrowded, these are the perfect places for those who are looking for relax and loneliness and who want to escape the modernity. In Alicudi there are no cars, the only mean of transportation is the donkey and electricity in houses was introduced only in the last 20 years. No roads, but only lava stone alleys and staircases leading to breathtaking points of view. Even Filicudi is harsh, with its rocks and its cliffs above the sea. Despite the extreme beauty of the coast, it is worth discovering the internal trials, following the road tracked by nature scents.
Eolie Tour: how to discover the archipelago
The best way to have a taste of every treasures each island keeps inside. You will want to come back to better discover and understand this magic places. From the promontory of CapoMilazzoit is possible to start a daily cruise, discovering in one day two of the Seven Sisters, giving also a wonderful perspective from the sea on the rocky islets and on the cliffs surrounding the islands.
The Aeolian Islands are the perfect holiday destination for anyone, because they offer activities for any need; so if you are on holiday with you family, looking for fun with friends or lonely travelers seeking peace and adventure, each of the Seven Sisters will satisfy your desires for the perfect holiday experience.