Aeolian Islands

<< Sicily

The Aeolian Islands are a volcanic archipelago located in the Tyrrhenian Sea northeast of Sicily, and are part of the Province of Messina. The archipelago includes seven major islands, including Lipari, the largest one, and the active volcanoes of Stromboli and Vulcano. The islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times, and have been ruled by several different civilizations. Now the archipelago is a very popular tourist destination, known for its natural environment, beautiful beaches, and clear waters. The entire archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

✪ Lipari

Lipari is the largest and most populated of the Aeolian Islands, and it is located at the center of the archipelago. The main attraction of the island is the Lipari Castle, located on a rock formation on the sea in the largest town. While this area has been inhabited and fortified since ancient times, the modern castle was erected by the Normans around the 11th century, and later it was expanded. The castle now hosts the Aeolian Regional Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano), which displays many ancient artworks and archaeological findings from the Aeolian Islands. Inside the fortified area of the castle are an archaeological area and various other structures, including some churches such as the Lipari Cathedral (Duomo di Lipari). This church, built in the Late Middle Ages and later reworked, features several Baroque decorations and artworks. The island of Lipari is also known for hosting several beautiful beaches along its coast.

✪ Vulcano

Vulcano is a volcanic island located just south of Lipari in the Aeolian Islands. The island is famous for hosting a volcanic cone that, according to the Romans, was the home of Vulcan, the god of fire. Despite being still active, the volcano is the main attraction of the island, and excursions along the craters are possible. The island also has two smaller volcanic cones.

✪ Panarea

Panarea is one of the Aeolian Islands, located northeast of Lipari. This is the smallest of the seven major islands, and it is known for being an exclusive and expensive destination, often visited by the rich and famous. Panarea has several beautiful beaches, but it also has the ruins of a prehistoric village. A set of smaller islets surround Panarea.

✪ Stromboli

Stromboli is one of the Aeolian Islands, located at the northeastern end of the archipelago. The island is famous for its large volcano, which is constantly active and often erupts. The volcano is also the main attraction of the island, and it is possible to hike to its peak. Another famous attraction is the Sciara del Fuoco, a depression located along the northwestern flank of the volcano, which was formed from a partial collapse of the mountain around 5,000 years ago.

Salina

Salina is the second largest of the Aeolian Islands, located northwest of Lipari and divided into three municipalities: Santa Marina Salina, Malfa, and Leni. The island is known for having lush forests and a gorgeous environment. Salina is made of extinct volcanoes, such as the highest peak of the island, Monte Fossa delle Felci.

Filicudi

Filicudi is one of the Aeolian Islands, located west of Salina. Less developed then the most famous islands of the archipelago, Filicudi features a beautiful environment, with a rugged coastline and clear waters. Filicudi also features the ruins of prehistoric settlements.

Alicudi

Alicudi is the westernmost and less populated of the Aeolian Islands. The island only has a few houses and minimal facilities, and features a rich flora and fauna. It is possible to hike around the island and enjoy the clear waters that surround it.